Introduction to Kumar Sasthi:

Kumar Sasthi is also known as Skanda Sasthi and is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya. He is also called ‘Muruga,’ ‘Subramanya,’ and ‘Kumar,’ hence it is called Kumar Sasthi. It occurs on the sixth day (Sasthi) of Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the Tamil month of Adi (mid-July to mid-August). It is observed widely all over India and in Nepal.

Significance of Kumar Sashti:

Lord Kumara is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. Kumar Sasathi is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Kumara and his deliverance of the Devas from the demon Taraka. Hence Lord Kumara is called the ‘Warrior God’ and is sought after for victory over obstacles and evil forces.

The Mythology of Kumar Sasthi:

As per the Skanda Purana, Lord Kumara was born at a time of unrest in Deva loka (abode of the Gods) when the Asuras were attacking the Devas under the leadership of Taraka. Taraka had a been that made him undefeatable except by a six-day-old warrior. The Devas approached Shiva with their problems by the was in deep meditation and did not hear their pleas. Finally, the Devas got the mother-goddess Shakti to force Shiva to become her husband by demonstrating her will and her devotion. Thus, Lord Kumara (eternal boy) was born, and he led the Deva army to victory over the Asuras.

Rituals followed on Kumar Sasthi:

After a ritual cleansing bath, the devotees worship Lord Kumara by making offerings of flowers, fruits, sandalwood paste, Kumkum, and incense sticks. Devotees read stories of Lord Kumara and chant ‘Skanda Shashti Kavacham,’ ‘Subramaniya Bhujangam,’ or ‘Subrahmanya Purana.’ Devotees observe Vrat(fast) on this day, and it is broken only after completing the pooja.

Blessings of observing Kumar Sasthi:

• Liberation from negative forces and bad karma.
• Seek blessings to remove suffering and fulfill earthly desires.