Om and Muruga as Swaminathan at Swamimalai near Kumbakonam

The holy Hindu syllable "Om" is said to encapsulate the Supreme knowledge; one who knows the profoundest meaning of Om is indeed a Gyani who knows the Supreme Truth. According to mythology, Murugan, even as a little boy was aware the meaning of Om.

The Mystical Secret of Pranava Mantra

Murugan is frequently is represented with youthful appearance. His vehicle is the peacock which represents Infinite Light, and his flag has rooster on the banner which represents Infinite Sound. When the Infinite Light and Infinite Sound merge together then a powerful vibration (hmmm) will emerge called pranava mantra. The whole creation,preservation and destruction that happens in the Universe and within our self are hidden behind this Infinite Light + Infinite Sound = Pranava Mantra theory. Once the right Guru find you then he will disclose the secrets behind this theory to enlighten you. ~ Vijayakumar Alagappan

Once lord Brahma, the creator of the Universe, out of egotism, failed to show due respect to Lord Murugan, who was then a little boy. Murugan cornered Lord Brahma to expound the meaning of Om to him and the later could not do it. Murugan imprisoned him citing his incompetence.

Lord Shiva who came to the rescue of Brahma, questioned his little son's authority to imprison the God of creation; he wondered whether Murugan knew anything about Om. Murugan, the little master was bold enough to tease his father that if Lord Shiva too didn't know the meaning of Om, he could very well learn from him, provided he came to him very politely, like an earnest student who wants to learn from his master.

Lord Shiva agreed at once. Like an obedient student, he sat low in front of his son, with one hand close to his chest and the other hand closing his mouth (this is a traditional way of showing respect to Guru and Saints). Murugan then expounded the secret behind Om secretly in the ears of Lord Shiva.

Since Murugan thus became a saint who taught to the very lord of the universe, he was called Swaminathan. In Tamil, he is hailed as "Thagappan Sami" - one who became a Guru to his own father.

Murugan is incarnation of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Goddess Saraswathi, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Gowri having the power of all the six Gods mentioned above and gives Knowledge, Money, Potency, and the Power to succeed in any good endeavor.