A million years ago, Brahma, the creator of the universe, found himself in a difficult situation when Lord Muruga asked him the meaning of the Pranava Mantra, OM. When Brahma admitted he didn’t know the answer, Muruga, following his word, imprisoned him. Witnessing this, Lord Shiva grew anxious, realizing that he too was unaware of the true meaning of the sacred mantra. In his humility, Shiva approached Muruga and requested to be taught. However, Muruga told him that only one who surrenders completely—letting go of pride, wealth, and ego—can gain such knowledge. In a remarkable act of humility, Lord Shiva accepted his son as his guru, becoming a student to learn from him. Thus, this place came to be known as Swami Malai, where Muruga became the revered teacher of his own father.