Kartikeya Chalisa
कार्तिकेय चालीसा
40-verse hymn to Lord Kartikeya, the warrior son of Shiva and Parvati, commander of the celestial armies (Devasenapati). Known as Murugan in the South, Skanda in scriptures, and Subrahmanya in Vedanta — six-faced slayer of the demon Tarakasura, eternal youth bearing the Vel spear.
Significance
Kartikeya embodies viveka (discrimination), valour, and the vanquishing of ego (Tarakasura symbolises ahamkara). His chalisa is invoked for victory in disputes, protection from black magic, removal of Mangal Dosha, and the awakening of fearless wisdom in spiritual seekers.
When recited: Tuesdays, Skanda Shashthi, Thaipusam, Kartik Purnima, before facing enemies or court cases
Benefits
- Victory in legal disputes, competitions, and confrontations
- Relief from Mangal Dosha and Mars-related afflictions in the kundli
- Protection from black magic, tantric attacks, and evil eye
- Courage to face adversity and dissolve fear of enemies
- Awakening of viveka — the discriminative wisdom that pierces illusion
- Blessings for children, especially male progeny per traditional belief
Opening verses
First 6 verses of the Kartikeya Chalisa — the most-recited opening section.
जय जय जय कार्तिकेय गुसाईं। शिव-पारवती के प्यारे भाई॥
षडमुख षडानन छह भुजधारी। तारकासुर के तुम संहारी॥
मयूर वाहन हाथ में भाला। गले विराजे मणियन माला॥
देव सेनापति शूर बलवाना। दुष्ट दलन प्रभु कृपा निधाना॥
जय गिरिजा सुत परम सुजाना। ऋद्धि सिद्धि के तुम वरदाना॥
क्रौंच पर्वत को चीर गिराया। तारक का तुमने मद चूर्ण कराया॥
Meaning
Victory, victory, victory to Lord Kartikeya, beloved brother in the family of Shiva and Parvati. The six-faced one with six countenances and twelve arms, you are the slayer of the demon Tarakasura. Riding the peacock, holding the spear in your hand, a garland of jewels gracing your neck. Commander of the celestial armies, hero of immense strength, destroyer of the wicked and treasury of grace. Victory to the wise son of the mountain-born Parvati, granter of prosperity and supernatural perfection. You cleaved through the Krauncha mountain and shattered the pride of Taraka. Devotees who recite these verses with sincere bhakti receive the fearless spear of viveka that cuts through the ego-demon within, just as your Vel pierced Tarakasura's heart on the battlefield of Devaloka.
For complete authoritative text
Refer to printed editions from these sources for the full 40-verse chalisa with traditional pronunciation guides: