Skanda Shasti: A Fast For Success And Well-Being

Fasting is a ritual that many religions prescribe as a way to get close to God. It is believed that fasting can purify the body, mind, and soul, which enables the worshipper to focus on the divine. Some people observe fasts to invoke divine blessings so that their wishes may be fulfilled. Hindus often observe fasts to please different Hindu deities as they believe it can make their wishes come true.

For instance, young unmarried women observe a fast on Mondays to get a good husband. Mondays are associated with Lord Shiva, who is a devoted husband to his consort, Parvati. By keeping the Monday or Somavar vrat, the girls hope to get a husband like Lord Shiva.

Skanda Sashti Viratham, also called Kanda Sashti Viratham, is a 6-day fast that many Hindus observe every year. They observe the fast to please Lord Muruga, who is also called Skanda or Kanda. He is the son of Shiva and Parvati. Karthikeyan, Kumaran, Subrahmanya, Arumughan, etc., are among his many names. Skanda is the God of war as well. He is a very important deity for Tamil Hindus and the younger brother of Lord Ganesha.

It is said that Shiva created Muruga from his third eye. This symbolizes the birth of higher consciousness, which helps to renew the spiritual energy within us.

Skanda Shasti Viratham

Skanda Shasti Viratham begins on the first day of the new moon, which is usually on the day following Diwali. It ends with Soorasamharam, which marks Murugan’s victory over the demon, Soorapadman.

‘Viratham’ is a Sanskrit word that means ‘vow.’ The devotee practices austerity by fasting. They also try to purify the mind through worship by following a disciplined lifestyle. This bestows good health and happiness.

As per mythology, Skanda was born to kill the demons who were harassing the gods and creating chaos on earth. Muruga was the commander of the demigods or Devas. Skanda Shasti festival celebrates Skanda’s victory over Soorapathman after a fierce battle that raged for 6 days. The battle is enacted in temples on the evening of the sixth day and is called Sooran Por (‘Por’ means ‘fight’ or ‘battle’). The temple courtyard resembles a battlefield on this day, and Lord Murugan’s idols from the temple are brought outside to depict the battle with Soorapadman.

Skanda Shasti’s Significance

Lord Murugan took birth in order to kill Soorapadman and his brothers Tarakasura and Simhamukha. Shasti Tithi of Shukla Paksha is the day he achieved victory over them. Lord Murugan cut off the head of Soorapadman with his weapon, the divine Vel that his mother Goddess Parvati had given him. When he severed Soorapadman’s head, a peacock and a rooster emerged from the demon’s head. While the peacock became his mount, the rooster turned into an emblem on Muruga’s flag.

Devotees observe a fast on Skanda Shasti day to express their gratitude to Muruga for killing the demon and restoring Dharma.

Skanda Shasti Rituals

Devotees rise early, take a bath, and worship Lord Murugan by praying at home or the temple. They observe a fast for the entire day. Skanda Shasti Pooja is done by lighting an oil lamp, incense sticks, and offering flowers, kumkum, etc. to him. Devotees also recite Skanda Sashti Kavasam.

Kanda Shasti Kavasam is a devotional hymn of 244 lines, composed by Devaraya Swamigal, a great Muruga devotee. It is in the form of a prayer to Lord Muruga. Kavasam means armor. The hymn is like a shield that protects one from pain and suffering. It can bestow progeny, marital bliss, good health, peace, and prosperity.

The vrat or fast begins at sunrise and ends the next day in the morning. According to their health, people may undertake a complete fast or a partial fast.

Skanda Shasti is celebrated with great fanfare in places with a sizeable Tamil population, like South India, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Malaysia.

It is a major festival at Murugan temples in Tamil Nadu, especially the 6 Arupadai Veedus (abodes or war houses of Muruga) that include the Thiruparankundram Subramanya Swamy temple on the outskirts of Madurai, Thiruchendur temple, Dandayuthapani Swamy temple at Pazhani, Swaminatha Swamy temple at Swamimalai, near Kumbakonam, Thiruthani temple which is 75 km from Chennai, and Pazhamudhircholai temple 20 km from Madurai,

Rules for the Fast

There are some basic rules for Kanda Shasti Viratham. Once a devotee begins it, they have to continue it for six or twelve years without a break. They must avoid non-vegetarian food completely. It can be observed in different ways. Some eat only one meal a day, while others take only fruits and milk. Some drink only water or coconut water for the entire period of 6 days.

Benefits of Kanda Shasti Viratham

One who prays and fasts Lord Muruga during Skanda Shasti can receive Muruga’s blessings.

Women drink the milk from the Pooja on the last day of Shasti as it can supposedly help them to conceive.

Many couples who did not have children supposedly conceived after observing the Skanda Shasti fast.

The fast is also a good opportunity to cleanse the body and remove toxins as one takes only water, fruits, etc., during the fast.