I. Introduction

In the intricate tapestry of Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva, the supreme deity and part of the holy trinity, stands as a symbol of change and transformation. Known as the destroyer and transformer, his persona is as multifaceted as the roles he assumes. As important as his cosmic duties are, equally fascinating are his roles within the family sphere. His familial relationships, particularly with his children, hold profound significance in the grand narrative of Hindu religion and spirituality. This post will delve into the intriguing tales, potent symbolism, and substantial impact of Shiva's divine offspring—Kartikeya, Ganesha, Ashokasundari, and potentially Ayyappa and Jyoti.

Born from unconventional circumstances and embodying unique traits and powers, Shiva's children are revered deities in their own right. Each of them holds distinct portfolios, teaching lessons of wisdom, courage, prosperity, and balance. They reflect a kaleidoscope of life's experiences and values, reaching out to devotees on multiple levels.

Kartikeya, the war god known for his indomitable valor; Ganesha, the elephant-headed god symbolizing wisdom and remover of obstacles; Ashokasundari, the personification of beauty and grace; Ayyappa, an embodiment of unity and harmony; and Jyoti, a manifestation of light—each carry forth Shiva's spiritual legacy in their unique ways. They not only add depth to Shiva's character but also give us a nuanced understanding of the wider Hindu ethos.

This post will explore the birth, life, powers, and legends of each child, their roles in the grand scheme of Hindu mythology, their worship, and symbolism in contemporary society. Furthermore, we will delve into their artistic depictions and contributions to literature and culture, further extending their influence beyond the religious sphere. Let us embark on this fascinating journey, uncovering the stories of Shiva's children and their multifaceted roles in Hindu mythology and beyond.

II. Kartikeya

Birth and Upbringing

Kartikeya, also known as Murugan, Skanda, Subrahmanya, and Shanmukha, is an essential figure in Hindu mythology. Celebrated as the god of war, his birth and upbringing are wrapped in layers of symbolic and profound tales that find mention in several ancient scriptures, such as the Puranas and the Mahabharata.

The narrative of Kartikeya's birth is tied closely to the larger cosmic mission of defeating the powerful demon Tarakasura. As per Shiva Purana, Tarakasura had secured a boon from Brahma, which granted him invincibility at the hands of any being except the offspring of Shiva. At the time, Shiva was in deep meditation following the death of his first wife, Sati, and seemed distant from any possibility of remarriage or having a child.

Realizing the urgency of the situation, the gods decided to intervene. They planned to spur Shiva's interest in Parvati, Sati's reincarnation, and hence hasten the birth of the divine child. The god of love, Kamadeva, was assigned to pierce Shiva with his love-dart. This, however, provoked Shiva's wrath, and he opened his third eye, reducing Kamadeva to ashes. Nonetheless, the endeavor was not entirely in vain as Shiva was indeed stirred from his meditation and eventually married Parvati.

Following their union, Parvati performed severe austerities to bear Shiva's child, whose potency was immense. The Puranas narrate that when the time came for the child's birth, Parvati's labor was so intense that the entire cosmos shook. The sheer force of Shiva's seed was such that no god, human, or creature could bear it. Hence, Agni, the god of fire, was called upon to receive the potent seed. Even Agni could not contain the energy of the divine semen and had to drop it into the Ganges. Thus, Kartikeya was born, fostered by the river Ganges and later nurtured by the Krittikas, the six celestial nymphs, giving him the name Kartikeya.

Kartikeya's upbringing was just as unique as his birth. The Krittikas nourished him with their milk, and he developed six faces (Shanmukha) to nurse from each of them simultaneously. As he grew, his strength and divinity were apparent, and he quickly matured into a formidable warrior. Eventually, he was made the commander-in-chief of the gods' army to lead the charge against Tarakasura.

Kartikeya's birth and upbringing stories underline his divine origin, his purpose of creation, and his formidable might. Even though he is the son of Shiva, the circumstances of his birth and childhood, combined with the powers and responsibilities he was granted, render him a unique deity in the Hindu pantheon.

