India: The Hindu deity Murugan, God of War and Victory, with his wives. Raja Ravi Varma (1848-1906), late 19th century

Kartikeya, also known as Skanda, Kumaran, Kumara Swami and Subramaniyan, is the Hindu god of war. He is the commander-in-chief of the army of the devas (gods) and the son of Shiva and Parvati.

Murugan is often referred to as 'Tamil Kadavul' (meaning 'God of Tamils') and is worshiped primarily in areas with Tamil influences, especially South India, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Reunion Island. His six most important shrines in India are the Arupadaiveedu temples, located in Tamil Nadu. In Sri Lanka, the sacred historical Nallur Kandaswamy temple in Jaffna and Kataragama Temple situated deep south. Hindus in Malaysia also pray to Lord Murugan at the Batu Caves and various temples where Thaipusam is celebrated with grandeur.

In Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Kartikeya is known as Subramanya with a temple at Kukke Subramanya known for Sarpa shanti rites dedicated to Him and another famous temple at Ghati Subramanya also in Karnataka. In Bengal and Odisha, he is popularly known as Kartikeya.

Copyright:

Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Credit:

Pictures From History