The signifiance of the day of Sashti

Kanda Shasti Kavacham is composed by Devaraya Swamigal. This is a rare and valuable treasure that helps one to be successful in day-to-day life.

In Kanda Sasti Kavacham the author prays to Lord Muruga to shower His grace. It is certain that by regular chanting of this kavacam all the predicaments of life are resolved. People without children will enjoy. Prosperity and plenty will abound. Peace will prevail at home. The devotee who reads it will enjoy every good fortune under the sun. As a warrior going to battle puts on armour to protect himself, the Kanda Sasti Kavacam also helps one to be safe in day-to-day life.

The signifiance of the day of Sashti

Sashti is the day the Lord Subramanya defeated the demon Soorapadma. When the devas couldn't tolerate the evil doings of this demon, they approached the younger son of Lord Shiva and Parvati for his assitance. He fought Soorapadma for six days, at the end of which the Lord vanquished the asura. He threw his weapon at him and Soorapadman was split into two halves. One half became a peacock, which He took as His vaahana. The other became a cock and was transformed into his flag.

The devas, who were tormented by Soorapadman, rejoiced - they praised the Lord and prayed to him for six days. Devotees usually narrate the kanda sashti kavacham, during this period. Whoever fasts for these six days of Skanda Sashti and prays to Lord Muruga steadfastly, it is said that they would get the blessings of Lord Muruga. Those who are unable to fast for a whole day for a six-day duration, can eat just one meal during this period.


Kural Venpa (Prayer)

Thuthiporkku val vinai pom, Thunpam pom,
Nenjil pathiporkku selvam palithu kadithongum
Nishtayum kaikoodum
Nimalar Arul kanthar sashti kavacham thanai

The sufferings great and sorrow will vanish for those who pray,
The riches will increase for those who paste it in their mind,
All penance will surely bear fruit,
By this Sashti Kavacham written by the grace of God.


Kaappu (Protection)

amarar idar theera amaram purintha
kumaranadi nenjeh kuri.

Mind, oh mine, meditate
On the feet of that Young God,
Who waged the war,
To end the problems of devas, great.


The Kavacham

sashtiyai nokka saravana bavanaar
sishtarukku uthavum sengkathir velon
paatham irandil panmani sathangai
geetham paada kinkini yaada
maiya nadam seiyum mayil vahananaar (5)

Welcome to thee Oh, Lord,
Who rides on the peacock,
Who comes to help his devotees,
Who comes accompanied by sweet songs,
Who comes with pleasing Sound of ringing anklets,
Made by numerous bells tied to your feet.
And I pray Lord Saravana Bhava,
To bless this poem on Sashti.

Kaiyil velaalenai kakkavendru vandhu
vara vara velaayudhanar varuga
varuga varuga mayilon varuga
indhiran mudhalaa yendisai potra
mandhira vadivel varuga varuga (10)

Please come with Vel[1] in your hand to protect me,
Please come, please come, Holder of Vel, please come,
Please come, please come, He who rides on the peacock, Please come,
Let the magical Vel which is praised by Indra and all those,
Living in eight directions, please come, please come.

kaiyil velaal yenaik kaakka vendr uvanthu
varavara velah yuthanaar varuha
varuha varuha mayilon varuha
inthiran mudhalaa yendisai potra
manthira vadivel varuha varuha (15)

Having thought to protect me by the Vel in your hand,
Come, come Oh, boon giving Hero with the Vel,
Come, come, he who rides the peacock, come,
Come the Commander in Chief of Indra, come,
With all the eight directions singing your fame,
And please come, come, he who has the magical Vel.

vaasavan maruhaa varuha varuha
nesak kuramahal ninaivon varuha
aarumuham padaitha aiyaa varuha
neeridum velavan nitham varuha
sirahiri velavan seekkiram varuha (20)

Come, come son in law of Indra,
Come darling of the lady of mountain,
Come my master who has six faces,
Come daily he who holds the Vel*,
And who applies the ash,
Come with speed, Oh Lord of Sira Mountain,
Come with speed, Of holder of the Vel.

