Devatā

Kārtikeya

Also called as Skanda, Subrahmanya, Muruga; By virtue of being the senapati of the devas, he is identified as the god of war.

Vāhana

Paravaṇī

Peacock represents the excess ego and pride which is kept under control by Kartikeya.

Kartikeya Paravani

Story

The Story of Kartikeya and the Peacock

Long ago, there was a powerful demon named Surapadman. He was the son of an Asura (demon) named Vajranga and a beautiful apsara (heavenly maiden) named Varangi. Surapadman grew up very strong, and soon he became a terror to everyone, even the gods!

But Surapadman had a special power. Lord Shiva had given him a boon that no one could defeat him—only Shiva’s own son could take his life. At that time, Shiva didn’t have a son, so Surapadman felt unstoppable and became more and more arrogant.

Meanwhile, Lord Shiva did have a son, but Surapadman didn’t know about it. His son was Kartikeya, also known as Subramanya, the six-headed warrior god. Kartikeya was raised by six kind celestial maidens and grew up strong and wise, becoming the commander-in-chief of the gods.

One day, the gods came to Kartikeya, asking him for help. “Surapadman is causing so much trouble! Only you can save us!” they said. Kartikeya decided to put an end to Surapadman’s mischief.

A fierce battle began between Kartikeya and Surapadman. The battle lasted a long time, and they fought with great strength. In the end, Kartikeya won. Surapadman realized that the powerful Kartikeya was Lord Shiva’s son, the only one who could defeat him.

Surapadman was filled with regret. He asked Kartikeya for forgiveness, saying, “Please forgive me. I wish to make up for all the wrongs I’ve done.”

Kartikeya, with a kind heart, forgave Surapadman. As a sign of respect and redemption, Surapadman asked if he could serve Kartikeya. Kartikeya agreed and granted Surapadman the honor of becoming his vaahana, his special companion, in the form of a beautiful peacock.

And from that day on, Kartikeya rode on the majestic peacock, who had once been Surapadman. Together, they traveled across the heavens, bringing peace and protection to all.

And that is how the peacock became Kartikeya’s loyal vaahana!

Surapadman the son of Asura Vajranga and apsara Varangi grew up to be a terror to everyone including the demi-gods. The reason for his arrogance was the boon bestowed by Lord Shiva that none other than the son of the Lord himself will be able to take away Surapadman’s life. This was when Sati was no longer in Shiva’s life and Parvati was not yet married to Lord Shiva. 

But unknown to Surpadman, Kartikeya or Subramanya, the six-headed God was born and was nursed to life by six celestial damsels. Kartikeya grew up to be the commander-in-chief of the Gods. Unable to bear Surapadman’s torture, the Gods approached Kartikeya to get them free from him.

A fierce battle ensued between Surapadman and Kartikeya, which eventually was won by Kartikeya. Surapadman, realised that his defeat was at the hands of none other than Lord Shiva’s son. Struck by Subramanya’s Vel, Surapadman asked for forgiveness and wanted to redeem himself, hence asked for forgiveness. Kartikeya forgave him and granted him the honour of being His vehicle or vahana, in the form of a peacock.