Kartikeya Dwadasa Nama Stotram
कार्तिकेयो महासेनः शिवपुत्रो वरप्रदः ।
'Kartikeya, the great commander, son of Shiva, bestower of boons.'
Kartikeya is celebrated by numerous epithets, and 'Mahasena,' meaning 'great commander,' directly refers to his esteemed position as the leader of the celestial armies. As the divine son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, he embodies immense power and spiritual significance. The name 'Varaprada' highlights his benevolent nature as a giver of boons, fulfilling the sincere prayers and wishes of his devotees. His very birth was prophesied and orchestrated by the gods to vanquish the formidable demon Tarakasura, who had a unique boon making him immune to death from anyone but a son of Shiva.
श्रीवल्लीदेवसेनेशो गजवक्त्रानुजस्तथा ।।
'Lord of Srivalli and Devasena, and younger brother of Gajanana (Ganesha).'
This verse illuminates Kartikeya's cherished personal relationships. He is revered as the beloved consort of Srivalli and Devasena, who represent complementary aspects of divine feminine energy and unwavering devotion. In South Indian traditions, Valli, often depicted as a beautiful huntress, symbolizes the profound union of the divine with the earthly and the path of love. Devasena, whose name means 'army of the gods,' signifies his vital role as a celestial general. The verse also identifies him as the younger brother of Gajanana, or Ganesha, the revered elephant-headed deity. The specific order of their birth varies across different Puranic narratives and regional interpretations, enriching the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology.
मयूरवाहनो भक्तमोक्षदः कुक्कुटध्वजः ।
'One who rides a peacock, bestower of liberation to devotees, one whose banner bears a rooster.'
Kartikeya's iconic mount is the magnificent peacock, Paravani. The peacock symbolically represents the triumph over ego, desire, and worldly attachments, as it consumes snakes (often symbolizing temporal desires and the cycle of time). By riding this vehicle, Kartikeya signifies mastery over these earthly bonds. As 'Bhaktamokshadah,' he is the compassionate bestower of 'moksha' or liberation, freeing his devout followers from the continuous cycle of birth and death. His emblem, the 'Kukkutadhvaja' or rooster banner, is profoundly symbolic. The rooster's crow heralds the dawn, symbolizing the dispelling of spiritual darkness, the awakening of knowledge, and the victory of light over ignorance.
तारकासुरसंहर्त्ता षड्वक्त्रः शक्तिधारकः ।।
'Destroyer of Tarakasura, one with six faces, holder of the Shakti weapon.'
This verse underscores Kartikeya's pivotal divine mission and his distinctive physical attributes. 'Tarakasurasamharta' denotes his preordained role as the annihilator of the demon Tarakasura, who had caused immense suffering to the cosmos. His unique form, 'Shadvaktra' or 'six-faced,' signifies his omniscient presence, his ability to perceive in all directions, and his mastery over the five senses and the mind. Each face is said to embody a different divine quality, aspect of knowledge, or a specific function. He is also described as 'Shaktidharaka,' the wielder of the divine 'Shakti' – a powerful celestial spear gifted by his mother Parvati. This weapon symbolizes divine power, righteous action, and the eradication of evil.
द्वादशैतानि नामानि कार्तिकेयस्य यः पठेत् ।
सर्वदा भक्तिमान् रक्षां प्राप्नोत्यपि महाबलम् ।।
'Whoever recites these twelve names of Kartikeya,
Always with devotion, attains protection and great strength.'
This concluding verse emphasizes the profound spiritual benefits derived from chanting Kartikeya's sacred twelve names. In Hindu devotional practice, the recitation of divine names (nama smarana) is a powerful means of invoking a deity's blessings and connecting with their divine energy. By devoutly chanting these specific twelve names, a devotee is believed to receive 'raksham,' comprehensive protection from all forms of evil, obstacles, and negative influences. Moreover, they are blessed with 'mahabalam,' which signifies not only physical strength but also profound inner fortitude, unwavering courage, and spiritual resilience to navigate and overcome life's myriad challenges. This act of unwavering devotion forges a deep spiritual bond between the devotee and the potent, benevolent energy of Lord Kartikeya.
कार्तिकेयो महासेनः शिवपुत्रो वरप्रदः ।
श्रीवल्लीदेवसेनेशो गजवक्त्रानुजस्तथा ।।
मयूरवाहनो भक्तमोक्षदः कुक्कुटध्वजः ।
तारकासुरसंहर्त्ता षड्वक्त्रः शक्तिधारकः ।।
द्वादशैतानि नामानि कार्तिकेयस्य यः पठेत् ।
सर्वदा भक्तिमान् रक्षां प्राप्नोत्यपि महाबलम् ।।
kaartikeyo mahaasenah' shivaputro varapradah' .
shreevalleedevasenesho gajavaktraanujastathaa ..
mayooravaahano bhaktamokshadah' kukkut'adhvajah' .
taarakaasurasam'harttaa shad'vaktrah' shaktidhaarakah' ..
dvaadashaitaani naamaani kaartikeyasya yah' pat'het .
sarvadaa bhaktimaan rakshaam' praapnotyapi mahaabalam ..
Other stotras
