ஐப்பசி மாதம் சுக்கிலபட்ச பிரதமை முதல் சஷ்டி ஈறாக உள்ள ஆறு நாட்களும் கந்த சஷ்டி காலமாகும்
Kantha Shasti Vratham is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Murugan, also known as Skanda or Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Worshipped as the warrior deity, Lord Murugan was born with a divine purpose: to defeat the evil demon king Surapadman, who terrorized the three worlds, including the realm of the Devas. The six-day event culminates in Soorasamharam, reenacting Lord Murugan’s victory over Surapadman. This festival is primarily observed in Tamil Nadu and among Tamil communities worldwide. The festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and serves as a time for spiritual devotion and renewal.
Skanda Shasti Vratham
Kantha Shasti Vratham is celebrated in the Tamil month of Aippasi (October-November), beginning on the sixth day after the new moon (Shasti Tithi).
The festival is highly popular among Tamils in Tamil Nadu, as well as Tamil communities in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Singapore, where Maha Skanda Shasti is celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm. Devotees begin their fast five days before Aippasi Shasti and conclude it on the sixth day, known as Maha Skanda Shasti.
According to the Kanda Purana, Soorasamharam is a dramatic performance based on the legend of Lord Murugan, also known as Kanda. The battle’s climax depicts Lord Murugan slaying the demon Soorapadman and his allies—Anamugan, Panumugan, and Simhamugan—using his divine spear, the Vel. The festival is highly popular among Tamils in Tamil Nadu, as well as Tamil people in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Singapore, where Maha Skanda Shasti is celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm. The Vratham, or fasting period, lasts for six days, during which devotees participate in various forms of worship, prayers, and fasting. Soorasamharam, conducted on the last day of the Skanda Shasti festival, is preceded by special rituals and pujas. In Tamil Nadu, many devotees observe this six-day fast and break it after the Soorasamharam. The day after Soorasamharam is known as Thirukalyanam (the divine wedding), commemorating the sacred marriage ceremony of Lord Murugan and Devasena (Deivanai).