Skanda
Shashti vrattam - soora samhaaram day is an auspicious day to
propitiate Lord Skanda (also known as Subramanya, Murugan, Velavan,
etc.). This year it falls on November 18, 2012 for those in India, and
countries to the West of India (all European countries, Gulf countries,
Africa, and all nations in the American continents). Those living in
Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, etc.
should observe Skanda Shashti vratam on November 19, 2012.
This
day marks the annihilation of demonaic forces of Soorapadman by Our
Gracious Lord who incarnated from the sparks of the Third Eye of Lord
Shiva. Allegorically, the three main demons (Soorapadman and his
brothers) signify the three mental devils "Aanavam(pride), evil vibes
due to kanmam (negative karma), and Maayai (Illusion/ delusion)". Lord
Subramanya denotes Wisdom and Divine Consciousness within each one of
us. Thus celebrating this festival is to signify the necessity of
overcoming the three main enemies of our Spiritual existence with the
power of Wisdom and Divine Grace.
It is traditional for
ardent devotees to fast on this day (the more ardent devotees actually
fast for six days right from prathama thithi - the day after Deepavali
amaavasya and break it only after completing the rituals associated
with this day!) and recite various hymns in honour of Lord Skanda, the
notable and most powerful among them being:
1) Kanda
Shashti kavacham (In tamil composed by Swami BaalaDevaraayar some
centuries back) - This is a highly efficacious work that possess
immense mantrik power. It can bless you by removing all negativites in
life and also grant you all mundane and spiritual bliss. Reciting the
Holy Kanda Shashti Kavacham for 36 times keeping Holy Ash in a brass/
copper plate before you is very auspicious. Such an ash has the potency
to be a powerful shield against all evils in life. There is no need
for seeking costly mantraic remedies/ havans to nullify black-magic if
you regularly recite the Kanda shashti Kavacham as a family prayer on
Tuesdays and Fridays. The Mighty Spear of Lord Skanda - which has the
Potency of Goddess Shakti in Itself will annihilate the envious enemies
of such a family automatically.
2) Subramanya
Bhujangam (in Honour of Skanda as the Deity ofTiruchendur) - Reciting
this gives manifold benefits that are beyond words to explain. Its
glory has to be experienced by reciting it! In fact, the recital of
this helped Aadi Shankaraacharya (the original composer of this
wonderful sthothra) to get rid of aabhichaara-induced ailments that His
Holiness was suffering at that time.
There
are also other works like Shanmukha kavacham, Vel Maaral (this is a
mantrik composition that eugolizes the Shakti weapon that Skanda has in
His hands), and Chatrusamhaara Vel patikam (for annihilation of
enemies).
Those
who can, may fast (full fast, fasting only with water, fasting with
liquid diet, or avoiding rice/ heavy carbohydrates, or whatever as per
convenience), and chant any of the above hymns if possible.
Another
powerful recital is the recital of chapter pertaining to "Kumara
Utpatti" from Shrimad Vaalmiiki Raamaayana (it is in Baala kaandam). This is especially auspicious for those praying for the boon of birth of a child.
Those
who are not in a position to recite any of these may simply remember
Lord Skanda - the Beautiful and Handsome one, the Epitome of Courage and
Piety, by simply calling his name "Om Saravana bhava."
Those who seek progenic bliss may worship Him with the mantra "Om kum kumaaraaya namah"
Those
who wish to win cases, remove black-magic, etc. can recite classical
works such as "chatru samhaara vEl pathigam", "VEl Maaral", and the
verse "Murugan tani vEl muni nam guru enru..." from kandar anubhooti.
Those
who wish for Wisdom may worship Him as "Om Skanda Guravenamah"
(meditating on the scene where He explains the significance of Om to
Lord Shiva Himself! - the unique scene where the Son becomes the
Preceptor of the Father!) . This Form of Skanda is celebrated in the
tiny hillock where this Event is believed to have occured - Swami Malai -
near the Thingalur navagraha kshetra for Moon.
Those
who seek to exorcise negativities from their lives might meditate on
Lord Skanda with six-faces seated on Peacock bird holding a Flag Staff
and Shakti weapon (called "vel" in tamil - thespear-shaped weapon). The
mantra is "Om Shanmukhaaya namah." The six faces denote mastery over 5
senses and the faculty of reasoning, and also the six basic chakras
that reside within our human body that are the repositories of immense
power.
Those
who can, might visit Tiruchendur - where the Soora samhaaram Festival
is celebrated in all its splendour - as it was the last battlement camp
from where Shri Skanda launched His attack on the demonaic forces and
ultimately prevailed over them. The highlight of the soorasamhaaram is
that Lord Skanda - after defeating Soorapadman, accepted that demon -
who tearfully begged pardon to our Lord - as His Permanent vehicle
(Peacock), and also as His Flag Insignia (Cock). Thus, the
Soorasamhaaram festival enactment clearly shows that our Lord Chastises
only to reform, and His Kindness is extendable to all living beings -
even those considered to be hopelessly sinful; which better Form than
this wonderful Divine Chivalrous Child God can we find to forgive all
our shortcomings and to bring Grace in to our lives! Let us meditate on
His Divine Adventures, sing His Glory, and rejoice in His victory over
the demonaic forces (and thereby invoke the Divinity in us to defeat
our own negativities that are worse than any manifest demons!).
May the Divine Power who incarnated as Skanda Bless everyone with His Immense Grace.
Blessed be.
Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.
Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
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