Mangala - Planet Mars in Jyotish Astrology
- Nikita
- Apr 2, 2025
- 28 min read
Updated: Feb 9
The Ultimate Guide for understanding symbolism & application of Mars in Jyotish Astrology
Symbolism & Nature of Mangala
- Color: Red (symbolizing fire, blood, and raw energy)
- Element: Fire
- Weapon: Spear or sword
- Vahana (Vehicle): Ram (symbolizing aggression and determination)
- Direction: South (associated with war and death in Vedic tradition)
- Day: Tuesday (Mangalvar, the day dedicated to Mars)
- Deity Association: Worshiped alongside Kartikeya (Skanda, Murugan)
- Gemstone: Red Coral
Mangala (Mars) in Vedic Legends:
The Birth of Skanda (Kartikeya) - The General of the Devas
The devas ( gods ) wished a general, because asura Tārakāsura was tormented them.
Tārakāsura is a powerful asura (demon) king in Hindu mythology, primarily featured in the Skanda Purāna and Śiva Purāna. Renowned for his penance and near invincibility granted by a boon, he symbolizes the destructive force of arrogance, tyranny and inflated ego. Tārakāsura was born to the daitya Vajranga and his wife Vajrangi, descendants of Diti and Kaśyapa. Through intense penance, he gained a boon from Brahma that only a son of Shiva could kill him - a seemingly impossible condition at a time when Shiva was a celibate ascetic following the death of Sati. Empowered by this boon, Tārakāsura conquered the heavens and tormented the devas (gods).
So devas wished the general, because the Indra could not cope with the asuras. But because of the Uma's ( Parvati ) curse they couldn't bear the offspring through their own wives. So they went to a Brahma and asked for advice. Brahma said that through Ganga, which flows in the sky - Agni can have an offspring.
At that time Shiva was engaged in his austerities on the Mount Kailash, and Uma wished a son. They had an intercourse for one hundred divine years ( 360 human years equals to one divine year) and still they didn't have a son.
Now devas became very concerned, because Shiva's energy is so potent, that nobody can contain it and it would destroy all three worlds. So the devas approached Shiva and begged him to continue his austerities and not to destroy the world. And Shiva agreed, and reassured them that the world will not be destroyed. However, he said that part of his energy is already stirred, and " Who will contain it ?" - he asked.
" Earth will receive it" - devas replied.
With the help of Vayu, Agni entered the Rudra's energy and it pervaded Agni and Mount Shveta was created. Then Agni approached Ganga and asked for the sake of all the devas bear this child. With help of Vayu he entered Ganga's body and sprinkled her. Her flows became full, and her senses distorted. "This energy is too potent, I can not contain it" - she said. "Release the embryo on the Himalayas" - devas replied.
When the son was born, Indra with the large number of Maruts engaged the Krittikas (Pleiades) to provide milk for him. All gave him a milk.
Kartikeya had six mothers because no single womb, emotion or worldview was enough to hold the force he represents.
Since he has been secreted from the womb he has been called Skanda.
Kartikeya is born from:
not from desire
not from marriage
not from pleasure
But from:
necessity
discipline
cosmic emergency
This is why he is celibate in many traditions, he embodies pure action without attachment.
His is called Murugan in South Indian tradition.
Kartikeya - disciplined action in crisis
Murugan - joy of right action
On the seventh day of the conflict, Kartikeya hurled his divine spear (vel or śakti) into Tārakāsura’s chest, ending his reign.
