KARTIKEYA JI

                                     GOD OF WAR

According to Hindu mythology, Kartikeya Ji resides on the Krauncha Mount in the south, hence more popular and worshipped there, than in the northern parts of India. Ditto with the festivals related to Kartikeya Ji, such as Skand Shasthi, as well as with the temples devoted to him.

ORIGIN

The elder of the two sons of Shiv Ji & Parvati Ji. Krithikas, wives of sex sages acted individually as surrogate mothers with the seed of Shiv Ji, delivering six boys. At birth, these boys were thrown off together, by these surrogate mothers. Lying in the forest, these six boys merged into one and became Karthikeya.

ABODE

Mount Kailash, alongwith Shiv Ji, Parvati Ji & Ganesh Ji.

Also Krauncha Mount in the south (after his tiff with his parents over their being more favourable to Ganesh Ji, he left and went to Mount Krauncha).

IMPORTANCE

He was born with the clear objective of slaying one demon Tarak who was causing great disturbance in the gods’ domin by way of disturbing the rhythm in seasons. Kartikeya Ji was, for this reason, appointed as Commander in Chief of the devine forces.

Kartikeya Ji had more of destructive inclination, being born out of Shiv Ji’s seed as compared to Ganesh Ji who was born out of Parvati Ji’s sweat.

SOME OTHER NAMES/EPITHETS

1.       Shadanan

2.       Subramanyam

3.       Tarakajit

4.       Skand

5.       Agnibhoo

6.       Kumar

7.       Murugan

8.       Gangaputra

9.       Senapati

10.   Nayak

                                                     

TYPICAL DEPICTION

Kartikeya Ji is generally depicted as very handsome, bright complexioned and holding spear, arrow, sword, discus, noose, shield & conch in one hand and the other hand in a gesture of blessing.

Rides a peacock, which was also his vehicle during fight against demon Tarak.

Also shown as a guardian deity in Shiv Ji’s temples.

SOME TEMPLES

Shree mallikarjun, Srisailam (known as Mount Kailash of South India) in T.N. Shila Mount in A.P. Kapaleshwar Temple, T.N. Chidambaram Temple, T.N. Murugan Temple, T.N.

RELATED FESTIVALS

Skand Shasthi celebrated in South as the day on which Kartikeya Ji defeated demon Tarak.

Kartikeya Ji is also worshipped alongwith Durga Ji in Bengal.

OTHER INTERESTING INFORMATION

Since Kartikeya Ji was born through surrogate mothers under a secret plan of stealth by gods, depriving, Parvati Ji of the pleasure of motherhood, Parvati Ji cursed all divine females (goddesses) that none will ever be capable of producing a child. Kartikeya’s wife’s is Devasena.