Sri Karthikeya
Karthikeya is the son of Siva and Parvathi. Other common names of Karthikeya
are Subramanya, Muruga, Kumara, Skandha, Shanmuga and Guha. Created out of
six sparks from the central, third, eye of Lord Siva, for the special purpose
of destroying the demon Soorapadma, Lord Karthikeya has six faces. TheVel (spear)
is His Divine weapon; it is also regarded as the source of all Knowledge and as
the dispeller of ignorance. According to the legend, Karthikeya explained the
esoteric significance of "OM", the Pranava Manthra, to His father, Lord Siva.
SLOKA/PRAYER
Shadaananam Kumkuma Raktha Varnam
Mahaamathim
Dhivya Mayoora Vaahanam
Rudhrasya Soonum Sura Sainya Naatham
Guham Sadhaaham Saranam Prapadhye
MEANING
At all times, I seek refuge with Lord Guha, the God with six faces, with the
color of red vermilion and riding a divine peacock. He is supremely intelligent.
He is the son of Rudra and Commander of the Deva army.
KARTHIKEYA AT SSVT
In Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, Karthikeya is seen in the form of Muthukumara
Swami, with his two consorts, Devasena, the celestial princess, and Valli, a
hunter's daughter. This form is a representation of the deity in Vaitheeswaran
temple, in Tamil Nadu, famous for curing many diseases. The Karthikeya
shrine is in the form of a chariot drawn by the elephants and is built in the
Pallava style architecture. Icons representing His six major shrines, Palani,
Swami Mala, Thiruthani, Thiruchendur, Pazhamudircholai, and Thiruparankundram
are installed in six pillars.
Karthikeya is
also present in front of the Siva Shrine as a Dwara Murthy,
together with his brother Ganehsa. Sri Guhan, Sri Bala Dandayuthapani, Sri Shiki
Vahana Moorthy - the Deva goshtas were consecrated during the Mahakumbishekam in 2002.
In addition, Gnanaopedesam, the scene of Karthikeya explaining the esoteric significance of "OM", the Pranava Manthra, to His
father, Lord Siva is depicted on the entrance wall between
the Vasanthamandapam and the main Temple as
a marvelous wall sculpture.
AUSPICIOUS DAYS AND FESTIVALS
Krithika and Sashti are auspicious to
Karthikeya. Valli Kalyanam is celebrated on Vaikaasi Visaakam day. Karthigai,
Skandha Sashti, Thai Poosam, Masi Makam and Aadi Krittika are important
festivals to Muruga.
SPECIAL OFFERINGS
Special alankara with viboodhi, and sandal powder are
performed to Lord Karthikeya. Abishekam with Panchaamirtham, milk, sandal powder
and rose water are special. On Festival days it is customary to go in a
procession with "Kaavadi" with flowers, milk and rose water. Performing Valli
Kalyanam is also very auspicious.
GAYATHRI
Thathpurushaaya Vidmahe Mahaasenaaya
Dheemahi
Thannashanmugkha(h)
Prachodayaath.
MEANING
We worship that supreme person; Salutations to that mighty warrior
chief. May that six faced Lord stimulate our faculties.
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