saravana bavanaar saduthiyil varuha
rahana bavasa ra ra ra ra ra ra ra
rihana bavasa ri ri ri ri ri ri ri
vinabava sarahana veeraa namo nama
nibava sarahana nira nira nirena (25)

Oh Lord Saravana bhava, Come with speed,
rahana bavasa ra ra ra ra ra ra ra
rihana bavasa ri ri ri ri ri ri ri
[2] vinabava sarahana,
Salutations and salutations to the great hero,
nibava sarahana nira, nira,nirena

vasara hanabava varuha varuha
asurar kudi kedutha aiyaa varuha
yennai yaalum ilaiyon kaiyil
pannirendu aayutham paasaan gusamum
parantha vizhihal pannirandu ilanga (30)

Come, come friend who lives within me,
Come lord who spoiled the lives of Asuras,
Come with the wide open twelve graceful eyes,
Come with weapons and pasa and angusa in your twelve hands[3],
Come, Oh young lord, who rules over me.

virainthu yenaik kaakka velon varuha
aiyum kiliyum adaivudan sauvum
uyyoli sauvum uyiraiyum kiliyum
kiliyum sauvum kilaroli yaiyum
nilai petrenmun nithamum olirum (35)

Come Oh, Lord of Vel to protect me fast,
Let Aaim, Klim and Saum which reach to you,
The Saum with its brilliant light,
The Klim which is like the soul,
And Klim, Saum and the sweet sounding Aaim[4],
Stand and shine before me.

shanmuhan neeyum thaniyoli yovvum
kundaliyaam siva guhan thinam varuha
aaru muhamum animudi aarum
neeridu netriyum neenda puruvamum
panniru kannum pavalach chevvaayum (40)

Come Oh, Six headed one,
With your brilliant light,
Come daily without fail, great Lord,
Who has attained the Kundalini[5],
And come with thine six faces with six crowns,
With holy ash applied on your forehead,
With your long eye brows,
And with your twelve eyes and coral like mouth.

nanneri netriyil navamanich chuttiyum
eeraaru seviyil ilahu kundalamum
aariru thinpuyathu azhahiya maarbil
palboo shanamum pathakkamum tharithu
nanmanipoonda navarathna maalaiyum (45)

Come Oh Lord,
With decorations of nine gems in your forehead,
With pretty ear rings shining in your twelve ears,
With several ornaments and pendant shining.
In thine, handsome trunk with twelve arms,
And with the garland of nine gems inlaid with precious stones.

muppuri noolum muthani maarbum
sepppazhahudaiya thiruvayir unthiyum
thuvanda marungil sudaroli pattum
navarathnam pathitha nartchee raavum

Come Oh Lord,
With the holy three stringed thread,
With your chest decorated with pearls,
With your very pretty abdomen which has been praised,
With silken sash and girdle around your waist,
And with nine gems chain adorning your silken robes.

thiruvadi yathanil silamboli muzhanga
seha gana seha gana seha gana segana
moga moga moga moga moga moga mogana
naha naha naha naha naha naha nahena
digu kuna digu digu digu kuna diguna (55)

ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra
ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri
du du du du du du du du du du du du du du du
dagu dagu digu digu dangu dingugu
vinthu vinthu mayilon vinthu(60)

Come Oh Lord,
With anklets in thine holy feet,
Which make jingling sounds, like,
seha gana seha gana seha gana segana
moga moga moga moga moga moga mogana
naha naha naha naha naha naha nahena
digu kuna digu digu digu kuna diguna

ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra
ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri
du du du du du du du du du du du du du du du
dagu dagu digu digu dangu dingugu
Oh Lord who rides the peacock, come quickly.

munthu munthu muruhavel munthu
yenthanai yaalum yehraha selva
mainthan vehndum varamahizhnth thuthavum
laalaa laalaa laalaa vehshamum
leelaa leelaa leelaa vinothanendru (65)

Rush Oh rush, my Lord who has the Vel,
Oh Lord of Swami Malai*, who rules over me,
Who is so prettily dressed,
And who is so playful.
Grant this boon with smile to your son,

unthiru vadiyai uruthi yendrennum
yen thalai vaithun yinaiyadi kaaka
yennuyirk uyiraam iraivan kaaka
panniru vizhiyaal baalanaik kaaka
adiyen vathanam azhahuvel kaaka (70)

