Skanda Sashti & Murugan: Unveiling the Significance of Kanda Sashti Kavacham(July 11, 2024, Thursday)
Introduction:
- Skanda Sashti, also known as Kanda Sashti, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in honor of Lord Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The festival holds immense importance among devotees, especially in South India, where elaborate rituals and ceremonies are performed to seek the blessings of Lord Murugan. Central to the celebration of Skanda Sashti is the recitation of "Kanda Sashti Kavacham," a powerful hymn dedicated to Lord Murugan. In this article, we delve into the history, significance, rituals, and puja timings associated with Skanda Sashti and Kanda Sashti Kavasam.
History of Skanda Sashti:
- Skanda Sashti traces its origins to the ancient Hindu scriptures and legends. According to Hindu mythology, the demon king Surapadma and his followers, the Asuras, had become powerful and were tormenting the celestial beings and sages. In response to their prayers for deliverance, Lord Shiva's divine energy manifested as Lord Murugan, also known as Kartikeya or Skanda, to vanquish the Asuras and restore peace and order.
- The battle between Lord Murugan and the Asuras lasted for six days, culminating in the victory of good over evil on the sixth day, which is celebrated as Skanda Sashti. This victory symbolizes the triumph of righteousness and the defeat of negativity and obstacles in one's spiritual journey.
Date and Significance:
- Skanda Sashti is typically observed on the sixth day of the bright half of Shukla Paksha. lunar month of Aippasi (October/November) in the Tamil calendar. It is believed that Lord Murugan defeated the demon Surapadma on this auspicious day. The festival is celebrated with great fervor and devotion in various temples dedicated to Lord Murugan, including the renowned Murugan temples in Palani, Thiruchendur, and Swamimalai.
- The significance of Skanda Sashti lies in its emphasis on overcoming obstacles and challenges in life. Devotees seek the blessings of Lord Murugan to overcome hurdles, achieve success, and attain spiritual growth. The festival serves as a reminder of the importance of courage, perseverance, and righteousness in the face of adversity.
Rituals and Celebrations:
- Skanda Sashti is celebrated with elaborate rituals and ceremonies that vary from region to region. The festivities typically begin with the hoisting of the flag of Lord Murugan, signaling the commencement of the six-day-long observance. Devotees observe fasting and engage in prayers, hymn recitations, and devotional activities throughout the festival.
- One of the most significant rituals associated with Skanda Sashti is the recitation of "Kanda Sashti Kavacham" or "Kanda Sashti Kavasam." This powerful hymn, composed by the saintly poet Sri Devaraya Swamigal, extols the virtues of Lord Murugan and seeks his protection from evil forces, diseases, and negative influences. Devotees believe that reciting the Kavacham with devotion and sincerity can ward off obstacles and bestow blessings upon them.
Puja Timings:
- During Skanda Sashti, special puja ceremonies are conducted in Murugan temples, where devotees offer prayers, abhishekam (ritual bathing), and archana (offerings) to the deity. The puja timings may vary from temple to temple, but devotees typically gather early in the morning to participate in the rituals and seek the blessings of Lord Murugan.
- In addition to temple celebrations, devotees also perform puja rituals and recite prayers at home or in community gatherings. Many devotees observe fasting and maintain strict discipline during the six-day period of Skanda Sashti as a form of penance and devotion to Lord Murugan.
Kanda Sashti Kavacham/Kavasam:
- "Kanda Sashti Kavacham" is a powerful hymn comprising 244 verses that glorify the valor and attributes of Lord Murugan. It is believed that reciting the Kavacham with devotion can protect devotees from harm and bestow various blessings, including victory, wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment.
- The Kavacham is structured in such a way that each verse is imbued with profound meaning and symbolism, invoking the divine presence of Lord Murugan and seeking his grace and protection. Devotees often recite the Kavacham daily, especially during Skanda Sashti, as a means of seeking divine intervention and guidance in their lives.
Conclusion:
- Skanda Sashti is a sacred festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil and the divine grace of Lord Murugan. Through rituals, prayers, and the recitation of Kanda Sashti Kavasam, devotees seek the blessings of Lord Murugan to overcome obstacles, attain success, and lead a righteous life.
- As we celebrate Skanda Sashti, let us reflect on the teachings of Lord Murugan and strive to cultivate virtues such as courage, perseverance, and devotion in our lives. May the divine grace of Lord Murugan guide us on the path of righteousness and bless us with peace, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment.
FAQs:
What is Skanda Sashti?
- Skanda Sashti is a Hindu festival celebrated to honor Lord Murugan, also known as Skanda or Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It commemorates the victory of good over evil, particularly the defeat of the demon Surapadma by Lord Murugan.
Why is kandha Sashti celebrated?
- Kanda Sashti is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Lord Murugan over the demon Surapadma and his followers, known as the Asuras. It symbolizes the triumph of righteousness and the defeat of negativity and obstacles in one's spiritual journey.
What is the benefit of Sashti?
- The observance of Sashti, particularly Skanda Sashti, is believed to bestow various benefits, including the blessings of Lord Murugan for overcoming obstacles, achieving success, and attaining spiritual growth. Devotees seek protection from harm, guidance in their endeavors, and the removal of negative influences from their lives through the worship and devotion offered during Sashti.
What not to eat on Shashti?
- On Sashti, particularly during fasting or observance, devotees typically abstain from consuming non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and other stimulants. They may also avoid consuming grains, lentils, and certain spices depending on personal or cultural dietary restrictions. The focus is often on consuming simple, sattvic (pure) food items such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
Why Lord Muruga is called Skanda?
- Lord Muruga is called Skanda because "Skanda" means "spurt of semen" in Sanskrit. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Muruga was born from the divine spark emitted by Lord Shiva's third eye, hence earning him the name Skanda. This epithet highlights his unique birth and divine origins.
Which God is known as Skanda?
- Skanda is another name for Lord Murugan, the Hindu deity associated with valor, wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment. He is also known as Kartikeya, Subramanya, Shanmukha, and many other names across different regions and traditions in India.
What are the benefits of Skanda Sashti Viratham?
Skanda Sashti Viratham, or the fasting observed during Skanda Sashti, is believed to bestow various benefits such as:
- Overcoming obstacles and challenges.
- Attaining success and prosperity.
- Seeking protection from harm and negative influences.
- Enhancing spiritual growth and devotion to Lord Murugan.
- Purifying the mind and body through self-discipline and devotion.
Is Skanda and Murugan same?
- Yes, Skanda and Murugan refer to the same deity in Hindu mythology. Skanda is another name for Lord Murugan, who is revered as the god of war, victory, wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment.
How to perform Shasti Pooja at home?
To perform Shasti Puja at home:
- Begin with a purifying bath and wear clean clothes.
- Set up a sacred space with a picture or idol of Lord Murugan.
- Light incense and offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to the deity.
- Recite prayers and hymns dedicated to Lord Murugan, such as the Kanda Sashti Kavacham.
- Perform abhishekam (ritual bathing) with water, milk, honey, and other auspicious substances.
- Offer arati (waving of lit lamp) to the deity.
- Conclude with heartfelt prayers for blessings, protection, and guidance from Lord Murugan.
How to fast for Skanda Sashti?
To fast for Skanda Sashti:
- Abstain from consuming non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and stimulants.
- Optionally, consume only simple, sattvic (pure) vegetarian meals.
- Maintain a strict discipline of fasting from sunrise to sunset.
- Engage in prayers, hymn recitations, and devotional activities dedicated to Lord Murugan throughout the day.
- Break the fast after sunset with a simple meal or fruits, followed by prayers and offerings to Lord Murugan.
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