Tarakasura

Tarakasura, also spelled Tarakāsura, is a demon (asura) in Hindu mythology known for his tyranny and the pivotal role his defeat plays in the legends surrounding Kartikeya. According to the myths, Tarakasura performed austere penance to Shiva to obtain boons that would secure his dominion over the worlds. He was granted a boon that he could be slain only by the son of Shiva and Parvati, a condition that made him invincible to all other beings.

To counter this threat, the gods sought the birth of a warrior who could kill Tarakasura. Parvati and Shiva became the parents of Kartikeya (also called Skanda or Murugan), the son destined to defeat Tarakasura. In the various versions of the tale, Kartikeya engages Tarakasura in battle and kills him, thereby restoring cosmic order and restoring balance to the heavens and the earth.

The Tarakasura narrative is a central element of the broader mythological cycle centered on Kartikeya, and it is recounted in sources such as the Skanda Purana and related regional traditions. The story is often interpreted as illustrating themes of dharma, divine sanction, and the need for a divine-born leader to overcome tyranny. Tarakasura’s defeat is also reflected in temple iconography and in the recurring association of Kartikeya with victory over demonic powers within Hindu mythic literature.