Roles, Powers, and Attributes

As the son of Shiva and Parvati, Kartikeya is often depicted as a youthful god, riding a peacock and wielding a divine spear named Vel or Shakti.

Role: Kartikeya's primary role in Hindu mythology is as the commander-in-chief of the gods, leading them to victory against the forces of darkness and chaos. He is the deity of war, a fearless warrior who embodies valor and courage. Beyond his martial attributes, Kartikeya is also revered as a divine teacher, embodying the wisdom of spiritual enlightenment. In South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, he is considered the god of Tamil language and literature.

Powers: Kartikeya is endowed with divine strength, agility, and martial prowess, making him one of the most formidable deities in the Hindu pantheon. His spear, the Shakti, is a powerful weapon that symbolizes his divine energy and the power to overcome ignorance and illusion. It is said that with this spear, Kartikeya can vanquish any foe. He also has the power to inspire and bless his devotees with courage, strength, and wisdom.

Attributes: Kartikeya's attributes are reflective of his dual role as a warrior and a teacher. His peacock mount represents his victory over pride and ego, as the peacock is known for its beauty and vanity. The spear signifies his power to pierce through illusion and ignorance, leading to spiritual awakening. His six heads represent the five senses and the mind, implying mastery over both. They also signify his ability to see in all directions, indicative of his omniscience. He is often depicted with twelve arms, holding various weapons and symbols that denote his protection and divine power.

The worship and iconography of Kartikeya vary significantly across different regions of India. In North India, he is often depicted as a celibate yogi, while in South India, he is commonly portrayed with two consorts, Valli and Devasena. Despite these variations, the essence of Kartikeya as a protector deity, the embodiment of supreme wisdom, and the vanquisher of evil remains consistent across traditions.

Kartikeya's tales are rich with symbolism and profound philosophical insights, highlighting the virtues of courage, righteousness, and the pursuit of spiritual wisdom. His stories inspire devotees to transcend their limitations, conquer their inner demons, and strive for spiritual enlightenment. His youthful vigor, combined with his divine wisdom, makes Kartikeya a unique and beloved figure in Hindu mythology.

Major Associated Legends

Birth of Kartikeya:Kartikeya's birth story is tied closely to the need for an end to the tyranny of the demon Tarakasura, who had a boon that he could only be killed by a son of Shiva. However, Shiva was in deep meditation after the death of his wife Sati. To solve this, the gods sent Kamadeva, the god of love, to disturb Shiva's meditation and make him fall in love with Parvati, Sati's reincarnation. Shiva, upon being disturbed, opened his third eye and burnt Kamadeva to ashes. But, he fell in love with Parvati and eventually married her. The sparks of Shiva's fierce energy were unbearable and were transferred to the river Ganga and later to the forest of reeds, where Kartikeya was born. He was raised by the six Kartika stars (Pleiades), which is why he is often depicted with six heads.

Kartikeya and Tarakasura:Once Kartikeya reached his youth, he was appointed by the gods as their commander-in-chief to lead the war against the demons. He defeated and killed Tarakasura, thus freeing the heavens from the demon's atrocities. He used a divine spear given to him by his mother, Parvati, known as the "Vel," making it an important symbol in his worship.

Kartikeya and the Krauncha Mountain:Another legend speaks of Kartikeya's clash with a demon named Surapadma, who took the form of a mountain, Krauncha. Kartikeya split the mountain with his spear to kill Surapadma. After being defeated, Surapadma requested Kartikeya to accept him as his vehicle, and thus he was transformed into a peacock, which is why Kartikeya is often depicted riding a peacock.

Kartikeya and the Wisdom Fruit:In another story, Kartikeya and his brother Ganesha were given a challenge by their parents, Shiva and Parvati, to travel around the world. The prize was a divine fruit of wisdom. While Kartikeya set off on his peacock to fly around the world, Ganesha simply walked around Shiva and Parvati, stating that his parents are his world. As a result, Ganesha won the fruit, showing the emphasis on wisdom over might.