Please save me, who has firm faith in thine feet,
And who has placed his head on your feet,
Oh God who is my soul of souls protect,
Please protect this child with your twelve eyes,
Let your pretty Vel protect my face.

podipunai netriyaip punithavel kaaka
kathirvel irandu kanninaik kaaka
vithisevi irandum velavar kaaka
naasihal irandum nalvel kaaka
pesiya vaaythanai peruvel kaaka (75)

Let your pure Vel protect my ash adorned forehead
Let your shining Vel protect my two eyes,
Let he holds the Vel protect my two ears,
Let your good Vel protect my two nostrils,
Let your great Vel protect the mouth, which speaks.

muppathirupal munaivel kaaka
seppiya naavai sevvel kaaka
kannam irandum kathirvel kaaka
yennilang kazhuthai iniyavel kaaka
maarbai irathna vadivel kaaka (80)

Let your sharp Vel protect my thirty-two teeth,
Let your perfect Vel protect my tongue, which tells,
Let your shining Vel protect my two cheeks,
Let your sweet Vel protect my tender neck,
Let your gem studded Vel protect my chest.

serila mulaimaar thiruvel kaaka
vadivel iruthol valamberak kaaka
pidarihal irandum peruvel kaaka
azhahudan muthuhai arulvel kaaka
pazhu pathinaarum paruvel kaaka (85)

Let your holy Vel protect my chest,
Let your straight Vel protect my two shoulders,
Let your great Vel protect my two napes,
Let your graceful Vel protect my back,
Let your youthful Vel protect my sixteen ribs.

vetrivel vayitrai vilangave kaaka
sitridai azhahura sevvel kaaka
naanaam kayitrai nalvel kaaka
aan penn kurihalai ayilvel kaaka
pittam irandum peruvel kaaka (90)

Let your victorious Vel protect my abdomen,
Let your pretty Vel protect my thin waist,
Let your good Vel protect my waist thread,
Let your pretty Vel protect the reproductive organs,
Let your big Vel protect my two kidneys.

vattak kuthathai valvel kaaka
panai thodai irandum paruvel kaaka
kanaikaal muzhanthaal kathirvel kaaka
aiviral adiyinai arulvel kaaka
kaihal irandum karunaivel kaaka (95)

Let your big Vel protect my round colon,
Let your heavy Vel protect my two thighs,
Let your bright Vel protect the two knees and calves,
Let your graceful Vel protect my two feet,
Let your merciful Vel protect my two hands.

munkai irandum muranvel kaaka
pinkai irandum pinnaval irukka
naavil sarasvathi natrunai yaaha
naabik kamalam nalvel kakka
muppaal naadiyai munaivel kaaka (100)

Let your strong Vel protect my two forearms,
Let Goddess Lakshmi reside in my arms,
Let Goddess of knowledge reside in my tongue,
Let your good Vel protect my belly button.
Let your sharp Vel protect the three nerve currents.

yeppozhuthum yenai yethirvel kaaka
adiyen vasanam asaivula neram
kaduhave vanthu kanahavel kaaka
varum pahal thannil vachravel kaaka
arai irul thannil anaiyavel kaaka (105)

Let your great Vel always protect me,
Let your golden Vel come fast,
To protect me as long as I am alive,
Let your diamond Vel protect me in day time,
Let your glittering Vel protect me in darkness.

yemathil saamathil yethirvel kaaka
thaamatham neeki chathurvel kaaka
kaaka kaaka kanahavel kaaka
noaka noaka nodiyil noaka
thaakka thaakka thadaiyara thaakka (110)

Let his flowing Vel protect me all the sections of the night,
Let his craft Vel protect me from delays,
Let the golden Vel protect and protect,
Let it be seen quickly and quickly,
Let it strike and strike and remove all my problems.

paarka paarka paavam podipada
billi soonyam perumpahai ahala
valla bootham valaashtihap peihal
allal paduthum adangaa muniyum
pillaihal thinnum puzhakadai muniyum (115)
kollivaayp peihalum kuralaip peihalum
penkalai thodarum bramaraa chatharum
adiyanaik kandaal alari kalangida.

