Skanda Sashti - Divine Light Rising over Darkness

One of the major festivals related to Lord Murugan, Kartikeya or Subramanya or Skanda or Sanathanar is known as Skanda Sashti. This festival celebrates the victory of the god over a demonic adversary. Skanda Sashti takes place on the sixth day (Sashti) of the waxing moon in the month of Aippasi in the Tamil calendar. This particular month generally occurs in the period of October and November. The festival includes six days of worship.

The main aim of this spiritual celebration is to seek blessings for overcoming difficulties in life as well as achieving success in any venture. It also brings mental clarity, improves health and removes hurdles in life. This religious observance is marked with great devotion.

Significance of Skanda Sashti Festival

There are many beliefs surrounding Skanda Sashti festival, but the most popular one says that it was observed by devotees to celebrate the triumph of Lord Murugan over a demon named Surapadman. However, in reality, this festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.

Lord Murugan killed the demon Surapadman to save gods and human beings from terrorizing him. This legend holds great importance for many Hindus who are going through hardships in life. They seek blessings from the lord for overcoming difficulties in their lives. It is believed that following this vrat clears hurdles and problems in life. Apart from clearing problems, it brings inner peace and tranquility as well as improves overall wellbeing. All Murugan temples are filled with peace and spirituality during these six days of celebration.

Story Behind Skanda Sashti

According to legends associated with the Hindu religion, demons started harassing and intimidating the gods and human beings. Gods turned to Lord Shiva for help, who then gave birth to Lord Murugan with his divine powers. He grew up as a disciplined warrior, and when the time came, he battled with Surapadman for six days. Each day signifies the six days of battle between the god and the demon, and the last sixth day of Skanda Sashti is known as Soorasamharam. It is the day when Lord Murugan finally defeated and killed the demon.

However, in order to show mercy, he converted him into a peacock and rooster, who were later appointed as the mount and emblem of the god. This part of the story suggests that even negativity can be converted into positivity if shown mercy and forgiveness. This particular story can be seen as a symbol of different kinds of negative emotions within an individual. Many devotees consider Skanda Sashti as an opportunity to overcome them.

Observance of Skanda Sashti

Devotees observe a strict fast during this six-day-long festival, and some people do not even take water until evening. There are some who observe partial fast by taking milk and fruit once a day. The practice of fast helps them to divert their attention towards spirituality rather than physical pleasures. It allows them to meditate and concentrate better and find peace within themselves. Reciting prayers and reading the Skanda Sashti Kavacham is a common practice.

Skanda Sashti Kavacham is a hymn that provides devotees with a protective shield in times of danger. It is sung by people in temples every day during the Skanda Sashti festival. It also involves waking up early, taking bath and offering prayers to Lord Murugan. Many devotees do not follow strict rules because of different reasons, so they simply avoid luxurious living. Visiting temples is an essential ritual during Skanda Sashti festival, but it is not possible for everyone. However, some temples broadcast special rituals live through the internet.

Importance of Fasting and Devotion during Skanda Sashti Festival

The observance of fasting in Skanda Sashti has more to do with discipline and spirituality than food. It is considered a way of purifying both the soul and mind of devotees. In addition, fasting also helps in maintaining concentration as well as calming the mind.

Praying and chanting mantras are also a key part of Skanda Sashti. The process of chanting and listening to the stories of Lord Murugan instills faith and gives relief. It helps in creating harmony within individuals. Letting go of negative emotions is also another significant part of Skanda Sashti festival. Like Lord Murugan defeated the demon, a devotee should be able to conquer his or her own weaknesses and overcome negative feelings within.

Conclusion

In the fast-paced modern era, not everyone is able to follow all traditional rituals related to Skanda Sashti. However, people are still trying their best to follow some aspects of this festival. Some people fast partially or take a vow to chant mantras. Even those who lead a hectic life due to professional responsibilities can devote some amount of time to praying during this holy time. It can help them reduce stress and gain some peace of mind.