Worship and Symbolism

Worship of Kartikeya:

Kartikeya is especially popular in Tamil Nadu, where his worship is quite prominent. The deity is venerated during the Tamil month of Karthikai (mid-November to mid-December) and particularly during the Karthikai Deepam festival when the light of Lord Muruga, as Kartikeya is commonly known in Tamil Nadu, is believed to have appeared on the hill of Thiruvannamalai.

His worship often involves offerings of food, especially "Panchamritam" and "Vada" (a South Indian savory dish). Devotees also often observe fasting and kavadi attam, a dance performed by devotees during the ceremonial worship. The Thaipusam festival in Tamil Nadu, which marks the victory of Kartikeya over the demon Tarakasura, is also associated with Kavadi Attam.

Temples dedicated to Kartikeya are scattered throughout the Indian subcontinent. Some of the most famous are the Arupadaiveedu (the six abodes) in Tamil Nadu and the Batu Caves in Malaysia. The Arupadaiveedu temples are believed to be the places where Kartikeya had stayed during his life.

In North India, Kartikeya's worship is not as prevalent as in the South, though he is worshipped during the festival of Skanda Sashti.

Symbolism of Kartikeya:

Kartikeya's symbolism is rich and multifaceted. As a god of war and victory, he represents courage, bravery, strategy, and protection against harm and evil forces. His primary weapon, the Vel or Divine Spear, is a symbol of spiritual insight and the destruction of ignorance.

His mount or vehicle, the peacock, symbolizes the conquering of ego and pride (as peacocks are known for their proud display). The peacock is also said to symbolize the destruction of harmful habits and negative tendencies.

In his form as a child or Kumaraswami, Kartikeya symbolizes the child-like nature of the divine and the concept of divinity in youth. He is often depicted as a Yogi, symbolizing divine wisdom and spiritual achievement.

Kartikeya's six heads represent the five senses and the mind. They also symbolize his ability to see in all directions – a metaphor for knowledge and awareness. The six heads also correspond to the six chakras of Hindu philosophy, with Kartikeya himself representing the seventh chakra of self-realization or enlightenment.

Despite his martial associations, Kartikeya's worship and symbolism carry a profound spiritual message. They underscore the importance of courage in the spiritual journey, the necessity of destroying ignorance, and the power of divine knowledge.

III. Ganesha

Birth and Upbringing

Ganesha, also known as Ganapati, Vinayaka, and Ekadanta, is one of the most popular and beloved deities in the Hindu pantheon. Known as the god of wisdom and remover of obstacles, his unique elephant-headed form is recognized worldwide. His birth and upbringing are marked by fascinating narratives found in various ancient scriptures, including the Puranas.

As per the Shiva Purana, Ganesha was born from Parvati's body itself. One day, while Shiva was away, Parvati decided to create a child. She rubbed off the dust and oil from her body, and from it formed a figure, which she then breathed life into, creating a young boy. This boy was Ganesha. Parvati, pleased with her creation, appointed Ganesha as her personal guard, instructing him not to allow anyone into her quarters while she was bathing.

However, during her bath, Shiva returned home and was surprised to find a boy denying him entry to his own house. Unaware of the boy's identity, Shiva became enraged when Ganesha, following his mother's instructions, did not allow him to pass. This led to a fierce battle between them, culminating in Shiva severing Ganesha's head.

When Parvati learned of this, she was stricken with immense grief. Seeing her distress, Shiva promised to bring Ganesha back to life. He instructed his ganas (followers) to go and bring the head of the first living creature they encounter facing north. The ganas found an elephant in the north direction and brought back its head. Shiva placed the elephant head on Ganesha's body, bringing him back to life. To appease Parvati's still troubled heart, Shiva declared Ganesha to be his son as well, granting him a position superior to even the celestial deities.

Thus, the circumstances surrounding Ganesha's birth and the events following it play a significant role in defining his attributes and status. They speak of his steadfast dedication to duty as he guards his mother's door, his courage as he battles Shiva, his rebirth signifying a new perspective, and finally, his ascendance to a position of reverence, all of which contribute to the distinct identity of this much-loved deity.

Roles, Powers, and Attributes

Recognizable by his elephant head and potbellied human body, Ganesha is revered as the god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune, and is traditionally invoked at the beginning of any new venture or journey.

