Introduction to Lord Kartikeya
Lord Kartikeya is famous in Hinduism as the commander of the gods and the god of war. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and the brother of Lord Ganesha. Lord Kartikeya is worshipped with special devotion in South India, where he is known by many names like Lord Murugan, Skanda, Subrahmanya and Shadanan.
Lord Kartikeya is considered a symbol of strength, courage, valour and leadership. Worshipping him gives confidence, war skills and the power to achieve victory in life.
Origin of Lord Kartikeya
According to the Skanda Purana, in ancient times there was an extremely powerful demon named Tarakasura. Due to the boon of Lord Shiva, his killing was possible only by the son of Shiva. Fear and unrest spread in the three worlds due to the atrocities of Tarakasura.
The gods prayed to Lord Vishnu and then to Lord Shiva. Then a supernatural power emerged from the divine radiance of Lord Shiva, which was established in the Sharvana forest by Gangaji. From that divine radiance, a wonderful child was born.
Six Kritikas took care of that divine child. When the child's six faces appeared, he became famous as "Shadanan". After being raised by the Kritikas, he came to be known as Kartikeya. Going forward, Lord Kartikeya defeated Tarakasura in the Devasura war and gave victory to the gods.
Description of Lord Kartikeya's form
Lord Kartikeya is usually depicted with six faces and many arms. He is depicted in a golden divine form riding a peacock. In his hand is a divine weapon like a spear, known as a "vel".
In South India, Lord Kartikeya is worshipped in the form of Lord Murugan. Murugan's form is depicted as young, bright and always smiling. He is depicted with a crown of peacock feathers on his head and a blessing gesture in his hand.
Family of Lord Kartikeya
Lord Kartikeya's father is Lord Shiva and mother is Parvati. Lord Ganesha is his brother. According to some beliefs, Ashokasundari, Manasa Devi and Devi Jyoti are considered his sisters.
According to North Indian beliefs, Lord Kartikeya is considered a celibate, while in South Indian tradition, Devasena and Valli are considered his wives. Devasena was the daughter of the god Indra and Valli is considered the daughter of the king of Kishkindha.
Vehicle of Lord Kartikeya
Lord Kartikeya's vehicle is the peacock, which is considered a symbol of victory, pride and power. The form of Lord Kartikeya riding on a peacock is a center of special faith and devotion among devotees.
Mantras of Lord Kartikeya
Chanting the mantras of Lord Kartikeya gives courage, confidence and victory.
॥ Om Shri Skanday Namah ॥
॥ Om Shri Subrahmanyam Swamin Namah ॥
॥ Om Tatpurushay Vidyameh Mahasainyay Dhimah Tanno Skandah Prachodayat ॥
॥ Om Kartikeyay Vidyameh Shasthinathaya Dhimah Tanno Kartikeya Prachodayat ॥
Festivals associated with Lord Kartikeya
The main festivals associated with Lord Kartikeya include Skanda Shasthi, Kumar Shasthi and Thaipusam. These festivals are celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm, especially in South India.
Famous Temples of Lord Kartikeya
There are many famous temples of Lord Kartikeya in India and around the world. Among them, Kartik Swamy Temple (Uttarakhand), Palani Murugan Temple (Tamil Nadu), Thiruchendur Murugan Temple, Batu Caves Temple (Malaysia) and Sydney Murugan Temple are particularly famous.
Spiritual Significance of Lord Kartikeya
Lord Kartikeya is considered the god of valor, victory and divine power. Worshipping him removes fear and develops success and leadership skills in life. Lord Kartikeya is considered a symbol of inspiration for youth and warriors.