Skanda

Skanda: The Hindu God of War and Victory

Introduction

Skanda, also widely recognized as Kartikeya, Murugan, Subramanya, and Shanmukha, is a prominent Hindu deity, primarily revered as the god of war and victory. He is the son of Shiva and Parvati, and the brother of Ganesha. Skanda embodies courage, leadership, and righteous battle. His iconography frequently depicts him as a youthful, handsome warrior, riding a peacock and wielding a spear (Vel). He is a significant deity across India and beyond, particularly in South India, where he is known as Murugan and celebrated with fervent devotion. Skanda’s presence symbolizes the power of righteousness overcoming evil and serves as an inspiration for strength and valor in the face of adversity.

Etymology and Names

The name “Skanda” is derived from the Sanskrit root skand- meaning “to leap” or “to attack.” This alludes to his swiftness and prowess in battle. He is known by a multitude of other names, each carrying its own significance:

• Kartikeya: Derived from “Krittika,” the Pleiades, as he was nursed by these six celestial nymphs.
• Murugan: A Tamil name signifying “beauty” or “youth,” reflecting his eternally youthful appearance.
• Subramanya: Meaning “dear to the Brahmins” or “one who is the best of Brahmins,” indicative of his wisdom and spiritual guidance.
• Shanmukha: Meaning “six-faced,” representing his ability to perceive the world from multiple perspectives and his multifaceted nature. Each face symbolizes a specific aspect of his being: wisdom, power, beauty, devotion, prosperity, and victory.
• Kumara: Meaning “youth” or “prince,” emphasizing his youthful vigor and royal lineage.
• Velan: A Tamil name specifically associated with the spear (“Vel”) that is his primary weapon and a symbol of divine power.
• Mahasena: Meaning “the great general” or “commander-in-chief,” highlighting his role as the leader of the divine army.

Mythological Origins

Skanda’s birth stories vary across different texts, but a common thread involves the necessity of a powerful warrior to defeat the demon Taraka. These narratives often emphasize his divine conception and purpose.

• The Seed of Shiva: In many versions, Skanda is born from the seed of Shiva, which is too powerful for any ordinary being to contain. Agni, the fire god, is often tasked with carrying the seed. Agni then passes it to the Ganges, who deposits it on the banks where Skanda is born.
• Raised by the Krittikas: The Krittikas, the six stars of the Pleiades constellation, nurture the infant Skanda. He develops six faces to be nursed simultaneously by each of them, leading to the name Shanmukha.
• Born from Shiva’s Brow: Some Puranas state that Skanda emerged from Shiva’s brow, full-grown and armed, ready to wage war against the demons.
• Parvati’s Son: Regardless of the precise origin story, Parvati is always recognized as his mother. In some narratives, she gathers the six forms together to create one Skanda.

Skanda’s lineage is definitively linked to Shiva and Parvati. He is the elder brother of Ganesha. While not always explicitly mentioned, some texts allude to associations or even identifications with other deities, blurring the lines between avatars and manifestations.

Major Scriptures and References

Skanda is mentioned in a variety of Hindu scriptures, albeit with varying levels of detail and prominence.

• Vedas: Although not explicitly named “Skanda,” there are interpretations linking Vedic deities like Agni and Rudra to aspects of Skanda.
• Upanishads: The Skanda Upanishad is dedicated to him, glorifying him as Brahman and identifying him with Shiva.
• Puranas: The Skanda Purana is the largest of the eighteen Mahapuranas and is primarily dedicated to the life and exploits of Skanda. It details numerous shrines, rituals, and legends associated with him. The Shiva Purana, Linga Purana, and Matsya Purana also contain accounts of Skanda’s birth and deeds.
• Epics: The Mahabharata narrates Skanda’s birth story and his role as the commander of the gods’ army. The Ramayana contains limited references, though some versions hint at his involvement in events related to the demon king Ravana.
• Tamil Literature: The Tirumurukārruppaṭai is a significant work of Tamil Sangam literature dedicated to Murugan, showcasing his divine qualities and the beauty of his abodes. The Kandha Puranam is a Tamil adaptation of the Skanda Purana, popularizing his legends in South India.
• Hymns: The Subrahmanya Bhujangam composed by Adi Shankaracharya is a popular hymn praising Skanda’s virtues and seeking his blessings.