Role: Ganesha's primary role in Hinduism is as the remover of obstacles. It's for this reason he is invoked at the start of undertakings, be they worldly or spiritual, to clear the path of potential impediments. Moreover, he is a patron of letters and learning, making him a symbol of intellect and wisdom. Ganesha is also known as the lord of beginnings, emphasizing his association with auspicious starts to endeavors.

Powers: Ganesha is believed to possess the divine power to remove obstacles and ensure success in human endeavors. This can be seen as a metaphorical power, representing the overcoming of psychological and spiritual obstacles such as greed, anger, and delusion. Ganesha also has the power to bestow wisdom and intellect, aiding his devotees in making wise decisions and guiding them on the path of knowledge.

Attributes: Iconographically, Ganesha is rich in symbolic attributes. His elephant head symbolizes wisdom and learning. The large ears suggest that he is an attentive listener, while his small mouth represents a preference for listening over speaking, a characteristic of wisdom. His large belly is said to contain the universe or denote the ability to digest all of life's experiences, pleasant or unpleasant.

Ganesha usually holds an axe or goad (to steer mankind on the right path and cut attachments), a noose (to capture difficulties), a bowl of sweets (rewards of a wise life), and often a lotus flower (symbolizing enlightenment). His single tusk (the other is often broken) represents the idea of retaining the good while discarding the bad.

He is often depicted riding a mouse, which represents the ability to control our thoughts and desires, which can otherwise easily lead us astray if not kept under check.

In different regions and traditions, Ganesha may have additional attributes or carry different items, but the aforementioned ones are quite common and widely recognized.

The stories of Ganesha are filled with allegorical messages, teaching devotees about humility, wisdom, and the importance of perseverance. His popularity extends beyond the boundaries of India, and he is worshipped in various other Southeast Asian cultures. Despite his seemingly strange appearance, or perhaps because of it, Ganesha's image evokes a sense of comfort and familiarity, making him an endearing deity to millions around the world.

Major Associated Legends

Birth of Ganesha:The most popular story of Ganesha's birth comes from the Shiva Purana. According to this, Parvati, the wife of Shiva, desired a child and thus, created a boy from the turmeric paste she used for bathing and breathed life into it. She asked the boy to guard the door while she bathed. When Shiva arrived, the boy didn't let him in. Shiva, in anger, cut off the boy's head. When Parvati came to know of this, she was enraged. To placate her, Shiva promised to cut off the head of the first creature he encountered, which happened to be an elephant, and placed it on the boy's body, bringing him back to life. This child was Ganesha.

Ganesha and the Moon:On one of his birthdays, Ganesha went around accepting sweets from devotees. After consuming a large amount, he tripped over a snake on the road, and his full belly burst open. Ganesha stuffed all the sweets back into his stomach and tied the snake around his waist to hold his belly together. The moon, who had been watching this, burst out laughing. Angry at the moon's mockery, Ganesha cursed the moon to vanish from the sky. Later, he relented and modified the curse, leading to the moon's waxing and waning.

Ganesha and the Race Around the World:One story tells of a competition between Ganesha and his brother Kartikeya to race around the world three times. Kartikeya swiftly mounted his peacock to start the race, while Ganesha simply walked around Shiva and Parvati three times. When asked to explain his actions, Ganesha replied that his parents, Shiva and Parvati, were his world. Pleased with his cleverness and filial devotion, Ganesha was declared the winner.

Ganesha and the Broken Tusk:Ganesha is often depicted with one broken tusk. One legend says that while Ganesha was writing down the epic Mahabharata as it was being recited by the sage Vyasa, his writing implement broke. Rather than interrupt Vyasa's recitation, Ganesha broke off one of his own tusks and used it to continue writing.

Worship and Symbolism

Worship of Ganesha:

Ganesha is the lord of beginnings, and his blessings are invoked at the start of any new venture, making his worship prevalent in virtually all aspects of life. This includes the commencement of business affairs, the opening of new accounts, the beginning of travels, and the start of religious ceremonies.

