Kartikeya, also known as Skanda, Murugan, and Subramanya, is a prominent deity in Hinduism, particularly venerated in South India. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is associated with war, victory, wisdom, and love. Kartikeya is typically depicted as a youthful, attractive man riding a peacock and carrying a spear or vel (a divine javelin).
He is recognized as the commander of the Devas’ (celestial beings) army and is worshipped for his courage and valor. Skanda Sashti is a six-day festival dedicated to Kartikeya, observed in the Tamil month of Aippasi (October/November). The festival reaches its peak on the sixth day, known as Skanda Sashti.
This celebration is widely observed in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. During this auspicious period, devotees engage in fasting, perform various rituals, and participate in processions to honor Kartikeya.
Mythological significance of Kartikeya
The Birth of a Hero
According to Hindu mythology, Kartikeya was created by Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati to defeat the demon Tarakasura, who had been wreaking havoc on the earth and heaven. Kartikeya was chosen by the Devas to lead them in battle against the demon, and after a fierce battle, he vanquished Tarakasura, bringing peace and prosperity to the world. This victory is celebrated during Skanda Sashti as a triumph of good over evil.
The Embodiment of Wisdom
Kartikeya is also revered as the epitome of wisdom and knowledge. It is believed that he received the divine knowledge of the Pranava mantra (AUM) from Lord Shiva himself. This association with wisdom and learning has made Kartikeya a popular deity among students and scholars, who seek his blessings for success in their academic pursuits.
The God of Love and Fertility
Additionally, Kartikeya is also considered the god of love and fertility, symbolizing the eternal cycle of birth and regeneration.
The story behind Skanda Sashti
The origin of Skanda Sashti is rooted in the ancient text Skanda Purana, which narrates the story of Kartikeya’s birth and his divine mission to defeat the demon Surapadman. According to the legend, Surapadman had gained immense power through severe penance and had become a threat to the Devas. In order to combat this formidable adversary, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati created Kartikeya from their combined energy.
Kartikeya was raised by the six Krittika sisters (also known as the Pleiades) and was bestowed with divine weapons by various gods. Armed with these weapons and riding his trusted peacock, Kartikeya led the army of Devas into battle against Surapadman and his demon forces. After a fierce battle that lasted for six days, Kartikeya finally defeated Surapadman on the sixth day, which is celebrated as Skanda Sashti.
This victory is commemorated with great enthusiasm during the festival, as devotees reenact the triumph of good over evil through various rituals and ceremonies.
Rituals and customs associated with Skanda Sashti
Skanda Sashti is observed with great devotion and fervor by devotees who perform various rituals and customs to seek the blessings of Kartikeya. One of the most common practices during this festival is fasting, where devotees abstain from consuming food for six days or opt for a specific diet. Some devotees also observe a strict fast on the day of Skanda Sashti, consuming only fruits and milk.
Another important ritual associated with Skanda Sashti is the recitation of Kanda Shasti Kavasam, a powerful hymn dedicated to Kartikeya. This hymn is believed to invoke the blessings of Kartikeya and protect devotees from evil forces. Devotees also visit temples dedicated to Kartikeya, offering prayers and performing special pujas to seek his divine grace.
In addition to these rituals, devotees also participate in processions carrying vel (spear) symbols of Kartikeya, symbolizing his valor and strength. These processions are accompanied by music, dance, and devotional songs, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. The festival also sees the reenactment of the battle between Kartikeya and Surapadman through colorful tableaus and performances, showcasing the victory of good over evil.
Celebrations and festivities during Skanda Sashti
Skanda Sashti is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where it holds immense cultural and religious significance. The festival begins with the hoisting of the flag on the first day, marking the commencement of the six-day period dedicated to Kartikeya. Devotees clean their homes and decorate them with kolams (rangoli) to welcome the deity’s blessings.
Throughout the festival, temples dedicated to Kartikeya are adorned with colorful decorations and illuminated with lights, creating a joyous ambiance. Special cultural programs, including music and dance performances, are organized to celebrate the glory of Kartikeya. The festival also sees the participation of various communities coming together to organize feasts for devotees, symbolizing unity and harmony.
On the day of Skanda Sashti, devotees wake up early to perform special rituals and visit temples to offer their prayers to Kartikeya. The day culminates with grand processions carrying idols of Kartikeya adorned with flowers and jewelry, accompanied by traditional music and dance performances. The festival concludes with the ceremonial lowering of the flag on the seventh day, marking the end of the auspicious period dedicated to Kartikeya.
Regional variations of Skanda Sashti
Elaborate Celebrations in Tamil Nadu
In Tamil Nadu, the festival is marked by grand processions carrying idols of Kartikeya in various cities and towns. The Arupathimoovar festival in Tiruparankundram near Madurai is particularly famous for its grand celebrations, attracting thousands of devotees from across the country.
Unique Rituals in Kerala
In Kerala, Skanda Sashti is celebrated with unique rituals such as Thrikkarthika Vilakku, where rows of lamps are lit in temples dedicated to Kartikeya. The festival also sees the performance of Kavadiyattam, a traditional dance form depicting scenes from Kartikeya’s life.
Variations in Other States
In Karnataka, the festival is known as Subramanya Shashti and is celebrated with great fervor in temples dedicated to Subramanya Swamy. In Andhra Pradesh, Skanda Sashti is observed with special pujas and processions in temples dedicated to Subramanya Swamy. The festival also sees the performance of Kavadiyatra, where devotees carry kavadis (decorated wooden structures) on their shoulders as a form of penance. These regional variations highlight the diverse cultural practices associated with Skanda Sashti while emphasizing the common reverence for Kartikeya across different states.
Modern-day relevance of Kartikeya and Skanda Sashti
In modern times, Kartikeya continues to be revered as a symbol of courage, wisdom, and victory. His association with knowledge makes him a popular deity among students seeking success in their academic endeavors. Many educational institutions organize special prayers and pujas during Skanda Sashti to seek Kartikeya’s blessings for their students’ success.
The festival also holds significance for individuals facing challenges or obstacles in their lives. Devotees seek Kartikeya’s blessings to overcome hurdles and emerge victorious in their endeavors. The story of Kartikeya’s triumph over Surapadman serves as an inspiration for people facing adversity, reminding them that perseverance and determination can lead to success.
Skanda Sashti also serves as a reminder of the eternal battle between good and evil, emphasizing the importance of righteousness and moral values in society. The festival encourages people to uphold virtuous principles and strive for positive change in their lives. In conclusion, Kartikeya and Skanda Sashti hold immense mythological significance and continue to be celebrated with great fervor across South India.
The festival serves as a reminder of Kartikeya’s valor and wisdom while emphasizing the triumph of good over evil. The diverse rituals and customs associated with Skanda Sashti highlight the rich cultural heritage of this auspicious festival, making it an integral part of Hindu tradition.
If you’re interested in learning more about Hindu festivals and traditions, you may want to check out this article on Tirumala’s March Month Events. It provides insight into the various events and celebrations that take place at the Tirumala temple during the month of March, offering a deeper understanding of the rich cultural and religious practices in Hinduism. This can help provide context for understanding the significance of festivals like Skanda Sashti and the worship of Kartikeya.