Marghashirsha Skanda Shashti A Day of Devotion and Spiritual Significance
Margashirsha Skanda is part of the sacred celebration dedicated to Lord Murugan (also known as Skanda or Kartikeya), the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who is revered as a deity of courage, wisdom, and spiritual victory. Observed on the sixth day of the waxing moon in the month of Margashirsha, this festival holds great importance, particularly in South India, among devotees of Lord Murugan. It is a day marked by fasting, devotion, and rituals, with believers seeking the divine blessings of Lord Murugan for spiritual and material well-being.
1 The Significance of Skanda Shashti:
Skanda Shashti commemorates the legendary victory of Lord Murugan over the demon Soorapadman. According to Hindu mythology, Soorapadman was a powerful demon who terrorised the gods and humans alike. The victory of Lord Murugan symbolises the triumph of good over evil, virtue over vice, and spiritual strength over material darkness. For devotees, this day is an occasion to seek Lord Murugan’s protection, wisdom, and divine blessings for overcoming life’s challenges.
Lord Murugan is not just the god of war but also the protector of the devotees, known for his strength, valour, and ability to destroy negative forces. He is often depicted with his divine weapon, the Vel, which is symbolic of divine power and protection.
Thithi Timings :Margashirsha, Shukla Skanda Shashti
Begins – 12:07 PM, Dec 06
Ends – 11:05 AM, Dec 07
The Spiritual and Cultural Practices of Skanda Shashti
Skanda Shashti is celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially in regions with significant Tamil and South Indian communities. The observance of this day involves a series of spiritual practices, including fasting, prayer, and special rituals at temples. Below are the key aspects of the celebration:
- Fasting and Purification: Devotees observe a rigorous fast on Skanda Shashti to purify the body and soul. Many follow a six-day fast, beginning from Shashti (the sixth day) and continuing through Dwadashi (the twelfth day), which marks the end of the festival. The fast is believed to cleanse the devotee’s mind, body, and spirit, allowing them to receive Lord Murugan’s blessings.
For those unable to fast for the full six days, a partial fast is also observed, often consisting of simple foods like fruits, milk, and vegetarian fare. Abstaining from grains, meat, and intoxicants is common, with the focus on inner purity and devotion.
- Special Pujas and Offerings: On Skanda Shashti, devotees visit temples dedicated to Lord Murugan, where they offer flowers, fruits, and incense as part of their prayers. The Skanda Shashti Kavacham, a powerful prayer dedicated to Lord Murugan, is recited by the devotees to invoke his blessings. This prayer is believed to protect the devotee from harm and grant them courage and success in life.
Many temples also perform Abhishekam, a sacred ritual where the idol of Lord Murugan is bathed with milk, honey, coconut water, and other auspicious substances. This ritual is performed to purify the idol and invoke divine grace.
- Chanting of the Kartikeya Ashtakshara Mantra: A central part of the worship on Skanda Shashti is the chanting of the Kartikeya Ashtakshara Mantra “Om Saravana Bhavaya Namaha“. This mantra, meaning “Salutations to Lord Murugan, the embodiment of beauty and wisdom,” is recited with devotion to invoke the blessings of Lord Murugan. Chanting this mantra is said to bring spiritual progress and protection.
- Kavadi and Processions: One of the most striking features of Skanda Shashti celebrations is the Kavadi procession, especially in Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. Devotees carry Kavadi (a decorated structure) as an offering to Lord Murugan. These Kavadis are often elaborately adorned with flowers, peacock feathers, and bells, and are carried to the temple as a sign of devotion and gratitude.
The carrying of the Kavadi is a physical and spiritual act of penance, and the devotee often walks barefoot, singing hymns and chanting Lord Murugan’s name as they make their way to the temple. The Kavadi symbolises the burden of worldly suffering that is relieved when Lord Murugan’s blessings are received.
- Cultural Events and Community Gatherings: In addition to the religious observances, Skanda Shashti is also a time for community celebrations. Many temples organise cultural events such as devotional music concerts, dance performances, and religious discourses. Families gather together to celebrate the occasion, share meals, and partake in prayers and rituals.
