Kartikeya
Sanskrit Name
कार्तिकेय
Meaning
Son of the Krittikas (Pleiades)
Preferred Time
Sunrise or sunset
Kartikeya
Sanskrit Name
कार्तिकेय
Meaning
Son of the Krittikas (Pleiades)
Preferred Time
Sunrise or sunset
Kartikeya, also known as Murugan, Skanda, or Subrahmanya, is the Hindu god of war and victory. As the son of Lord Shiva, he represents spiritual power, divine wisdom, and leadership. He is the commander-in-chief of the celestial armies and is particularly revered for destroying negative forces and granting protection.
Significance
- ❁ Six faces representing the six chakras
- ❁ Vel (spear) symbolizing divine wisdom
- ❁ Peacock mount showing victory over ego
- ❁ Youth indicating eternal divine energy
- ❁ Divine weapons representing spiritual tools
Spiritual Practice
Daily Practices
- ❁ Regular meditation
- ❁ Skanda Purana recitation
- ❁ Vel worship
- ❁ Martial arts practice
Essential Aspects
- ❁ Spiritual discipline
- ❁ Mental focus
- ❁ Physical strength
- ❁ Divine wisdom
Key Aspects
- ❁ Divine Commander
- ❁ Spiritual Teacher
- ❁ Youth Eternal
- ❁ Victory Bestower
- ❁ Wisdom Granter
Common Misconceptions
| Only a warrior deity | Supreme spiritual guru |
| Just for soldiers | For all spiritual seekers |
| Only about physical strength | Grants complete wisdom |
| Regional deity | Universal protector |
Special Observances
Forms and Aspects
| Shanmukha | Six-faced form |
| Subrahmanya | Divine wisdom |
| Murugan | Tamil form |
| Kumara | Eternal youth |
Modern Applications
Personal Growth
- ❁ Leadership skills
- ❁ Strategic thinking
- ❁ Physical fitness
- ❁ Mental discipline
Spiritual Development
- ❁ Inner strength
- ❁ Divine wisdom
- ❁ Spiritual warfare
- ❁ Complete mastery
Spiritual Benefits
Additional Information
Yantra
Shanmukha Yantra
Direction
South
Colors
Red, Gold
Elements
Fire
Gemstones
Red Coral, Ruby
Core Essence
Kartikeya embodies the perfect synthesis of spiritual wisdom and divine power, showing that true victory comes through the combination of inner strength, pure knowledge, and complete surrender to the divine.
Major Festivals
Thai Pongal
Thai month (January-February)
Major festival celebrating Kartikeya with grand processions and special ceremonies.
Significance
Marks the victory over negative forces
Special time for wish fulfillment
Divine grace period
Community celebration
Rituals
Kavadi dance
Special abhishekam
Fire walking
Peacock procession
Special Offerings
Milk and honey
Red flowers
Peacock feathers
Traditional sweets
Skanda Sashti
Shukla Sashti in Aippasi month (October-November)
Six-day festival commemorating Kartikeya's victory over evil forces.
Significance
Victory of divine forces
Spiritual purification
Enhanced divine presence
Removal of obstacles
Rituals
Fasting for six days
Special pujas each day
Vel (spear) worship
Victory celebration
Regional Festivals
Panguni Uttiram
Tamil Nadu
Celebration of Kartikeya's marriage to Deivanai and Valli.
Divine wedding ceremony
Temple car festival
Special alankaram
Panguni month (March-April)
Vaikasi Visakam
South India
Birthday celebration of Lord Kartikeya.
Special abhishekam
Peacock procession
Traditional rituals
Vaikasi month (May-June)
Mantras
Please note: These mantras should be practiced with caution. It is highly recommended to consult with a guru or an experienced practitioner before embarking on any deity's sadhana (spiritual practice).
ॐ शरवणभवाय नमः
Om, I bow to the one born in the forest of reeds
ॐ नमः स्कन्दाय
Om, I bow to Skanda
Offerings
Red flowers
Especially red lotus and marigolds
Milk
Pure cow's milk
Peacock feathers
Sacred to Kartikeya
Fruits
Especially bananas and mangoes
Kumkum
Red vermillion powder
Ritual Timing
Preferred Time
Sunrise or sunset
Muhurta
During Brahma muhurta
Special Occasions
Skanda Shashti, Tuesdays, Krittika nakshatra
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Major Temples
Thiruchendur Murugan Temple
Thiruchendur, Tamil Nadu, India
One of the six major abodes (Arupadaiveedu) of Lord Kartikeya, situated on the seashore. Known for its unique coastal location and powerful energy.
Significance
Site where Kartikeya vanquished the demon Surapadman
Only Murugan temple on the seashore
Ancient temple with continuous worship tradition
Known for healing powers and wish fulfillment
Palani Dandayudhapani Temple
Palani, Tamil Nadu, India
Most famous Murugan temple, situated atop Palani hills. The main deity is made of Navapashana, a unique herbal formulation.
Significance
Most visited Murugan temple in the world
Unique medicinal properties of the idol
Represents renunciation aspect of Kartikeya
Known for powerful wish-fulfilling blessings
Swamimalai Temple
Swamimalai, Tamil Nadu, India
Sacred site where Kartikeya taught the meaning of Om to his father Shiva. One of the six major abodes.
Significance
Center of spiritual knowledge
Represents Guru aspect of Kartikeya
Ancient temple architecture
Special prayers for education and wisdom
Regional Temples
Kukke Subramanya Temple
Karnataka, India
Famous temple known for Sarpa Dosha nivarana (removal of snake-related karmic effects).
Tiruttani Temple
Tamil Nadu, India
Hill temple representing peace and tranquility after victory over demons.
Pazhamudircholai Temple
Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
Ancient temple surrounded by medicinal herbs and natural springs.