Skanda

Skanda is a Hindu deity worshiped as a divine youth and war god, and is commonly identified with Kartikeya, Murugan, Subrahmanya, or Kumara. He is regarded as the son of Shiva and Parvati and the brother of Ganesha. Across traditions, Skanda is associated with victory, dharma, wisdom, and the leadership of the devas in cosmic battles.

In iconography and symbolism, Skanda is most often depicted with a vel, a ceremonial spear that signifies spiritual power and knowledge. His vehicle is the peacock, sometimes shown with a rooster banner. In some depictions he is shown with multiple heads, a feature present in certain regional iconographies, while the standard form is a youthful, single-headed god. He is frequently attended by his two consorts, Valli and Deivanai (Deivani) in Tamil lore, although he is also represented as a bachelor deity in other renditions.

Birth and legends surrounding Skanda recount efforts by the gods and Parvati to produce a son capable of overcoming the demon Tarakasura. Various accounts describe his emergence from the cosmic fire or from the nurturing of the six Krittika stars (the Pleiades), hence names such as Kartikeya. He plays a central role in defeating Tarakasura and his armies, and his journeys often symbolize the triumph of good over evil. His marriages to Valli and Deivanai feature in popular regional narratives.

Texts and worship: The Skanda Purana is a major Purana dedicated to his legends, pilgrimage sites, and teachings, forming a key source for his rituals and theology. Skanda is worshipped across India and in parts of Southeast Asia, with concentrated devotion in Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. Major festivals include Skanda Sashti and Thaipusam, which celebrate his feats and blessings.