Skanda Shasti Vratham is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Murugan, also known as Skanda or Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Worshipped as the warrior deity, Lord Murugan was born with a divine purpose: to defeat the evil demon king Surapadman, who terrorized the three worlds, including the realm of the Devas. The six-day event culminates in Soorasamharam, reenacting Lord Murugan's victory over Surapadman. This festival is primarily observed in Tamil Nadu and among Tamil communities worldwide. The festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and serves as a time for spiritual devotion and renewal.
Skanda Shasti Vratham
Skanda Shasti Vratham is celebrated in the Tamil month of Aippasi (October-November), beginning on the sixth day after the new moon (Shasti Tithi).
The festival is highly popular among Tamils in Tamil Nadu, as well as Tamil communities in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Singapore, where Maha Skanda Shasti is celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm. Devotees begin their fast five days before Aippasi Shasti and conclude it on the sixth day, known as Maha Skanda Shasti.
According to the Kanda Purana, Soorasamharam is a dramatic performance based on the legend of Lord Murugan, also known as Kanda. The battle's climax depicts Lord Murugan slaying the demon Soorapadman and his allies—Anamugan, Panumugan, and Simhamugan—using his divine spear, the Vel. The festival is highly popular among Tamils in Tamil Nadu, as well as Tamil people in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Singapore, where Maha Skanda Shasti is celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm. The Vratham, or fasting period, lasts for six days, during which devotees participate in various forms of worship, prayers, and fasting. Soorasamharam, conducted on the last day of the Skanda Shasti festival, is preceded by special rituals and pujas. In Tamil Nadu, many devotees observe this six-day fast and break it after the Soorasamharam. The day after Soorasamharam is known as Thirukalyanam (the divine wedding), commemorating the sacred marriage ceremony of Lord Murugan and Devasena (Deivanai).
In Palani, the celebration includes a grand procession of Murugan’s idol (Dandayudhapani) through the main streets before the final performance.
At the Tiruchendur Murugan Temple, the Soorasamharam festival is celebrated grandly, attracting thousands of devotees who visit the temple to partake in the festivities.
Significance of Skanda Shasti
Shasti is a significant period dedicated to the divine Lord Murugan. Observing the Skanda Shasti Vratham is believed to attract his blessings and help fulfil sincere wishes and dreams. This Vratham is also thought to bestow immense power and grace, which are essential for overcoming struggles and obstacles. Lord Murugan's divine intervention is said to guide devotees through their challenges and lead them toward a peaceful and prosperous life. Number six is deeply significant in the worship of Lord Murugan. He is depicted with six faces, his six sacred abodes are highly revered, and his mantra, "Sa Ra Va Na Bha Va," comprises six syllables. Observing Skanda Shasti Vratham and worshipping Lord Murugan on this day are considered exceptionally auspicious, as they invoke his divine favour and blessings.
Fasting and Tradition
Devotees observing Skanda Shasti Vratham may choose to follow a strict fasting regimen, either abstaining from all food or avoiding non-vegetarian items for six days.
- Begin the Vratham: Start on the first day of Shasti by waking up early and taking a bath. Light a lamp and recite the "Kanda Shasti Kavasam."
- Daily Observances: Throughout the Vratham, either fast completely for the entire day or limit intake to fruits until the afternoon. Perform puja by preparing and offering a special dish to Lord Murugan.
- Continue the Practice: Follow this routine of morning and evening pujas and fasting for the next five days.
- On the Sixth Day: Observe a full day fast, either abstaining from all food or consuming only fruits, until the completion of Soorasamharam.
- Final Puja: Conduct a special puja on the final day, prepare dishes to offer to Lord Murugan, and conclude your Vratham with devotion and reverence.
Thiruchendur Soorasamharam festival
The Kanda Shasti festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Murugan temples around the world, but the largest and most significant gatherings take place at Tiruchendur, where Lord Muruga is said to have vanquished Suran. This year, millions of devotees are expected to flock to Tiruchendur to witness the Surasamharam festival, a key highlight of the celebrations.
The day after the Surasamharam, the divine wedding ceremony of Lord Muruga will also take place, attracting even more worshippers. During this period, it is customary for hundreds of devotees to stay at the Tiruchendur temple and observe the Kanda Shasti fast.
This year's celebrations are particularly special as they coincide with the Visakam star, the day believed to mark Lord Muruga's incarnation, adding even more significance to the Mahakanda Shasti festival. Given the recent increase in the number of devotees worshipping Muruga, it is anticipated that Tiruchendur will see an exceptionally large gathering this year.
In the Tiruchendur Sri Subramanya Swami Temple, the 6-day Skanda Shasti Vratham will begin on November 2, 2024 (Saturday).
- Soorasamharam will be held on November 7, 2024 (Thursday), from approximately 4:15 PM to 6:00 PM IST.
- Shasti Thithi starts at 10:03 PM on the night of November 6th and ends at 9:20 PM on the night of November 7th.
- Thirukalyanam will be celebrated on November 8, 2024 (Friday).
Schedule:
- November 2, 2024 (Saturday): Day 1 - Kanda Shasti Festival Begins
- November 3, 2024 (Sunday) to November 6, 2024 (Wednesday): Days 2 to 5
- November 7, 2024 (Thursday): Day 6 - Soorasamharam
- November 8,2024 (Friday): Day 7 - Thirukalyanam