Soorasamharam 2021

Skanda Sashti, also known as Kanda Sashti, is the most important festival dedicated to Lord Murugan. Skanda Sashti is observed mainly by Tamil Hindus. The day of Skanda Sashti is decided based on lunar month and it falls during sixth day of Karthika Masam.

During Kanda Sashti, devotees observe six days fasting which starts from first day or Pirathamai of Karthika lunar month and ends on the sixth day which is known as Soorasamharam day. Soorasamharam is the final and the most important day of the six days festivities. It is believed that Lord Murugan defeated Demon Surapadman on the very same day and the festival of Soorasamharam is observed every year to mark the victory of good over evil.

Soorasamharam Story

According to Skanda Purana, the rakshasas under the leadership of Surapadma, Simhamukha and Tarakasura defeated the Devas and took over the earth. They started harassing the human beings and there was Adharma all around.

Lord Brahma, the creator, the demi-gods and humans prayed to Lord Shiva to intervene and to put an end to the adharma unleashed by the demons. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati gave birth to Lord Muruga – the most handsome god and the commander of the Devas.

Lord Muraga commanded the army of the Devas into the battle against the demons and the fight continued for six days. By day 6, all the attendants and friends of demon Surapadman were killed. On the final day, there was intense battle between Lord Murugaa and Soorapadman.

Finally, Lord Murugan pierced the body of Surapadma with his Vel (lance). Suddenly, demon Surapadma transformed into a huge mango tree but Lord Murugan cut the tree vertically into two pieces with His Vel.

The two pieces transformed into a peacock and a cock. Lord Murugan took the peacock as his vahana or vehicle and the cock was given a place on his banner. This event is popularly known as Soorasamharam.

It is important to note that the day when Shasti Tithi conjugates with Panjami Tithi is chosen for Soorasamharam Vratam. Hence most temples observe Kanda Sashti on Panjami Tithi if Shasti Tithi starts before sunset on Panjami Tithi.

Kanda Sashti celebrations at Thiruchendur Murugan Temple are the most famous one. The six days celebrations which start from Pirathamai of Karthika Masam culminate on Soorasamharam day. Thiru Kalyanam is observed on the next day of Soorasamharam.