Naigamesha is one of the forms of Skanda or Kartik. In this
form he has the head of a goat. Naigamesha is mainly worshipped to beget
children. The murtis and sculptures of this form were found till 3rd
century AD in North India but then onwards
this form was not widely worshipped.
It must be noted that Skanda or Muruga is widely worshipped
today in South India and here the Nigamesha
form is rarely found.
Sometimes Naigamesha is mentioned as the brother or son of
Skanda.
Scholars are of the view that the deity is more closely
associated with Jainism.
It is also mentioned in a Jain Text that Sathyabhama, wife
of Sri Krishna, offered prayers to the deity to get a son.
Naigamesha is also known as Harinegamesi meaning the general
of Indra, the king of devas. It is well known that Skanda appeared to lead Devas
in the fight against Tarakasura.
Ayurveda texts, Brahmanas and Grihya Sutras mention about
the deity - who has the head of a goat.