Skanda-nāmastotram — Mahābhārate Vana-parvaṇi (3.233)
This is Mahābhārata, Vana Parva (Araṇya Parva), Adhyāya 233 of Kumbhakonam Edition , where Yudhiṣṭhira seeks to know the divine names and attributes of Bhagavān Skanda (Kārtikeya) from Mārkaṇḍeya Ṛṣi . Here is a succinct summary for devotional or Skanda Ṣaṣṭi reflection Adhyāya 233 of the Vana Parva, known as the Skanda-nāma-stotra , opens with Yudhiṣṭhira asking the sage Mārkaṇḍeya to reveal the divine names by which the mahātmā bhagavan Skanda is known across the three lokas. Mārkaṇḍeya first lists a series of epithets describing bhagavan Skanda’s valor, purity, compassion, and cosmic presence (verses 3–9). Then, beginning with “stoṣyāmi devair ṛṣibhiś ca juṣṭam,” he transitions into a hymn of praise (verses 10–19), portraying Skanda as the essence of Brahman, the embodiment of time, seasons, directions, and the sustaining power of the universe. The chapter concludes with a phalaśruti (verses 20–21), promising that whoever recites or listens to thes...