कार्तिकेय
Kartikeya
Skanda · Commander of the Gods
“The radiant young warrior who defeats ignorance with the spear of wisdom.”
Kartikeya (also known as Murugan, Skanda, Subrahmanya) is the son of Shiva and Parvati, the god of war, victory, wisdom, and love. He is the commander-in-chief of the divine army and the deity who killed the powerful demon Tarakasura.
- Vahana
- Peacock
- Consort
- Valli and Devasena
- Abode
- The six abodes (Arupadai Veedu)
- Tradition
- Shaiva
Devi's Insight · What few people know
Rama heard his birth story as a boy
The Ramayana itself tells of Kartikeya's birth: Shiva's fiery energy was carried by Agni and Ganga and nursed by the six Krittika stars, which is why he is Kartikeya and has six faces. The sage Vishvamitra narrates this to the young Rama while they travel along the Ganga.
Source: Valmiki Ramayana, Bala Kanda
Iconography
Reading the sacred form
- 1
Six heads (Shanmukha): seeing in all directions, representing the six yogic chakras.
- 2
Twelve arms: cosmic power.
- 3
Vel (lance/spear): given by Shakti, represents the power of knowledge cutting through ignorance.
- 4
Peacock as vehicle: victory over vanity and ego (the peacock kills snakes, symbolizing overcoming negative tendencies).
- 5
Rooster on flag: heralding dawn, awakening.
- 6
Youthful and handsome: eternal youth through spiritual practice.
- 7
Consorts: Valli (devotion) and Devasena (divine army).
From the scriptures
Did you know?
The Skanda Purana, named after him, is the largest of all the Puranas.
— Puranic literature
Tamil Sangam poetry celebrates him as Murugan in the Tirumurugarruppadai.
— Sangam literature
His Vel (spear) was given by Parvati and stands for piercing insight.
— Tamil Shaiva tradition
Chant
Sacred mantras
Celebrate
Festivals
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