Skanda Sashti

Skanda Sashti

Skanda Sashti, commonly known as Kanda Shashti or Kartikeya Sashti, is a Hindu festival in honor of Lord Skanda (also known as Kartikeya, Murugan, or Subramanya) who is the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. It is usually celebrated in Tamil Nadu where most Tamilians remember how Skanda defeated the demon Surapadman.

                    Skanda Sashti

Lord Skanda’s victory over the demon Surapadman is commemorated annually through the festival of Skanda Sashti. This celebration holds particular importance for Tamil people across India and overseas, among whom it commands a huge following. Here is an in-depth analysis of Skanda Sashti regarding its celebration, mythology, rituals, and socio-cultural significance.

Mythological Background

Skanda Sashti’s origin has a background considered profound within the Hindu belief. He was a mighty devil called Surapadman who brought about a lot of disaster and confusion in heaven alongside on the earth. Unable to resist being suppressed by Surapadman’s evil deeds, gods then prayed for help from Lord Shiva; hence it led to him creating Skanda who fought against this devil.

The Birth of Skanda: Skanda was born out of Shiva’s divine spark and raised by the Krittikas (the six stars of the Pleiades cluster). That is why he is also known as Kartikeya. With divine weapons in his hands and driving his vehicle, the peacock, Skanda became a great warrior.

The Battle: The rapture which lasted for six days had been going on between Skanda as well as Surapadman in a very fierce way such that his bravery, as well as intelligence, were on another level all along up to the point he subdued the demon on the sixth day. This also meant that dharma was restored after the demon was killed and the victory of good over evil. In some versions, however, when the demon was defeated he was pardoned by Skanda and turned into a peacock that became a mount”

Observance and Rituals

Skanda Sashti is observed with great devotion and a variety of rituals:

1. Six-Day Fasting (Upavasa): Devotees fast for six days. They take only one meal a day, usually light vegetarian. Others observe stricter fasts taking in only fruits, milk, or even water.

2. Daily Poojas and Abhishekams: Every day, in temples built for the sake of Lord Skanda, specific rites such as bathing of the statue in question and other rituals (these are meant to be special) are observed. Often they include presenting fruits and many other objects including but not limited to flowers together with hymns recitations or prayer sayings.

3. Devotees Recite Skanda Sashti Kavasam, a Hymn Composed in Tamil by Devaraya Swamigal where it praises Lord Skanda and seeks his protection and blessings.

4. Soorasamharam: Soorasamharam during which is the sixth day surpasses all the rest since it commemorates the victorious battle of Skanda against Surapadman. Several temples in Tamil Nadu perform vivid events that resemble the battles that amass a multitude of worshippers.

5. Processions and Kavadi: In procession and Kavadi, devotees bear kavadis, which are richly decorated carts or structures, as an act of penance and devotion. These processions are colorful and beautiful with devotees singing bhajans and dancing.

6. Temple Visits: People who celebrate go to the chief temples for the worship of Lord Skanda including those in Tiruchendur, Palani, as well as Thirupparankundram which attract thousands of believers.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Skanda Sashti holds immense cultural and religious significance:

• Moral and Spiritual Lessons: The festival which is themed on valor, righteousness, and the triumph of good over evil emphasizes moral and spiritual lessons. This festival inspires its devotees to heed dharma.
• Community Participation: The festival creates a bond of community as well as collective spirituality among the followers. People come together through a communal fast, procession, and prayers during celebrations.
• Cultural Traditions: Through music, dance, and drama, the Tamils use Sashti of Skanda to commemorate their history and norms.

In conclusion

Skanda Sashti is a dynamic, highly spiritual event that seeks to showcase the unmistakable triumph of good over bad. During the month-long event, participants engage in fasting, rituals as well as communal activities in praise of Lord Skanda requesting his blessings for bravery and moral uprightness in life. This legendary story of Skanda’s triumph against Surapadman’s forces reigns sites as an active source of inspiration and encouragement among worshippers, who thus remain convinced that the power of dharma and divine intervention will never fail them."

https://bharatpractice.blogspot.com/2024/06/important-battles-in-indian-history.html

Frequently Ask Questions

What does it mean to fast during Skanda Sashti? 

Skanda Sashti is an act of taking food very sparingly and showing one’s repentance and love for Lord Skanda since he or she receives little food only during these days. It also means that devotes fully dedicate themselves to Lord Skanda and want to cleanse their inner being. While fasting helps in getting blessings from god and also protects them.

How is Soorasamharam celebrated during Skanda Sashti? 

There is a popular celebration called Skanda Sashti on which people celebrate Soorasamharam marking the final fight between Skanda and the demon Surapadman. This involves a lot of activity including performing these dramatic plays in temples where this battle took place. It attracts large numbers of believers and spectators who fill up the streets producing a lot of noise while lots of people take part in religious processions or other such activities.

Is it only certain communities that observe Skanda Sashti, or can anyone do so?

The festival is open to all devotees who want to pray for God Skanda regardless of their religion, but it’s mostly celebrated by Tamil Hindus.

During the celebration of Skanda Sashti, to what extent are the main offerings made to Lord Skanda?”

On Skanda Sashti, people give fruits, flowers, some milk, and other foods. They also make offerings of some matter for the worship like sandalwood paste and unguent, water from a coconut shell.

What is the Skanda Sashti Kavasam, and why do we recite it?

Skanda Sashti is a hymn that is sung by the people in praise of their Lord Skanda, which is chanted during the festival to invoke God's blessings and protection, as it is thought to be endowed with the power of averting dangers and healing ailments.