Please see and see that my sins are powdered,
Let the black magic and great enmity go away,
Let great devils and those who shake their tails,
Let the uncontrollable Muni, which creates problems,
Let the back yard Muni[6] which eats babies,
Let the ghosts with fire in their mouth,
Let the ghosts which steal my speech,
And let the Brahma Rakshasas which follow ladies,
Run away screaming when they see me.

irisi kaatteri ithunba senaiyum
yellilum iruttilum yethirpadum mannarum (120)
kana pusai kollum kaaliyodu anaivarum
vittaan gaararum migu pala peihalum
thandiyak kaararum sandaalar halum
yen peyar sollavum idi vizhunthodida.

Let the Irusi Katteri and Idumba sena,
Let Mannar who is seen every where in the night
Let Kali and all others, who kill us on meeting,
Let Vittan Karar and other ghosts and devils[7],
Let Thandai Karar and debased humans,
As soon as they hear my name,
Run away as if struck by thunder.

aanai adiyinil arum paavaihalum (125)
poonai mayirum pillaihal enpum
nahamum mayirum neenmudi mandaiyum
paavaihal udane pala kalasathudan
manaiyil puthaitha vanjanai thanaiyum
ottiya paavaiyum ottiya serukkum (130)
kaasum panamum kaavudan sorum
othu manjanamum oruvazhi pokum
adiyanaik kandaal alainthu kulainthida
maatran vanjahar vanthu vanangida
kaala thoothaal yenai kandaal kalangida (135)

Dolls with spells, placed in our home,
Hairs of cat, bones of babies,
Claws, hairs, skulls with long hairs,
Dolls placed in several pots,
Buried in different parts of the house,
Dolls pierced, pierced shapes,
Coins and money, cooked rice, with vegetables[8]
Spell cast yellow-black balms, which travel in one direction’
Let all these get confused and be afraid on seeing me,
Please make them shiver on seeing me always,
And make strangers and bad men salute me.

anji nadungida arandu purandida
vaay vittalari mathi kettoda
padiyinil mutta paasak kayitraal
kattudan angam katharida kattu
katti uruttu kaal kai muriya (140)

Make all of them afraid of me,
Make them roll in the floor out of fear,
May them shout loudly and get mad,
Let them dash their head on my door steps,
Tie them with your Pasa rope,
Tie them tight,
Roll them after tying,
And break their hands and legs.

kattu kattu katharida kattu
muttu muttu muzhihal pithungida
sekku sekku sethil sethilaaha
sokku sokku soorpahai sokku
kuthu kuthu koorvadi velaal (145)
patru patru pahalavan thanaleri
thanaleri thanaleri thanalathuvaaha
viduvidu velai verundathu oda.

Tie and tie them, till they loudly cry out,
Dash and dash them till the joints split,
Step on them, step on them, till they break in the mud,
Pierce and pierce them with your Vel.
Catch and catch the fire of the Sun,
Set fire,set fire till they wilt in the fire,
Throw and throw your Vel till they scare and run.

puliyum nariyum punnari naayum
yeliyum karadiyum inithodarnthu oda (150)
thelum paambum seyyaan pooraan
kadivida vishangal kadithuyar angam
yeriya vishangal yelithudan iranga

Let the tiger, fox, wolf, rat and bear,
Continue to run away from me,
Let the poisons of scorpion, snake, millipede,
Which has entered in and will stay in my body
After being bitten by them,
Come out of my body with great speed.

polippum sulukkum oruthalai noyum
vaatham sayithiyam valippu pitham (155)
soolai sayam kunmam sokku sirangu
kudaichal silanthi kudalvip purithi
pakka pilavai padarthodai vaazhai
kaduvan paduvan kaithaal silanthi
parkuthu aranai paru arai yaakkum (160)
yellap piniyum yendranaik kandaal
nillaa thoda nee yenak arulvaay
puliyum nariyum punnari naayum
yeliyum karadiyum inithodarnthu oda (165)

