Kartikeya

Kartikeya, also known as Skanda, Murugan, Kumara and Subrahmanya, is a Hindu deity associated with war, victory and youth. In most traditions he is regarded as the son of Shiva and Parvati and the commander of the devas’ celestial army. In Tamil Hinduism he is especially revered as Murugan, a central figure in temple worship, literature and festival narratives. His principal weapon is the Vel, a divine spear, and he is commonly depicted mounted on a peacock.

Birth and family: Legends vary by tradition, but he is generally described as the son of Shiva and Parvati. He is credited with leading the gods against the demon Tarakasura to restore cosmic order. His consorts are Devasena (also Deivayanai) and Valli in different traditions; in many South Indian tellings Devasena is his heavenly wife while Valli is his forest-bound consort.

Iconography and worship: He is portrayed as a youthful warrior with the Vel, often radiating confidence and grace. The six temples of Murugan, known as the Arupadai Veedu, form a key pilgrimage network: Palani, Tiruchendur, Swamimalai, Tirupparamkunram, Thiruthani and Tiruvannamalai. These sites symbolize his various aspects and are central to Tamil devotional practice.

Rituals and festivals: Murugan is widely worshipped across India and among Tamil communities abroad, with Thaipusam and Skanda Sashti among his major festivals. Devotional poetry, music and dance in Tamil culture, as well as diaspora communities in Sri Lanka, Singapore and Malaysia, reflect his prominent cultural presence.