Maa Durga, also known as Devi, Shakti, or Mahishasura Mardini, is a principal and popular form of Hindu goddess Parvati. She is widely revered as the supreme power of the universe and is most famously recognized for her victory over the demon Mahishasura.
As the tradition goes, Maa Durga had four children during her various incarnations on earth. Her four children – two daughters and two sons, were born at different times, for different purposes. Each of Durga’s children have their own prominent place in Hindu scriptures and carry great spiritual significance. Let’s take a look at who the first child of Maa Durga was.
Kartikeya – The First Born Son of Maa Durga
Kartikeya, also known as Murugan, Skanda, and Subramaniam, is considered the first child born to Maa Durga. He is regarded as the god of war, victory, wisdom and courage in Hinduism. Kartikeya is best known for leading the divine armies against the demons and symbolizes the destruction of ego and evil forces.
According to Hindu legends, Kartikeya was created by the combined energies of major gods – Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Indra, and others for the purpose of destroying demon Tarakasura. Since Tarakasura had a boon that he could only be killed by a son of Shiva, the gods requested Shiva to help create the god that would defeat him.
When Shiva agreed to help, the other gods gave their energies to create a child. Shiva’s wife, Parvati or Durga, carried the embryo in her womb for 1000 years! After gestating for such a long time, Kartikeya was finally born on the 6th day after the new moon in the month of Aippasi. This day is still celebrated as Skanda Sashti or Kanda Sashti festival in South India.
The Legends Behind Kartikeya’s Birth
There are a few legends that describe the circumstances around Kartikeya’s miraculous birth:
- One story says that Agni, the god of fire had consumed the semens of Shiva when the gods were creating the embryo. This caused great energy and heat in Parvati’s womb, so she could not carry the baby anymore. Lord Vishnu helped release the child from Durga’s body. Kartikeya is sometimes called Agnibhu, one who was born of Agni.
- Another legend states that Indra tried to destroy the womb when he learned that the child was destined to be his destroyer. This caused Parvati great pain, so Shiva took the semen and discharged it into the Ganges river. It is said that Kartikeya was born on the banks of the Ganges.
- Some scriptures also narrate that due to the extreme radiance and power of the baby inside Parvati’s womb, the gods fearing his brilliance, split the embryo into six parts and deposited them in different locations. They later reunited into one divine child called Shanmukha because he had six faces, and Kartikeya because he was son of Kritikas.
Therefore, although the details vary across versions, most Hindu texts acknowledge Kartikeya as the first son born to Parvati and Shiva. He is regarded as one of the mightiest and most important gods in Hinduism today.
Kartikeya’s Siblings
After Kartikeya, Maa Durga went on to have three more children who also carry great significance. They are:
- Lord Ganesha – The remover of obstacles and patron of arts and sciences. Ganesha is worshipped at the start of all rituals and ceremonies.
- Goddess Lakshmi – The goddess of wealth, fortune and prosperity. Lakshmi is associated with beauty, purity and fertility.
- Goddess Saraswati – The goddess of knowledge, music, arts and wisdom. Saraswati symbolizes creative talent and inspiration.
Although Ganesha, Lakshmi and Saraswati are considered children of Durga, most scriptures place their births after Kartikeya. Some versions say Kartikeya was created by Shiva’s energy, while Ganesha was created by Parvati and later Lakshmi and Saraswati manifested from Durga’s essence.
Kartikeya’s Role and Significance
As the first born child of Shiva and Parvati, Kartikeya holds special importance in Hinduism. He is regarded as the commander-in-chief of the gods and oversees the mighty armies in the age-old battle against demonic forces. Let us understand some of the key aspects of Kartikeya and what he symbolizes.
Courage and Valor
Kartikeya is primarily worshipped as the god of valor and courage. From a very young age, he played a key role in destroying demons and restoring balance between good and evil. His courage and leadership as the commander of the divine forces is hailed in Hindu scriptures.
War and Victory
Kartikeya is the divine warrior who uses his strength and tactical abilities to emerge victorious over adversaries. By defeating Tarakasura and other demons, he is seen as the champion of good over evil. Kartikeya’s stories inspire devotees to fight their inner demons and weakness.
Wisdom and Intellect
Although a fierce warrior, Kartikeya is also attributed with wisdom and discernment. He symbolizes the balance of knowledge and action. Devotees pray to Kartikeya to attain focus, sharp intellect and spiritual knowledge to uplift their lives.
Celibacy and Asceticism
Kartikeya is also known for observing celibacy and leading an ascetic lifestyle. He is considered the epitome of an ideal student – single minded focus and devotion to knowledge. Celibacy is regarded as a virtue that enhances spiritual power.
Therefore, Kartikeya signifies the combination of courage, knowledge and discipline that helps overcome limitations and progress on the path of dharma or righteousness.
Worship and Significance
Kartikeya is worshipped widely across India, especially in South India, Sri Lanka, Mauritius and other Hindu communities globally. Some key aspects of his worship include:
- Special pujas and elaborate rituals are performed during Skanda Sashti – the day celebrating his birth.
- Many grand temples are dedicated to him across India including the Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur, Sabarimalai in Kerala, Tiruparankundram near Madurai etc.
- Devotees observe fasts on Tuesdays and worship Lord Murugan by offering fruits, flowers and incense.
- The Vel or divine spear of Murugan is carried in processions in many temples.
- In Sri Lanka, Kartikeya-Skanda is revered as one of the guardian deities and primary gods.
Kartikeya’s presence permeates many aspects of Hindu culture, arts and literature. His legends inspire vital virtues like courage, discipline and knowledge in devotees. His teachings continue to guide spiritual seekers and householders today just as they did for ancient followers. By defeating the demons of ego and negativity, he lights the path of Dharma.
Conclusion
In summary, Kartikeya is regarded as the first child of Maa Durga and Lord Shiva. He was created by the combined energies of all gods to serve the purpose of leading the divine army and destroying demons, especially Tarakasura. There are diverse legends around Kartikeya’s birth illustrating the miraculous circumstances. He signifies courage, victory, wisdom and knowledge – ideals that aid spiritual upliftment. Kartikeya is worshipped widely under various names across Hindu communities. As the commander-in-chief and mighty warrior, he continues to inspire devotees to achieve the ultimate balance of knowledge and action in their lives.