God Kartikeya

Lord Kartikeya is the elder son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is worshipped as the god of war, courage, wisdom, and victory in Hindu mythology. Also known as Murugan, Skanda, or Subramanya, Kartikeya is the commander of the celestial forces and a symbol of youthful strength and discipline.

Who is Kartikeya God?

Lord Kartikeya represents divine courage and strategic wisdom. He is portrayed with distinctive divine features that carry deep spiritual meaning:

Other Names:

Murugan
Skanda
Shikhandi
Subramanya

Divine Attributes:

Six faces (Shadanana): Mastery of all directions and knowledge
Twelve hands: Skilled in protection, war, and divine power
Vel (divine spear): Gift from Goddess Parvati symbolizing clarity and destruction of ignorance
Peacock vahana: Symbol of victory and spiritual awakening

Lord Kartikeya is the leader of the heavenly army and a guide toward victory and inner awakening. He is worshiped across India in northern states as Skanda or Kartikeya in Shiva temples and dedicated shrines.

Moreover, his devotion runs deep in both regions, with communities honoring him for his strength and wisdom.

Lord Kartikeya Birth Story

If you are searching for Lord Kartikeya’s birth story, you are trying to find the powerful and dramatic origin of this warrior god. And truly, his birth is one of the unique stories in Hindu mythology. Here is the story you are looking for:

Lord Kartikeya, also known as Skanda or Murugan, was born to defeat the powerful demon Tarakasura. According to the Shiva Purana, the gods prayed to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for a divine child who could destroy the demon troubling the universe. Their prayers were answered when a brilliant spark of Shiva’s energy appeared.

This fiery divine spark was too intense for the world, so it was carried by Agni, the god of fire. Agni could not hold it for long and placed it in the sacred waters of the River Ganga. Ganga gently carried the divine energy and left it in a peaceful forest.

There, the six celestial mothers known as the Krittikas found the six sparks and nurtured them. The sparks transformed into six beautiful infants, each cared for lovingly by one Krittika. Later, Goddess Parvati embraced the six babies together, and they merged into one child with six faces, and named Kartikeya.

As he grew, Kartikeya became a brave and wise warrior. With the blessings of Shiva and Parvati, he led the heavenly army. Finally, he defeated the wicked Tarakasura, restoring peace to the universe and fulfilling the purpose of his divine birth.

Worshipping Lord Kartikeya: Mantras, Temples, Puja Vidhi

It is believed that worshiping Lord Kartikeya brings discipline, mental strength, courage, and clarity in life. Below mentioned are the Mantras, Famous Temples, and Puja vidhi to please Lord Kartikeya.

Powerful Kartikeya Mantras

Om Sarvanabhavaya Namah: Removes fear and opens the path to success.
Yogishwara Maha Sena Kartikeya Namah: Enhances leadership and confidence.
Gangeya Tamrachuda Kartikeya Namah: Removes planetary obstacles, especially related to Mars.
Om Skanday Namah: Invokes Lord Skanda’s courage and strength, helping overcome obstacles and granting protection.
Om Subramaniyay Namah: Offers devotion to Lord Subrahmanya, bringing wisdom, success, and the removal of negativity.

These mantras are believed to bring courage, clarity, and protection, especially when you’re going through conflicts, stress, or confusion.

Temples of Lord Kartikeya

Lord Kartikeya, the god of war, is worshipped across India, especially in South India, where many temples are dedicated to him; like Palani, Thiruchendur, Swamimalai, Tiruttani, and others often referred to as his six abodes (Arupadai Veedu). Chcek out the complete list below:

Six Abodes (Arupadai Veedu), Tamil Nadu: Tirupparamkunram, Thiruchendur, Palani, Swamimalai, Thiruthani, Pazhamudircholai—each linked to His divine victories and teachings.
Kukke Subramanya, Karnataka: Known for relief from doshas and obstacles.
Kartik Swami Temple, Uttarakhand: Scenic hilltop temple in the Himalayas.
Vadapalani Murugan, Chennai: Famous for granting devotees’ wishes and success in life.
Kataragama, Sri Lanka: Pilgrimage site attracting devotees of all faiths.

Even in North India, he is also known as Skanda or Kartikeya, and is worshipped in many Shiva temples and dedicated shrines. Visiting these temples is believed to remove fear, enhance strength, and bring success in life. Festivals like Skanda Shashti, Thaipusam, and Vaikasi Visakam are celebrated with great devotion, especially among Tamil communities in India and abroad.

Kartikeya Puja Vidhi at Home

You don’t always need a grand setup to worship Lord Shiva’s son Kartikeya. A simple home puja can be done like this:

Take a bath and wear clean clothes.
Place Kartikeya’s idol or image facing the east direction.
Offer sandalwood, flowers, Diya, incense, and tilak.
Chant the main mantra: Om Sarvanabhavaya Namah in a set of 11, 27, or 108 times.
Offer fruits, Panchamrit, or Prasadam
Perform aarti and pray for blessings

This way, worshipping Lord Kartikeya becomes less about ritual complexity and more about genuine connection.

Benefits of Worshiping Lord Kartikeya

Worshipping Lord Kartikeya is believed to bring strength, clarity, and protection into one’s life. Devotees turn to Him to overcome obstacles, gain confidence, and achieve their personal and professional goals. The blessings of Lord Kartikeya are especially powerful for those facing challenges, seeking direction, or striving for success. Below are some of the key benefits associated with His worship:

Enhancement of mental stability
Better decision-making power
Removal of fear and insecurity
Success in studies and competitive exams
Growth in career, travel, and business
Relief from Mangal dosha and planetary obstacles

He is especially worshiped by those who are facing challenges or struggling to achieve goals.

So now, as you know, Lord Kartikeya is the god of war and a divine teacher who guides the soul toward victory and inner awakening. His Vel destroys ignorance, the peacock conquers ego, and His radiant form fills every heart with courage and faith.

If you are seeking success, balance, and spiritual strength, you should worship Lord Kartikeya. His divine energy awakens confidence and leads the devotee fearlessly along the right path.