Sri Karttikeya

Subrahmanya
Part III

In icons, Subrahmanya is shown as a boy either with one head and two arms or with six heads and twelve arms. His lance and his peacock are also prominently displayed. A fowl adorns his banner.

Subramanya, the son of Siva and Sakti, represents the greatest state to which spiritual aspirants can evolve. Etymologically the word 'Subramanya' means 'one who tends the spiritual growth of the aspirants'. It is only he who reached the summit of the spiritual perfection in this life that is capable of tending the spiritual growth of others. Mythology describes him as the Son of God begotten to save the world from tyranny of the fiend Tarakasura. This is more true in the spiritual sense.

Subramanya, the Sanmukha, is depicted with six heads and twelve hands, all of them being attached to one trunk resting on two feet.

Of course, even a boy knows that biologically this is impossible even as an angel with wings is! But a concept like this can be conceded if it fits into useful philosophical postulations. His six heads represent the five sense organs and the mind, which co-ordinates their activities. When these are controlled, refined and sublimated, man becomes a Superman. This is the implication of the symbology.