The practice of Valvettithurai is still being followed, the Sri Ponnambalavaneswarar temple draws thousands of devotees on Skanda Sashti Soorasamharam

Colombo Kochchikade Sri Ponnambalavaneswarar temple attracts thousands of devotees for Skanda Sashti Soorasamharam festival held today, 8th of November 2013.

 

It is not exaggerated to note that the practice of Soorasamharam (also called Sooranpor), the battle between lord Muruga and evil Sura Padman, is still being practiced, in a way it was initiated by the group of devotees of Valvettithurai in 1986. In other words, the devotees, who carries Soorapathaman,  wear the ‘Vesdi’ and observe the steps which were practiced in 1986 by devotees of Valvettithurai. 

 

Kanda Shasthi Vratham is an important observance dedicated to Lord Muruga. The Sashti falling in on the waxing moon period in the month of Aippasi (October-November) is the day on which Tamil God Muruga is believed to have killed a super-demon called Sura Padman. This is commemorated in the six-day festival of Kanda Sashti as a symbol of perpetual destruction of evil by God.

 

Different devotees observe Skanda Sasthi fasting differently, however  most devotees fast during the 6 day period of Vratham.

 

During the fasting in 6 days, most devotees confine to water only. By observing a Vratham  a devotee is trying to purify his mind through meditation, worship and by sticking to some vow that he or she has taken.