Kartikeya and the Six Krittikas

The story of Kartikeya and the Six Krittikas is one of the most beautiful and meaningful stories in Hindu mythology. It explains how Lord Kartikeya, also known as Murugan, Skanda, Subrahmanya, Shanmukha, and Kumara, was nurtured by six divine mothers. The story is closely connected with the extraordinary birth of Kartikeya and explains why he is known as Shanmukha, the six-faced Lord, and Kartikeya, the child associated with the Krittikas.

According to Hindu traditions, Lord Kartikeya was born for a divine purpose. The powerful demon Tarakasura had received a boon from Lord Brahma that made him extremely difficult to defeat. He could be killed only by a son of Lord Shiva. Since Lord Shiva was deeply absorbed in meditation, the birth of such a child seemed almost impossible. However, divine circumstances eventually brought Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati together, leading to the manifestation of their powerful son.

The birth of Kartikeya is described in different ways in different Hindu scriptures and traditions. In one widely known account, the divine energy of Lord Shiva was carried by Agni, the fire god, and eventually reached the sacred waters associated with the Ganga. From this extraordinary divine energy, a radiant child appeared in the Sharavana, a forest filled with reeds. Because of this connection, Kartikeya is also called Saravanabhava.

The infant was extraordinarily beautiful and radiant. His divine presence attracted the attention of celestial beings. Around this time, the six Krittikas came upon the divine child. They were celestial mothers who saw the infant and immediately developed deep affection for him.

The six Krittikas are traditionally associated with the constellation of the Pleiades, known in Sanskrit as Krittika. They are regarded as divine maternal figures in the story of Kartikeya. When they discovered the child, each of the six mothers wanted to care for him and nourish him.

According to the popular legend, the six Krittikas lovingly took responsibility for the divine child. Because each mother wished to feed him, Kartikeya manifested six faces so that he could receive the love and nourishment of all six mothers simultaneously.

This miraculous event gave Kartikeya one of his most famous names: Shanmukha, meaning “the six-faced one.” He is also called Shadanana, another name meaning six-faced. His six faces are an important part of his iconography and have deep symbolic significance.

The six faces of Kartikeya can be understood in several spiritual ways. They represent expanded awareness, divine knowledge, courage, strength, compassion, and wisdom. Having six faces also symbolizes the ability to see in every direction and remain aware of everything happening around him.

The loving relationship between Kartikeya and the Krittikas is also significant because it shows that divine motherhood is not limited by ordinary biological relationships. The six Krittikas accepted the child with unconditional love and cared for him as their own. Their affection demonstrates the sacred nature of motherhood and selfless service.

The name Kartikeya itself is traditionally connected with the Krittikas. Since the divine child was nurtured by these six celestial mothers, he became known as Kartikeya. This name reminds devotees of the special relationship between the young Lord and his six mothers.

As Kartikeya grew, his divine qualities became increasingly visible. He was exceptionally intelligent, courageous, disciplined, and powerful. The Devas understood that this young child had been born to fulfil an extraordinary mission. Tarakasura was still troubling the celestial beings, and only Shiva’s son could defeat him.

Kartikeya eventually became the commander of the celestial armies. He received the title Devasenapati, meaning commander of the Devas. He was also known as Mahasena, another name connected with his role as a great divine warrior.

The Krittikas therefore played an important role in the early life of Kartikeya. They did not merely nurture him physically; in the traditional understanding of the story, their love became part of the divine circumstances through which the future commander of the Devas was raised.

The story of the six Krittikas also has an astronomical connection. The Krittika constellation is identified with the Pleiades star cluster, which can be seen in the night sky. Ancient Indian traditions attached great significance to celestial bodies and often connected them with divine stories. The association between Kartikeya and the Krittikas therefore links his mythology with the stars and the cosmic order.

In South Indian traditions, Lord Kartikeya is especially revered as Murugan. Temples dedicated to him can be found throughout Tamil Nadu and other parts of India. Devotees worship his six-faced form as Shanmukha and remember the story of his divine childhood with the Krittikas.

The six faces of Murugan are especially prominent in traditional temple sculptures and paintings. Each face gives the impression of a different aspect of divine consciousness. Together, they represent completeness, awareness, and the ability to overcome obstacles from every direction.

The story also teaches an important lesson about love. The six Krittikas did not care for Kartikeya because they expected anything in return. Their relationship with him was based on pure affection. Their nurturing of the divine child therefore becomes a symbol of selfless motherhood, devotion, and unconditional care.

Another important lesson is that greatness can emerge from humble beginnings. Kartikeya appears as a divine child who requires protection and nourishment. Yet that same child eventually becomes the commander of the Devas and the warrior who defeats Tarakasura. His story reminds devotees that extraordinary potential can exist within a seemingly small and vulnerable form.
Kartikeya’s connection with the six Krittikas is also reflected in religious festivals and devotional practices. Krittika Nakshatra is considered especially significant in traditions associated with Lord Murugan. Devotees may offer prayers and worship on auspicious occasions connected with Kartikeya and the Krittika star.

The story of Kartikeya and the Six Krittikas is therefore more than a story about six celestial mothers caring for a divine child. It is a story of divine birth, motherhood, cosmic destiny, and spiritual transformation. The six Krittikas gave their love and protection to Kartikeya, while Kartikeya’s six faces became an eternal reminder of their sacred relationship.

For devotees, Lord Kartikeya represents courage, wisdom, discipline, protection, and victory over evil. His six faces symbolize the many dimensions of divine consciousness, while the six Krittikas represent the nurturing power of love and devotion.

Ultimately, the story teaches that divine strength is nourished by love. The child cared for by six celestial mothers eventually became the mighty commander of the Devas. His journey from divine child to great warrior is one of the most cherished stories associated with Lord Murugan.

The tale of Kartikeya and the Six Krittikas continues to inspire devotees because it combines mythology, spirituality, astronomy, and profound human values. It reminds us that motherhood is sacred, love can take many forms, and true strength develops when courage is guided by wisdom and nurtured through devotion.