Introduction
Embark on a mystical journey as you delve into the world of Lord Kartikeya, the revered Hindu deity known as the warrior god.
From his birth to his battles, discover the rich history and cultural significance of this divine figure, and why he continues to be an inspiration to millions of devotees around the world. Born as the eldest son of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati, Lord Kartikeya, or Murugan (Tamil: மருக்கன்), with his six heads, twelve arms and riding on a peacock, is a symbol of strength, power and bravery.
Mainly worshiped in the southern states of India and especially Tamil Nadu, Lord Kartikeya is also revered wherever Tamil residents or immigrants live in the world, such as in Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Singapore. He is considered the God of Tamils and the protector deity of Tamil Nadu and is affectionately addressed as Tamil Kadavul.
With two wives, Devasena, the daughter of the Devaraja Indra, and Valli, the daughter of a tribal king, Lord Kartikeya is the brother-in-law of sage Jaratkaru and king Nahusha and the maternal uncle of Maharishi Astika, who is Jaratkaru and his son. Younger sister Mansa Devi. He also has several siblings, including Goddess Ashokasundari, Lord Ayyapa, Goddess Jyoti, Goddess Manasa and Lord Ganesha. The six most famous temples of Lord Kartikeya are located in Tamil Nadu and are believed to have been looked after by Kritika, the wife of the Sapta Rishi, also known as Kartikeya Dhatra.
Unraveling the legacy of Lord Kartikeya, the journey through his birth and significance is a story not to be missed.
The Birth and Triumph of Lord Kartikeya: A Hindu Mythological Tale
Due to a boon from Lord Shiva, a demon named Tarakasura had become very powerful. Only the son of Lord Shiva could defeat him. The deities went to Lord Vishnu for advice and he suggested that they go to Kailash and request Lord Shiva to give birth to their son. When the deities reached Kailash they found Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati secluded in a deodar forest and were unable to wake them from their sexual intercourse.
Agni Dev created a disturbance to wake him up, but during this unknowingly Lord Shiva ejaculated. Agnidev assumed the semen in the form of a dove to save it from Tarakasura, but its heat was too intense, so he handed it over to Gangadevi. When the Ganges water started boiling, Goddess Gangadevi brought the semen to the Sharvan forest where it was divided into six parts and six beautiful babies were born.
The Kritika girls saw the children and took them to Kritiloka where they brought them up. When Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati heard about their six sons, they went to Kritiloka and got emotional seeing them. He hugged the six children so tightly that they became a child with six heads, who were named Kartikeya.
Kartikeya grew up and defeated the demon Tarakasura. Later, he had a contest with his brother Ganesha over a fruit given by sage Narad Muni. When Ganesha ate the fruit, Kartikeya became enraged and left Kailash for South India. This was the story of Lord Kartikeya’s birth and arrival in South India.
Exploring the Legacy of Lord Kartikeya: The Young Warrior God and His Divine Powers
Lord Kartikeya was blessed by the gods that he would remain young forever. He was named the commander of the Devas in the ongoing Deva-Danava war, and in South India, he was worshiped as a youth and child figure mentioned in the epic tales of the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Tamil Sangam. The worship of Lord Kartikeya, also known as Shanmukha, Dwibhuja, Shaktighara and Mayurasin Devasenapati Kumar Kartika, was highly popular in South India.
He was worshiped not only by couples expecting a child but also by a community that adored him. Lord Kartikeya was also the husband of Brahmaputri Devasena-Shashti Devi. One day Lord Shankar (also known as Bhole Baba) became pleased with the deities suffering from the tyranny of Tarakasura.
He took the water of Parvati ji and got united in the love of Uma. To remind Surkarya, Agnidev reached there disguised as a bright pigeon. The question arose that who would be able to stop the sand of Lord Shankar’s unfailing semen? Bhoomi, Agni and Gangadevi all tried and failed. Finally, the semen accumulated in Shravan (kas-van) and a bright child was born. Whose name was Kartikeya.
The gods appointed him as their commander and under his leadership, Tarakasura was finally defeated. Kumar Kartikeya, also known as Skanda, was the original preacher of the Skanda Purana, which is considered to be the largest and greatest of all Indian pilgrimage texts. He remains the commander-in-chief, bringing prestige, victory, order and discipline to the military forces through his divine power. Lord Kartikeya is actually the presiding deity of Shakti.
