Shashthi

The sixth day of the lunar fortnight (shashthi) is associated with the worship of Kartikeya. Prayers to Kartikeya on such a day grant the devotee health and a long life, and fulfil all his desires.

It was on this day that Brahma appointed Kartikeya the general of the gods. In the long-standing battle between the gods and the demons, the demons had able generals like Hiranyaksha, Hiranyakashipu and Viprachitti. The gods had none other than Indra and the upshot was that the gods kept getting thrashed. Brihaspati advised the gods to get hold of a better general.

(In Puranas like the Shiva Purana and the Devi Bhagavata Purana it is stated that there was a terrible demon named Tarakasura. He had obtained a boon from Brahma that he could be killed only by Shiva’s son. That was the reason why Kartikeya had to be appointed the general of the gods. The Skanda Purana gives a detailed account of the battle between Kartikeya and Tarakasura.)

To return to the Varaha Purana, the gods, led by Brahma, went to Shiva so that they might obtain a general. Shiva and Parvati created a strong and handsome son known variously as Kartikeya, Skanda, Kumara and Pavaki. The gods warmly greeted this birth and Brahma appointed Kartikeya the general of the gods.