Let wounds, sprains, one sided head ache,
Arthritis, cold fever, fits and bile,
Piles, fistula, carbuncles, strains,
Diseases of intestines, itching of the skin,
Partial paralysis, ring worm, skin ailments,
Biting of cat, dog and spider,
Tooth ache and all the diseases and attacks,
Vanish and run away, As soon as they see me,
Please Lord bless me always so that,
All these do not tarry and run away from me.

eerezhula hamum yenak uravaaha
aanum pennum anaivarum yenakkaa
mannaal arasarum mahizhnthura vaahavum (170)

Let the seven worlds be my friends,
Let gents and ladies, and kings who rule,
Become my relations with pleasure and happiness.

unnai thuthikka un thirunaamam
saravana bavane sailoli bavanee
thirupura bavane thigazholi bavane
paripura bavane pavamozhi bavane
arithiru maruhaa amaraa pathiyai (175)
kaathu thevarkal kadum sirai viduthaay
kanthaa guhane kathir velavane
kaarthihai mainthaa kadambaa kadambanai
idumbanai yendra iniyavel muruhaa

Let me praise your holy names,
He who originated from Saravana,
He who originated from flashing light,
He who was born to Tripura,
He who originated from holy Sound,
He whose feet is adorned with anklets,
He who severs the cords of attachment,
He who is the nephew of Vishnu and Lakshmi,
He who protected the army of devas,
He who released them from prison,
He who is called Skanda and Guha,
He who holds the resplendent Vel,
He who is the son of Karthika maidens,
He who lives in Kadamba forest,
He who is Muruga[9] with the sweet Vel,
Who defeated Idumba and Kadamba asuras.

thanihaa salane sangaran puthalvaa (180)
katirkaa mathurai kathirvel muruhaa
pazhani pathivaazh baala kumaaraa
aavinan kudivaazh azhahiya vela
senthil maamalai yuryum sengalva raayaa
samaraa purivaazh shanmuha tharase (185)

Hey lord who lives on Thiruthani mountains,
Hey lord who is the son of Lord Shiva,
Hey Lord Muruga, with shining Vel,
Hey Lord, Who lives in Kathirgamam,
Hey young Kumara who lives in the city of Pazhani,
Hey pretty Vela, who lives in Thiruvavingudi,
Hey, Sengalva raya who lives on Senthil mountains,
Hey king, Shanmuga who lives in Samarapuri[10].

kaarar kuzhalaal kalaimahal nandraay
yennaa irukka yaan unai paada
yenai thodarnthu irukkum yenthai muruhanai
padinen aadinen paravasa maaha
aadinen naadinen aavinan poothiyey (190)

When the Goddess of knowledge,
With her dark black tresses,
Placed herself on my tongue,
I did sing about you,
And I sang about my father Murugan,
Then Danced, went in to ecstasy,
And sought the company,
Of the great Lord of Thiruvavinkudi.

nesamudan yaan netriyil aniya
paasa vinaihal patrathu neengi
unpatham perave unnarulaaha
anbudan rakshi annamum sonnamum
metha methaaha velaayu thanaar (195)
sithi petradiyen sirappudan vazhga.

When I adorned with love, my forehead with your sacred ash,
The ropes attaching me to the fate were untied,
And I reached your feet to attain your grace.
So please protect me with love, give me food and wealth,
Oh Velayudha slowly and gracefully.
Bless me with your grace,
And let me live in a great manner.

vaazhga vaazhga mayilon vaazhga
vaazhga vaazhga vadivel vaazhga
vaazhga vaazhga malai guru vaazhga
vaazhga vaazhga malai kura mahaludan (200)
vaazhga vaazhga vaarana thuvasam
vaazhga vaazhga yen varumaihal neenga

Long live, long live, the rider of peacock,
Long live, long live, the holder of Vel,
Long live, long live, the god of mountains,
Long live, long live, he with the mountain girl, Valli.
Long live, long live, he with the flag of a cock,
Long live, long live,
Let my poverty be driven out,

yethanai kuraihal yethanai pizhaihal
yethanai adiyen yethanai seiyinum
petravan neeguru poruppathu unkadan (205)
petraval kuramahal petravalaame
pillai yendranbaay piriya malithu
mainthan yenmeethu unmanam mahizhntharuli
thanjam yendradiyaar thazhaithida arulsey
kanthar sashti kavasam virumbiya (200)

