In Tamil Nadu, Lord Kartikeya is commonly called Murugan and is the patron god of the Tamil people. They also light lamps, Agarbathis, and camphor. The Pooja Samagri or items include sandal paste, turmeric paste, Kumkum, flowers, etc. People pray to an idol or picture of Subramanya or the Vel. The Pooja begins with a prayer to Ganesha, and then devotees chant ‘Om vali devasena samedha Shri Subrahmanya Swaamine namaha dhyaayaamii’ as they meditate. They also recite Kanda Sashti Kavasam on this day. Devotees listen to stories narrated in the Skanda Purana, go to temples or worship the deity at home. The fast is observed by taking a vegetarian meal once during the day. When Panchami combines with Sashti Tithi, it is highly auspicious for Skanda Sashti Vrat. The killing of the demons with the Vel (a gift from Parvati) came to be called Soorasamharam, and it happened on the Tithi of Aippasi Skanda Sashti. He defeated them after a fierce battle that lasted for six days. Murugan took charge as the General of the army of gods and waged war against the demons, Tarakasura, Surapadma, and Simhamukha. Parvati later fused them into one baby called Shanmukha or the one with six faces. The seeds turned into six babies that were raised by six stars of Karthikai. These were transferred from Agni’s mouth and the Ganges to the Sara Vana, a forest of grasses that resembled arrows. But his sacrifice and Parvati’s penance had the desired effect when 6 fiery sparks emanated from Shiva. Shiva opened his third eye, and Kama turned to ashes due to the fire of Shiva’s anger that emerged from it. Parvati did rigorous penance while Kama sent one of his arrows towards Shiva. Then Goddess Parvati and Kamadev, the god of love, agreed to help the gods. But Shiva was deep in meditation, and no one wanted to disturb him and trigger his rage. Brahma said that only Shiva could create the killer of Tarakasura. The main festival is celebrated on the said Tithi during Aippasi month, but the monthly fasts are also important.Īccording to mythology, the demon Tarakasura was causing a lot of problems, and the gods were at their wits’ end.
It is observed on the sixth day (Sashti) of Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight of the lunar month).
Skanda Sashti or Kanda Sashti celebrates his defeat of the demon Tarakasura. Kartikeya or Skanda is the commander of the Gods and the Lord of war and victory. Skanda means many things like a prince, a learned person, and an attacker. Skanda Sashti festival is observed in his honor. Kartikeya, the Hindu deity and offspring of Shiva and Parvati, has many names – Muruga, Skanda, Arumugha, etc.