Kartikeya

Kartikeya, also known as Skanda, Subrahmanya, Shanmukha, or Murugan, is a Hindu god. He is the son of the deities Shiva and Parvati and the brother of Ganesha.

People have worshiped Kartikeya for a very long time, especially in the Indian subcontinent. Stories about him appear in old Sanskrit literature.

He is often shown as a young man riding an Indian peafowl and carrying a spear called the vel. Some tales say he had six heads, which stood for six boys who became one. Kartikeya helps the gods fight against bad forces.

Many people around the world honor Kartikeya. You can find temples and worship in South India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and in countries with large Tamil communities such as Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Fiji, Mauritius, South Africa, Canada, the United States, and Australia. He is also seen as a wise teacher who encouraged people to live good lives.

Etymology and nomenclature

The name "Kartikeya" comes from the story of his birth. According to the Skanda Purana, six divine sparks came from Shiva and became six baby boys. These boys were raised by handmaidens called the Krittikas. Later, Parvati joined them into one boy with six heads, Kartikeya. His name means "of the Krittikas" in Sanskrit. He has many other names, such as Skanda, Muruga, Kumara, and Subrahmanya.

Muruga is a popular name in places like Tamil Nadu and Kerala. On old coins, his name appears as Kumara, Brahmanya, or Brahmanyadeva. Some ancient coins from the Indo-Scythian people show his name in Greek script as Skanda, Kumara, and Vishaka.

Legends

Birth

Different Indian stories tell how Kartikeya was born. In one story, he is the child of the gods Shiva and Parvati, with help from the gods Agni and Ganga. Another story says Shiva and Parvati were interrupted, and Shiva’s strength fell into the Ganges river. This strength was kept safe by Agni and finally became the baby Kartikeya.

In another tale, a powerful enemy named Tarakasura wanted to rule everything. Only a son of Shiva could defeat him. The gods helped Shiva and Parvati get married, and from this, Kartikeya was born.

There are also stories where Kartikeya was created from sparks that came from Shiva’s heads. These sparks were carried by the wind god Vayu and then placed in the Ganges river by Agni. The sparks became six babies, who were joined together to form Kartikeya with six heads.

Early life

As a child, Kartikeya had many adventures. He moved planets, stacked huge mountains, and even stopped rivers from flowing. Once, he imprisoned a god named Brahma because Brahma couldn’t explain a special sound. Later, Kartikeya taught Shiva the meaning of this sound.

Kartikeya once tried to win a fruit of knowledge by racing around the world. His brother Ganesha won by walking around their parents, meaning the world was their family. Kartikeya felt he had been treated unfairly and left home to live alone.

War with asuras

Kartikeya grew up to become a great warrior. He was given special weapons by Shiva, including a powerful spear called the vel. Kartikeya was asked to lead the gods’ army against bad rulers called asuras, who were causing trouble.

Kartikeya sent messages to the asuras, giving them a chance to change, but they refused. He fought and defeated the asura Tarakasura and his brother Simhamukha. In his final battle, he fought Surapadma, who tried to scare him. Kartikeya defeated Surapadma, who then became a peacock and a rooster. The peacock became Kartikeya’s loyal companion.

Family

Kartikeya and Ganesha are known as the sons of Shiva and Parvati. Some stories say Ganesha is the older brother. In some traditions, Kartikeya is seen as a bachelor. In other stories, he has wives. In one version, he is married to Devasena, the daughter of a god named Indra. In Tamil stories, he also married Valli, the daughter of a tribal leader. Both were meant to marry Kartikeya, even though their lives had many changes.

Literature

Vedic text and epics

Ancient Vedas talk about a god named Skanda, which refers to Kartikeya. The Rig Veda has a hymn about a bright young boy with shining skin and strong weapons, just like Kartikeya. Other old texts also mention similar ideas. The Shatapatha Brahmana describes Kumara, and the Taittiriya Aranyaka calls him Sanmukha, meaning "six-faced one." The Chandogya Upanishad links Skanda with Sanat-Kumara, who teaches about knowing one's true self. Kartikeya becomes more important in later Hindu stories like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

Sanskrit literature

Early writers like Pāṇini and Patanjali mentioned Skanda. The famous poet Kalidasa wrote about Kartikeya's life in his poem Kumarasambhava. The Skanda Purana is a large collection of Hindu stories with many verses. Even though it is named after Skanda, Kartikeya is treated like other gods linked to Shiva in these stories.

Tamil literature

The old Tamil book Tolkappiyam speaks of Murugan, the god of the hills, also known as Seyon, "the red one." Many Tamil poems from long ago praise Murugan as a beautiful, ever-young god who rides a peacock. The poem Tirumurukarruppatai describes Murugan with six faces and twelve arms, celebrating his victories and temples. Other Tamil writings call him Sevvel, meaning "red spear," showing his role as a strong warrior.

