Kartikeya Aarti (कार्तिकेय की आरती)
Significance & Importance
The Kartikeya Aarti, 'Om Jai Shiv Kumara,' celebrates the divine son of Shiva and Parvati — six-faced commander of the gods' army who slew Tarakasura — revered across India as Murugan, the embodiment of valour, spiritual knowledge, and divine generalship.
The aarti describes Kartikeya's iconic form: six faces (hence the names Shanmukha and Shadanana), which tradition says arose from his being nursed by the six Krittika (Pleiades) star-mothers, and his radiant peacock mount — a bird believed to have power over serpents, symbolising victory over ego and lower impulses. He holds the Vel (divine spear), a weapon associated in Tamil Shaiva tradition with divine grace and the ability to pierce through illusion.
Across South India, Kartikeya is revered as Murugan or Subramanya — one of the most actively worshipped deities on the subcontinent. His six sacred abodes (Arupadai Veedu) in Tamil Nadu draw pilgrims throughout the year, while Palani and Tiruchendur are among the most visited shrines in all of India. The festival of Thaipusam sees devotees undertaking extraordinary acts of devotion in his honour, and Skanda Shashti celebrates his victory over Tarakasura across Tamil Nadu and beyond.
In North India, he is revered as Kartikeya, Kumara, and Skanda — the eternal youth who embodies the energy of a righteous warrior unmarred by ego. This aarti bridges the northern and southern devotional streams, celebrating a deity whose worship is as ancient as the Vedas and as vibrant as any living tradition in contemporary Hinduism.
English Transliteration
Om Jai Shiv Kumara, Swami Jai Shiv Kumara.
Parvati Nandan, Tum Ho Praan-Adhara.
Om Jai Shiv Kumara.
Mor Ki Savari Saaje, Sundar Roop Tumhara.
Haath Mein Bhala Sohe, Kartikeya Kumara.
Om Jai Shiv Kumara.
Tarakasur Ko Mara, Devon Ko Ubara.
Dharm Rakshak Swami, Sankat Bhanjan Hara.
Om Jai Shiv Kumara.
Chheh Hain Sheesh Tumhare, Chheh Mukh Ke Dhari.
Gyarah Rudra Avataar, Mahima Hai Bhari.
Om Jai Shiv Kumara.
Dakshin Mein Pooje Jaate, Murugan Avatari.
Gyaan Aur Bal Ke Sagar, Shiv Ke Dulaare.
Om Jai Shiv Kumara.
Kartikeya Ki Aarti, Jo Koi Jan Gaave.
Kahat Bhakt Jan Swami, Sukh-Sampatti Paave.
Om Jai Shiv Kumara.Meaning / Bhavarth (Complete)
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should the Kartikeya Aarti be recited?
The Kartikeya Aarti is traditionally sung during the morning and evening aarti of Kartikeya, and especially on days and festivals dedicated to Kartikeya. It may be recited on any day with devotion.
What are the benefits of reciting the Kartikeya Aarti?
Reciting the Kartikeya Aarti with devotion is traditionally believed to invoke the grace of Kartikeya, steady the mind, dispel negativity, and create an auspicious, sattvic atmosphere at home. It is offered as an act of bhakti (loving devotion) rather than for any guaranteed material result.
Where can I read the complete Kartikeya Aarti lyrics?
VedKosh provides the complete Kartikeya Aarti lyrics dedicated to Kartikeya (कार्तिकेय) in both Hindi and English (with transliteration for regional readers), along with its meaning and a printable/downloadable version.
