Who is Lord Kartikeya or Skanda Or Murugan why is he known as the Divine Commander of the Gods?
By Subhalakshmi's Sanatan World
Introduction
Lord Kartikeya, also known as Skanda, Murugan, Subramanya, Kumara, Shanmukha, and Vel, is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and the brother of Lord Ganesha. Kartikeya is worshipped as the God of War, Victory, Wisdom, Youth, and Divine Knowledge. He is the Commander-in-Chief of the celestial army (Deva Senapati) and the destroyer of evil forces.
Among all regions of India, South India, especially Tamil Nadu, holds Lord Kartikeya (Murugan) in the highest reverence. He is deeply embedded in Tamil culture, literature, and devotion.
Names and Their Meanings
Lord Kartikeya is known by many names, each reflecting a divine quality:
Kartikeya – Son of the six Krittika stars
Skanda – The one who attacks or destroys evil
Murugan – The beautiful and youthful god (Tamil name)
Subramanya – The auspicious one
Kumara – Eternal youth
Shanmukha – Six-faced deity
Velayudha – The one who carries the Vel (divine spear)
Guha – The one who dwells in the cave of the heart
Birth of Lord Kartikeya
According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Kartikeya was born to destroy the demon Tarakasura, who could only be killed by the son of Lord Shiva.
A divine spark from Lord Shiva was carried by Agni (Fire God).
The spark was later placed in the Ganga River, where it split into six divine flames.
These were nurtured by the six Krittika sisters, hence the name Kartikeya.
Goddess Parvati later united the six infants into one form, giving him six faces (Shanmukha).
Lord Kartikeya is depicted as:
A handsome youthful god
Having six faces, symbolizing mastery over knowledge and senses
Riding a peacock, representing victory over ego and pride
Holding the Vel (divine spear), symbol of wisdom and destruction of ignorance
Symbolic Meanings
Vel – Spiritual knowledge that removes darkness
Peacock – Control over desires
Six Faces – Six directions, six chakras, and six forms of wisdom
Rooster (Flag emblem) – Triumph over evil
Lord Kartikeya has two divine consorts:
Devasena – Daughter of Indra, symbolizing celestial power
Valli – A tribal maiden, representing love, devotion, and simplicity
Their marriages signify the union of divine authority and pure devotion.
Role as the God of War
Lord Kartikeya led the Devas in battle against demons such as:
Tarakasura
Surapadman
He destroyed evil using divine intelligence and courage, restoring cosmic balance (Dharma).
Lord Murugan in Tamil Tradition
In Tamil culture, Lord Murugan is considered the God of Tamils. Ancient Tamil Sangam literature glorifies him as the supreme deity.
Six Sacred Abodes (Arupadai Veedu)
Thirupparamkundram
Thiruchendur
Palani
Swamimalai
Thiruthani
Pazhamudircholai
Each temple represents a significant event in his divine life.
Major Festivals
Skanda Shashti – Celebrates victory over Surapadman
Thaipusam – Symbol of devotion and penance
Panguni Uthiram – Divine marriage festival
Vaikasi Visakam – Birth anniversary of Lord Kartikeya
Philosophical Significance
Lord Kartikeya represents:
Spiritual discipline and self-control
Victory of wisdom over ignorance
Youthful energy guided by divine knowledge
Courage balanced with compassion
He teaches that true power comes from inner purity and wisdom, not violence.
Scriptural References
Lord Kartikeya is mentioned in:
Skanda Purana
Mahabharata
Ramayana
Vedas and Upanishadic traditions
Tamil scriptures like Tirumurugatrupadai
Temples Dedicated to Lord Kartikeya
Palani Murugan Temple (Tamil Nadu)
Thiruchendur Murugan Temple
Kukke Subramanya Temple (Karnataka)
Swamimalai Temple
Batu Caves Murugan Temple (Malaysia – world-famous)
Kartikeya in Other Cultures
In Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Murugan worship is widespread.
In ancient times, Kartikeya was also worshipped in North India and Central Asia as a warrior deity.
Conclusion
Lord Kartikeya is the embodiment of divine youth, wisdom, courage, and righteousness. He is not merely a warrior god but a spiritual guide who leads devotees from ignorance to enlightenment. His worship inspires discipline, devotion, bravery, and moral strength.
Lord Kartikeya reminds humanity that true victory is the conquest of the self.
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