Within the colourful fabric of Hindu mythology, the elephant-headed deity ‘Lord Ganesha’ needs no introduction. He is probably one of the most talked about gods in Hinduism. So much, that he is the only god to be worshipped before any auspicious event.
But did you know there’s a brother of Lord Ganesha who is as special as Ganesha himself? He is Lord Kartikeya, whose presence is often overshadowed by his brother Ganesha.
In this blog, we will shed light on the brother of Lord Ganesha and learn about the bond between Ganesha and his brother.
Who is Kartikeya?
Kartikeya is Lord Ganesha’s younger brother, sometimes referred to as Murugan. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Even though Ganesha and Kartikeya are closely related, they symbolise different facets of divinity, each with special qualities and characteristics.
The Birth of Kartikeya
According to legend, Lord Shiva, the universe’s destroyer, once released a blaze with six sparks from his third eye. The gods trusted Agni, the god of fire, to divide the flames into six newborns out of fear that they might consume the entire planet.
The babies were raised by the celestial nymphs, the Krittikas, across the Ganges River when Agni, unable to withstand the extreme heat, dispersed them. Kartikeya, the manifestation of Shiva’s divine essence, was thus born.
Kartikeya’s Role in Mythology
Kartikeya’s future as a warrior was predetermined by his celestial birth. He demonstrated extraordinary martial arts proficiency as a young child, using his spear, the Vel, with unparalleled dexterity. He was given the title of Senapati, the head commander of the gods, in recognition of his bravery and heroism.
The most famous feat of Kartikeya’s life was defeating Tarakasura, the formidable demon who had shattered the skies. Kartikeya, astride his peacock vahana, led the celestial army in defeating Tarakasura and bringing harmony and peace back to the universe.
The Symbolism of Kartikeya
The symbolism of Kartikeya goes beyond his martial persona. He is frequently portrayed as a young god who embodies optimism, fortitude, and youth’s unshakable energy. His vahana–peacock–is a representation of beauty, pride, and the capacity to rise above transient ties.
The Diverse Forms of Lord Kartikeya
Lord Kartikeya is worshipped in many forms throughout India’s wide cultural terrain, each of which reflects the particular customs and beliefs of the local community. And similar to names of Ganesha, he is also known by different names across the nation.
The Peacock
Kartikeya’s vahana, the peacock, has deep symbolic meaning. In South India, he is worshipped as Murugan, the young warrior, whereas in North India, he is frequently portrayed as Skanda, the commander with six faces. Its vivid plumage is a symbol of beauty, its keen eyesight denotes awareness, and its ability to soar to great heights is an example of the capacity to rise above material attachments.
The Relationship Between Ganesha and Kartikeya
Even though Lord Ganesha and Kartikeya had different personalities, they had a strong and lasting relationship. Their partnership is the perfect example of how knowledge and action, power and wisdom can coexist peacefully. Kartikeya symbolises the unshakable fortitude and tenacity needed to conquer challenges, while Ganesha represents the intelligence essential for achievement.
Wrapping Up
The brother of Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya, is a symbol of strength, optimism, and the unshakable spirit that each and every one of us has within ourselves. We are inspired by his legacy to strive for greatness, accept our abilities, and conquer obstacles.
The influence of Lord Kartikeya goes beyond his legendary exploits and celestial qualities. He continues to inspire innumerable followers by personifying the virtues of bravery, tenacity, and unshakable faith.
Summary of the article
- The god Shiva and the goddess Parvati are the parents of Kartikeya.
- Six sparks that soared from Shiva’s third eye gave birth to Kartikeya.
- The main commander of the gods, Kartikeya is renowned for his skill in combat.
- He is frequently seen riding a peacock, a representation of grace, elegance, and the capacity to rise above material ties.
- The demon Tarakasura’s defeat is Kartikeya’s most well-known achievement.
- He is a representation of youth, resiliency, and optimism.