26/10/2025
Kanda Shasti Kavasam is composed by Devaraya Swamigal. This is a rare and valuable treasure that helps one to be successful in day-to-day life.
In Kanda Sasti Kavacam the author prays to Lord Muruga to shower His grace. It is certain that by regular chanting of this kavasam all the predicaments of life are resolved. People without children will enjoy .. Prosperity will abound. Peace will prevail at home. The devotee who reads it will enjoy every good fortune under the sun. As a warrior going to battle puts on armour to protect himself, the Kanda Sasti Kavasam also helps one to be safe in day-to-day life.
This prayer, Skanda Sashti Kavasam consists of a total of 244 lines, including four introductory lines known as "Kaappu,". Also followed by a couple of meditational lines and the main song portion consisting of 238 lines known as the "Kavasam". Here is the English translation of the Skanda Sashti Kavasam prayer.
Kaapu:
May karmic sufferings and worries cease
Wealth and spirituality grow and
Prayers are granted
For those who chant this Kandhar Sashti Kavasam.
1-16
He who fulfils the wishes of his devotees,
Whose twinkling anklets produce melodious sounds
He who approaches me in slow and graceful steps,
The Rider of the peacock
Come and protect me with your Vel
Welcome to Thee, Lord of the Vel
Welcome to Thee, O Rider of the peacock
Beginning with Inthiran, the Devas of all the eight directions pay their obeisance to You
Wielder of the mighty Vel,
Son-in-law of Thevendran,
Welcome You, who are in the mind of the loving tribal maiden, Valli,
Welcome Lord, You who are six-faced,
Welcome Lord, whose forehead is adorned with sacred ash,
Come every day, Lord of Sira Malai, Lord Velayuthan,
Come quickly, Lord of Saravanabava, come now!
17-22
The six letters of Lord Muruga's name (Sa, Ra, Va, Na, Ba, Va) are interchanged and their interplay gives rise to these rhythms of melody that accompany the graceful approach of the Lord on His peacock.
Lord Muruga embodies the form of these six letters. Thus, He is also referred to as 'Lord Saravanabava'.
Salutations are offered to the brave Lord of Saravana Poykai, who is approaching on His Vahana, the peacock.
Salutations are offered to the brave War Lord of the Devas in their battle against the Asuras.
23-26
You who assumed Lordship over me, in your twelve hands
You hold twelve weapons, the twelve 'Paasa' and the 'Ankusamum.'
With your twelve wide-opened, shiny eyes, throw your protecting glance on me,
O Lord, and grant me the grace of your protection.
27-31
This refers to the 'bija' mantras, 'im,' 'kilm,' 'saum.'
A 'bija' or seed is a significant word or series of words which give it a special power or 'Sakthi.'
The bija-mantras have a significant inner meaning which is subtle and mystic.
32
O Lord of the Kundalini Sakthi, son of Sivan, and Indweller of the heart, come daily to protect me.
33-46
O Lord, You are six-faced, with your six bejewelled crowns, your vibhuti-adorned foreheads and long eye-brows, twelve eyes and ruddy lips, you wear various pearled jewels!
With dainty ear-rings on your twelve ears, various flower garlands and diadems, pearled ornaments and nine-gemmed chains,
You wear the sacred investiture thread across your bejewelled chest and beautiful abdomen.
Your silken sash and girdle encircle your full waist, with a nine-gemmed diadem adorning your silken robes.
Your beautiful legs and anklet feet produce a harmonious blend of melodious notes most pleasing to the ear.
55
O Rider astride the peacock, come quickly.
56
O Lord of the three letters, come!
57-63
O Lord who resides in Swamimalai and grants Darshan from therein, grant me, your child, your favour.
I turn to You for salvation and prostrate before Your Holy Feet in submission, protect me, O Lord, for my life is but Your own.
64-81
With your twelve eyes, protect your child!
Protect the face - O beautiful Vel
Protect the Vibuthi adorned forehead - O pure Vel!
Protect the two eyes - O shining Vel!
Protect the two ears - O Lord of the Vel!
Protect the two nostrils - O good Vel!
Protect the thirty-two teeth - O piercing Vel!
Protect the tongue - O perfect Vel!
Protect the two cheeks - O brilliant Vel!
Protect the neck - O sweet Vel!
Protect the chest - O bejewelled Vel!
Protect the shoulders - O sharp Vel!
Protect the nape - O great Vel!
Protect the back - O Vel of grace!
Protect the sixteen rib bones - O youthful Vel!
Protect the stomach - O ever victorious Vel!
82-83
Protect the umbilicus - O benevolent Vel!
Protect the organs of reproduction and excretion - O good and beautiful Vel!
84 -92
Protect the two thighs - O great Vel!
Protect the knees and calves - O bright Vel!
Protect the toes and feet - O Vel of grace!
Protect the two hands - O Vel of mercy!
Protect the two forearms - O strong Vel!
93-104!
Grant that Lakshmi resides in my arms!
May Saraswati abide in my speech!
And may the Hridaya Kamalam (the ten-petalled lotus of the heart; the Jivatma's abode) be protected by the benevolent Vel!
May Ida, Puriggala, and Sushumna (nerve currents) be protected by the victorious Vel!
For as long as my tongue can utter your name (as long as I am alive), may your golden Vel come with the speed of lightning to protect me!
May Vachiravel protect me each day and night, every day!
May He protect me in the early hours of the night, mid hours of the night, and predawn hours,
During dawn and dusk, protect me, O ever-vigilant Vel!
