Skanda Sashti Vratham is an important Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Murugan (also known as Skanda, Kartikeya, or Subramanya), the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is observed primarily by Tamil Hindus and involves fasting and prayers over six days. Here is a detailed guide on how to seek Lord Murugan’s blessings during Skanda Sashti Vratham:
Preparation for Skanda Sashti Vratham
- Purification and Cleanliness:
- Take a bath early in the morning.
- Clean your house, especially the prayer area.
- Setting Up the Altar:
- Decorate the altar with flowers and place an idol or picture of Lord Murugan.
- Light a lamp and incense sticks.
- Offer fruits, flowers, and other traditional items like sandalwood paste and kumkum.
The Six-Day Fasting and Rituals
- Fasting (Vratham):
- The fasting can vary from consuming only fruits and milk to complete fasting without food and water.
- Some people follow a strict fast by consuming a single meal in the afternoon or evening.
- The level of fasting should be based on one’s health and capacity.
- Daily Worship:
- Begin each day with a bath and wear clean clothes.
- Recite specific prayers and slokas dedicated to Lord Murugan, such as the Skanda Sashti Kavacham and Subramanya Bhujangam.
- Chant the mantra “Om Saravana Bhava” or “Om Muruga” multiple times.
- Reading Scriptures:
- Read the Skanda Purana, especially the chapters related to the deeds of Lord Murugan.
- Recite the Tamil hymn Thiruppugazh and the Kandar Anuboothi.
- Offerings (Naivedyam):
- Prepare special dishes that are offered to Lord Murugan. Popular offerings include Pongal, Payasam (sweet rice pudding), and fruits.
- Distribute the prasadam (consecrated food) to family and friends after the pooja.
- Evening Rituals:
- Light lamps and perform aarti (a ritual of worship with lighted lamps) in the evening.
- Sing devotional songs and bhajans in praise of Lord Murugan.
Culmination on the Sixth Day
- Soorasamharam:
- The sixth day, known as Soorasamharam, marks the victory of Lord Murugan over the demon Surapadman.
- Special prayers and rituals are conducted, often with elaborate celebrations in Murugan temples.
- Participate in or witness the dramatic reenactments of the battle between Lord Murugan and Surapadman if possible.
- Abhishekam (Holy Bathing of the Idol):
- Perform abhishekam to the idol of Lord Murugan with milk, honey, coconut water, and other holy substances.
- Kanda Sashti Kavacham Recital:
- Recite the Kanda Sashti Kavacham with devotion and concentration.
Additional Practices
- Charity and Helping Others:
- Engage in acts of charity such as feeding the poor or donating to Murugan temples.
- Show kindness and compassion to others, reflecting the virtues of Lord Murugan.
- Observance of Celibacy:
- Some devotees observe celibacy during the fasting period.
- Community Participation:
- Attend the temple processions and community prayers if possible.
By following these rituals and observing the fast with devotion, you can seek the blessings of Lord Murugan. Devotees believe that observing Skanda Sashti Vratham with sincerity and faith can lead to the removal of obstacles, success in endeavors, and overall well-being.
