Lord Kartikeya

Lord Kartikeya is the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. He is worshipped in South India. He is known by different names such as Lord Swaminatha, Lord Murugan and Skand among others. There is an interesting story of a competition between two brothers, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya and how Lord Kartikeya subsequently chose to live in the South. He is also the commander of devtas.

Kartikeya’s birth

Kartikeya’s birth was with the intent to kill demon Tarakasura. Tarakasura had a boon that he should only be killed by Lord Shiva’s son. This is soon after Sati’s death, so Taraka takes it for granted that Shiva would not at all get remarried, and hence, would not have a son to call his own. Legend has it that Lord Kartikeya or Murugan manifested for the sole purpose of killing Tarakasura. Tarakasura knew very well that Lord Shiva was an ascetic and He would not marry or have children. Hence, he would be invincible. Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati and took her to a cave and asked her to meditate. As they both meditated, a ball of fire emerged out of their cosmic energies. The other Gods were insecure about Tarakasura and sent Agni to get hold of the ball of fire. But even Agni couldn’t bear the heat of the energy of Shiva and Parvati. So, He handed over the ball to Goddess Ganga. When even Ganga couldn’t bear the heat, She deposited the fire ball into a lake in a forest of reeds.

Shanmukha

Goddess Parvati took the form of this water body as She alone could bear the energy of Shiva and Shakti. The fire ball took the form of a six-faced baby. Kartikeya is also known as Shanmukha or the God with six faces. He was first spotted and taken care of by six women who represented the Pleiades or the Kritikas.

Skandmata

This form of Devi Parvati is also known as Goddess Skandmata, mother of Lord Kartikeya. She is worshipped on the fifth day of the Navratri. The fifth manifestation of the goddess seems to be pure and white. Whenever the oppression by the demons increases, goddess Skandmata rides on a lion and kills them. Devi Skandmata has four arms. She holds lotus in two hands and uses the other hand to support Lord Kartikeya sitting on her lap. Her fourth hand is raised to bless the devotees.

The Rooster Flag

In due course, Tarakasur was defeated by Lord. So, Tarakasur (ego) became a chicken or rooster after being defeated by Kartikeya. After having defeated Taraka (ego) in battle, Kartikeya spared his life and asked him what boon he would desire. Taraka prayed to always be at the feet of the Lord, and so Lord Kartikeya made him the emblem on His flag.