Kartikeya

कार्तिकेय • Kārttikeya

"Son of the Krittikas (the Pleiades stars who nursed him)"

Gana Shaivism; especially South Indian (Kaumara)

Murugan Skanda Subrahmanya Shanmukha Kumara Senani Sharavana

Epithets

Devasenapati (Commander of Divine Army) Mahishasardula (Tiger against the demon) Guha (Secret/Cave-born)

Category & Classification

Type

Gana

Tradition

Shaivism; especially South Indian (Kaumara)

Parentage

Son of Shiva and Parvati (born from Shiva's power)

Iconography

Form

Youthful, handsome warrior god; often with six faces

Complexion

Red or golden

Faces

Six (Shanmukha) - most common; or one

Arms

Usually 12 (when six-faced); or 2 or 4

Posture

Standing with spear; riding peacock; with consorts

Vahana

Mayura (Peacock)

Attributes & Weapons

Vel (Divine Spear) (Primary hand) - Divine knowledge; victory over ignorance; Shakti's gift
Dhvaja (Flag/Banner) - Victory
Vajra - Indestructibility
Bow and Arrow - Warrior prowess

Mayura (Peacock) — Destroyer of snakes (ignorance/ego); beauty; immortality

Distinctive Features

Six faces (Shanmukha)
Vel (spear)
Youthful appearance
Peacock vahana

Family & Relations

Origin	Born from Shiva's fiery energy; raised by Krittikas; became commander of the gods
Father	Shiva
Mother	Parvati (some traditions: Ganga and Krittikas)
Siblings	Ganesha

Mythology & Stories

Born from Shiva's fiery energy; raised by Krittikas; became commander of the gods

Kartikeya represents youthful valor, spiritual wisdom, and the victory of divine forces over evil. He is especially beloved in South India.

Birth from Fire

The demon Tarakasura could only be killed by Shiva's son. Shiva's fiery seed was carried by Agni and Ganga, eventually reaching a lake in a forest of reeds (Sharavana). There, Kartikeya was born with six faces. The six Krittikas (Pleiades) nursed him.

Source: Shiva Purana, Skanda Purana

Killing Tarakasura

Kartikeya was appointed commander of the divine army (Devasenapati) and led the gods against Tarakasura. With his divine vel (spear) given by Shakti, he killed Tarakasura and his brothers.

Source: Skanda Purana

Race Around the World

In the race around the world against Ganesha, Kartikeya traveled physically while Ganesha circumambulated their parents. Though Kartikeya lost, this teaches the value of both approaches - action and wisdom.

Source: Puranic tradition

Teaching Shiva the Pranava

Kartikeya is said to have taught the meaning of Om to Shiva himself, demonstrating his spiritual authority. This makes him 'Swaminatha' (Lord of the Lord).

Source: Tamil tradition

Worship & Mantras

Mantras

Beej Mantra

Om Sharavanabhavaya Namah

Mool Mantra

Om Subrahmanyaya Namah

Gayatri Mantra

Om Shanmukhaya Vidmahe Mahashanaaya Dhimahi Tanno Skanda Prachodayat

VelMantra Mantra

Vel Vel Murugane

Stotras & Hymns

Skanda Sashti Kavacham Subramanya Bhujangam (Shankaracharya) Murugan Thuthi

Auspicious Days

Tuesday Sashti (sixth day of fortnight) Skanda Sashti

Offerings

Vel (replica)
Peacock feathers
Panchamritam
Javvarisi (Sago payasam)

Temples

Palani (Pazhani)

Tamil Nadu

Most famous; Dandayudhapani form; one of Arupadaiveedu (6 abodes)

Thiruchendur

Tamil Nadu (coastal)

Where Kartikeya killed Surapadma; one of six abodes

Swamimalai

Tamil Nadu

Where he taught Shiva; one of six abodes

Batu Caves

Malaysia

Famous Thaipusam celebration; largest outside India

Associated Festivals

Skanda Sashti (Kartik month) Thaipusam (Thai month) Panguni Uthiram Vaikasi Visakam

Astrological Connection

Planet

Mars (warrior energy); sometimes associated with Jupiter (wisdom)

Day

Tuesday; Sashti

Remedial For

Mars afflictions Courage issues Victory over enemies Spiritual progress

Symbolism & Philosophy

Cosmic Role: Commander of divine forces; destroyer of ignorance; spiritual warrior

Valor Youthfulness Wisdom Leadership Celibacy (in some traditions)

The vel represents spiritual knowledge that destroys ignorance (asuras). The peacock riding over the snake shows wisdom conquering ego. Youth symbolizes eternal spiritual vigor.