Who is Lord Kartikeya?
Lord Kartikeya — also revered as Murugan, Subramanya, Skanda, Shadanana (six-faced), Kumara, Shanmukha, and Senapati — is the divine son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and the elder brother of Lord Ganesha. He is the Supreme Commander (Senapati) of the celestial army (Devasena) and the destroyer of the demon Tarakasura.
Lord Kartikeya rides the magnificent peacock (Mayura) and wields the invincible spear Vel (Shakti Spear). He is especially revered in South India (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Sri Lanka) as the Supreme God (Murugan), and his six faces represent the power to illuminate the six directions.
He embodies courage, wisdom, strategy, and divine grace. The Skanda Purana, the largest of all Mahapuranas, is dedicated entirely to his glory. His worship is particularly powerful for students, soldiers, and those seeking victory over obstacles.
॥ Doha — Opening Couplet ॥
Shiv Nandan Mangal Sadan, Senapati Sukh Dhaam। Taarak Mardan Ki Kripa, Karahu Kripa Nishkaam॥
Meaning: Son of Shiva, dwelling of auspiciousness, general of the divine armies and abode of happiness. Destroyer of demon Tarakasura, shower your selfless grace upon us.
॥ Chaupai — 40 Sacred Verses ॥
1. Jai Jai Kartikeya Bhagwan, Shadanana Mayoor Vahan Mahaan। Shakti Baan Kar Sohe Pyara, Sur Hit Hetu Asur Samhara॥ Meaning: Victory to Lord Kartikeya, six-faced, riding the majestic peacock. Armed with the Shakti spear, beloved of all he slays demons for the welfare of the gods.
2. Parvati Nandan Shiv Sut Vare, Skanda Kumara Sab Dukh Hare। Ganga Putra Agni Sutji, Taarak Mardankar Mahavir Ji॥ Meaning: Dear son of Parvati and Shiva, Skanda Kumara remover of all sorrow. Son of the Ganga and of Agni great hero and conqueror of Tarakasura.
3. Shodash Bhuja Anek Vastra, Sohe Mahaan Divya Astra। Mayura Vaahan Par Viraje, Trailokya Mein Teri Jai Gaaje॥ Meaning: Sixteen-armed, clothed in radiant garments, adorned with many divine weapons. Enthroned on the peacock, your victory resounds through all three worlds.
4. Deva Sena Ke Senapati, Taarak Vadha Ke Supati। Kumara Naam Sab Ko Bhaave, Skanddev Ki Kirpa Aave॥ Meaning: Commander-in-chief of the divine armies, supreme lord of Tarakasura’s destruction. The name Kumara delights all; Skandadeva’s grace arrives.
5. Vel Dhari Shakti Mahaan, Muruga Dev Vidya Dhan। Shoorapadma Ko Kiya Sanhaar, Devon Ko Diya Uddhaar॥ Meaning: Holding the Vel spear, O great Shakti Muruga Deva is the wealth of knowledge. You destroyed Soorapadma and uplifted the gods to safety.
6. Krauncha Bhed Kar Mahaan Kiya, Asur Dalal Ko Bhaya Diya। Shanmukha Naam Se Deva Jaane, Subramanya Ki Mahima Maane॥ Meaning: Piercing Mount Krauncha a great feat you brought fear to the demonic hosts. The gods know you by the name Shanmukha; all acknowledge Subramanya’s glory.
7. Tamil Nadu Mein Teri Pooja, Tiruchendur Ka Prabhu Dooja। Palani Ka Dhaam Pavitra Hai, Murugan Ki Kirpa Amrit Hai॥ Meaning: You are worshipped in Tamil Nadu; Lord of Tiruchendur (a divine abode). The dhama of Palani is sacred; Murugan’s grace is sweet as nectar.