Other names of Lord Kartikeya
According to the Sanskrit text Amarkosh, Kartikeya has the following names:
- कार्तिकेय
- महासेन
- शरजन्मा
- षडानन
- पार्वतीनन्दन
- स्कन्द
- सेनानी
- अग्निभू
- गुह
- बाहुलेय
- तारकजित्
- विशाख
- शिखिवाहन
- शक्तिश्वर
- कुमार
- क्रौंचदारण
- थिरुचनदूर मुर्गा
- देवदेव
- विश्वेश
- योगेश्वर
- शिवात्मज
- आदिदेव
- विष्णु
- महासेन
- इश्वर
- परब्रह्म
- स्वामिनाथ
- अग्निभू
- वल्लिवल्लभ
- महारुद्र
- ज्ञानगम्य
- गुहा
- सर्वेश्वर
- प्रभु
- भुतेश
- शंकर
- शिव
- ब्रम्ह
- शिवसुत
Presence in world
Lord Kartikeya, also known as Lord Murugan, has a wide presence in the world.
One of the most notable monuments dedicated to him is the Batu Caves in Malaysia, which has the tallest statue of Lord Murugan at 42.7 m (140 ft).
In South India, Lord Kartikeya is worshiped in many famous temples. Some of the most prominent ones include Thiruthani, Palani Murugan, Siva Subramanya Swamy, Ratnagiri, Kumarakandan, Thiruporukanaswamy, Swaminathaswamy, Rupparamakunaram, Pazhamudircholai, Swamimalai, Tiruchendur, Marudamali and Vellimalai. Each temple has its own significance and attracts devotees from all over the world to seek the blessings of Lord Kartikeya.
Teachings from his story
In the journey of uncovering the might of Lord Kartikeya, the warrior god, we are bestowed with valuable lessons that resonate far beyond the realms of mythology. As we explore the world of Kartikeya, we witness the embodiment of courage, determination, and wisdom.
One of the profound learning from Lord Kartikeya’s story is the power of inner strength and resilience. Born from the combined energies of the gods, he symbolizes the fusion of diverse qualities necessary to overcome challenges. Kartikeya’s unwavering determination to vanquish evil forces teaches us the importance of staying steadfast in our convictions, even when faced with adversity.
Another crucial lesson we learn from Kartikeya is the significance of discipline and focus. As the commander of the divine army, his unwavering concentration and strategic prowess exemplify the benefits of honing our skills and channeling our energies towards a specific goal. Kartikeya’s ability to effortlessly maneuver his celestial vehicle, the peacock, reminds us that success is achieved through discipline, practice, and a single-minded pursuit of excellence.
Additionally, Lord Kartikeya teaches us the importance of embracing our unique identity and purpose. As the deity who transcends societal norms, he breaks free from conventions and embodies the power of individuality. His six heads represent the ability to perceive the world from multiple perspectives, urging us to honor our diverse talents and perspectives, while staying grounded in our true selves.
Conclusion
Our journey into the world of Lord Kartikeya, the warrior god, unveils a myriad of valuable lessons that resonate deeply within us. As we uncover his might and delve into his realm, we are reminded of the timeless wisdom embedded in his story.
Lord Kartikeya teaches us the power of resilience, unwavering determination, and focus. His unwavering commitment to vanquishing evil forces serves as a beacon of inspiration, urging us to stay firm in our convictions and face challenges head-on.
Through Kartikeya’s example, we learn the significance of discipline and honing our skills. His strategic prowess and single-minded pursuit of excellence remind us of the importance of channeling our energies towards a specific goal, backed by disciplined practice.
Furthermore, Lord Kartikeya symbolizes the celebration of individuality and the power of embracing our unique identity. His six heads encourage us to honor our diverse talents and perspectives, while staying true to ourselves.
The deep bond between Kartikeya and his divine parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. So emphasizing the importance of love and familial support in our lives. It reminds us that love is a source of strength and that a nurturing environment enables us to face challenges with resilience.
In exploring the might of Lord Kartikeya, we are inspired to rise above limitations, cultivate resilience, and pursue excellence. Let us carry these invaluable teachings with us as we navigate our own battles, drawing upon his courage, determination, and wisdom to overcome obstacles and emerge victorious in our own lives.
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