Of all the compelling deities depicted in Hindu mythology, Lord Kartikeya—also known as Murugan, Skanda or Subrahmanya- has a special significance. Circumstances of his birth were the result of divine energy and the cosmic plan. Born to God Shiva and Goddess Parvati, Karitikeya was born out of divine purpose, to kill the powerful demon Tarakasura, who could only be defeated by the offspring of Shiva. Lord Kartikeya carries the designation of God of War and Wisdom; youth, strength, and victory symbolise him. His narratives sprout from numerous ancient scriptures—his/divine story appears in at least two scriptures—one of the largest Hindu texts devoted entirely to his glory, the Skanda Purana, a narrative of the rebirth of Lord Vishnu, was said to have taken place at the same time as the birth of Lord Kartikeya.

Birth Story of Lord Kartikeya

Lord kartikeya birth story goes like this: when the demon Tarakasura became invincible, the gods sought help from Lord Shiva. From Shiva’s divine spark emerged six sparks of fire, which were carried by Agni and Ganga to the six Krittikas (Pleiades). They cared for the child, a personification of Lord Kartikeya, the divine warrior destined to defeat evil.

Spiritual lesson:

Great souls are born not for personal glory, but to restore balance and purpose in times of disorder.

Union of Shiva and Shakti: Awareness Meets Energy

Kartikeya’s birth originates from the divine union of Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Shiva represents pure consciousness, while Parvati represents dynamic energy (Shakti). The union of consciousness with energy creates the potential for transformation through power. True power is defined and determined by the alignment of conscious awareness and disciplined deviant action. Knowledge held without energy will remain in a state of inertia, and energy without conscious awareness of it will create destruction.

In this respect, Shiva's seed represented a collection of creative forces that were so great that Parvati could not contain them by herself. So Agni (fire) delivered/created Shiva's seed through a river (The Ganga) via the act of transferring the essence of desire into the controlled flow of desire/creative power.

Spiritual lesson:

Spiritual growth does not require suppression of energy, but proper channelling. Uncontrolled passion burns; disciplined energy creates greatness.

Birth Through the Six Krittikas: Collective Nurturing

Kartikeya was nurtured by the six Krittikas (Pleiades), who each cared for him, resulting in his six-faced form (Shanmukha). Each face represents a different quality—wisdom, courage, focus, compassion, strategy, and action.

Spiritual Teachings

No one grows in isolation; guidance, mentorship and the combined wisdom of others are all required for full development of self and others.

This is also the basis for a leader being multidimensional in nature, meaning a leader must be able to see the same situation from many different perspectives.

Kartikeya - A Young Commander

Despite being a child, Kartikeya was appointed Commanding General of the Divine Army. Through self-control, planning, and courage, Kartikeya was able to defeat Tarakasura and successfully lead the gods to victory.

Spiritual Lessons:

A person's maturity in spirit is not characterised by their age, but rather by having a clear purpose and self-discipline; therefore, when one is focused upon dharma, many times an individual can serve as a leader of others who are much more powerful.

The Peacock and the Spear: Mastering Ego and Desire

Kartikeya's vahana (vehicle) is a peacock, which is symbolic of pride and ego. His Vel (spear), however, represents wisdom that pierces through ignorance. Kartikeya is not destroying the peacock; he is riding it, meaning he has mastery over it, rather than suppressing it.

Spiritual Perspective:

We can master due to the use of "ego and desire". When ego and desire are being directed by wisdom, they become instruments rather than hindrances.

Renunciation Without Getting Away From Life

Unlike Shiva, who became a recluse, Kartikeya is an active participant in life through a good fight against injustice, protecting dharma, and assisting the seeker. He remains indifferent while he is active in life.

Spiritual lesson:

True spirituality is not escape from life, but detached engagement. One can be fully active without being internally bound.

How Utsav app help you?

In today’s fast-paced, busy life, everyone can't visit temples or perform lengthy rituals. And in that case, the Utsav app is the best way to connect with this divine world. With our app, you can book an online puja service.

• You can use the app to book a puja online service or a special prayer for things like strength and protection.

• You can read stories or learn various things, like kartikeya birth story, in the app’s Gyan Section.

• You can also book a puja on special days from the comfort of your own home.

Conclusion

Lord Kartikeya's birth story serves as a model for developing one's inner growth.  When awareness connects with energy, discipline guides desire, and purpose overcomes ego; then transformation will happen.

Kartikeya teaches us that there is an awakening potential within every challenge, and therefore every human being can contribute as a stabilising force in the world when aligned with dharma.