KARTHIKAYA

Kartikeya is one amongst the two sons of Shiva, the other one is Ganesha. Kartikeya is considered as the scientist of gods, whereas Ganesha is the hallmark of spirituality. He has 31 names. The names Kumara and Guhara are known names among them. The name Kartikeya is however widely known.

The demon Taraka extracted a Varam (godly promise) from Brahma to become immune from all excepting a son of Shiva. With the attainment of Varam Taraka became highly powerful, causing panic to the gods. The gods requested Shiva to create a son to undo Taraka. Shiva picked up a seed and dropped in a river and it was from this seed Kartikeya born as the son of Shiva-Parvati.

Six goddesses vied with each other to gain the right to nurse the new born baby. As a solution to the problem Kartikeya grew six heads, one for each goddess to nurse.

It was Kartikeya who killed Taraka as wished by the gods. To achieve this task he took over the commandership of gods’ army.