Lord Kartikeya, sometimes referred to as 'Kartik god', is a revered and prominent deity in Hinduism, primarily recognized as the Hindu god of war. He is the formidable son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, embodying courage, strength, and divine strategy.
Origin and Divine Purpose
The creation of Lord Kartikeya is a significant event in Hindu mythology, specifically orchestrated to fulfill a crucial divine mission:
- Divine Parentage: Kartikeya was born from the cosmic union of Lord Shiva, the supreme ascetic and destroyer, and Goddess Parvati, the divine mother and embodiment of power. This lineage bestows upon him immense spiritual and martial prowess.
- Warrior God's Destiny: From the moment of his inception, Kartikeya was destined to be a powerful warrior god. His primary role was to serve as the supreme commander of the army of the gods (devas), leading them in celestial battles against demonic forces.
- Defeating Tarakasura: A central part of his pre-destined mission was to vanquish the formidable demon Tarakasura. Tarakasura had received a powerful boon that made him invincible to anyone except a son born of Lord Shiva. Kartikeya's birth directly addressed this prophecy, and his subsequent victory over the demon re-established cosmic order and peace.
Key Aspects of Lord Kartikeya
Lord Kartikeya is known by various names and is associated with distinct symbols and attributes that highlight his significance.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Parentage | Son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati |
| Primary Role | Hindu God of War, Supreme Commander of the Divine Army |
| Divine Mission | Defeat the formidable demon Tarakasura |
| Symbolism | Represents courage, wisdom, strength, youth, and victory over ignorance and evil |
| Vahana (Mount) | Peacock (Paravani), symbolizing transcendence of ego and sensual desires |
| Weapon | Vel (spear), symbolizing his power to destroy illusion and negativity |
Other Names and Worship
Kartikeya is known by many names across different regions and traditions within Hinduism, each highlighting a particular attribute or aspect of his divine personality. Some of his most common names include:
- Murugan: This name is particularly prevalent in South India, especially among Tamil people, where he is revered as a patron deity.
- Skanda: Often used to refer to him as a swift and powerful warrior.
- Subramanya: Signifying his auspiciousness and goodness.
- Kumara: Referring to his eternal youth and bachelorhood (in some traditions).
His worship is widespread, particularly in the southern states of India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Singapore. Festivals like Thaipusam are celebrated with great devotion, showcasing the deep reverence for this powerful warrior deity.
For further reading on Lord Kartikeya, you can refer to Kartikeya on Wikipedia.