You are my father and teacher,
Goddess Valli is my mother,
And it is your duty to pardon,
Any number of errors that I make,
Any number of mistakes that I make,
Without parting away from this your child,
With Happiness love this son of yours,
And give protection to all devotees, who seek,
And love this Skanda Sashti Kavacham.

baalan theva raayan paharn thathai
kaalaiyil maalaiyil karuthudan naalum
aasaa rathudan angam thulakki
nesamudan oru ninaivathu vaahi
kanthar sashti kavasam ithanai (210)
sindhai kalangaathu thiyaani pavarhal
orunaal muppathaa ruru kondu
othiyeh jebithu uhanthu neeraniya
ashta thikkullor adangalum vasamaay
thisai mannar yenmar seyalathu (sernthangu) arulvar (215)

maatrala rellaam vanthu vananguvar
navakol mahizhnthu nanmai alithidum
navamatha nenavum nallezhil peruvar
enthanaalum eerettaay vaazhvar
kantharkai velaam kavasa thadiyai (220)

Daily in the morning and evening,
All those who clean themselves,
With religious fervor and read,
Thirty six times a day
This Skanda Sashti Kavacham,
Which has been composed,
By the young Deva Rayan,
And meditate on that god with concentration,
And wear the sacred ash,
Will get the great blessings,
Of all the devas from all eight directions,
And the guardians of the eight directions.

All strangers would come and salute them,
The nine planets will become happy,
And shower their blessings,
They would shine in prettiness.
They would happily live on all days,
If they recite this Kavacham,
Which is equivalent to a Vel.

vazhiyaay kaana meiyaay vilangum
vizhiyaal kaana verundidum peigal
pollathavarai podi podi yaakkum
nallor ninaivil nadanam puriyum
sarva sathuru sankaa rathadi (225)

If seen as a way, this Kavacham would show the truth,
If seen of Ghosts by their eyes, they will get scared,
It would powder bad people,
And the good people would Dance with joy,
And all their enemies will be exterminated

arintha yenathullaam ashta letchmihalil
veera letchmikku virun thunavaaha
soora bathmaavaith thunithagai yathanaal
iruba thezhvarkku uvan thamuthalitha
gurubaran pazhani kundrinil irukkum (230)
chinna kuzhanthai sevadi potri

Oh Lord, Let my mind that has understood you,
Pray Veera Lakshmi among the Ashta Lakshmis
My salutations to the feet of Small baby of Pazhani,
Whose hands killed Soora Padman,
Who gave deathless nectar for the twenty-seven,
And who is my teacher on the Pazhani Mountain

yenai thadu thaatkola yendrana thullum
meviya vadivurum velava potri
thevargal senaa pathiye potri
kuramahal manamahizh kove potri (235)

Salutations to the Skanda with the Vel
Who has occupied my mind,
So that I am always His,
Salutations to commander of the devas
Salutations to the darling of Valli,
Who is the daughter of a mountain tribe.

He whose form is strong and dazzling, Praise be to Thee!
He who conquered Idumba, Praise be to Thee!

thiramihu thivya thehaa potri
idumbaa yuthane idumbaa potri
kadambaa potri kanthaa potri
vetchi punaiyum veleh potri
uyargiri kanaha sabaikor arase (240)

Salutations to the ablest of Gods,
Who has a very holy form,
Salutation to him, who conquered Idumba,
Salutations to him who wears Kadamba flowers
Salutations to him who is Kanda,
Salutations to the Vel which wears Vetchi flowers,
Salutations to the king of the golden hall of the mountain.

mayilnada miduvoy malaradi saranam
saranam saranam saravanabava Om
saranam saranam shanmuhaa saranam
saranam saranam shanmuhaa saranam (244)

I surrender to flowery feet of my Lord,
Who travels on the peacock,
I surrender, surrender and surrender to the Saravanabhava,
I surrender, surrender and surrender to the Shanmuga.

