What is Soorasamharam?
Lord Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva
and Goddess Parvati, is one of the highly celebrated Gods in Tamil Nadu.
Skanda Sashti (birthday of Skanda or Muruga) is one of the popular festivals observed during the holy Hindu month of ‘Karthika’, which corresponds to October-November in the English calendar. The fasting period lasts for a period of six days and concludes with the ‘Soorasamharam’ or killing of Surapadman.
The significance of Soorasamharam
The importance of the festival is extensively elaborated in ancient Hindu scriptures like the ‘Skanda Purana’. Lord Surapadma was an extremely powerful demon who even established his hegemony over the Devas and captured the earth. This resulted in the spread of Adharma (non-righteousness) and evil in the world. To stop anarchy from spreading in the world, Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, took command of the Devas and waged a battle against the forces of evil. This fierce battle lasted for a period of six days and eventually resulted in the death of Surapadma, who was felled by Lord Murugan’s divine lance (Vel). Thus, this occurrence has come to be popularly hailed as ‘Soorasamharam’. The festivities conducted on this day celebrate this divine victory and spread the message of good prevailing over evil.
The mythology behind Soorasamharam
The occasion of Soorasamharam commemorates the victory of good over evil. Legend states that it was on this day that ‘Lord Murugan’ vanquished the demon ‘Surapadma’ with his lance known as the ‘Vel’. This divine incident gave rise to the term ‘Soorasamharam’. The day is observed with great dedication by Tamil devotees throughout the world, who worship Lord Muruga for restoring ‘Dharma’ (righteousness) and liberating the world from evil forces. The day after ‘Soorasamharam’ is observed as ‘Thirukalyanam’ (divine wedding), which is celebrated as the day when the marriage ceremony of Lord Murugan and Devasena was solemnized. Lord Murugan temples all across the Southern parts of the country celebrate the occasion of ‘Soorasamharam’ with great zeal and enthusiasm. Of special mention are the festivities held in the Tiruchendur Murugan temple, which are conducted in a grand and spectacular manner.
Customs & Traditions
The fasting phase of the Skanda Sashti festival continues for a period of six days, and the last day is known as ‘Soorasamharam’. Those who observe the fast should not consume more than one meal during the course of the day. The fasting period concludes on the day of ‘Tirukalyanam’. All Murugan temples conduct special rituals on this auspicious day. Many devotees travel long distances to witness the ‘Abhishekam’ (hydration) of the deity, which is then followed by ‘Shringar Darshan’ (spectacle of the decorated deity).
At the Palani temple, a huge procession carrying Murugan’s image is taken out of the temple and winds its way through the entire town. The famous Tiruchendur Murugan temple also sees numerous devotees coming from all over Tamil Nadu and other Southern states to witness a re-enactment of this divine incident.
Benefits of celebrating Soorasamharam
- Destroys all the evil in life. Lord Muruga’s “Vel” acts as an amulet and protects all the people against the fierce enemies and curbs negativity.
- Bestows enormous power. Overcoming struggles and hurdles needs enormous power and grace from the Almighty. Lord Muruga helps all people to overcome struggles and lead a peaceful life.
- Enormous confidence and glory in all your pursuits. Victory and success will materialize when divine grace fills your life. The benevolence of the Lord will help all devotees to lead a life of happiness and glory.
