Lord Kartikeya
Lord Kartikeya, also known as Murugan, Subrahmanya, or Skanda, is one of the most fascinating deities in Hindu mythology. His origin story is laden with symbolism and profound significance, and his birth is believed to have been out of cosmic energies and divine intervention.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Kartikeya was born to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who are considered to be the most powerful gods in Hinduism. The story of his birth is said to be a result of divine intervention, as the gods were in need of a powerful warrior who could defeat the demon Tarakasura.
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Lord Kartikeya birth story
In the mythical tale, Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati invoked an immensely powerful divine light that no other element in the universe could withstand. To carry the light forward, Agni was entrusted with the task, but even he was unable to bear the intensity of the sparks. Thus, Ganga was given the responsibility of carrying the light, but she too realized that the light was too hot for her to handle. As per Lord Shiva’s instructions, she delivered the light to Earth, and it landed in Saravana Lake, where it divided into six sparks and transformed into six divine infants.
Shiva and Parvati were ecstatic with the children’s exceptional charm, and they entrusted the Krittika sisters with the responsibility of safeguarding the infants from the evil Rakshasas. The name of six Krittikas are Shiva, Sambhuti, Priti, Sannati, Anasuya and Kshama. The sisters raised the children with utmost care, and they were henceforth known as Karthikeya.
When Lord Shiva and Parvati arrived at the lake, Parvati embraced all six children at once, resulting in a single body with six heads. This was the birth of Shanmuka, the Six-Faced Lord, who embodied the exceptional qualities of the six divine infants.
Mother Parvati bestowed the celestial weapon known as ‘Vel’ on him, and Lord Karthikeya utilized it to battle and kill the demons.
He grew up to become a powerful warrior and was given the responsibility of leading the god’s army in the battle against the demon Tarakasura.
Lord Kartikeya is also known as the God of War and is revered as a symbol of courage, strength, and victory. He is often depicted riding on a peacock, which is his mount or vahana, and wielding a spear or vel, which represents his sharp intellect and ability to cut through ignorance.
In this blog, we will take a closer look at Lord Kartikeya’s birth story and explore the captivating legends that surround this revered deity. We will delve deeper into the symbolism and significance of his birth and examine the various myths and stories associated with his life.
Symbolism Of Six Faces of Lord Kartikeya
Lord Kartikeya is a highly respected deity in Hindu mythology. He is also known as Murugan, Skanda, or Subrahmanya. Lord Kartikeya represents courage, intelligence, and divine guidance. One of his unique features is his six faces, each with a special meaning that represents the complexity of human existence and the cosmic order.
In this text, we will explore the mystical significance behind each of these six faces.
The Conqueror of Fear: Lord Kartikeya, also known as Murugan, is a Hindu god who is regarded as the embodiment of fearlessness and courage. One of his faces represents the attribute of conquering fear, inspiring his devotees to confront all challenges with unwavering resolve and confidence. Lord Kartikeya’s face is not only a symbol of triumph over inner demons and external adversaries but also a beacon of hope and motivation for those seeking to overcome their fears.
The Bestower of Knowledge: Another face represents knowledge and intellectual capability. Lord Kartikeya is considered the pinnacle of heavenly intellect, leading seekers to enlightenment and eliminating ignorance through the illumination of knowledge.
The Guardian of Dharma: Kartikeya’s third face represents justice and moral purity. As the defender of cosmic order (dharma), he maintains justice and virtue, ensuring that the cosmos is harmonious and balanced.
The Nurturer of Compassion: One of Kartikeya’s faces represents compassion and empathy. He spreads his loving embrace to all beings, instilling love, forgiveness, and empathy in the hearts of his followers.
The Champion of Willpower: Another face symbolizes determination and power. Lord Kartikeya embodies strength and endurance, inspiring people to overcome challenges and reach their full potential through pure resolve.
The embodiment of divine oneness: The last face represents the fundamental unity of all things. Kartikeya transcends duality and division, symbolizing the everlasting essence that weaves the cosmos into a harmonious tapestry of divine consciousness.
Lord Kartikeya’s six faces are powerful reminders of divinity’s varied nature as well as the intricacies of human experience. They encourage searchers to acquire bravery, knowledge, righteousness, compassion, willpower, and oneness in their own lives, resulting in spiritual fulfillment and self-realization.
Various Names of Lord Kartikeya
Lord Kartikeya, the revered deity of Hindu mythology, is known by various names, each corresponding to one of his six faces. These names reflect the multifaceted nature of Kartikeya and the diverse aspects of his divine persona. Let’s explore the different names associated with each of Kartikeya’s six faces and its significance:
Shanmukha: This name translates to “the one with six faces” in Sanskrit, directly indicating Kartikeya’s characteristic feature of having six faces. It emphasizes his unique attributes and divine manifestation as a deity with multiple facets.
Kumara: Meaning “the eternal youth” or “the youthful one,” Kumara highlights Kartikeya’s perpetual youthfulness and vitality. It underscores his role as a symbol of eternal energy and vigor, perpetually renewing and rejuvenating cosmic forces.
Skanda: Derived from the Sanskrit word “skand,” meaning “to jump” or “to leap,” Skanda signifies Kartikeya’s swift and agile nature. It represents his role as the dynamic warrior deity, leaping into action to vanquish obstacles and uphold righteousness.
Murugan: Widely revered in South India, the name Murugan is believed to have Tamil origins and is commonly associated with Kartikeya. It conveys his divine grace and beauty, symbolizing the aesthetic aspect of his persona as the epitome of divine perfection and splendor.
Subrahmanya: Meaning “the auspicious one” or “the beautiful one,” Subrahmanya underscores Kartikeya’s divine grace and benevolence. It highlights his role as the harbinger of auspiciousness and prosperity, bestowing blessings upon his devotees and dispelling negativity.
Gangeya: This name emphasizes Kartikeya’s connection with the sacred river Ganga (Ganges), as she plays a major role in Kartikeya’s birth. Gangeya symbolizes his divine origin and the purity associated with the sacred waters of the Ganges, underscoring his role as a symbol of purity and liberation.
As we wrap up our fascinating exploration of the deity Lord Kartikeya, we find ourselves immersed in the richness of his symbolism and the depth of his divine essence. From his miraculous birth to the embodiment of courage, knowledge, compassion, willpower, righteousness, and unity, Kartikeya’s multifaceted nature serves as a beacon of inspiration for seekers on the path of spiritual enlightenment.
In Hindu mythology, Lord Kartikeya stands out as a radiant thread, weaving together the diverse aspects of cosmic consciousness and human experience. So, let’s honor and revere him in all his forms, and may we find solace and inspiration in his divine grace, forever illuminating our paths with his celestial light.
Lord Kartikeya Mantra
ॐ शरवणभावाय नमः
Om Sharavana Bhavaya Namaha
Meaning – The mantra is a devotional salutation to Lord Murugan (also known as Kartikeya), recognizing him as the embodiment of Sharavana and offering reverence to him.
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