Kartikeya and Ganesha are two important deities in Hindu mythology, widely worshipped by devotees globally. Kartikeya, also called Murugan, Skanda, or Subrahmanya, is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is typically portrayed as a youthful man riding a peacock and carrying a spear or bow and arrow.
Kartikeya is associated with war, victory, wisdom, and love, and is believed to be the commander of the gods’ army and a vanquisher of evil. Ganesha, also known as Ganapati or Vinayaka, is another son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is distinctively characterized by his elephant head and rotund body.
Ganesha is venerated as the remover of obstacles, patron of arts and sciences, and the deity of intellect and wisdom. He is also worshipped as the god of new beginnings and success. Ganesha is commonly depicted with a broken tusk, which symbolizes sacrifice and wisdom.
The Story of the Contest
The Demon Tarakasura
In some versions of the story, it is said that the gods were facing a formidable demon named Tarakasura, who could only be defeated by a son of Shiva.
The Contest Begins
In order to decide who would lead the army against the demon, Lord Shiva proposed a contest between Kartikeya and Ganesha to test their intelligence and wisdom. In another version of the story, it is said that Goddess Parvati organized a race between her two sons to determine who was the most deserving of her divine fruit. She declared that whoever circled the world three times and returned first would be granted the fruit.
The Race Around the World
Both Kartikeya and Ganesha accepted the challenge and set out on their respective journeys around the world.
The Challenge
The challenge set by Lord Shiva or Goddess Parvati was no easy feat for either Kartikeya or Ganesha. Kartikeya, being the god of war and victory, was confident in his ability to win the race with his swift peacock as his mount. On the other hand, Ganesha, with his pot-bellied body and broken tusk, seemed less likely to win against his athletic and agile brother.
However, Ganesha was known for his intelligence and wisdom, which he used to his advantage in overcoming challenges. The challenge was not just a physical race but also a test of intelligence and wisdom. Both Kartikeya and Ganesha had to use their wits and strategic thinking to outsmart each other and emerge victorious in the contest.
It was a test of their character and abilities, as well as a demonstration of their devotion to their parents and their duty as divine beings.
The Participants
Kartikeya, being the god of war and victory, was known for his bravery, valor, and leadership qualities. He was often depicted as a handsome young man with six heads, representing his six different attributes – wisdom, strength, youth, power, wealth, and divine knowledge. Kartikeya was also known for his swift peacock mount, which symbolized his agility and speed in battle.
Ganesha, on the other hand, was known for his intelligence, wisdom, and ability to overcome obstacles. Despite his unconventional appearance with an elephant head and pot-bellied body, Ganesha was revered as the remover of obstacles and the lord of success. He was often depicted with various symbols such as a broken tusk, a modak (sweet delicacy), and a mouse as his mount, symbolizing his ability to overcome challenges with humility and wisdom.
The Outcome
In the end, it was Ganesha who emerged victorious in the contest between Kartikeya and himself. While Kartikeya raced around the world on his swift peacock mount, Ganesha simply circled around Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati three times. When asked about his victory, Ganesha explained that his parents were his world, and circling them three times was equivalent to circling the entire universe.
This clever display of intelligence and devotion impressed Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who declared Ganesha as the winner of the contest. This outcome showcased that intelligence and wisdom are equally important as physical strength and agility. It also emphasized the significance of devotion and humility in Hindu mythology.
The Symbolism
The Balance of Strength and Intelligence
The contest between Kartikeya and Ganesha holds deep symbolism in Hindu mythology, representing the balance between physical strength and intelligence, valor and wisdom, agility and humility. Kartikeya symbolizes physical prowess, leadership qualities, and bravery in battle, while Ganesha symbolizes intelligence, wisdom, and the ability to overcome obstacles with humility.
The Importance of Devotion to Family
The outcome of the contest also symbolizes the importance of devotion to one’s parents and family. Ganesha’s act of circling around Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati three times demonstrated his unwavering devotion to them, which ultimately led to his victory in the contest.
A Lesson in Familial Bonds and Respect
This serves as a reminder of the significance of familial bonds and respect for one’s parents in Hindu culture. The story of the contest between Kartikeya and Ganesha teaches us the importance of honoring our family and prioritizing our relationships with them.
The Legacy
The contest between Kartikeya and Ganesha has left a lasting legacy in Hindu mythology and continues to be celebrated through various festivals and rituals. One such festival is Kartik Purnima or Kartik Ekadashi, which is dedicated to Kartikeya. It is celebrated with great fervor in South India, where devotees worship Kartikeya with elaborate processions and rituals.
Ganesha Chaturthi is another popular festival dedicated to Ganesha, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. During this festival, devotees install clay idols of Ganesha in their homes or public pandals and offer prayers and offerings to seek his blessings for success and prosperity. The contest between Kartikeya and Ganesha continues to be a source of inspiration for devotees, emphasizing the importance of intelligence, wisdom, devotion, and humility in overcoming life’s challenges.
It serves as a reminder that true victory lies not just in physical strength but also in mental acumen and spiritual devotion. The legacy of this myth continues to inspire millions of people around the world to strive for balance in all aspects of life – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
If you’re interested in exploring more about Hindu mythology and the significance of temples, you may want to check out this article on places to visit near Guruvayur. It provides insights into the cultural and religious significance of the region and its temples, offering a deeper understanding of the stories and traditions that are intertwined with these sacred places.