Roles and Functions

Skanda’s primary role is that of a warrior and commander. He is the divine general (Devasenapati) who leads the gods against the demons, representing the forces of good against evil. He symbolizes:

• Dharma: Skanda is a protector of dharma, upholding righteousness and cosmic order.
• Karma: While not directly associated with karma, his actions exemplify the consequences of good deeds and the importance of virtuous conduct.
• Moksha: Through devotion to Skanda, particularly in traditions where he is considered an aspect of Shiva, devotees aim to attain liberation (moksha) from the cycle of rebirth.
• Wisdom and Knowledge: He is also revered as a teacher of wisdom and spiritual knowledge. His six faces represent different aspects of knowledge and understanding.
• Victory over Inner Demons: On a symbolic level, Skanda represents the individual’s struggle against internal vices and the path to self-mastery.

Avatars and Manifestations

While Skanda is generally considered a distinct deity rather than an avatar of Vishnu (like Rama or Krishna), certain traditions identify him with aspects of Shiva or other deities.

• Association with Agni: Given the prominence of Agni in his birth stories, some interpretations view Skanda as a manifestation of Agni’s divine power.
• Relationship with Shiva: As the son of Shiva, Skanda is inherently linked to the qualities of Shiva. Some traditions view him as a youthful, dynamic expression of Shiva’s power.

It’s important to note that the concept of avatars is less rigid in Shaivism compared to Vaishnavism. Manifestations and expansions of a deity are more common ways of conceptualizing divinity.

Symbols and Iconography

Skanda’s iconography is rich with symbolism:

• Appearance: Typically depicted as a handsome, youthful warrior, often with multiple heads (usually six, representing Shanmukha) and arms. His youth signifies eternal vitality and unwavering resolve.
• Vel (Spear): His most iconic weapon, the Vel symbolizes divine power, knowledge, and the ability to pierce through ignorance. It also represents victory and protection.
• Peacock (Paravani): His mount, the peacock, represents beauty, grandeur, and the subjugation of ego and pride. It also symbolizes the destruction of harmful tendencies. The peacock’s association with serpents, which Skanda sometimes holds or wears, signifies the control over worldly desires.
• Rooster Flag (Kukuta Dhvaja): A banner bearing the image of a rooster, representing valor and the dawn of knowledge. The rooster’s crow symbolizes the dispelling of darkness (ignorance).
• Other Weapons: Besides the Vel, he is often depicted holding other weapons like the bow, arrow, sword, and mace, signifying his mastery over all forms of warfare.
• Lotus: The lotus flower, sometimes held in his hands, symbolizes purity, spiritual awakening, and detachment.

Temples and Worship

Skanda is worshipped throughout India and in other parts of the world with significant Hindu communities.

• Famous Temples:

  • Palani Murugan Temple (Tamil Nadu): One of the most important Murugan temples, renowned for its unique idol made of Navapashanam (nine poisons turned into medicine).
  • Tiruchendur Murugan Temple (Tamil Nadu): Situated on the seashore, this temple is dedicated to Murugan’s victory over the demon Surapadman.
  • Swamimalai Murugan Temple (Tamil Nadu): Built on an artificial hill, this temple depicts Murugan as a teacher, instructing his father Shiva.
  • Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple (Tamil Nadu): Located on a hillside, this temple is associated with nature and fertility.
  • Kukke Subramanya Temple (Karnataka): Known for its association with serpent worship.
  • Kataragama Temple (Sri Lanka): A multi-religious shrine revered by Hindus, Buddhists, and indigenous Vedda people.

