Kartikeya is Shiva’s son associated with war and victory in Hindu mythology.
Kartikeya is also known by names including Skanda, Murugan, and Subrahmanya. He is portrayed as a youthful warrior and commander of the divine armies. His principal weapon is the vel, a sacred spear traditionally given by his mother Parvati, and his vehicle is commonly a peacock.
A major myth describes Kartikeya defeating the demon Tarakasura, whose power threatened the gods. In some traditions, his birth is connected with the need for a son of Shiva who could overcome that demon. His stories and names vary substantially across regions.
Kartikeya is especially prominent in South Indian Hinduism, where Murugan is worshipped at major hill temples and during festivals such as Thaipusam. He should not be confused with Ganesha, Shiva’s other widely known son.