In some places, the day is marked by kolam (decorative floor art) and rangoli (colourful patterns), with devotees decorating the temple premises and their homes to invite divine blessings.
Why Is Marghashirsha Important?
The month of Margashirsha (also known as Maargazhi in Tamil) is considered one of the most auspicious months in the Hindu calendar. It is associated with spiritual practices, and it is believed that performing rituals during this month helps in attaining peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth. During this time, devotees often engage in early morning prayers, singing hymns such as the Vishnu Sahasranama, and reciting sacred texts. The entire month is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, but the day of Skanda Shashti is specifically dedicated to Lord Murugan.
Benefits of Observing Skanda Shashti:
Observing Skanda Shashti brings numerous spiritual benefits, as it is believed to purify the soul, provide protection from negative influences, and bless the devotee with inner strength and wisdom. Some of the key benefits include:
Victory over Obstacles: Just as Lord Murugan triumphed over the demon Soorapadman, devotees believe that observing Skanda Shashti can help them overcome personal and spiritual obstacles in their lives.
Spiritual Cleansing: The fast, prayers, and rituals during this time are believed to cleanse the devotee’s body and mind, helping them grow spiritually.
Strength and Protection: Lord Murugan is often worshipped for his qualities of strength, courage, and protection. Devotees seek his blessings for the ability to face life’s challenges with resilience.
Wisdom and Success: It is believed that Lord Murugan’s grace brings wisdom and success in both personal and professional life.
Shri Subramanya Ashtakam:
Hey Swaminatha karunakara deena bandho,
Sree Paravatheesa mukha pankaja padma bandho,
Sreesadhi deva gana poojitha pada padma,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham.
Devadhi deva sutha, deva ganadhi nadha,
Devendra vandhya mrudu pankaja manju pada,
Devarshi narada muneendra sugeetha keerthe,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham.
Nithyanna dana nirathakhila roga harin,
Bhagya pradhana paripooritha bhaktha kama,
Sruthyagama pranava vachya nija swaroopa,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham.
Krouncha surendra parigandana sakthi soola,
Chapa thi sasthra parimanditha divya panai,
Sree kundaleesa drutha thunda sikheendra vaha,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham.
Devadhi deva radha mandala Madhya methya
Devendra peeda nagaram druda chapa hastha
Sooram nihathya sura kotibhiradyamana
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham
Heeradhi rathna vara yuktha kireeda hara
Keyura kundala lasath kavachabhirama
Hey Veera tharaka jayaa amara brunda vandhya
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham
Panchaksharadhi manu manthritha ganga thoyai
Panchamruthai praudhithendra mukhair muneendryai
Pattabhishiktha maghavatha nayasa nadha
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham
Sree karthikeya karunamrutha poorna drushtya
Kamadhi roga kalushi krutha drushta chitham
Sikthwa thu mamava kala nidhi koti kantha
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham
Subrahmanyashtakam punyam yeh padanthi dwijothama
They sarve mukthimayanthi subrahmanya prasadatha
Subrahmanyashtakamidham prathar uthaya ya padeth
Kodi janma krutham papam thath kshanad thasya nasyathi
Marghashirsha Skanda Shashti in December 2024 is a significant occasion for devotees of Lord Murugan, providing an opportunity to seek divine blessings for strength, wisdom, and protection. Through fasting, prayer, and special rituals, devotees honour Lord Murugan’s victory over evil, symbolising the triumph of good over evil in their own lives. The festival is not only a time of spiritual devotion but also a cultural celebration, bringing communities together in a shared expression of faith and devotion. As the day approaches, devotees can prepare by immersing themselves in the spiritual practices of Skanda Shashti, seeking Lord Murugan’s blessings for peace and success in the year to come.
Subrahmanya Swamy Related Posts:
Why Do We Celebrate Subramanya Shasti or Skanda Shasti? Benefits and Rules to Follow
