Kartikeya

Karttikeya, God of War, Seated on a Peacock

Skanda, from Kannuaj

Murugan by Raja Ravi Varma

Skanda Bodhisattva

Palani Hill

Nallur Kandasamy front entrance

Kartikeya, also known as Murugan, Skanda, Kumara, and Subrahmanya, is a popular Hindu deity among the pantheon of gods in Hinduism. He is the son of Shiva and Parvati, and is considered the god of war, victory, wisdom, and love. Kartikeya is worshipped primarily in South India, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Malaysia, where he has a significant following. His iconography shows him as a youthful god, often riding a peacock, named Paravani, with a spear in his hand known as Vel, symbolizing his readiness to destroy the forces of evil.

Mythology

Kartikeya's birth story is fascinating and varies in different texts. According to the most popular versions in Puranas, he was born to destroy the demon Tarakasura, who had a boon that he could only be killed by Shiva's son. The gods facilitated Shiva's marriage to Parvati, leading to the birth of Kartikeya, who then led the divine armies to victory against Tarakasura.

Another interesting aspect of his mythology is his birth. It is said that he was born from the six sparks of fire that emerged from Shiva's third eye, which were then carried by the wind god Vayu and the fire god Agni to the Ganga, and then to the Saravana pond where he was born as six babies. These babies were later fused into one by Parvati, with six faces and twelve hands, hence he is also known as Shanmukha or Arumugam.

Worship and Festivals

Kartikeya is worshipped with great fervor in South India, especially in Tamil Nadu, where he is revered as Murugan, the Tamil god of war and victory. The most famous temples dedicated to him include the Palani Murugan Temple, Tiruchendur Murugan Temple, and Swamimalai Murugan Temple. His devotees undertake pilgrimages to these temples, seeking his blessings for wisdom and courage.

The festival of Thaipusam, celebrated in Tamil Nadu, Malaysia, and Singapore, is one of the most significant festivals dedicated to Kartikeya. Devotees carry Kavadi, a physical burden through which they seek blessings from the god. Another important festival is Skanda Sashti, which commemorates the victory of Kartikeya over the demon Tarakasura.

Iconography

Kartikeya's iconography is rich and varied. He is typically depicted as a handsome, youthful god, riding a peacock, which symbolizes the destruction of ego and pride. His weapon, the Vel, represents spiritual insight and the destruction of ignorance. He is also often depicted with his consorts, Valli and Devasena, representing action and power, respectively.

In Literature and Texts

Kartikeya is mentioned in various Hindu scriptures, including the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and the Puranas. The Skanda Purana is entirely dedicated to his stories and exploits. In Tamil literature, he is a central figure in the Sangam literature, including the Tirumurugatruppadai, a devotional poem, and the Kanda Puranam, detailing his mythology and worship.

Conclusion

Kartikeya, with his complex mythology and widespread worship, remains a significant figure in Hinduism. His stories and teachings continue to inspire devotion and spiritual insight among his followers. As the god of war and victory, he symbolizes the eternal fight against the forces of evil and ignorance, guiding his devotees towards the path of righteousness and enlightenment.