Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Lord Subramanya and Skanda Sashti

Lord Subramanya and Skanda Sashti

Skanda sashti is observed in the sixth day of the bright sunlight of the Tamil Nadu. This day is dedicated for the second son of Lord Shiva- Lord Subramanya who is also known as Kartikeya, Kumaresa, Guha and Murugan. Who is believed to annihilated demon Taraka. This festival is celebrated in Lord Shiva and Subramanya temple in south.

On this day, there is a big celebration in all the temples in south and commences before sixth day and concludes on the day of sashti. During this day, pilgrims throng to the temple and read the stories of Subramanya.

There are well known temple of Subramanya can be found in Udipi, Palani Hills and Tiruchendra. Apart from India, this temple can also be found in Sri Lanka and Malaysia.

According to the customs and traditions, it is compulsory to go under piercing in the form of Kavadi to the various Subramanya shrines. Many devotees in Tamil Nadu pierce by inserting needle  through cheeks, neck, and tongue.

Skanda sashti falls in the month of November and is the day when Lord Subrmanya killed Demon Taraka. People witness elaborate festival in the temple. Devotees organize bhajan and kirtan on a grand scale. It is believed that people with disease if visit this temple will cure all their disease.

Generally, people take oath to offer Lord Kavadi the sake of tiding natural calamity. It is believed that whoever fast for the six day in the period of skanda sashti, it is believed that they will get the blessings of Lord Muruga. And those can’t fast for whole day can eat only one meal.

Devotees observe six days of fasting and pray devotional  songs to Lord Muruga. There is a flow of people in this day to celebrate this festival.

Tags: Lord Subramanya and Skanda Sashti

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