Lord Subrahmanya is a significant Vedic god in Hinduism, known as the son of Lord Shiva and the commander-in-chief of the gods' army. He defeated the demon Tharakaasura.
Names and Meanings
Subrahmanya: One who is chaste and understands Brahman (absolute reality).
Kumara: Appears eternally youthful.
Karthikeya: Named after the six stars of Krittika, who raised him.
Shanmatura: Raised by six divine mothers.
Guha: Dwells in caves, often worshipped in mountain temples.
Saravanabhava: Born from divine energy that passed through fire and water.
Symbols
Peacock: His mount.
Rooster: Symbol on his flag, representing victory over ego.
Spear: His weapon.
Six Faces: Represents the five senses and the mind.
Worship and Significance
Skanda Shashti: Celebrated on the sixth day of Margasira (Shashti), marking his birth. Customs vary by region.
Worshipped for marital prosperity, progeny, health remedies, and protection from Rahu/Kethu and Sarpa/Naga Dosha.
Lord Subrahmanya is also connected to Manmatha (the god of love), Sanatkumara (son of Brahma), and Skanda (son of Shiva). in the Madhwa community.
Who is Skanda / Subramanya?
Skanda is considered an avatar of Manmatha.
He shares the same status (kakshya) as Indra.
Known as the Lord of War, Indra crowned him as the Devasenadhipathi after he defeated Tarakasura.
During the Srinivasa Kalyana, Lord Srinivasa assigned him the task of inviting the audience, as his six faces enabled him to see in all directions.
He is the initiator (pravartaka) of the Skanda Matha tradition.
Skanda is worshipped as the antaryami (inner self) of the Pradyumna form of Srihari.
What are his other names?
Kumara: Because he eternally appears as a young boy.
Skanda: A direct name used to refer to him.
Shanmukha: Because he has six faces.
Subramanya: A popular name used in devotion.
Kartikeya: As he was nurtured by six sisters called Kruttikas.
Shanmatura: Referring to the care he received from six mothers.
Sharavanabhava: As he was born from Shiva's fiery energy, which Agni and Ganga could not contain, eventually leading to his birth on a Sharavana (grass).
Special Occasion: Champa Shashti (Subramanya Shashti)
When? It is celebrated on Margashira Shukla Shashti. If this day coincides with a Sunday, Vishaka Nakshatra, and Vaidhriti Yoga, it is called "Champa Shashti."
Significance: Subramanya killed Tarakasura on Margashira Shukla Shashti, making it a highly auspicious day.
Worship: Bathing, offerings, and rituals performed on this day are believed to absolve sins like Brahma Hatya. It also grants relief from sarpa dosha (serpent-related issues), ensures progeny, and cures skin ailments.
Why do we perform Nagaaradhane on Subramanya Shashti?
Subramanya Swamy is venerated in the form of a five-hooded serpent.
On this day, specific worship is offered to Shankapala, a prominent serpent.
Subramanya once saved the snakes from peril and declared that they should be worshipped in his form.
Parentage: Tarakasura was the son of Vajranga (son of Kashyapa and Diti) and Varangi.
Boons: Pleased by his penance, Brahma granted him invincibility except from a son of Shiva. Tarakasura assumed Shiva could never father a child as he was in deep penance.
Tyranny: Tarakasura terrorized kings and sages, prompting the devatas to seek help.
Resolution: Kamadeva (Manmatha) tried to disrupt Shiva's meditation to pave the way for his marriage with Parvati. However, Shiva's anger led to Kamadeva's destruction.
Birth of Skanda:
Shiva’s fiery energy created six children, nurtured by six Kruttikas. Parvati combined them into one child with six faces.
Skanda, as Kartikeya, defeated Tarakasura and restored peace.