By Deva Raya Swamigal
Translated by P. R. Ramachander with assistance by Elango Kadhirvel

References & Notes

1. ↑ Vel is the holy spear of the Lord
2. ↑ Some words are reproduced, because they are the interplay of the letters that make “Saravana Bhava” written in Tamil and have been added to make the verse musical. They may have a hidden meaning, which this translator is not aware of.
3. ↑ Pasa is the rope and Angusa is a weapon to control
4. ↑ Aaim, Klim and Saum form the part of the Bhija manthra (seed invocation) that denotes Lord Skanda
5. ↑ Kundalani is the thousand-petal lotus in the bottom of the brain. It is believed that on opening it,all knowledge will automatically be yours
6. ↑ Muni is an evil spirit in Tamil Nadu. It also indicates a sage in a different context
7. ↑ These are ghosts believed to roam especially at night. Each of them will have story of origin attached to them
8. ↑ These are supposed to be signs and Symbols of black magic done by your enemies
9. ↑ Guha and Muruga are other names for Skanda. When he was born, he took the form of six babies who were looked after by the six Karthika maidens, He loves to live in Kadamba forest. He is supposed to have defeated two asuras called Idumba and Kadamba and made them his devotees
10. ↑ Thiruthani, Kathirgamam, Pazhani, Thiruvavingudi, Senthil Mountains and Samarapuri are famous Temples of Skanda. He is also known as Vela and Kumara

from: http://www.hindupedia.com/en/Skanda_Sashti_Kavacham#The_signifiance_of_the_day_of_Sashti

Video - Kanthan Karunai Movie

Lord Muruga - Famous Temples

Lord Muruga, the God of Beauty and Gnan, is prominent God of Hinduism. He is mainly celebrated by Tamilians as God of kurinji land which means hills and area adjacent to hills. He is the younger son of Lord Shiva and the brother of Lord Vinayaka. Lord Kanthan, Lord Shiva KUmar, Lord Senthil, Lord Kumaran, Lord Saravanan, Lord Dhandayuthapani, Lord Subramanyam, Lord Shanmugam, Lord Palaniyandavar and Lord Swaminathan are some of the other names of this Great God. In some places it is shown as He is having six faces and twelve hands. For this reason, he has been also called as Lord Arumugam. In tamil Arumugam means one who has six faces. Being the God of Tamilians He has been celebrated in almost all parts of Tamil Nadu.

There is a great story telling about the incarnation of Lord Muruga. In legend it is told that once Devas had been ill-treated and imprisoned by the demon Soora Padman and his brothers. And the demons had been the challenge to the Devas as no one from their side had power to kill them. So, all of them went to Lord Shiva's home for praying Him to get the solution. On hearing their problem Lord Shiva decided to find a solution. In Hinduism it is well known that Lord Shiva has another important eye on His forehead. He opened His forehead eye and used His all power to create Six Great Fire Sparks emitting heat energy. Now once again Devas started to be suffering from the heat energy came from that fire sparks. So all of them ran again to Lord Shiva to get His grace. Lord Shiva called Lord Agni(God of Fire) and Lord Vayu(God of Air) to carry those great fire sparks. But, fire sparks were so powerful that those Gods could not get near them. God Shiva gave power to carry them and ordered to drop them in the holy river Ganges. After dropping the sparks, the whole river Ganges shrank to a small stream. Then the fire sparks had been cooled down and changed to six beautiful babies and they were lying on six beautiful lotus flowers. Lord Shiva arranged six beautiful maidens called 'Karthigai Pengal'(Women of Karthiga) to look after the babies. When the babies attained a certain age Lord Shiva blessed them and made them as one person (i.e.) God Muruga. Then Lord Shiva asked His son Lord Muruga to proceed to the world of Devas on His mission of subduing the demons and freeing the Devas from their cruel bondage with the demons. Devi Parvathi presented His son the weapon called Gnan and Sakthi Vel before starting the war against the demons. Lord Shiva arranged another person called Veera Bhagu to assist Lord Muruga in that war. In the war Lord Muruga killed all the demons and saved the Devas from them.

