Propitiating body&soul and Detoxifying our body : Significance of Skandha Sashti Vratham

Skandha Sashti is a significant period dedicated to the divine Lord Karthikeya (Lord Muruga), son of Lord Shiv and Goddess Parvathi. Observing the Skanda Sashti Vrath is believed to attract Lord Subrahmanya's divine Blessings and help fulfil sincere wishes and dreams. Legend has it that "Sashtiyil irundhaal Agappaiyil varum" meaning that a committed and dedicated fasting (vrath) during Skandha Sashti period may lead to desired Blessing of Sishu for married women".

This vrath is so designed and observed by devotees for six days and is also thought to bestow immense power and grace, which are essential for overcoming struggles and obstacles in our day today life. Legend suggests that Lord Muruga's divine intervention is said to guide devotees through their challenges and lead them towards a peaceful and prosperous life. There is a saying in certain Tamil houses that, "No other medicine precedes than dried ginger, likewise Subrahmanyaswami comes like AabhadhBhaandhava". A famous film song "Thirupparankundraththil Nee Siriththaal sung by P Susheela ( Lyrics: Poovai Senguttuvan, Music: K V Mahadevan) underscores the benefits devotees receive through worship of six abodes of Lord Muruga.

Number six is deeply significant in the worship of Lord Muruga. Mukham is a Mukhya part for the human body. Lord Muruga is depicted with six faces; His six sacred abodes like Swamimalai, Thiruvavinankudi, Palani, Thiruchendur, Thiruthani, Pazhamuthircholai which are highly revered, and his mantra, "Sa Ra Va Na Bha Va,"(? ? ? ? ? ?) comprises six syllables. Observing Skanda Sashti Vrath and worshipping Lord Murugan on this day are considered exceptionally auspicious, as they invoke his divine favour and blessings.

Being worshipped as the warrior deity worldwide, Lord Muruga was born with a divine purpose: to defeat the evil demon king Soorapadhman, who terrorized the three worlds, including the realm of the Devas. The six-day Skandha Sashti event culminates in Soorasamharam, reenacting Lord Muruga's victory over Soorapadhman. This festival is primarily observed in Tamil Nadu and among Tamil communities worldwide.

Lord Muruga is also affectionately called as Senapathi.

Skanda Shasti Vratham or Fasting period is being observed during Tamil month of Aippasi (October-November). Devotees begin their fasting five days before Aippasi Month Shasti dhin (sixth day)and conclude it on the sixth day, known as Maha Skanda Shasti. The Vrath therefore lasts for six days, during which devotees participate in various forms of fasting, worship, prayers, etc.

By waking up early in the morning, taking a bath, reciting hymns on Lord Muruga like Skandha Sashti Kavacham, Kandhar Anubhoothi, Vel Maaral, etc. on all the six days form part of the basic observance. Throughout the vrath period, devotees usually take up many forms of fasting, viz., complete vrath for the entire day with strict fasting regimen or limiting intake to fruits until the afternoon. Some use to consume one pepper on first day, two peppers on second day, etc. and increase the number of pepper intake till end of fast. Devotees use to perform puja to Lord Karthikeya and offer plantains/fruits or special dish as naivedhyam upon finising of pooja paththathis. Likewise this vrath continues for six days. On the Sixth Day people after observing a full day fast, either abstaining from all food or consuming only fruits, until the completion of Soorasamharam event, devotees conduct a special puja, prepare dishes to offer to Lord Murugan, and conclude the vrath with devotion and reverence.

In Murugan mandirs, Soorasamharam event, conducted on the last day of the Skanda Shasti festival, is preceded by special rituals and pujas. This event 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 throng temples like Thiruchendur Lord Murugan Mandir and offer worship of Lord Muruga to partake in the Skandha Sashti and Soorasamharam festivities.

According to the Skanda Purana, Soorasamharam is a dramatic performance based on the legend of Lord Skandha (Muruga). The battle's climax depicts Lord Murugan slaying the demon Soorapadman and his allies—Anaimugan, Panumugan, and Simhamugan—using his divine spear - the Vel. The day after Soorasamharam event is known as the Divine Wedding Day, commemorating the sacred marriage ceremony of Lord Muruga and Devasena (Deivanai).

In short, by keeping fasting we can become one with the universe and detoxify our body at the same time. Skandha Sashti Festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and serves as a time for spiritual devotion and renewal.