Hindu deity
Kartikeya
the divine commander — Murugan, Skanda
In short
Kartikeya — also Murugan, Skanda, and Subrahmanya — is the son of Shiva and Parvati and the commander of the divine armies. Youthful and radiant, riding a peacock and bearing the vel (spear), he represents valour, wisdom, and the victory of light over darkness. He is especially beloved in South India.
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Significance & stories
Born to destroy the demon Tarakasura whom no one else could defeat, Kartikeya is the god of war in the noblest sense — courage joined to wisdom. His vel (spear) represents piercing discernment; his peacock, the beauty that masters vanity.
As Murugan he is the presiding deity of the Tamil land, worshipped at hill shrines and in the six sacred abodes (Arupadai Veedu). He embodies youthful valour and the clarity that cuts through ignorance.
A mantra to Kartikeya
ॐ शरवणभव
oṃ śaravaṇabhava
The seed mantra of Kartikeya (Murugan), bestower of courage and clarity.
See all Kartikeya mantras with Devanagari, transliteration, meaning, and how to chant.
Questions about Kartikeya
Other deities
About Kartikeya
Who is Kartikeya?
Kartikeya (Murugan, Skanda) is the son of Shiva and Parvati and commander of the divine armies — the god of valour and wisdom, especially beloved in South India.
What are Kartikeya's other names?
Murugan, Skanda, Subrahmanya, Kumara, and Shanmukha (the six-faced one) are among his many names.
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