Skanda Sashti Soorasamharam festival held in Valvettithurai Sivan Temple

Hundred of devotees, mainly from VVT and adjacent villages have participated Skanda Sashti Soorasamharam festival held at Valvettithurai Sivan temple today.

 

The puja of Skanda sasti commenced at about 16:00 hours and Soorasamharam was held at about 19:00 hours at the outer road of the Valvai Sivan Temple. Skanda Paauranam Soorasamharam, or Surasamharam, is the penultimate day of Skanda Shasti fasting which ends with the Thirukalyanam. 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 Puranam, the demons under the leadership of Surapadman, Simhamugasuran and Tarakasuran defeated the celestial Devas (Thevarkal in Tamil) 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 put an end to the demons. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati gave birth to Lord Muruga – treated as ‘Tamil god’. 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 an 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 vehicle (Vaakanam in Tamil) 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 hundred thousands of people. Tamils especially god Muruga devotees, around the world observe Kanda Sasti by fasting for six days. 

 

Vaali Thvyanai Thiru Kalyaanam would be held in Valvai Sivan temple tomorrow.