27/10/2014
Shanmugha Sharanam…….29thof Oct 2014, Wednesday is “Skantha Shasti” .
Legend of Skanda Shashti: According to legends, a powerful demon, “Soorapadma” was harassing Devas and humans. To mark an end to the demon, Devas, sought the help of Lord Brahma. Brahma who proclaimed that only the spark of Shiva can produce the power, who will defeat the powers of the evil, Devas sought the help of Parvati and K**a (the God of Love). Parvati agreed to help, and engaged herself in a severe penance to attract Lord Shiva's attention, while K**a engaged himself in the "suicidal mission" of arousing Shiva from His Samadhi.
Due to the penance of Parvati and the sacrifice of K**a Deva Lord Shiva was awakened from his deep state of meditation. When He opened his forehead eye 6 Great Fire Sparks emerged out…..Shambo…. MahaDeva.. It fell into the mouth of Agni, and afterwards received by Ganges, who in turn threw it took to Saravana , the holy pond. These sparks became six divine small male babies. Lord Shiva approved six beautiful maidens called 'Karthigai Pengal' (Women of Karthiga) to look after the babies. Hence, He was also called Karthikeyan. Goddess Parvati hugged the kids and made them into a single child with six faces and twelve hands, called “Shanmughan” - the one with the six faces and one body. ……..Hara Harooo Hara Hara…..
His other names include Kumaran, Mayilvaganan, Kaangeyan, Velayuthan, Guhan, Swaminathan, Subramanian, Saravanabavan, Vishagan, Devasenapathy, Vallimanallan, Soorasankaran, etc.
When Shanmukha became Kumara , He was made the General (Deva Senapathi) of the God's army . Nine shaktis appeared from Goddess Parvati’s anklets from where Veerabahu and numerous soldiers emerged. They became the warriors of Lord Murugan. Matha Parvathy granted Lord Murugan, a Veel (spear) called Vetrivel(so He is also called Sakthi Velan) .
Lord Murugan came to Thiruchendur with group and pursued war against Soorapadman which lasted for six days. He defeated the demon on the sixth day and this day is celebrated as Skanda Sashti . The Lord converted Soorapadma into a peac**k and a c**k. Lord Muruga took the peac**k as His vehicle and therefore He is also called Mayilvahanan ( which means the one who uses Peac**k as his vehicle) and the c**k as His flag. His army flag ("kodi") carries the symbol of c**k ("seval") and on account of it, he is also known as "Seval Kodiyon".
Shashti Fasting is an important Viratham associated with Lord Muruga. Of all the Shashti vratams, Skanda Shashti Vrata(during the Malayalam month of Thulam (October-November)) is of great importance. Skanda Shashti is a six-day festival and is observed once in a year.It is the time when Lord Muruga's Highest Power emerges on the earth plane.
How to Observe Shasti Vrath:
Usually People observe fast on all the six days. Those who can’t do fasting on all the six days , can observe fasting on the sixth day(29-10-2014). On the day of Skanda Sashti, devotees of Muruga observe partial or full fast. Certain people choose only fruits and juices during the six days. Devotees should avoid non-vegetarian food ,Garlic ,Onion and spices etc.
Reading of Skanda Purana and reciting of Skanda Sashti Kavacham are performed by the devotees during the day. Visiting Murugan temples on this day is considered auspicious. Devotees organise Bhajan and Kirtan programs on a grand scale. …. Vetrivel Muruganukku HaraHaro HaraHara… Jay Sree Shanmuga……
