Skanda Sashti, also known as Kanda Shashti, is a festival dedicated to Lord Muruga. Sashti, meaning sixth day, falls on the sixth day of the full moon and the sixth day of the new moon in the Hindu calendar. However, Skanda Sashti is a six-day festival and is observed once in a year. It falls after Diwali in the Tamil month of ‘Aippasi’ (October - November), starting from the ‘piratamai’, the 1st phase of the brightening moon. The festival commemorates the slaying of the demon, Soorapadman, by Lord Subramanya, and is celebrated with great pomp and splendor. In 2011, Skanda Shasti begins on 27th October 2011 and ends on 2nd November 2011 with Tirukalyanam (the sacred wedding).
Legend behind Skanda Sashti
Kanda Shashti is associated with the birth of Lord Muruga who defeated the evil powers.
According to legends, Soorapadma, a powerful demon, was harassing Devas and mankind. The helpless Devas pleased Lord Shiva to relieve them from the demon. As a result, Lord Shiva produced six powerful sparks of fire from His third eye called Netrikkan. This was carried by Lord Vayu (god of air) and Lord Agni (god of fire) to river Ganges who in turn took to Saravana Poygai, a holy pond. These sparks became six divine small male babies who were nursed by six Karthigai pengal. Goddess Parvati hugged the kids and made them into a single child with six faces and twelve hands, called Shanmughan. Nine shaktis appeared from Goddess Parvati’s anklets from where Veerabahu and numerous soldiers emerged. They became the warriors of Lord Murugan. Lord Shiva granted Lord Murugan, a vel (spear) called Vetrivel and also gifted him with eleven Rudras which were changed into eleven arms.
Lord Murugan came to Thiruchendur with group and pursued war against Soorapadman which lasted for six days. He defeated the demon on the sixth day and this day is called as Skanda Sashti. The Lord converted Soorapadma into a peacock and a cock. The peacock or Mayil became the vehicle of Lord Murugan and therefore He is also called Mayilvahanan (or Mayil Vahanan – which means the one who uses Peacock as his vehicle). Seval or cock adorned his flag. Lord Muruga then married Deivayanai or Devasena who is the daughter of Indra (the Lord of Devas).
Skanda Sashti Celebrations
Devotees usually fast during the six days of Kanda Sashti. It is considered auspicious to recite the Kanda Sashti Kavacham during the period. If it is not possible to observe fast during the six days, one can eat one time meal during the period. Some devotees consume only one meal which consists of fruit and milk in the evening. Few stay in the temples during these six days. It is believed that whoever fasts on these six days of Skanda Sashti and worship Lord Muruga would get the blessings of the Lord.
Kanda Shasti Festival in Previous Years
In 2009, Skanda Shasti began on 18th October 2009 and concluded on 24th October 2009 with Tirukalyanam (sacred wedding).
Skanda Sashti Festival at Murugan Temples
Skanda Sashti is celebrated in a grand scale at the Arupadai Veedu (six holy temples of Murugan). These 6 Murugan Temples are Palani Murugan Temple, Arulmigu Swaminatha Swami Temple (Swamimalai), Tiruchendur Subrahmanya Swami Devasthanam, Thiruthani Subramanya Swamy Temple, Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple, and Tirupparamkunram Murugan Temple.
Notable one is the celebration held in Tiruchendur Temple of Muruga which draws the largest number of devotees. Kandan's Tiruvilaiyaadal (divine sport) and Soora Samharam (defeating the demon Soorapadman) are enacted during the sixth day of the festival. The Lord's marriage with Deivanai, commonly called as Tirukalyanam, is also performed during the Skanda Sashti Festival.
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Lord Muruga Temples
Prayers of Lord Muruga
Tiruppukazh Lyrics & Video Song
Skanda Sashti Kavasam Lyrics & Video
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Legend behind Skanda Sashti
Kanda Shashti is associated with the birth of Lord Muruga who defeated the evil powers.
According to legends, Soorapadma, a powerful demon, was harassing Devas and mankind. The helpless Devas pleased Lord Shiva to relieve them from the demon. As a result, Lord Shiva produced six powerful sparks of fire from His third eye called Netrikkan. This was carried by Lord Vayu (god of air) and Lord Agni (god of fire) to river Ganges who in turn took to Saravana Poygai, a holy pond. These sparks became six divine small male babies who were nursed by six Karthigai pengal. Goddess Parvati hugged the kids and made them into a single child with six faces and twelve hands, called Shanmughan. Nine shaktis appeared from Goddess Parvati’s anklets from where Veerabahu and numerous soldiers emerged. They became the warriors of Lord Murugan. Lord Shiva granted Lord Murugan, a vel (spear) called Vetrivel and also gifted him with eleven Rudras which were changed into eleven arms.Lord Murugan came to Thiruchendur with group and pursued war against Soorapadman which lasted for six days. He defeated the demon on the sixth day and this day is called as Skanda Sashti. The Lord converted Soorapadma into a peacock and a cock. The peacock or Mayil became the vehicle of Lord Murugan and therefore He is also called Mayilvahanan (or Mayil Vahanan – which means the one who uses Peacock as his vehicle). Seval or cock adorned his flag. Lord Muruga then married Deivayanai or Devasena who is the daughter of Indra (the Lord of Devas).
Skanda Sashti Celebrations
Devotees usually fast during the six days of Kanda Sashti. It is considered auspicious to recite the Kanda Sashti Kavacham during the period. If it is not possible to observe fast during the six days, one can eat one time meal during the period. Some devotees consume only one meal which consists of fruit and milk in the evening. Few stay in the temples during these six days. It is believed that whoever fasts on these six days of Skanda Sashti and worship Lord Muruga would get the blessings of the Lord.
Kanda Shasti Festival in Previous Years
In 2009, Skanda Shasti began on 18th October 2009 and concluded on 24th October 2009 with Tirukalyanam (sacred wedding).
Skanda Sashti Festival at Murugan Temples
Skanda Sashti is celebrated in a grand scale at the Arupadai Veedu (six holy temples of Murugan). These 6 Murugan Temples are Palani Murugan Temple, Arulmigu Swaminatha Swami Temple (Swamimalai), Tiruchendur Subrahmanya Swami Devasthanam, Thiruthani Subramanya Swamy Temple, Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple, and Tirupparamkunram Murugan Temple.
Notable one is the celebration held in Tiruchendur Temple of Muruga which draws the largest number of devotees. Kandan's Tiruvilaiyaadal (divine sport) and Soora Samharam (defeating the demon Soorapadman) are enacted during the sixth day of the festival. The Lord's marriage with Deivanai, commonly called as Tirukalyanam, is also performed during the Skanda Sashti Festival.
--
Related Posts
Pictures of Murugan
Lord Muruga Temples
Prayers of Lord Muruga
Tiruppukazh Lyrics & Video Song
Skanda Sashti Kavasam Lyrics & Video
Murugan Gayatri Mantra
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1 comments:
Can you please send me the words of the Lakshmi Sahasranamam?
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