DeityShaivism
Kartikeya: FAQ & Sources
कार्तिकेयGod of war and wisdom; commander of the army of the gods. Also called Skanda, Murugan, Kumara, Subrahmanya, Shanmukha, Saravanabhava, Guha.
Kartikeya, also called Skanda and Murugan, is the six-faced son of Shiva and Parvati and the commander of the gods' army. Born to destroy the demon Taraka and nursed by the six Krittikas, he rides a peacock and carries the spear Vel. He is the most beloved god of Tamil Nadu.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Kartikeya?
Kartikeya is the son of Shiva and Parvati, the god of war and commander of the gods' army, also called Skanda and Murugan.
Why does Kartikeya have six faces?
Because he was nursed by the six Krittikas (the Pleiades) and grew six faces to drink from all of them.
What is Kartikeya's vehicle?
The peacock, called Paravani; his weapon is the spear Vel given by Parvati.
Who are Murugan's wives?
In South Indian tradition, Devasena (Deivanai) and Valli. In North India he is often regarded as celibate.
What are the six abodes of Murugan?
Thiruparankundram, Tiruchendur, Palani, Swamimalai, Tiruttani and Pazhamudircholai.
Sources
- Shiva Purana, Rudra Samhita (Kumara Khanda)
- Skanda Purana
- Kalidasa, Kumarasambhava
- Mahabharata, Vana Parva (birth of Skanda)
- Tirumurugarruppadai (Sangam literature)
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