Subramanya

About Subramanya

Subramanya is the warrior-son of Shiva, born when sparks from Shiva's third eye were carried by Agni and Ganga into a thicket of reeds called Saravana — hence his name Saravanabhava, also his five-syllable mantra. Six Krittika star-mothers suckled the infant, so he grew six faces and is called Shanmukha. He rides a peacock and carries the Vel, the spear Parvati gave him, which he used to slay the demon Taraka and split Mount Krauncha. His Tamil consort Valli is named in every verse of the Subramanya Ashtakam. Devotees worship him on Shashthi, the sixth lunar day.