Sharavana Bhava, or Saravanan, is the name of Muruga, son of Shiva and the commander of Devas. He is known
as Saravana Bhava as he is believed to have born in a small bush in Ganga River. This Son of Shiva is popularly known as Kartik or Kartikeya in North, West and Eastern parts of India.
Why Muruga is known as Saravana Bhava?
When Kamdev broke Shiva’s deep meditation, a divine spark emanated from Shiva. The spark divided into six. Vayu (wind) and Agni (fire) carried them and deposited it in Ganga River.The Holy River placed them in a cluster of reeds and here the sparks assumed the form of six babies.
As his birth took place in a cluster of reeds, he is known
as Sharavana Bhava.
Saravanan Meaning
Saravana Bhava means one who was born in reeds or near tall woody perennial grasses.Sharavana Bhava Symbolism
The name Saravana bhava has six syllables – Sa-ra-va-na-ba-va
– thus symbolically it represents the six faces of Muruga.