Kartikeya, also known as Murugan, Skanda, and Subramanya, is a prominent deity in Hindu mythology. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is associated with war, victory, wisdom, and love. Kartikeya is typically portrayed as a youthful, attractive man riding a peacock and carrying a spear or vel (divine spear).
His worship is particularly prevalent in southern India, especially in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. The Seven Virgins, also referred to as the Krittikas or Pleiades, are celestial nymphs in Hindu mythology. They are linked to the Pleiades star cluster and are considered Kartikeya’s foster mothers.
Revered for their purity, beauty, and nurturing qualities, the Seven Virgins are often depicted as a group of seven sisters. They play a significant role in Kartikeya’s mythology, and their relationship with him holds deep symbolic and cultural importance in Hindu tradition.
Mythological Background of Kartikeya
The Birth of Kartikeya
According to the Skanda Purana and the Mahabharata, Kartikeya was born to slay the demon Tarakasura, who had been granted a boon that he could only be killed by Shiva’s son. In order to create a powerful being who could defeat Tarakasura, the gods collectively emitted their energy into a fire, from which Kartikeya emerged as a six-headed baby.
Upbringing and Nurturing
He was then raised by the Seven Virgins, who nurtured him with love and care. Another popular version of Kartikeya’s birth is found in the Tamil epic, the Kanda Puranam. According to this version, Parvati created Kartikeya from her own energy to protect the world from the demon Surapadman. He was raised by the Six Krittikas (the Seven Virgins minus one), who fed him with their divine milk and taught him the art of warfare.
Divine Origins and Virtuous Deity
These myths highlight Kartikeya’s divine origins and his role as a powerful and virtuous deity who was destined to vanquish evil forces.
The Seven Virgins in Hindu Mythology
The Seven Virgins, also known as the Krittikas or the Pleiades, hold a special place in Hindu mythology and are revered for their purity, beauty, and nurturing qualities. In Hindu cosmology, they are associated with the star cluster Pleiades, which is named after them. The Seven Virgins are often depicted as a group of seven sisters who are considered the foster mothers of Kartikeya.
They are believed to have nurtured and raised Kartikeya with love and care, instilling in him the virtues of bravery, wisdom, and righteousness. The Seven Virgins are also associated with fertility and abundance in Hindu mythology. They are worshipped during the festival of Karthigai Deepam, which is celebrated in South India to honor Kartikeya and the Seven Virgins.
During this festival, lamps are lit in temples and homes to symbolize the light of knowledge and wisdom that dispels darkness and ignorance. The Seven Virgins are revered as divine mothers who bless their devotees with prosperity, happiness, and protection from evil forces. Their significance in Hindu mythology reflects the importance of feminine energy and nurturing qualities in shaping the destiny of gods and humans alike.
The Role of the Seven Virgins in Kartikeya’s Story
The role of the Seven Virgins in Kartikeya’s story is pivotal and multifaceted. According to Hindu mythology, they played a crucial role in nurturing and raising Kartikeya to become a powerful and virtuous deity. The Seven Virgins are believed to have fed Kartikeya with their divine milk, which endowed him with strength, wisdom, and courage.
They also taught him the art of warfare and instilled in him the values of righteousness and compassion. In some versions of Kartikeya’s story, the Seven Virgins are depicted as his foster mothers who protected him from harm and guided him on his path to fulfill his divine destiny. Their love and care for Kartikeya symbolize the nurturing qualities of feminine energy and highlight the importance of maternal influence in shaping the character of a god or a hero.
The Seven Virgins’ role in Kartikeya’s story exemplifies their significance as divine mothers who play a crucial part in the upbringing and guidance of a powerful deity.
Symbolism and Meaning of the Seven Virgins
The Seven Virgins hold deep symbolic and cultural significance in Hindu mythology. They are revered for their purity, beauty, and nurturing qualities, which symbolize the divine feminine energy that sustains and nurtures life. The number seven is considered auspicious in Hinduism and represents completeness and perfection.
The Seven Virgins are associated with fertility and abundance, symbolizing the nurturing aspect of motherhood that brings forth new life and sustains creation. The star cluster Pleiades, which is named after the Seven Virgins, holds symbolic significance in Hindu cosmology. It is believed to be a source of divine energy that influences human destiny and cosmic events.
The Seven Virgins are worshipped during the festival of Karthigai Deepam to honor their nurturing qualities and seek their blessings for prosperity and protection. Their symbolism reflects the importance of feminine energy in Hindu culture and highlights the role of women as nurturers and protectors in shaping the destiny of gods and humans.
Worship and Devotion to Kartikeya and the Seven Virgins
The Significance of Kartikeya
Kartikeya is worshipped as a powerful deity who embodies courage, wisdom, and love. Devotees seek his blessings for victory, success, and protection from evil forces.
Celebrating Karthigai Deepam
The festival of Karthigai Deepam is celebrated with great fervor to honor Kartikeya and the Seven Virgins, during which lamps are lit to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness. Devotees also offer prayers and perform rituals to seek the blessings of the Seven Virgins for fertility, prosperity, and protection.
Temples and Pilgrimage
Temples dedicated to Kartikeya and the Seven Virgins are visited by pilgrims seeking their divine grace and guidance. The worship and devotion to Kartikeya and the Seven Virgins reflect their enduring significance in Hindu culture as symbols of courage, nurturing energy, and divine protection.
Contemporary Relevance of Kartikeya and the Seven Virgins in Hindu Culture
Kartikeya and the Seven Virgins continue to hold contemporary relevance in Hindu culture as symbols of courage, nurturing energy, and divine protection. Their stories inspire devotion and reverence among millions of devotees who seek their blessings for success, prosperity, and protection from evil forces. The festival of Karthigai Deepam is celebrated with great enthusiasm to honor Kartikeya and the Seven Virgins, reflecting their enduring significance in Hindu culture.
In contemporary times, Kartikeya is revered as a deity who embodies valor, wisdom, and love. His worship is believed to bestow courage, strength, and success upon his devotees. The Seven Virgins are revered as divine mothers who bless their devotees with fertility, abundance, and protection from harm.
Their symbolism reflects the enduring importance of feminine energy in shaping human destiny and sustaining creation. In conclusion, Kartikeya and the Seven Virgins hold a special place in Hindu mythology and culture as symbols of courage, nurturing energy, and divine protection. Their stories inspire devotion and reverence among millions of devotees who seek their blessings for success, prosperity, and protection from evil forces.
The worship and devotion to Kartikeya and the Seven Virgins reflect their enduring significance in Hindu culture as symbols of valor, maternal influence, and divine grace.
One related article to Kartikeya and the Seven Virgins is “Places to Visit in Thanjavur.” This article provides information about the various temples and historical sites in Thanjavur, including the Brihadeeswarar Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The article also highlights the cultural and architectural significance of these places, making it a valuable resource for those interested in exploring the religious and historical attractions of the region. (source)