8. Skandshashti Mein Vrat Karo, Murugan Pooja Nit Karo। Shat Din Ka Vrat Jo Rakhe, Murugan Ki Kirpa Pakhe॥ Meaning: Observe the fast during Skanda Sashti and perform Murugan’s worship daily. Whoever keeps the six-day fast receives Murugan’s grace.
9. Kartikeya Naam Japne Se, Sab Dukh Mita Jaate Hain। Man Mein Shakti Aati Hai, Jeevan Mein Umang Aati Hai॥ Meaning: Chanting Kartikeya’s name erases all sorrow. Inner power comes to the mind and enthusiasm blossoms in life.
10. Vel Vel Muruganey Vel, Kartikeya Ki Kripa Ka Khel। Shatruo Ko Bhagata Hai, Bhakton Ko Bachata Hai॥ Meaning: Vel! Vel! Muruganey Vel! This is Kartikeya’s play of grace. He drives away enemies and protects his devotees.
11. Kartikeya Ki Pooja Karo, Sab Vighan Door Karo। Shashti Ko Jo Pooja Kare, Uske Sab Sankat Dur Ho॥ Meaning: Worship Kartikeya and remove all obstacles. Whoever worships on the sixth day (Shashti) all their troubles dissolve.
12. Devasena Sang Virajte, Devendra Aur Dev Sab Aaradhte। Taarak Vansh Ka Nash Kiya, Dharma Ko Vijaya Diya॥ Meaning: Dwelling with Devasena (his consort), Indra and all gods worship him. He destroyed the lineage of Tarakasura and gave victory to dharma.
13. Kartikeya Ki Aarti Karo, Sab Vighan Door Karo। Bhakti Bhav Se Sumiran Karo, Sukh Shanti Ko Pao॥ Meaning: Perform Kartikeya’s Aarti and remove all obstacles. Remember him with devotion and attain peace and happiness.
14. Murugan Ke Bhakton Ka Kalyaan, Unki Pooja Se Milta Maan। Jo Koi Tujhe Dhyata Hai, Woh Safal Jeevan Pata Hai॥ Meaning: Murugan brings welfare to his devotees and worship of him brings honour. Whoever meditates on you attains a successful and fulfilled life.
15. Skanda Puran Ki Mahima Badi, Kartikeya Ki Katha Ati Pyadi। Jo Sunta Hai Katha Teri, Uske Katata Kal Ki Seri॥ Meaning: Great is the glory of the Skanda Purana; Kartikeya’s story is most beloved. Whoever listens to your story the chains of time (karma) are cut away.
16. Shanmukha Naam Ka Jaap Karo, Man Ki Peeda Door Karo। Six Faces Sab Dishaon Ko, Dekhe Kartikeya Bhagwan Ko॥ Meaning: Chant the name Shanmukha and remove the mind’s pain. With six faces Kartikeya sees and guards all six directions.
17. Mayura Vaahan Sobha Hai, Divya Darshan Ki Lobha Hai। Jo Koi Darshan Pata Hai, Woh Anand Ko Pata Hai॥ Meaning: The peacock-mount is resplendent devotees long for the divine vision. Whoever receives that vision attains bliss.
18. Kartikeya Ki Shakti Se, Dushman Door Hote Hain। Jo Jan Tujhe Dhyata Hai, Woh Vijayi Hota Hai॥ Meaning: By Kartikeya’s power enemies are driven away. Whoever meditates on you becomes victorious.
19. Muruga Dev Ki Pooja Karo, Man Ka Darr Door Karo। Vel Ki Shakti Se Jitten Hain, Sab Mushkilon Se Ubarte Hain॥ Meaning: Worship Muruga Deva and remove fear from the mind. By the power of the Vel we triumph and rise above every difficulty.
20. Kartikeya Subramanya Ek Hain, Dev Deva Ke Aneka Hain। Tamil Mein Murugan Kehte Hain, Sanskrit Mein Skanda Maante Hain॥ Meaning: Kartikeya and Subramanya are one; the names of God are many. In Tamil he is called Murugan; in Sanskrit he is known as Skanda.
