Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c9.2001

c9.2001

Next to Gaṇapati in importance is Subrahmaṇya. He is worshipped in South India only. Kumāra, Muruka, Kārttikeya, Skanda, Ārumukha, Guha, etc. are some of his popular synonyms There are a number of Subrahmaṇya temples in Tamil Nāḍu, many of them on the tops of hills. In North India Subrahmaṇya temples are rare. But, books written during the Saṅgha period go to prove that Subrahmaṇya was worshipped in South India from very old times. He is depicted in many postures, sitting, with six faces, with only one face, with two hands, with four hands, with wife, wearing the sacred thread etc.