The Birth of Kartikeya

The Story Of Lord Shiva First Child Lord Kartikeya also known as Murugan, Skanda, or Subramanya.

Background and Significance:

Kartikeya, also known as Murugan, Skanda, or Subramanya, is a prominent deity in Hindu mythology, especially revered in South India. He is the god of war and the commander-in-chief of the devas (gods). Kartikeya's birth is intricately connected to the cosmic battle between the gods and the demons and signifies the triumph of good over evil.

The Legend:

The Curse and the Need for a Warrior:

The story begins with the demon Tarakasura, who, after intense penance, received a boon from Lord Brahma that he could only be killed by a son of Shiva. Confident that Shiva, who was in deep meditation after the death of his first consort Sati, would never have a son, Tarakasura started terrorizing the heavens and the earth.

The Rebirth of Sati as Parvati:

Sati, who had self-immolated in her previous birth, was reborn as Parvati, the daughter of King Himavan and Queen Maina. Parvati, an incarnation of the goddess Adi Shakti, was destined to marry Shiva and give birth to a son who would defeat Tarakasura.

The Marriage of Shiva and Parvati:

After performing severe penance, Parvati succeeded in winning Shiva’s love. The gods, eager to see the end of Tarakasura, played a role in bringing Shiva and Parvati together. With the divine intervention and the mutual consent of both, Shiva and Parvati got married

The Divine Seed:

The gods sought the help of Agni (the fire god) and Vayu (the wind god) to carry the divine seed of Shiva to a safe place. Agni took the seed, but its intense heat caused him great discomfort. To alleviate this, he deposited the seed in the sacred Ganges River.

The Six Krittikas:

The Ganges carried the seed to a secluded place in the forest where it was taken care of by six celestial nymphs known as the Krittikas. The seed transformed into a beautiful boy with six faces and twelve arms, named Kartikeya after the Krittikas who nurtured him.

Nurturing and Training:

Kartikeya was nurtured by the Krittikas and grew rapidly into a strong and handsome young man. He was endowed with extraordinary powers and skills in warfare.

Defeating Tarakasura:

When the time was ripe, Kartikeya was appointed the commander-in-chief of the celestial army. Mounted on a peacock and wielding his divine spear (Vel), Kartikeya led the devas into battle. He confronted Tarakasura and, after a fierce battle, vanquished the demon, restoring peace and balance to the universe.

Celebration and Reverence:

Kartikeya’s victory over Tarakasura was celebrated with great joy by the gods. He was hailed as the supreme commander and a divine warrior. His bravery and valor made him a revered deity, and he came to be worshipped with great devotion, especially in South India.

Iconography and Worship:

Kartikeya is often depicted as a handsome young man riding a peacock, holding a spear, and sometimes accompanied by a rooster. He is worshipped in many forms across India, with major temples dedicated to him in Tamil Nadu, such as the Arupadai Veedu (six abodes) temples.

Cultural Significance:

The story of Kartikeya’s birth and his victory over Tarakasura is not just a tale of divine intervention but also a symbol of the perpetual struggle between good and evil. It highlights the importance of righteousness, courage, and the power of divine grace.