The festival most associated with Ganesha is Ganesh Chaturthi, which is celebrated with great fervor, especially in Maharashtra, India. During this festival, clay idols of Ganesha are installed in homes and public places, and worshipped for a period ranging from a day to ten days, after which they are immersed in water bodies.

Ganesha is often worshipped with offerings of sweets, particularly modak, believed to be his favorite food. Flowers, incense, and various types of fruits are also offered during his worship.

Symbolism of Ganesha:

The form of Ganesha itself is rich in symbolism. His elephant head symbolizes wisdom and learning, with the trunk representing Om, the sacred sound and icon of cosmic reality in Hinduism. His large ears signify the ability to listen more and absorb more information, while his small mouth suggests talking less.

Ganesha's large belly represents generosity and the ability to digest all the good and bad in life. The broken tusk that Ganesha holds in his lower right hand is a symbol of sacrifice (he broke it to use as a pen to write the Mahabharata).

Ganesha's four hands usually hold a noose, a goad, and a bowl of sweets, with the fourth hand in a blessing pose. The noose symbolizes worldly attachments, the goad represents the goading of humans onto the eternal path, and the bowl of sweets symbolizes the rewards of a life well lived.

His vehicle, the mouse, represents the ego that can nibble away all that is good and noble in a person. Having the mouse as his vehicle shows the importance of controlling one's ego and desire.

Ganesha's role as a remover of obstacles is not just about material or worldly challenges, but more importantly, it’s about overcoming obstacles to spiritual progress. He is also considered the patron of arts and sciences, and the god of intellect and wisdom. As such, he is widely revered by people of all ages, particularly students and scholars.

IV. Ashokasundari

Birth and story

Ashokasundari, often overlooked in comparison to her brothers, Kartikeya and Ganesha, is a significant figure in certain regional variations of Hindu mythology. Her birth and upbringing are specifically noted in the Padma Purana, one of the eighteen Mahapuranas. Her name, "Ashoka" meaning without sorrow and "Sundari" meaning beautiful, denotes a beautiful damsel who relieves sorrows.

According to the narrative in the Padma Purana, Ashokasundari was created by Parvati. The story begins with Parvati expressing to Shiva her feelings of loneliness in his absence. He advises her to meditate on the Kalpavriksha, the wish-fulfilling divine tree, to alleviate her loneliness. Following his counsel, Parvati meditated, and from the tree, a beautiful maiden emerged. This maiden was Ashokasundari.

Raised under the affectionate care of her parents, Shiva and Parvati, Ashokasundari grew up in the divine surroundings of Mount Kailash. She was instructed on the virtues of righteousness, morality, and the importance of duty. The tales of her upbringing often portray her as a symbol of piety and grace, embodying the values of an ideal daughter.

An interesting story narrates her encounter with a rakshasa (demon) named Hunda. He falls in love with her, but when his feelings aren't reciprocated, he plots to kidnap her. Ashokasundari, however, remained virtuous, devoutly praying to her mother, Parvati. Answering her prayers, Parvati intervened, destroying Hunda and rescuing Ashokasundari.

While Ashokasundari isn't as well-known as her brothers, her narratives offer significant insights into the themes of feminine power and the divine mother-daughter bond in Hindu mythology. They illustrate the protective and nurturing aspects of Parvati as a mother and the grace and virtue of Ashokasundari as the divine daughter.

Roles, Powers, and Attributes

Ashokasundari is a lesser-known deity in the vast pantheon of Hindu gods and goddesses. Her mention is found primarily in the Padma Purana, one of the eighteen Mahapuranas, a genre of ancient Indian scriptures.

Role: Ashokasundari, the daughter of Shiva and Parvati, was created by Parvati to relieve her loneliness. Parvati wished for a daughter who could accompany her and alleviate her solitude, and so Ashokasundari was manifested from the wish-fulfilling tree Kalpavriksha. Her name "Ashokasundari" is composed of three Sanskrit words: "Ashoka," which means "without sorrow," "Sundari," meaning "beautiful woman," and together they imply a beautiful woman devoid of sorrow.

In some regional folklore and customs, Ashokasundari is identified as a goddess of fertility and nature. In this role, she is often worshipped for children, good harvests, and the overall prosperity of the household.

