Kartikeya

Victory, Valor & War

Also known as Skanda, Murugan or Subrahmanya, Kartikeya is an well-known and venerated devi who is the god of valor, victory, courage and war! A strong, brave and protective figure, Kartikeya commands the Suras, the armies of the gods, in the interests of Indra their king. He was originally born into the role of defeating a demon lord Tarakasura who only a son of Shiva could defeat. Raised for warfare, he aged very quickly and was a natural warrior, leading an army and destroying Tarakasura! For his valorious, combative association, he is most associated with either Zithvek or even Ralgotar. Kartikeya's brother is the god of success and luck Ganesha and the two have an ongoing rivalry. They are the sons of Shiva and Parvati alongside their eldest Kamadeva, embodying their parents ascetic but destructive qualities. In some legends, Kartikeya is celibate while in others his consorts are Devasena and Valli. Either way, he is a Kumara, a devi who remains an unmarried bachelor like the Four Kumaras! Kartikeya is more than just a warrior though, he is a philosopher promoting ethical behavior and Shaivism, devotedly revering his father Shiva. Meanwhile, his own worshippers are members of the Kaumaram sect. Kartikeya is venerated throughout Bharatavarsa, To Rong Lua, Suwarnadwipa and even parts of northern Alkelbulan and other unknown lands! As a Navagraha, Kartikeya is associated by the planet Mangala (Mars) and the day of the week Teusday.

Depiction

He is a ferocious, youthful and valiant warrior wielding a divine spear called Vel and riding his peacock vahana into battle! The peacock is a symbol of ego and desire while his spear has the power to cut through ignorance, a gift from his mother. Kartikeya has many arms and six faces, carrying various weapons including an axe, saber, bow and mace. He might also carry a banner with a rooster emblem as he leads the Suras into battle.