6 Mukhi Rudraksha

In one popular version, it is believed that Lord Kartikeya was born from the divine seed of Lord Shiva. The intense heat emitted by this seed made it challenging to handle, and Agnidev (the god of fire) was entrusted with its safekeeping. However, even Agnidev found it challenging to hold the seed for long, and it was eventually passed on to the goddess Ganga (the personification of the Ganges River). As Ganga carried the seed, the river’s waters started to evaporate. She then deposited the seed on the Sharavana reeds, where it split into six parts.

These six parts were discovered and cared for by the six Krittikas, a group of celestial beings often associated with the Pleiades star cluster. The six children cried loudly until Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva and mother of Kartikeya, came to see them. She merged the six-faced children with her loving gaze, unifying their faces. This transformed child, Kartikeya, was then trained and guided by divine Shiva, Shakti (Parvati), Lord Brahma, Saraswati, and Lakshmi. Lord Kartikeya had acquired divine knowledge and prowess and fulfilled his purpose by defeating the demon Tarkasur. Kartikeya killed Tarakasur using the power of Kantimat Shakti in one stroke.

It is believed that Lord Shiva, impressed by Kartikeya’s abilities, asked him about the significance of the sacred syllable “Om.” In response, Kartikeya expressed his willingness to reveal the secret only if he were granted a place higher than Lord Shiva himself. Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati lovingly granted Kartikeya a place on his shoulder, symbolizing his exalted position.