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Skanda

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Kumaraswami, also known as Skanda, Murugan, Ayyappa, and Subramanyaswami, is Shiva and Parvati's elder son. He is the Shiva's army's commander in chief (gana). He was born with a mission.

He is an ancient deity, according to history. Coins with his images from the early Christian era, minted by the Kushanas, were discovered in northwestern India.

His exploits as a warrior, his conflicts with Indra, his association with southern India, and his status as Shiva's son all point to the increasing importance of Saivism in ancient India, following the decline of the Vedic gods and their relegation to a secondary status as Dikpalas or rulers of directions.

Kumaraswami, unlike Ganesha, has a well-built physique, a darker complexion, and a warrior-like demeanour. He exudes strength and charm in the photographs. He is described as intelligent, knowledgeable, and quick on his feet, and he rides a full-fledged peacock as his personal vehicle. According to legend, he was created by Shiva and Parvati to slay Tarakasura, a demon. Shiva appointed him commander-in-chief of his armies and charged him with defeating the demon. Despite his youth, he fought bravely and defeated the demon, earning him the title Tarkari.

As a child, he was suckled by the six divine mothers of the Pleaides constellation, and thus became known as Kartikeya. As Shiva's elder son, he is affectionately referred to as Kumara, which means "boy of eternal youth." He is also known as Santakumara because, in contrast to the hyperactive Ganesha, he is generally pleasant and peaceful. During wars, he is known as Skanda, which means "he who attacks," because he is very aggressive and ferocious against his enemies. After severing a mountain called Krauncha, he became Krauchabhetta. Guha (the secret), Gangeya (son of Ganga), and Swaminatha are some of his other names.

He is depicted in the images with six heads and twelve arms, or with one head and two arms. He is also shown sitting on his knees, on a pedestal with his Shaktis, standing by the side of his peacock, or riding on it. The peacock is frequently depicted holding a snake or standing on its hood. Valli and Devasena, Indra's daughters, are his consorts or Shaktis. His temples are generally located on hilltops, implying his association with Shiva, who is also a mountain dweller. Kumaraswami is not as well-known as Ganesha at the moment. However, his popularity has skyrocketed in recent years as a result of his association with Swami Ayyappa.

Swami Ayyappa:In Kerala, there is a famous temple on the top of a hill at Sabarimalai that houses the famous deity, Swami Ayyappa. Every year during the winter season, millions of devotees pay him a visit. Many austerities and observations are required for devotees to see this god. They dress in black, observe 40 days of strict austerities and celibacy vows, and trek through a deep forest carrying their meagre belongings while chanting the name of Ayyappa all the way.

His original name, according to legend, was Manikanthan. Vishnu and Shiva's combined power created him. As a result, he is also known as Hariharaputra, the son of Hari and Hara. He was created specifically for the purpose of killing Mahisha, the wife of Mahishasura, whom goddess Durga had previously killed, and who, after the death of her husband, cried out for vengeance and began causing havoc for the gods.

Vishnu and Shiva both decided to manifest Manikanthan in order to deal with this demon. Manikanthan was raised as a king's son by Rajasekharan after he was created. Manikanthan slew the demon at the age of twelve and then vanished, leaving instructions to his father to build a temple in his honour on the top of the hill.

This temple is now known as the Sabarimalai Temple of Ayyappa. Many people believe he is Kumaraswami's reincarnation.

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