स्कन्द
Skanda, also known by many names such as Kartikeya, Subrahmanya, Shanmuka, Murugan, and Guha, is the son of Shiva and Parvati. His birth and deeds are significant in the grand tapestry of Hindu mythology, especially as the divine commander of the celestial armies and the vanquisher of demons. However, Skanda’s origin story is complex and exists in various versions, showing the diversity and depth of Hindu mythological storytelling.
Skanda’s Birth and Multiple Lineages
The most common version of Skanda’s birth links him directly to Shiva and Parvati, making him their divine offspring. Skanda’s birth was necessary to defeat the powerful Asura (demon) named Taraka, who had gained a boon that made him invincible to everyone except a seven-year-old child. This demon terrorized the gods, and only a divine child could end his reign of terror.
However, the story of Skanda’s birth is nuanced, with various versions tying him to other deities and celestial figures:
- Son of Agni and the Krittikas (Pleiades): In some versions, Skanda is considered the son of Agni, the god of fire, and the Krittikas, the six stars of the Pleiades constellation. Agni is said to have carried the seed of Shiva, which was then passed on to the Krittikas, who nursed Skanda, giving him the name Kartikeya (son of the Krittikas). This story highlights Skanda’s connection to the stars and fire.
- Son of Agni and Swaha: Another version of the story tells that Swaha, the personification of the sacrificial oblation, became the mother of Skanda after uniting with Agni. This version emphasizes the association of Skanda with fire, representing purification and divine power.
| Version of Birth | Details |
|---|---|
| Son of Shiva and Parvati | Most popular version; needed to kill Taraka |
| Son of Agni and Krittikas | Nurtured by the six stars of the Pleiades |
| Son of Agni and Swaha | A fire-based origin story emphasizing Agni’s role |
The Role of Taraka and Surapadma
An essential part of Skanda’s myth revolves around the demon Taraka, who, having received a boon that he could only be slain by a child, became a menace to the gods. Taraka’s rule symbolized the unchecked power of evil and chaos. The gods, led by Indra, realized that only a child born of Shiva could slay the demon. However, Shiva, grief-stricken by the death of his first wife, Sati, had retreated into deep meditation, becoming a recluse.
The gods, desperate to ensure Shiva’s union with Parvati, Sati’s reincarnation, sought the help of Kama, the god of love. Kama aimed his arrows at Shiva to stir love in his heart for Parvati. Although Shiva burned Kama to ashes in his anger, this act eventually led to his union with Parvati, which resulted in the birth of Skanda.
When Skanda reached the age of seven, he took command of the divine armies and led them into battle against Taraka and his brother Surapadma. Skanda ultimately slew both demons, restoring peace to the heavens and establishing himself as the protector of the celestial realms.
| Character | Role in Skanda’s Story |
|---|---|
| Taraka | Asura who could only be slain by a seven-year-old; killed by Skanda |
| Surapadma | Brother of Taraka, also defeated by Skanda |
| Kama (God of Love) | Helped stir love in Shiva’s heart, leading to Skanda’s birth |
| Shiva and Parvati | Parents of Skanda |
Skanda’s Symbolism and Iconography
Skanda’s role as a warrior and protector of the gods is symbolized by his vehicle, a peacock, which represents beauty, grandeur, and power. His weapon, the spear or Vel, signifies his ability to pierce through ignorance, evil, and darkness. In Tamil Nadu, where Skanda is particularly venerated, he is known as Murugan, the god of war and victory. His worship is especially prominent in South India, where many temples are dedicated to him.
Skanda is also associated with two wives: Valli and Deivanai. Valli symbolizes the connection to the Earth, as she was a tribal princess, while Deivanai, the daughter of Indra, represents the divine and celestial aspects of Skanda’s life. The dual nature of his marriages reflects the balance between earthly desires and spiritual duties.
| Symbolism | Representation |
|---|---|
| Peacock | Vehicle symbolizing beauty and strength |
| Spear (Vel) | Skanda’s weapon, representing the destruction of evil |
| Valli and Deivanai | Skanda’s wives, representing earthly and divine aspects |
Other Names and Regional Significance
Skanda is known by several other names across various regions, each emphasizing different aspects of his personality and deeds:
- Kartikeya: Derived from his connection to the Krittikas (Pleiades).
- Subrahmanya: A name that denotes his role as a supreme commander and protector.
- Shanmuka: Meaning “the six-faced one,” referencing his iconography where he is depicted with six heads, symbolizing his omniscience and ability to see in all directions.
- Murugan: A particularly popular name in Tamil Nadu, where he is revered as the god of war, youth, and beauty.
| Name | Meaning/Significance |
|---|---|
| Kartikeya | Son of the Krittikas (Pleiades) |
| Subrahmanya | Supreme commander and protector |
| Shanmuka | The six-faced one, representing his divine vision |
| Murugan | Revered as the god of war in Tamil Nadu |
Connections to Other Deities and Stories
- Shiva’s Role: As Skanda’s father, Shiva plays a key role in his birth story. The birth of Skanda represents Shiva’s transition from a meditative ascetic to a protector and householder. This transformation also highlights Shiva’s role as the destroyer of evil, with Skanda being an extension of that power.
- Parvati’s Role: Parvati, Skanda’s mother, represents nurturing and protection. Her union with Shiva, facilitated by divine intervention, underscores the necessity of cosmic balance between power and compassion.
- Indra and Deivanai: Indra’s role in the story is significant as Deivanai, his daughter, becomes Skanda’s wife. This alliance reflects the relationship between the warrior god and the king of the heavens, symbolizing their collective effort to maintain cosmic order.
- Agni’s Connection: In the versions of the myth where Skanda is born from Agni, the god of fire, Skanda’s fiery nature and power are further emphasized. Agni’s involvement in the myth ties Skanda’s origins to purification and energy.
| Deity | Connection to Skanda’s Story |
|---|---|
| Shiva | Skanda’s father, symbolizing power and destruction of evil |
| Parvati | Skanda’s mother, symbolizing nurture and protection |
| Agni | In some versions, Agni is the father, emphasizing Skanda’s fiery nature |
| Indra | Father-in-law of Skanda, representing celestial alliances |
Conclusion
Skanda’s story is a rich tapestry of divine lineage, cosmic battles, and symbolic relationships. As the son of Shiva and Parvati (or Agni in some versions), Skanda’s birth was necessary to restore balance by defeating the demon Taraka. His many names and attributes, from Kartikeya to Murugan, highlight his multifaceted nature as a god of war, youth, and wisdom. His marriage to both Valli and Deivanai reflects the duality of his character, bridging the earthly and divine. Through his tales, Skanda remains one of the most beloved and revered deities in Hindu mythology, particularly in South India.