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.

Puranic Significance:

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.

Special Features:

• 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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