Skanda Purana

The Skanda Purāṇa is the largest of the eighteen Mahāpurāṇas and is centered around Lord Skanda (Kartikeya/Murugan), the son of Shiva and Parvati. Though devoted to Skanda, the text broadly covers the glory of Shiva, Shakti, various sacred places, rituals, and cosmological teachings. It contains extensive tīrtha-māhātmyas—descriptions of holy pilgrimage sites such as Kashi, Kedarnath, Badrinath, and numerous Shakti Peethas—making it a vital source for Hindu sacred geography. The Skanda Purāṇa narrates the birth, valor, and divine deeds of Lord Skanda, including the destruction of the demon Tarakasura, and offers teachings on dharma, devotion, festival observances, and spiritual conduct. Rich in mythological stories, ritual details, and philosophical insights, it serves as both a devotional scripture and a cultural guide to India’s ancient religious traditions.