21. Kumara Kumara Sab Bol Hain, Murugan Ki Jai Jai Bol Hain। Vel Vel Vel Vel Naam Jap, Kartikeya Ka Karo Pratap॥ Meaning: “Kumara, Kumara!” all proclaim it. “Victory to Murugan!” all declare it. Vel! Vel! Vel! Vel! chant the name and celebrate Kartikeya’s glory.
22. Kartikeya Ki Mahima Badi, Bhakton Par Kripa Ghari Ghari। Jo Koi Tujhe Nit Pooja Kare, Uska Jeevan Safal Ho॥ Meaning: Great is Kartikeya’s glory; his grace rains on devotees every moment. Whoever worships you daily their life becomes fruitful and accomplished.
23. Sashti Tithi Ka Din Khaas, Muruga Ki Pooja Ka Prayaas। Is Din Vrat Jo Koi Kare, Uski Sab Manokamana Poori Ho॥ Meaning: The Sashti Tithi (sixth day) is special the occasion of Muruga’s worship. Whoever fasts on this day all their heart’s desires are fulfilled.
24. Kartikeya Ke Charanon Mein, Sab Sukh Shanti Mildai। Jo Koi Tere Paas Aata, Khali Hath Na Wapas Jaata॥ Meaning: At Kartikeya’s feet all happiness and peace are readily found. Whoever comes to you never goes back empty-handed.
25. Dev Sena Ke Swami Ho Tum, Triloky Ke Antar Yami Ho Tum। Shakti Strot Ho Tum Prabhu, Vijay Ka Varam Do Vibhu॥ Meaning: You are the lord of Devasena and the inner witness of all three worlds. You are the source of Shakti, O Lord grant the boon of victory, O all-pervading one.
26. Kartikeya Naam Lekar Dekho, Jeevan Mein Badlaav Aata Hai। Man Mein Naya Utsah Aata, Har Kasht Door Bhaag Jaata॥ Meaning: Take Kartikeya’s name and see transformation comes to life. Fresh enthusiasm enters the mind and every hardship flees away.
27. Tujhe Dhyane Se Mili Shakti, Kartikeya Mein Param Bhakti। Jo Jan Tujhe Nit Dhyata Hai, Woh Sab Vighan Se Bhaaga Hai॥ Meaning: Meditating on you gives power; supreme devotion lives in Kartikeya. Whoever meditates on you daily they flee from every obstacle.
28. Kartikeya Ki Pooja Se, Sukh Shanti Milti Hai। Man Ki Iccha Poori Hoti, Jeevan Khushiyon Se Bheeti॥ Meaning: Through Kartikeya’s worship, happiness and peace are attained. The heart’s desire is fulfilled and life is filled with joy.
29. Muruga Dev Ki Aarti Gao, Sab Parivar Ko Sukh Pao। Bhajan Kirtan Mein Man Lagao, Murugan Ki Kirpa Pao॥ Meaning: Sing Muruga Deva’s Aarti and bring happiness to the whole family. Fix the mind in bhajan and kirtan and receive Murugan’s grace.
30. Kartikeya Naam Se Vijay Ho, Sab Kasht Aur Dard Door Ho। Bhakti Bhav Se Dhyan Lagao, Muruga Ki Kirpa Ko Pao॥ Meaning: Through Kartikeya’s name, victory is attained and every pain and trouble is removed. Fix your meditation with devotion and receive Muruga’s grace.
31. Skanda Sashti Ka Parvaan Karo, Murugan Ki Pooja Sadhan Karo। Chhe Din Ka Vrat Rakho Prem Se, Murugan Ki Kirpa Mile Sukh Se॥ Meaning: Celebrate Skanda Sashti and make Murugan’s worship your practice. Keep the six-day fast with love and receive Murugan’s grace peacefully.
