Kartikeya / Murugan

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Kartikeya / Murugan (कार्तिकेय / मुरुगन)

Overview

Kartikeya (Sanskrit) or Murugan (Tamil) is the god of war, wisdom, and spiritual advancement. He is the son of Shiva and Parvati, the brother of Ganesha, and the commander of the divine army (dharmas). In South India, he is one of the most widely worshipped deities — especially in Tamil Nadu, where the tradition of Murugan worship has ancient roots predating Vedic times.

The name Kartikeya derives from "Karttika" — the month (October–November) when his festival is celebrated. He is also called:

• Murugan (Tamil; the beautiful one)
• Skanda (from Skanda Purana)
• Subrahmanya (good brahmins)
• Arunagiri (born of the fire)
• Gurunathar (teacher of sages)
• Saravanabava (born from the pool of arrows)

Kaumaram is the Hindu tradition devoted to Kartikeya's worship. It is one of the six major Hindu denominations (shaiva, vaishnava, shakta, ganapatya, kaumaram, saura).

Iconography

Kartikeya (North Indian Form)

• Six faces (Shanmukha — six-faced one)
• Twelve arms
• Vehicle: Peacock (Paravani)
• Weapon: Vel (spear/lance) — his primary weapon
• Sometimes riding a peacock

Murugan (Tamil Form)

• Single face or two faces
• One face facing forward, one facing back (subtle)
• Holding vel (spear) in one hand
• Other hand in abhaya mudra
• Often standing in triumphant pose
• Idol: Typically black stone or bronze

Common Elements

• Vel (spear): The divine weapon; represents spiritual knowledge that pierces ignorance
• Peacock: Represents the ego (which Kartikeya conquered)
• Cock (sometimes): Represents vigilance

Kartikeya's Story

Birth: From Shiva's Fire

When Shiva created Kartikeya, he emerged as a mass of light (jyoti) from his father's third eye. The light was transferred to the Ganges River, where six mothers (the Pleiades, or Krittikas) nursed him. Thus he has six faces (to receive their nourishment) and is called Kartikeya (from Krittika). [Skanda Purana]

The Demon Taraka

The demon Taraka had received a boon that only Kartikeya could kill him. The gods (devas) thus needed Kartikeya to be born and grow quickly to save them. He was created already matured, with six faces and great power. He led the divine army against Taraka and his sons. [Skanda Purana]

Murugan's Tamil Story

In Tamil tradition, Murugan is linked to the worship of Velan (pre-Vedic deity). He received the vel (spear) from his mother Parvati to defeat the demon Surapadman. The vel transformed into a mango tree; Murugan split it with his lance, releasing the mango which became two halves:

• One half became Valli (a tribal princess who became Murugan's wife)
• The other became Devasena (goddess; Murugan's other wife)

Associated Deities & Family

Parents:

• Shiva (father; supreme god)
• Parvati (mother; goddess of power)

Brother:

• Ganesha (elephant-headed; elder brother in South India tradition)

Consorts:

• Valli (tribal princess; Tamil tradition)
• Devasena (heavenly princess; accepted as co-wife)

Brothers:

• Nandi (Shiva's bull; guardian)
• Ganapati (Ganesha; brother)

Sacred Texts

Primary Texts

• Skanda Purana: The longest Purana; devoted to Kartikeya's story [12,000 verses]
• Tirumurai (Tamil Shaiva canon): Contains Murugan hymns by Tamil saints
• Kandharashtakam: Eight verses to Kartikeya

Tamil Shaiva Texts

The Tirumurai (12 books) contains:

• Thirupugal: The verses of the Nayanmars (Shaiva saints)
• Thirukkathaa: Stories of Murugan's grace

Dhyana Shloka (Meditation Verse)

एकवक्त्रं द्विजवक्त्रं च त्रिवक्त्रं वा चतुर्व्यंजनम्। पीतवर्णं दशबाहुं स्थितं पीताम्बरं प्रभुम्॥

Ekavaktra Dvivaktra Cha Trivaktra Va Chaturvyanjanam Pita Varnam Dasha Bahum Sthitam Pitambaram Prabhuh

Major Festivals

Thaipusam / Thai Pusam

• Date: Full moon of Thai (January–February)
• Location: Especially Tamil Nadu, Malaysia, Singapore
• Observances: Kavadi (burden) pilgrimage; body piercing; milk offerings; Vel procession
• Origin: Commemorates Murugan receiving the vel (spear) from Parvati

Skanda Shashti

• Date: 6 days in October–November (Karttika month)
• Observances: Six-day fast; recounting of Kartikeya's battle with Taraka

Karthigai Deepam

• Date: November–December (Krittika)
• Observances: Light festival; mountain top bonfires; Murugan temples illuminated

Where Kartikeya/Murugan is Most Actively Worshipped

Major Temples

1. Palani Murugan Temple (Tamil Nadu): One of the most visited; abhisheka with panchaamritham
2. Thiruchendur (Tamil Nadu): Near the sea; ancient temple
3. Swamithoppu (Tamil Nadu): Rock-cut temple; site of Murugan's worship
4. Bala Murugan Temple (various): Dedicated to child form
5. Karthigai (various): Temple festivals

Beyond India

• Malaysia: Batu Caves (Kuala Lumpur); Thaipusam major
• Singapore: Sri Sivan Temple
• Sri Lanka: Kataragama; controversial figure

Kaumaram Tradition

Kaumaram emphasizes:

• Murugan as Supreme: Above Shiva and Vishnu in practice (though Shaiva in theology)
• Vel (Spear) Worship: The vel as spiritual symbol
• Tamil Identity: Murugan as distinctly Tamil deity
• Spiritual Warfare: Battling inner demons (anger, greed, lust)

Regional Variations

DivineLens presents perspectives from within this tradition, curated for authenticity. For personal spiritual direction, initiation, advanced study, or questions about lineage-specific practice, we recommend finding a qualified teacher in Kaumaram. Our Advisory Council reviews all content for theological accuracy.

Known Limitations

1. Citations require verification.
2. The Tamil (Murugan) vs. Sanskrit (Kartikeya) traditions need separation.
3. The Sri Lankan Kataragama tradition is syncretic and controversial.
4. The Kaumaram philosophical literature is understated.

Recommended reviewers: A Kaumaram scholar, a Tamil tradition practitioner.