Sri Kartikeya Ashtakam

1. Sage Agastya said — I bow to the lotus feet of Kartikeya, worshiped by the gods, radiant as nectar, six-faced and valiant, born from the heart of Goddess Gauri.
2. Salutations to You, who destroy the sorrows of the devoted, fulfill all desires, grant divine chariots, and slew the mighty demon Tarakasura.
3. Homage to the formless who manifests in countless forms, the supreme beyond all attributes, the immeasurable, the infinite, and the glorious peacock-rider.
4. I bow to You, the best among knowers of Brahman, clothed in the directions, golden-hued, with radiant arms and the golden seed of creation.
5. Embodiment of penance and its fruit, eternal Kumara, conqueror of cold and ego, detached from worldly wealth — I bow to You, the ascetic Lord.
6. O Lord born from the divine spark, whose teeth shine like the morning sun, youthful yet immensely strong, nurtured by six mothers — I adore You.
7. Most powerful among the mighty, Lord of the hosts, beyond birth and death, Vishakha, wielder of Shakti — to You my constant salutations.
8. O Lord of all, destroyer of Taraka and Krauncha, son of Ganga, Kartikeya, the essence of Shiva Himself — to You, the eternal one, my endless prostrations.

Summary:

The Sri Kartikeya Ashtakam is a revered hymn from the Skanda Purana, composed by Sage Agastya in praise of Lord Subrahmanya, the divine son of Shiva and Parvati.

Each verse exalts Kartikeya’s unique qualities — his divine birth, boundless energy, wisdom, penance, and compassion for devotees.

He is portrayed as both the cosmic warrior who destroyed Tarakasura and the inner light of knowledge who dispels ignorance.

Reciting this Ashtakam purifies the mind, strengthens devotion, and grants victory over adversity.

The hymn celebrates Kartikeya as the embodiment of courage, ascetic discipline, and divine grace — the perfect union of valor and wisdom.

Devotees who chant it with faith are blessed with fearlessness, clarity, and fulfillment of righteous desires through the Lord’s boundless compassion.