Powers: Being the daughter of powerful divine beings, it is believed that Ashokasundari inherits several divine abilities from her parents, although these powers are not widely elaborated in the scriptures. However, considering her origin from the Kalpavriksha, she is often associated with the power to grant wishes and bring joy and happiness.

Attributes: Ashokasundari, like many other goddesses in Hinduism, is typically depicted as a beautiful young woman, usually in the company of her parents, Shiva and Parvati. She is adorned with divine jewelry and garments, emphasizing her divine status.

Given that Ashokasundari is not as widely worshipped as other members of her divine family, her iconography is not as elaborate or consistently defined as those of deities like Ganesha or Kartikeya. However, in her depictions, she often carries a lotus, a common symbol associated with female deities in Hinduism, signifying purity, beauty, and divine creation.

Her story emphasizes virtues like patience, obedience, and respect for elders. In her tale from the Padma Purana, she is advised by her mother, Parvati, to meditate on the goddess Gayatri (an embodiment of supreme Brahman and the mother of Vedas) to find a suitable husband. Following her mother's advice, Ashokasundari conducts rigorous penance and is eventually blessed with a noble and valiant husband, Nahusha. Her story serves as a moral narrative emphasizing the importance of patience and devotion.

Despite her relatively lesser-known status in mainstream Hinduism, Ashokasundari's story adds to the richness of Hindu mythology, contributing to the diverse portrayal of divine figures in the religion.

Major Associated Legends

Creation of Ashokasundari:Parvati, feeling lonely, desired a daughter to keep her company. She voiced her wish to the wish-fulfilling tree, Kalpavriksha, which resulted in the manifestation of Ashokasundari. As a goddess born out of Parvati's loneliness and her desire for companionship, Ashokasundari was named so because she was meant to be devoid of sorrow ("Ashoka") and beautiful ("Sundari").

Ashokasundari and Jalandhara:One significant story involves an encounter with the demon Jalandhara. Once, when Ashokasundari was strolling in Nandanvana, the garden of heaven, the demon Jalandhara saw her. He was struck by her beauty and decided to kidnap her, thinking she was unmarried.

However, Ashokasundari created an illusory fawn and ran away as Jalandhara was distracted by the fawn. She sought refuge in a hermitage, where she met a sage named Gautama. Recognizing her divine nature, Gautama gave her protection. This encounter is important as it shows Ashokasundari's intelligence and self-reliance.

Ashokasundari and Nahusha:Parvati advised Ashokasundari to meditate on the Gayatri Mantra to ensure her marriage to a noble and valiant husband. Ashokasundari followed her mother's advice and performed rigorous penance. Pleased with her devotion, the goddess Gayatri appeared before her and blessed her, saying she would marry Nahusha.

Eventually, Nahusha, a virtuous and courageous man, visited the hermitage where Ashokasundari was residing. They met and fell in love. With the blessings of Parvati and Shiva, they got married.

This narrative underlines the virtues of patience, obedience, respect for elders, and the power of meditation and penance. Nahusha later becomes a legendary king and is known for his temporary ascendance to the throne of Indra, the king of gods.

IX. Conclusion

In conclusion, the fascinating stories of Kartikeya, Ganesha, and Ashokasundari, the beloved children of Lord Shiva, offer a wealth of insight into the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology. The tales of their unique births and upbringing, their diverse roles, powers, and attributes, and the legends that revolve around them, add depth and nuance to our understanding of the Hindu pantheon.

Kartikeya, the commander-in-chief of the gods, Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, and Ashokasundari, the embodiment of feminine beauty and virtue, each play their part in upholding the cosmic order, illustrating the multi-faceted nature of divinity in Hindu thought.

Moreover, the enduring popularity of these deities in art, culture, and ritual underscores their relevance to contemporary Hindu religious and cultural life. Their stories continue to inspire, instruct, and offer solace, underscoring the timeless wisdom and universal appeal of these ancient narratives. As we delve deeper into the lore of these divine figures, we are invited to reflect on the profound spiritual truths that they embody and to explore the many ways these truths can enrich our own understanding of the world and our place in it.