The Sacred Shrines of Lord Kartikeya

Kartikeya, also known as the Lord of War, is the most popular god in South India. He is the first son of the divine couple Goddess Parvati and God Shiva. Lord Kartikeya is popular as Murugan, Skanda, Kumara, Subrahmanya, Shadanana, Shanmukha, Saravana, and Guha. The sacred stories of Lord Kartikeya are mentioned in the Shiv Puranas. As mentioned in the Skanda Puranas, Kartikeya was born to defeat the demon Tarakasura. In this blog, check the famous temples of Lord Kartikeya in India.

Table of Contents:

1. Famous Kartikeya Temples in India
2. How Lord Kartikeya was born

Famous Kartikeya Temples in India

1. Palani Murugan Temple, Dindigul

The Palani Murugan Temple is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya and the temple is located 125 km far from the Palani Railway Station and 100 km southeast of Coimbatore in the foothills of the Palami hills in Dindigul district. Lord Kartikeya, referred to as Dhandayuthapani, is the main deity and he is illustrated as being in a meditative state, carrying a staff (danda) as a weapon (Ayutha) in his hands (Pani). The statue of Lord Katikeya is made from an amalgam of nine minerals called Navapashanam. This temple is one of the abodes of Lord Kartikeya and is called the Arupadai Veedu.

The festivals celebrated in Palani Murugan Temple:
Thai-Poosam: This festival is mainly celebrated in South India and is primarily Celebrated on the (Purnima Tithi) full moon day of the Tamil month called Thai between January 15 to February 15. The festival is celebrated to celebrate the victory of Lord Murugan (Kartikeya) over the demon Suprapadman.
Panguni-Uthiram: This festival is significantly celebrated in Tamil Nadu. According to the Tamil calendar, it is celebrated during the Panguni month (March – April).
Vaikasi Visakam: This festival is a very big celebration for the birth anniversary of God Murugan and it falls on the Poornima of Tamil month Vaikasi (May-June).
Soora-Samharam: This day is celebrated on the first to the sixth day of Aippasi month in Tamil Nadu. Devotees celebrate this day by fasting from the 1st to the 6th day of the month.

2. Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple, Tirupparankundram

Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple is a well-known temple of Lord Kartikeya and this temple is one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan. This temple was built in the century with rock-cut architecture by Pandyas. According to the Skanda Purana, Lord Kartikeya killed the demon Surapadman and wedded Deivayanai who is the daughter of Lord Indra in this temple. The temple is situated 11km far from Madurai International Airport. The temple is mainly dedicated to Lord Murugan and it is also a place for other deities Shiva, Vishnu, Vinayaka, and Durga.
The festivals celebrated in the Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple:
1. Skanda Shashti: This day is celebrated on the 6th of Aippasi Tamil month. This festival is celebrated for the victory of Lord Kartikeya over the demon Surapadman. On this day, people take photos of Lord Murugan for the railway around the streets for worship.

3. Thiruthani Murugan Temple, Thiruttani

Thiruthani Murugan Temple is located on the hills of Tiruttani town in Tamil Nadu and the hills have 365 steps which are dedicated to 365 days of the year. From Chennai, this temple is 92.4 KM away. According to Hindu Scriptures, after Lord Ram won the battle by defeating Ravana, he worshipped Lord Shiva at Rameswaram and then came to find peace with Lord Subrahmanya (Kartikeya) in this temple.
The festivals celebrated in the Thiruthani Murugan Temple:
1. Skanda Shashti: Skanda Shashti festival is the birth anniversary of Lord Kartikeya who is popularly known as Subrahmanya. This day is celebrated on the Shasti (sixth day) of the bright fortnight Tithi (October-November). This occasion holds an immense importance in South India.
2. Aadi Krittikai or Aadi Krittigai: The most important festival in the Tamil calendar and it is celebrated on 15th August. Lord Murugan (kartikeya). Is worshipped in this festival.

4. Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple, Madurai

Pazgamudircholai Murugan Temple also known as Solamulai Murugan Temple is situated in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. It is also one of the most famous abodes among the six abodes of Lord Kartiekya. Pazgamudircholai is located upon a hill and it is surrounded by a dense forest. The Pazgamudircholai is dedicated to the god of war and victory, Lord Kartikeya. Lord Kartikeya is worshipped in this temple as Jnana Shakti and his consorts Valli as Iccha Shaki and Devayani as Kriya Shakti. This temple is 25 Km away from the Madurai Railway Junction.

The festivals celebrated in the Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple:
1. Panguni Uthiram: This day is celebrated in the Tamil month Panguni (March-April). This festival is celebrated when the Uthiram Nakshatra (star) is with the Purnima (full moon). This festival holds great importance in Tamil Nadu. Panguni Uthiram is celebrated to mark the auspicious marriage ceremony of Lord Murugan and Goddess Deivanai.
2. Vaikasi Visakam: Vaikasi Visakam holds great significance in the heart of South India, Especially in Tamil Nadu. This day is celebrated when the Visakam Nakshatra (star) coincides with the (Purnima) full moon.
3. Kandha Sashti: This festival is the birth anniversary of Lord Kartikeya who is also known as Subrahmanya. This day is celebrated on the Shasti (sixth day) of the bright fortnight Tithi (October-November). This occasion holds an immense importance in South India.
4. Aadi Krithigai: The most important festival in Tamil Nadu and it is celebrated on 15th August. This festival is mainly dedicated to Lord Murugan (Kartikeya).
 

5. Kallumalai Temple, Ipoh

Kallumalai Temple symbolizes the victory of good over evil, self-sacrifice, and devotion. This beautiful temple of God Kartikeya is located near the limestone mountains in Ipoh, Malaysia. The temple is famous for its ancient architecture and environment. This temple showcases the traditional South Indian architecture which has great carvings and colors. This temple has a natural essence which enhances its spiritual ambiance.

The festivals celebrated in the Kallumalai Temple:
1. Thaipusam: This festival is the most significant festival celebrated here and it is celebrated on the Purnima(full moon) in the Tamil month Thai (January-February). On this day Devotees carry Kavadis or offerings to symbolize penance or thanksgiving. This festival is celebrated to commemorate the event when Goddess Parvati gave God Kartikeya(her son) the divine spear (Vel) to kill the demon Soorapadman.
2. Piercings: Devotees also come here to pierce their tongues, cheeks, or bodies with hooks which shows their devotion and sacrifice.

How Lord Kartikeya was born

Lord Kartikeya, popularly known as Murugan, Subramanya, or Skanda, is the son of Goddess Parvati and God Shiva. According to Skanda Purana and Shiva Purana, Lord Kartikeya was born to kill the demon Tarakasur who was tormenting the Gods and sages. The Gods seek help from Goddess Parvati and after rigorous penance, Goddess Parvati awakens Shiva’s love. By the union of Goddess Parvati and God Shiva, Lord Kartikeya was born and he defeated the demon Tarakasur in a battle. After that, he restored peace and dharma.