कार्तिकेय
Major God · Sacred Day: Tuesday
Kartikeya, also known as Murugan, Skanda, Subrahmanya, and Kumara, is the warrior son of Shiva and Parvati and the elder brother of Ganesha. He is the commander-in-chief of the devas (celestial army) and the slayer of the demon Tarakasura and Surapadma. Born from the sparks of Shiva's third eye, he was nursed by the six Krittika stars — hence the name Kartikeya. Murugan is especially beloved in South India where he is considered the family deity of Tamil Hindus. The six sacred abodes (Arupadai Veedu) in Tamil Nadu — Palani, Tiruchendur, Swamimalai, Tiruttani, Tirupparankunram, and Pazhamudircholai — are his main pilgrimage sites.
Young, radiant, and handsome with either one head (Tamil tradition) or six heads (Shanmukha — North Indian tradition). Twelve arms holding various weapons. His principal weapon is the Vel (divine spear) given by Parvati. His vahana is the peacock (Mayura) with a cobra under its foot. Accompanied by his consorts Valli and Devasena.
ॐ शरवणभव ॥
ॐ सुब्रह्मण्याय नमः ॥
ॐ तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे महासेनाय धीमहि । तन्नो षण्मुखः प्रचोदयात् ॥