Iconography and depictions

Ancient coins and sculptures show the god Kartikeya with one or six heads. The one-headed form was more common in early times. In art from places like Gandhara and Mathura, he is shown wearing simple cloth around his waist and armor. He holds a spear in one hand and a rooster on the other. His look changes over time to match the styles of the local people.

Kartikeya carries a special spear called the vel, given to him by the goddess Parvati. This spear stands for his strength and bravery. Sometimes he is also shown with other weapons like a sword or a bow. His animal companion, or mount, is a peacock named Paravani. Long ago, he was sometimes shown with an elephant, but later he is always shown with the peacock.

Historical development

Kartikeya is a god who came after the Vedic period. Stories about him often say he was born with the help of the star Krittika, fathered by Shiva.

He is also known as Mahasena, meaning a great warrior. He was the favorite god of the Yaudheyas and many other ancient kingdoms in northern and western India. Coins from the Yaudheyas found in Rohtak, Haryana, show Kartikeya holding a spear and a peacock. The Kushan Empire also featured Mahasena on their coins.

Kartikeya became very important during the rule of the Gupta Empire in the 4th century CE, especially under emperors like Samudragupta, Kumaragupta I, and Skandagupta, who built temples for him. Over time, his brother Ganesha became more popular in the west and north, but in the south, stories about Murugan kept growing. Murugan started as a god from Tamil Nadu and was later included in the group of gods from North India. While many aspects of Kartikeya, Murugan, and Skanda came together, some parts of Murugan's stories and symbols stayed special to Tamil Nadu.

Theology

Kartikeya, also called Murugan, joins different ideas together. He is important in Shaivism and Vaishnavism, two paths in Hinduism. People think of him as a force of nature and a protector who stands for good.

At first, people honored Murugan as a brave leader before they thought of him as a god. Stories about his brave deeds when he was young helped people respect him more. They began to worship him, especially as a child-god. Over time, he became known not just as a warrior but also as a teacher. In different times and places, he was shown in many ways, but people came to see him as one god with many roles.

In other religions, Kartikeya also has a place. In Mahayana Buddhism, he is seen as a heavenly leader. In Chinese Buddhism, he is known as Weituo, a young protector of temples. He is also one of the guardians in Buddhist teachings. In Theravada Buddhist countries like Thailand and Sri Lanka, he is valued as a protector. In Jainism, a similar figure rides a peacock and leads divine armies.

Worship

Practices

Kavadi Aattam is a special ceremony for the god Murugan. People carry a heavy wooden or metal frame called a Kavadi on their shoulders. This shows love and asks for help, especially for loved ones who are sick. Some people carry pots of milk, while others carry big, decorated structures with peacock feathers.

The story behind this practice tells of a giant named Idumban who tried to move big hills but was stopped by a young man — later known as Murugan. This story helped create the Kavadi tradition.

Worshipers may prepare by keeping clean, praying often, eating only vegetables, and not being with someone special for a time. They visit Murugan’s temples, often walking long distances, and may dance along the way.

Devotees sometimes shave their heads to show a promise to Murugan. They also give a sweet mixture called Panchamritam made from fruits, honey, and other tasty ingredients as a gift to the god.

Mantras and hymns

Vetrivel Muruganukku Arogara is a popular phrase Tamil speakers use to show respect to Murugan. Another common chant is Om Saravana Bhava. There are also beautiful songs called Tiruppukal and Kanda Shasti Kavasam made long ago to honor Murugan.

Temples

India

Murugan, also called the God of the Tamils, has many temples in Tamil Nadu. A famous saying says you can find a Murugan temple on every hill there. Some very important temples are called the Six Abodes of Murugan, found in places like Tiruparankundram and Palani.

People in other parts of India, like Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and West Bengal, also have temples for Murugan, sometimes under different names.

Outside India

Murugan is loved in many countries where Tamil people live, such as Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, and Myanmar. There are also temples in places like Fiji, Mauritius, Seychelles, Réunion, South Africa, Canada, the Caribbean, the United States, and Australia. For example, in Malaysia, there is a very tall statue of Murugan at the Batu Caves.

Festivals

Many festivals celebrate Murugan:

• Thaipusam happens on a special full moon day and includes the Kavadi Aattam ceremony.
• Panguni Uthiram marks the celebration of Murugan’s marriage.
• Karthika Deepam is a festival of lights.
• Vaikasi Visakam is Murugan’s birthday.
• Kanda Sashti remembers Murugan’s victory over a demon.
• In East India, Murugan is honored on the last day of a special month, and also during the Durga Puja festival.
• In Nepal, a festival called Sithi Nakha is celebrated to honor Murugan.

Explanatory notes

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