Pehowa Kartikeya Temple, Haryana 

Address

Pehowa Kartikeya Temple, Haryana 

136128, Shiva Market, Nand Colony,

Kurukshetra district,

Pehowa, Haryana 136128

Moolavar

Kartikeya

Introduction

• Location: Pehowa, Haryana, North India.
• Deity: Dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism, known by various names such as Murugan, Senthil, Saravaṇa, Arumugam (Shanmukha – ‘one with six faces’), Kumāra, Guha, and Skanda.
• Historical Significance: It is one of the oldest Kartikeya temples in North India, with historical connections to the Kushanas, who issued coins featuring Skanda, and the Yaudheyas, a republican clan in Punjab who also revered this deity.
• Ancient Patronage: The temple’s worship of Kartikeya has roots in several Indian dynasties, including the Ikshvakus of Andhra and the Gupta empire.
• The mythology of Lord Kartikeya is deeply rooted in Skanda Purana:

• Shiva and Sati: Initially, Lord Shiva married Sati, daughter of Daksha. However, Daksha disapproved of Shiva due to his unconventional ways and insulted him during a Yagna (sacrifice). In response, Sati immolated herself, and Shiva’s attendants, led by Virabhadra, destroyed the Yagna.
• Tarakasura’s Boon: The demon Taraka believed that only a son of Shiva could defeat him, assuming he would remain invincible as Shiva was unlikely to remarry after Sati’s death.
• Rebirth of Shiva’s Son: After much intervention by the Devas (gods), Shiva remarried Parvati. Lord Shiva’s effulgence was handed to Agni and later to Ganga, eventually leading to the birth of Kartikeya in a forest of reeds (Shara). He was born with six faces, symbolizing various aspects of divinity.
• Kartikeya’s Heroism: Raised by six women representing the Krittikas (Pleiades constellation), Kartikeya became known as Krittikeya. He destroyed the demon Taraka and came to be celebrated as Kumāra, the eternally youthful warrior.
• Temple’s Strict Traditions:
  • Women Prohibited: In line with Kartikeya’s brahmachari (celibate) form, women are not allowed to enter the temple premises.
  • Devotional Observances: Devotees follow strict religious rules, particularly during the months of Chaturmas (Ashadha through Kartik). Worship during this period is believed to grant devotees victory in all their life’s battles.
• Spiritual Power: The temple holds a powerful reputation, with devotees firmly believing that true dedication to Lord Kartikeya at this temple brings success and triumph over challenges.

Festivals

Sarasvati Mahotsav, Maha Shivaratri

Century/Period

1000 years old.

Nearest Bus Station

Pehowa Bus Stand

Nearest Railway Station

Kurukshetra Junction

Nearest Airport

Chandigarh International Airport

Location on Map

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