• Common Rituals and Festivals:

  • Thai Pusam: Celebrated in January/February, this festival commemorates Parvati giving the Vel to Murugan to defeat the demon Surapadman. Devotees often carry kavadis (decorated structures) and undertake vows.
  • Skanda Sashti: Observed for six days, this festival celebrates Murugan’s victory over Taraka. Devotees fast and engage in devotional activities.
  • Panguni Uthiram: Celebrated in March/April, this festival marks the marriage of Murugan to Devasena and Valli.
  • Karthigai Deepam: Observed in November/December, this festival celebrates the birth of Murugan.
  • Daily Worship: Rituals involve offering flowers, incense, fruits, and performing abhishekam (ritual bathing) to the deity. Chanting mantras and singing devotional songs (bhajans) are common practices.

• Role in Community Rituals: Murugan temples often serve as community centers, hosting religious gatherings, social events, and charitable activities.

Cultural Impact

Skanda has significantly influenced Indian culture, art, and literature.

• Literature: Stories of Skanda feature prominently in Puranas, epics, and Tamil devotional literature. These narratives have shaped moral values and cultural identity.
• Art and Sculpture: Skanda is a popular subject in Hindu art, depicted in sculptures, paintings, and other forms of visual art. His iconography has evolved over centuries, reflecting regional variations and artistic styles.
• Dance and Music: Classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi often depict stories of Skanda through expressive movements and gestures. Devotional music, including Carnatic music and Tamil folk songs, celebrates his virtues and glories.
• Modern Media: Skanda’s stories and iconography occasionally appear in modern media, such as films, television shows, and comic books, often to depict themes of courage, righteousness, and divine intervention. These portrayals introduce his legends to a wider audience.

Comparative Theology

Comparing Skanda with other deities provides insights into the multifaceted nature of Hinduism.

• Comparisons within Hinduism:

  • Shiva: Skanda is fundamentally linked to Shiva as his son, inheriting his power and attributes. Some see him as a youthful manifestation of Shiva’s destructive and transformative energy.
  • Ganesha: While both are sons of Shiva and Parvati, Skanda is associated with war and victory, while Ganesha is the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom. They represent complementary aspects of the divine.
  • Krishna: In some Vaishnava traditions, Skanda is seen as an expansion or manifestation of Krishna’s divine power.

• Cross-Religious Comparisons: Comparisons with deities in other religions are less common. Some scholars have drawn parallels between Skanda and warrior deities in other cultures, such as Ares/Mars in Greek/Roman mythology, based on their shared association with war and courage. However, the specific roles, attributes, and theological contexts differ significantly.

• Interpretations in Different Hindu Traditions:

  • Shaivism: In Shaivism, Skanda is highly revered as a son of Shiva and an embodiment of his divine energy.
  • Vaishnavism: While less prominent than in Shaivism, Skanda is respected and sometimes considered an expansion of Vishnu.
  • Shaktism: Skanda is seen as a protector of the divine feminine energy (Shakti) and a son of Parvati, who is the embodiment of Shakti.

Philosophical Interpretations

Different schools of Hindu philosophy offer varying interpretations of Skanda.

• Vedanta: Vedanta, emphasizing the unity of all existence, may interpret Skanda as a manifestation of Brahman, the ultimate reality. Devotion to Skanda can be seen as a path towards realizing this unity.
• Samkhya: Samkhya, focusing on the duality of Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter), may view Skanda as a representation of Purusha’s power to overcome the forces of Prakriti, symbolizing the victory of consciousness over the material world.
• Bhakti: Bhakti traditions emphasize devotion and love for the divine. Skanda is revered as a compassionate and accessible deity, readily answering the prayers of his devotees. His stories inspire faith and devotion, leading to spiritual growth.
• Yoga: In the context of Yoga, Skanda can represent the inner warrior who battles against negative emotions and mental obstacles. His strength and determination serve as an inspiration for self-mastery and spiritual discipline.

Skanda’s role in spiritual practices often involves chanting his mantras, meditating on his form, and performing rituals to invoke his blessings. These practices aim to cultivate courage, wisdom, and devotion, leading to a deeper understanding of the self and the divine. His metaphysical significance lies in his representation of the power of the divine to overcome ignorance and evil, both within and without.