Skanda Shasti is a vibrant and deeply spiritual festival celebrated with fervor across India, especially in Tamil Nadu, where Lord Murugan, the revered son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is honored as a divine warrior. This six-day festival marks Murugan's legendary victory over the demon Surapadman, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and inspiring devotees to overcome their own inner battles. Thousands of devotees gather annually at famous Murugan temples, participating in elaborate rituals, recitations of sacred texts, and colorful processions. Highlights include the grand Soorasamharam reenactment, intense fasting, and the chanting of Kandha Shasti Kavasam, believed to invoke divine blessings. The atmosphere is charged with devotion as devotees immerse themselves in prayer, meditation, and acts of service to honor Lord Murugan.
1.Thiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple – Tamil Nadu
Subramanya Swamy Temple, located along the scenic coast of Tamil Nadu, is one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan. This unique setting is revered as the site of Lord Murugan’s epic battle against the demon Surapadman, making it one of the most spiritually significant Murugan temples. The annual Skanda Shashti festival at Thiruchendur is celebrated with grandeur, attracting devotees from around the world.
The centerpiece of the festival is the Soorasamharam, a powerful enactment of Murugan's victory over Surapadman. This dramatic ritual reaches its peak on the festival’s sixth day when Lord Murugan symbolically slays the demon, embodying the eternal triumph of good over evil.
2.Subramanya Temple, Kukke – Karnataka
The Kukke Subramanya Temple in Karnataka is renowned for its grand celebrations, where Lord Murugan is worshipped in his unique form as Lord Subramanya, the deity of serpents. Located in Kadaba taluk in Karnataka's Dakshina Kannada district, this temple is steeped in mythological significance. According to Hindu epics, the temple served as a sanctuary for the divine serpent Vasuki and other serpents, who sought protection under Lord Subramanya from the powerful bird Garuda. This association with serpents makes Kukke Subramanya a major site for rituals aimed at alleviating serpent-related doshas (curses) and fears.
During Skanda shasti, each day features unique events, including several vahana processions such as the Sesha (serpent), Ashwa (horse), and Mayura (peacock) vahanas. Laksha Deepotsavam, an event where one lakh ghee lamps are lit, enhances the temple's spiritual aura, making it a visually captivating spectacle. A grand Champa Shashti Rathotsavam also takes place, during which the deity is paraded on a massive chariot as devotees gather to pull it through the temple’s premises.
3. Sri Kandakottam Temple, Chennai – Tamil Nadu
The Sri Kandakottam Temple, commonly referred to as 'Mutthu Kumāra Swāmi Deva Sthānam,' is a significant Murugan temple located along the Chennai to Mahabalipuram route. Established in the 1670s, this temple holds immense reverence, particularly during the Skanda Shashti festival. Celebrated over six days in the Tamil month of Aippasi (typically October-November), the festival attracts thousands of devotees. A key feature of Skanda Shashti is the Soora Samharam, a dramatic reenactment that symbolizes Lord Murugan’s victory over the demon Surapadman.
During the celebrations, devotees engage in fasting, participate in Sahasranama Archanai (the chanting of a thousand names of Murugan), and carry milk pots in a grand procession. The culmination of the festival, the Soora Samharam, deeply resonates with participants, representing the triumph of good over evil.
In addition to Skanda Shashti, the temple also hosts an 18-day Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Thai (January-February). This festival features the idol of Murugan adorned and paraded on various divine mounts, or vahanas, such as the lion, peacock, elephant, and chariot, highlighting the deity’s protective qualities and nurturing the spiritual fervor among devotees.
4. Sri Subramanya Temple, Payyanur – Kerala
The Payyanur Sree Subramanya Swami Temple is one of the three most revered Maha Subrahmanya temples in South India, often referred to as the "Palani of Kerala." Located in Payyanur, which translates to "the land of Lord Subrahmanya," this ancient temple is believed to have been constructed by Lord Parasurama himself.
Throughout its history, the temple faced significant challenges, including destruction due to fire and an attack by Tippu Sultan. It was reconstructed in 1792 AD, featuring a two-storied sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) designed in the shape of a Gajaprishta (the back of an elephant). The temple houses a 6-foot-tall idol of Lord Subrahmanya, attracting countless devotees who come to seek blessings.
The Skanda Shashti festival at the Payyanur Sree Subramanya Swami Temple is marked by vibrant celebrations that include Chenda Melam, a lively percussion ensemble that energizes the atmosphere. Devotees perform Kavadi Attam as a heartfelt offering to Lord Murugan, reflecting their deep cultural devotion. Flower offerings further enhance the temple's beauty, while the procession of the Vel, symbolizing Murugan's divine power, serves as a significant highlight of the festivities.
5. Sikkal Singara Velar Temple, Nagapattinam – Tamil Nadu
The Sikkal Singara Velar Temple is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Muruga and is often considered an "unofficial" seventh Padaiveedu (sacred abode) of Muruga, complementing the six officials Arupadaiveedu. Uniquely, it houses both Shiva and Vishnu deities within the same temple complex, which is rare in traditional Hindu temples. According to legend, it was at Sikkal that Lord Muruga received his Vel (divine spear) from his mother, Goddess Parvati, to defeat the demon Soorapadman. After receiving the weapon here, Muruga traveled to Thiruchendur, where he established his base and eventually performed the Soora Samharam (the slaying of Soora Padman) in Sri Lanka, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
The Skanda Shashti festival at Sikkal Singara Velar Temple is celebrated with grandeur, marking the moment when Lord Muruga received the Vel from Goddess Parvati to defeat the demon king Soorapadman. Devotees believe that the temple idol begins to perspire, symbolizing Muruga’s readiness for Soorasamharam. The festival's highlight is the vibrant flower-adorned chariot procession through the village, drawing thousands of devotees who gather to honor Muruga’s victory.
Visit to the Thiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple is a profound experience that allows devotees to embrace the grace and divine power of Lord Murugan. Lord Murugan holds a special place in their hearts, symbolizing strength and guidance through life's struggles and challenges. The connection many feel with him offers comfort and assurance, reinforcing the belief that he is always there to help them overcome obstacles.
As you prepare for the Skanda Shashti festival, consider purchasing a Lord Murugan idol or a Karungali Murugan idol to invite his divine energy into your home. These idols serve as powerful symbols of devotion and protection, allowing you to maintain a spiritual connection with the deity throughout the year.