Lord Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati, is the elder brother of Lord Ganesha. He was named Skanda at the time of his birth, but since 6 Kritikas brought him up, he was named ‘Kartikeya’. He’s popularly worshipped in the Southern states of India.
In Hinduism, Lord Kartikeya is said to be the commander-in-chief (Dev Senapati) of the gods and devi-devtas. He was born to defeat & kill demon Tarakasura, as per Brahma’s boon to only be killed by Shiva’s offspring. He is also called the son of Agni (the fire god)
Kartikeya was born from the fire spark of Shiva’s third eye. Due to his unbearable heat energy, goddess Ganga submerged six fractions of Kartikeya’s jyotirpunja into Saravana lake, afloat on 6 lotuses, later transformed into 6 babies raised by the Kritikas. Shiva & Parvati later merged them into one, becoming six-faced or Shanmukha.
Lord Kartikeya is worshipped with different names in the Southern states of India: Murugan (Tamil Nadu), Subramaniya (Karnataka), Shanmukha (Andhra Pradesh), Kumara, and Mahasena (North and East India). While common names are: Deva Senapati, Skanda, Arumuga, Swaminatha, and Senthil.
Depicted as Shanmukha, the god with six faces, the most charming one, with a youthful appearance, riding on a peacock as his vahana, carrying a spear, known as vel, given to him by his mother Parvati, Lord Kartikeya is considered the most desirable godly face.
Worshipping Kartikeya or Murugan Swamy removes obstacles and negativities; praying to him blesses you with courage, strength, victory, and positivity for life. You become more confident and fearless, while he protects you from accidents and misfortune.
As per Vedic astrology, Lord Kartikeya is the deity of planet Mars, and praying to him removes the malefic effects or mangal dosha in one’s horoscope. Just like Lord Hanuman, Kartikeya is also worshipped to nullify the negative effects of planet Mars.
Swamimalai Murugan Temple, Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple (Madurai), Palani Murugan Temple (Tamil Nadu), Thiruchendur Murugan Temple (Tamil Nadu), Kukke Subramanya Temple (Karnataka), Kartik Swamy Temple (Uttarakhand) are popularly known temples of India.
Murugan Swamy is not just worshipped in India, but in these temples abroad too: Subramaniar Swamy Temple (Malaysia), Sydney Murugan Temple (Australia), Kataragama Temple & Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil (Sri Lanka), Thendayuthapani & Murugan Hill Temple (Singapore), Clairwood Shree Siva Soobramoniar Temple (South Africa), Highgate Hill Murugan Temple (London), Thiruchendur Murugan Temple (Canada)
Skandamata, worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri, is also the mother of ‘Skanda’, Kartikeya. She is depicted as a four-armed goddess, carrying her baby, Kartikeya, in her lap. Other than Kritikas, Skandamata is known for her love for Kartikeya.
Shiva-Parvati once tested their sons, Kartikeya & Ganesha, by challenging them to circle the world thrice to receive the reward of being pratham-pujya. Kartiekya immediately sat on his peacock and flew high above the sky, encircling galaxies and planets. But Ganesha, with his vahana- mushak, couldn’t fly high like his elder brother. So he performed 3 parikramas around his parents, and was later rewarded.
On returning, Kartikeya observed the entire situation, but didn’t get angry or jealous; he accepted Ganesha’s victory with humility. Hence, Ganesha is known for his wisdom, while Kartikeya is known for his physical strength and courage to protect humanity from evil.
In North India, the birthday of Kartikeya is observed on the full moon of Kritika nakshatra, on the occasion of Kartik Purnima, also celebrated as Dev Deepawali in Varanasi, where people light diyas all around the ghats. Whereas, in South India, it is known as ‘Kartika Deepam,’ marking the death of King Tarakasura.
Thai Pusam, Skanda Shasti, Vaikasi Vikasam (birth of lord Kartikeya), Panguni Uthiram, Kartikeya Deepam, and Subramaniya Shashti are the major festivals dedicated to Murugan Swamy celebrated in South India.