In South India, Kartikeya, the son of Bhagwan Shiva and Devi Parvati, is known as Murugan or Ayyappa. According to the scriptures, on the day of Skanda Shashti, Bhagwan Kartikeya had killed a demon named Tarakasura, so by worshiping Bhagwan Kartikeya on this day one attains the characteristics of high yoga in life. During Skanda Sashti, the devotees observe a fast for six days which starts from the first day of the lunar month of Kartik or Pirthmai and ends on the sixth day which is known as Soorasamharam day. The day of Skanda Shashti is decided on the basis of the lunar month and this festival falls on the sixth day of the month of Kartik. This festival falls in the month of either Aippasi or Kartikai of the Tamil calendar.
How to celebrate Skanda Shashti and Soorasamharam
❀ Soorasamharam is the last and most important day of the six-day festival during Skanda Shashti. It is believed that Bhagwan Murugan defeated the demon Surapadman in a battle on the day of Soorasamharam. That's why the festival of Soorasamharam is celebrated every year to give the message of victory of good over evil to the world.
❀ It is important to remember that, on the day when Shashthi Tithi and Panchami Tithi coincide, Soorasamharam Vratam is performed. That's why most temples celebrate Kanda Shashthi on Panchami Tithi, when Shashthi Tithi starts before sunset on Panchami Tithi.
❀ The Skanda Sashti festival is most popular in Thiruchendur Murugan Temple. Starting from the first date of the month of Kartik, the six-day festival ends on Soorasamharam day. Thiru Kalyanam is celebrated on the next day of Soorasamharam.
What happens during the Soorasamharam festival?
Several ceremonies take place before the Soorasamharam on the last day of the Skanda Sashti festival. Special pujas are conducted and the deity of Murugan is consecrated in the ritual of Abhishekam. Devotees go to the temple and have darshan of the deity.
Where is this festival mainly celebrated?
Skanda Sashti, also known as Kanda Sashti, is a very important festival dedicated to Bhagwan Murugan. Skanda Sashti festival is mainly celebrated by Tamil Hindus. Soorasamharam festival is also called Suranporu.
| Related Name | Soorasamharam, Suranporu, Skanda Sashti |
| Begins Tithi | First day of Kartik lunar month |
| Reason | Bhagwan Murugan |
| Celebrations | Prayer at Temple, Vrat, Puja at Home |
Updated: Sep 27, 2024 15:30 PM