స్కన్ద షష్టి విశేషాలు

oorasamharam, or Surasamharam, is the penultimate day of Skanda Shasti fasting which ends with the Thirukalyanam. Soorasamharam 2009 date is October 23. The popular belief is that Lord Muruga killed Soorapadman with his ‘Vel’ and this divine act is known as Soorasamharam. On the day, devotees celebrate this victory of good over evil and restoration of Dharma.

According to Skanda Purana, the demons 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 demi-gods and humans prayed to Lord Shiva to intervene and to put an end to the demons Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati gave birth to Lord Muruga – the most handsome god and the commander of the Devas.

Lord Muraga then appeared to fight the demons and the fight continued for six days and killed all the attendants and friends of demon Surapadman. On the final day, there was intense battle between Muruga and Soorapadman.

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

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

The famous ‘Vetri Vel’ chanting that takes place on the Shasti day is associated with the victory of Skanda over demon Soorapadman.

The day is of great significance at the Lord Muruga Temples in South India, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa and Sri Lanka. The most famous Soorasamharam festival takes place at the Tiruchendur Murgan Temple - the divine action of Lord Muruga is re-enacted on the day and it is witnessed by thousands of people.