32. Kartikeya Ke Charanon Ko, Nit Dhyao Har Pal Ko। Man Ki Peeda Door Hogi, Jeevan Mein Khushi Aayegi॥ Meaning: Meditate on Kartikeya’s feet every moment of every day. The mind’s pain will go away and happiness will come to life.
33. Muruga Dev Teri Jai Jai Ho, Bhakton Ka Sab Kasht Mit Ho। Teri Kirpa Sab Par Ho, Jeevan Mein Vijay Ka Ghar Ho॥ Meaning: Victory, victory to Muruga Deva! May all devotees’ troubles dissolve. May your grace be upon all and may victory be the home in every life.
34. Kartikeya Chalisa Padh Ke, Jeevan Mein Badlaav Aata Hai। Murugan Naam Ki Mahima Badi, Bhakton Ko Lagti Sabse Pyadi॥ Meaning: Reading the Kartikeya Chalisa brings transformation to life. Great is Murugan’s name’s glory most beloved to all devotees.
35. Skanda Dev Ki Shakti Apaar, Bhakton Ka Karate Uddhaar। Jo Jan Tujhe Bhav Se Maange, Uski Manokamana Pange॥ Meaning: Skanda Deva’s power is boundless he uplifts all his devotees. Whatever devotee asks of you with feeling their heart’s wish is fulfilled.
36. Kartikeya Naam Ka Ratan, Jap Lo Karo Sukh Chetan। Jo Jan Tujhe Preet Se Jaane, Woh Anand Ka Sagar Paane॥ Meaning: Kartikeya’s name is a jewel chant it and become conscious of happiness. Whoever knows you with love finds an ocean of bliss.
37. Murugan Ki Kirpa Se, Sab Vighan Door Ho Jaate Hain। Man Ki Chahat Poori Hoti, Bhakt Ki Taqdeer Seedhi Hoti॥ Meaning: By Murugan’s grace, all obstacles are removed. The heart’s desire is fulfilled and the devotee’s destiny is straightened.
38. Kartikeya Ke Dham Mein, Jao Darshan Karo Prem Se। Palani Tiruchendur Kathirgama, Sab Dhaam Hain Subramanya Maha॥ Meaning: Go to Kartikeya’s abode and seek darshan with love. Palani, Tiruchendur, Kathirgama all these great dhamas belong to Subramanya.
39. Kartikeya Maa Ki Jai Ho, Bhakton Ka Kalyan Ho। Vel Ka Pratap Faile, Sab Jagat Mein Kirpa Khile॥ Meaning: Victory to Lord Kartikeya! May all devotees be blessed. May the glory of the Vel spread and may grace blossom across the whole world.
40. Kartikeya Chalisa Sampan, Murugan Ki Kirpa Ka Varan। Jo Bhav Se Padhe Nit Ye Path, Murugan Kirpa Rahe Sath॥ Meaning: The Kartikeya Chalisa is complete and Murugan’s grace has been invoked. Whoever reads this with devotion every day Murugan’s grace shall remain with them always.
॥ Closing Doha ॥
Kartikeya Ki Kirpa Se, Sab Vighan Naash Ho। Bhakton Par Murugan Ka, Sada Aashish Ho॥
Meaning: By Kartikeya’s grace, may all obstacles be destroyed. May Murugan’s blessing always be upon his devotees.
Benefits of Reciting Kartikeya Chalisa
- Victory over enemies: Grants protection and triumph over adversaries
- Courage and strength: Builds mental and physical fortitude
- Success in studies: Especially beneficial for students and those seeking knowledge
- Removal of obstacles: Clears impediments from career, education, and relationships
- Divine protection: Shields the devotee from negative forces and misfortune
Best Time to Chant
- Sashti Tithi (sixth day of every lunar fortnight)
- Skanda Sashti — the six-day festival dedicated to Lord Murugan (October–November)
- Tuesday and Friday are especially auspicious
- Karthigai month (November–December) in South Indian tradition