Karthikeya Statues from South India

The five components administered by Lord Shiva (Panch Mahabhoota - Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether) joined with Shakti (Pure Consciousness) to give birth to the great Lord Karthikeya. Lord Shiva is the Hindu God with 5 heads- Panchaanana. These five heads address the five components of Nature. When these five components joined with the 6th: Chaitanya Shakti (unadulterated awareness), they brought forth the Shadaanana (six-headed), lovingly called Lord Karthikeya. Master Karthikeya is popularly called 'Deva Senapati' - the watchman and hero of Divine characteristics. Shiva is known to offer shelter to all his aficionados, regardless of whether they are good men or devils. He is 'Bhole Baba' (the Innocent One), so any aid anybody would request, He would in a split second award it, and afterward, He would face the consequences.

The three Supreme Gods of the Hindu pantheon- Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva would grant boons and blessings to people regardless of their intentions and would later face severe problems. It would be Lord Karthikeya who would rise to battle against the devils who were blessed. Thus, Lord Karthikeya was chosen as the General of the Gods. 

Karthikeya implies the standard which is both tranquil and exceptionally dynamic. Generally, exceptionally dynamic individuals are not calm and settled. Also, calm individuals are not exceptionally dynamic. So Karthikeya is that standard that is both serene and extremely dynamic. Dynamism and a sense of calm both come together as Kartikeya. Iccha-shakti and Kriya-shakti are always along with the Gyaan-Shakti (Karthikeya). For that reason, it is said that because of the presence of Kriya-shakti, Lord Karthikeya turned into the Senapati - General of the Army of the Gods, and thus he is tasked with protecting great gods and goddesses.

FAQs

Q1. What do the spear and flag in Lord Karthikeya’s hands signify?

If a devotee looks closely at the sculpture of Lord Karthikeya, they can see that in one hand He holds a spear, popularly called the Vel. It is representative of the Kundalini Shakti, and it brings valor and fortitude. In His other hand, He holds a little flag on which there is a chicken. The chicken is an indication of the devil Taraka (representing ego) who wished ardently to stay with the Lord as a little banner. There is one more meaning of the chicken. The chicken signifies time (the chicken awakens you at precisely 4:00 AM toward the beginning of the day. Subsequently, when there are any progressions in the day, the chicken raises its voice). So the importance of the chicken is to just speak loudly at the correct hour. It teaches devotees to raise their voice at the correct time, in the correct situation.

Q2. What are some of the Hindu festivals celebrated in honour of Lord Karthikeya?

Sharad Purnima, otherwise called Kumara Purnima, celebrated post-Vijayadashami, is one of the well-known celebrations committed to Kartikeya in Odisha. On this occasion, unmarried girls worship Lord Karthikeya to find a groom as beautiful as him.  One more significant occasion devoted to  Lord Kartikeya is Thaipusam. It is accepted that on this day, Goddess Parvati gifted a spear to Lord Murugan to overcome the devil Tarakasura and battle their sinful deeds. In this way, Thaipusam is a festival of the triumph of good over evil. What's more, Skanda Sashti is one more local celebration celebrated for the most part by Shaivite Hindus, out of appreciation for Lord Kartikeya’s noble deeds. It is said that Lord Kartikeya, on this day, slew the legendary devil Taraka.

Q3. Can ladies worship Kartikeya?

Lord Kartikeya, the elder son of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati, is a revered deity in the states of South India. As far as the worship of Kartikeya by women is concerned, there is no restriction for them as such. But the Kartikeya Temple at Pushkar restricts the entry of women inside because there, the Brahmachari (celibate) form of Lord Kartikeya is worshiped as a result, only men are allowed to enter.