The Sankranti of the month of Karthik is marked with the observance of Karthik Puja, an ancient and culturally significant ritual, particularly in Bengal. This puja is deeply rooted in India’s spiritual ethos, celebrating Karthikeya (or Skanda) in his dual forms: as the gentle infant son of the goddess and as the fierce warrior god. These two forms reflect not only the diversity of his worship but also the profound symbolism of his mythology, which has evolved over millennia.
Kumar Karthik: The Divine Infant in the Mother’s Lap
Karthikeya is often referred to as “Kumar,” the young child who symbolizes innocence and maternal affection. His name originates from the six Krittikas, celestial mothers who nurtured him. This connection to the Krittikas ties Karthikeya to the divine feminine, epitomized in Skandamata, a form of Goddess Durga. Skandamata, as described in scriptures, is depicted holding her infant Karthik on her lap, a vision of nurturing love and protection.
The worship of Karthik as a child in Bengal resonates with this imagery. Here, he is often represented with a playful crocodile (referred to as “Shishu Kumbhir”), a unique element in regional iconography. This depiction likely stems from Bengal’s long-standing tradition of celebrating maternal and childlike relationships with deities. The Matrikara murti, where the deity is shown in a mother’s lap, reflects one of the oldest forms of goddess worship in India: the veneration of the Mother principle, which formed the foundation of Matri Sadhana.
The Warrior God: Defender and Liberator
In contrast to his child form, Karthikeya is also celebrated as a fierce warrior, the commander of the celestial armies. His mount, the peacock (Mayuravahana), symbolizes triumph over fear, particularly the fear of serpents and poison. The great mothers, or Matrikas, are often depicted accompanying him in his battles, underscoring his connection to the Sapta Matrikas—seven divine mothers who embody primordial feminine power.
Jitendranath Banerjee, a noted historian, highlights that inscriptions from the Kadamba dynasty of the Deccan frequently reference Karthikeya as “Swami-Mahasena” and portray kings as devotees of both Karthikeya and the Matrikas. This dual worship mirrors ancient practices where deities like Karthikeya represented both individual strength and collective maternal power.
The Sapta Matrika tradition, echoed in the Sri Sri Chandi and other texts, includes Koumari, a manifestation of Karthikeya’s inherent energy. This integration of the masculine and feminine divine principles offers a profound commentary on the complementary roles of strength and nurturing in Indian spirituality.
Historical References: Skanda Worship in Bengal
The worship of Karthikeya in Bengal is not merely mythological but also rooted in historical and literary accounts. Kalhana’s Rajatarangini narrates the tale of Kamala, a renowned Bengali dancer who fell in love with King Jayapida of Kashmir at the Skanda temple in Pundra (modern-day North Bengal). This story signifies the cultural exchanges between regions through the worship of Karthikeya.
Ancient texts like the Karatoya Mahatmya and the Skanda Purana also underscore the significance of Skanda worship in Bengal. The Karatoya Mahatmya describes how merely stepping on the steps of the Skanda temple in Pundra could grant liberation. These accounts illustrate how deeply embedded Karthikeya worship was in the spiritual and cultural fabric of ancient Bengal.
The Legacy of Karthik Puja in Bengal
The celebration of Karthik Puja in Bengal today carries forward the legacy of this multifaceted deity. Whether as Kumar, the divine infant, or as the mighty warrior, Karthikeya represents ideals that resonate across ages. His child form evokes the tenderness of maternal love, while his warrior form inspires courage and resilience.
Through rituals, myths, and historical narratives, the worship of Karthikeya bridges the ancient and the contemporary, weaving a tapestry of devotion that continues to thrive in Bengal. The puja not only reflects the region’s cultural richness but also its enduring reverence for the divine in both its nurturing and protective aspects.
As the lamps of Karthik Puja illuminate homes and temples, they remind us of the eternal dance of innocence and strength, the mother and the child, and the ever-present warrior who dispels fear and guides humanity toward liberation.
