Kartikeya

Kartikeya (கார்த்திகேயர்), also known as Murugan in Tamil, is the god of war and victory. Kartikeya is the major god popularly worshipped in India, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Singapore, Malaysia and many other places of the world, where many Tamils widespreadly live. Kartikeya has six shrines in Tamil Nadu, which are known as Arupadai Veedu. In Tamil Nadu, Kartikeya has continued to be popular with all classes of the Tamil society since the Sangam age.

Kandhan is the son of Shiva and Parvati, who was born to kill all the Asuras and Asuris and to be the protector of the Devas and Devis and other living beings. The Asuras and Asuris, who were demons and demonesses who frequently warred against the Devas and Devis, who were gods and goddesses. The six sites (Arupadai Veedu) in Tamil Nadu where Kartikeya sojourned while leading his armies of Devasena and Devis and killed all the Asuras and Asuris who are evil in this world are Palani, Svamimalai, Thiruparamkundram, Pazhamudirsolai, Thiruthani, Thiruchendur, are the complete six Arupadai Veedu temples of Kartikeya.

Kartikeya is the god of the Tamil language and he is mentioned a lot in Sangam literature. The six abodes of Kartikeya are all in Tamil Nadu. Each of these temples has a unique history and a different reason to worship Kartikeya. 

Thai Pusam during January – February months and it is celebrated as a 6-day festival. On Thai Pusam day, Kavadis and Palkudams are taken by devotees in procession around Thiruparankundram. Special Abhishekas are performed to the Mulavar statue of Kartikeya and Utsavar statue of Kartikeya. Annadhanam is provided to all devotees participating in the functions. In the night, Kartikeya is taken in procession accompanied by Nadasvaram, Veda Parayanam around Thiruparankundram.

Vaikasi Vishakam day, (during May – June month), Kavadis and Palkudams are taken by devotees in procession around Palani.

Surasamharam is celebrated during October – November month is celebrated as a 6-day festival. The devotees of Kartikeya will fast for 6 days. On the evening of the 6th day, Surasamharam (The destruction of Suran) will be held at every Kartikeya temple around the world. The Surasamharam festival (The destruction of Suran) at Thiruchendur is very special as that mythological incident occurred there only.

References

 External Link 
1.Lord Murugan HD Wallpapers & Images

Category:Hindu gods and goddesses
Category:Tamil culture