SRI KARTHIKEYA

Karthikeya is the son of Siva and Parvathi. Other common names of Karthikeya are Subramanya, Muruga, Kumara, Skandha, Shanmuga and Guha. Created out of six sparks from the central, third, eye of Lord Siva, for the special purpose of destroying the demon Soorapadma, Lord Karthikeya has six faces. TheVel (spear) is His Divine weapon; it is also regarded as the source of all Knowledge and as the dispeller of ignorance. According to the legend, Karthikeya explained the esoteric significance of "OM", the Pranava Manthra, to His father, Lord Siva.

SLOKA/PRAYER

Shadaananam Kumkuma Raktha Varnam
Mahaamathim Dhivya Mayoora Vaahanam
Rudhrasya Soonum Sura Sainya Naatham
Guham Sadhaaham Saranam Prapadhye

MEANING
At all times, I seek refuge with Lord Guha, the God with six faces, with the color of red vermilion and riding a divine peacock. He is supremely intelligent. He is the son of Rudra and Commander of the Deva army.

 KARTHIKEYA AT SSVT

In Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, Karthikeya is seen in the form of Muthukumara Swami, with his two consorts, Devasena, the celestial princess, and Valli, a hunter's daughter. This form is a representation of the deity in Vaitheeswaran temple, in Tamil Nadu, famous for curing many diseases. The Karthikeya shrine is in the form of a chariot drawn by the elephants and is built in the Pallava style architecture. Icons representing His six major shrines, Palani, Swami Mala, Thiruthani, Thiruchendur, Pazhamudircholai, and Thiruparankundram are installed in six pillars. 
Karthikeya is also present in front of the Siva Shrine as a Dwara Murthy, together with his brother Ganehsa.  Sri Guhan, Sri Bala Dandayuthapani,  Sri Shiki Vahana Moorthy - the Deva goshtas were consecrated during the Mahakumbishekam in 2002.  In addition, Gnanaopedesam,  the scene of Karthikeya explaining the esoteric significance of "OM", the Pranava Manthra, to His father, Lord Siva is depicted on the entrance wall between the Vasanthamandapam and the main Temple as a marvelous wall sculpture.

AUSPICIOUS DAYS AND FESTIVALS

Krithika and Sashti are auspicious to Karthikeya. Valli Kalyanam is celebrated on Vaikaasi Visaakam day. Karthigai, Skandha Sashti, Thai Poosam, Masi Makam and Aadi Krittika are important festivals to Muruga.

SPECIAL OFFERINGS

Special alankara with viboodhi, and sandal powder are performed to Lord Karthikeya. Abishekam with Panchaamirtham, milk, sandal powder and rose water are special. On Festival days it is customary to go in a procession with "Kaavadi" with flowers, milk and rose water. Performing Valli Kalyanam is also very auspicious.

GAYATHRI

Thathpurushaaya Vidmahe Mahaasenaaya Dheemahi
Thannashanmugkha(h) Prachodayaath.

MEANINGWe worship that supreme person; Salutations to that mighty warrior chief. May that six faced Lord stimulate our faculties.