Kartikeya, Skanda, Kumara, Subrahmanya, Dandapani, and Guha—these are some of the most powerful Sanskrit names of the god who is regarded as the general of the Divine Army.
Kartikeya means “belonging to the Krittikas,” which are a cluster of nakshatras known as the Pleiades in modern astronomy. Krittika is where Agni is born, and its symbol is a razor or scissors. Skanda was considered closely linked to Agni and was a great god of war. References to Skanda can be found from the Mahabharata to Kautilya’s Arthashastra. The legendary poet Kalidasa composed an epic poem on the birth of Kartikeya called Kumarasambhava.
At one point in history, Skanda or Kartikeya was an extremely popular devata across North India, particularly in the areas covered by the modern-day states of Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Garhwal, as well as in South India. Many royal dynasties commissioned coins with the symbol of Skanda or named themselves after him.
In Jyotisha, Skanda is represented by Mars, which rules speed, aggression, and fighting spirit. Afflictions of Mars can be cured by upasana of Kartikeya. Today, however, the most vibrant worship of Skanda is mostly confined to parts of South India. His martial aspect has been almost forgotten or transformed in the public mind into that of a beautiful divine boy.
Sashti tithi on a Tuesday is the most powerful time for sadhana related to the Devasenapati. At one point in pre-medieval India, Skanda was popular across the subcontinent, from Afghanistan to Bengal. However, due to multiple factors, his worship declined in North India and has now remained confined to the South.
For the re-establishment of Dharma, even basic upasana of Skanda is important for the land and Hindus.
May the greatest general of the Divine Army vanquish all asuric forces.