Lord Muruga has six famous abodes in Tamil Nadu which are collectively known as 'Arupadai Veedu'. In tamil 'Aru' means six and 'Veedu' means home. Every abode of Lord Muruga commemorating an event mentioned in the puranas(old stories). Thiruparankundram, Thiruchendur, Palani, Swamimalai, Thiruthani and Palamuthircholai are His six abodes.

Thiruparankundram Murugan

This is the first abode of Lord Muruga lying on the outskirts of the city Madurai in Tamil Nadu. God here is worshipped as Lord Subramanyam and this is where He wedded Shri Deivanai, daughter of Deivendiran, the leader of Devas, in the presence of Sun and Moon. In legend it is told that after having won the demons, the Lord was honoured and celebrated by offering Deivanai as His consort. This was to thank the Lord to save them from cruel bondage with the demons.

The temple is situated at the foot of 700 foot high rock and it has separate shrines for Lord Ganapathy, Lord Shiva, Devi Durga and Lord Vishnu. The Entrance of temple is having 48 Nayakkar period pillars with artistic cravings engraved on them. The speciality of Thiruparankundram is that the innermost shrine has been craved from a single rock. Another interesting fact is the presence of subsidiary cave shrines excavated in the rock. Thiruparankundram is also celebrated as an auspicious place for conducting marriages.

On the left side of the temple we can find 'Saravana Poigai' a holy water tank from where water will be brought by the elephant for 'Abhisekam'(Pouring water or any other holy thing on the idol of the God)

Thiruchendur Murugan

Tiruchendur is said to have second importance among Lord's six abodes. Here He is worshipped in various names such as Lord Senthi Andavar, Lord Senthil Nathan and Lord Senthil Kumar. This is unique abode of Lord Muruga which is situated on the seashore whereas other abodes are on the top of hills.

This is believed that the temple was built by Thesigamoorthy Swamigal belonging Thiruvaduthurai Adeenam about 300 years ago. The main tower is 137 foot high and is 90 ft by 65 ft at base. It has 9 levels to indicate 9 kalasams which are placed on the top of the tower. There are two corridors in the temple where we can see various deities. After circumambulating two corridors we can reach Mahamandapam from where you can enter inner area lying infront of the sanctum from where you can see main deity Lord Senthi Nathan.

This shrine is famous for the festival 'Kantha Sashti' which is cordially celebrated every year. On that day thousands of devotees assembled on the sea shore to see the climax of the festival in which Lord kills the demons Soora Padman and his brothers.

Palani Murugan

This is the third abode of Lord Muruga where He stands on the top of 150 m high rock. Here He gets the name Shri Dhandayuthapani Swami, the lord is having staff in His hand. The deity at the sanctum is made out of an amalgam of nine important minerals called as 'Nava Bashana'. The deity is in bald head and standing position. He is only wearing loin cloth on His hip. He has look of the person who has renounced all worldly pomp. The deity here also called as Lord Palani Andavar, Lord Palani Appan and Lord Andiappan.

There is a legend telling how Lord Muruga came to this sacred shrine. Shri Narada Muni, a sage, once brought a golden mango to the home of Lord Shiva when He is seated with His consort and children Lord Vinayaka and Lord Muruga. Narada Muni gave the fruit to Lord Shiva and prayed Him to eat it since it was rare and fruit of Gnan(fruit of wisdom). As a loving husband the Lord gave it to his consort and asked her to eat it. But, She liked to gave that to their children. Only problem here is that was to be eaten wholly to get the total benefits. Since it was the fruit of wisdom Lord Shiva announced a contest and said that the winner would be given the fruit. He said whoever completes one round of the globe first would get Gnan Fruit. Lord Muruga immediately mounted on His vehicle peacock to go around the world. But, Lord Vinayaka started to think deeply as He has no suitable vehicle as Lord Muruga is having. After some time Lord Vinayaka circumambulated His parents, symbolising the world and got the fruit. On return, Lord Muruga found that He was cheated. In anger, He renounced His family and came to this spot to settle for ever. Lord Shiva and Devi Parvathi came to pacify Him. They named the abode as 'Palani' which means 'you are fruit'.

'Thaipoosam' is cordially celebrated every year here. On those days thousands of pilgrims came here to pay their homage to the Lord. The temple is very spacious with beautiful mandapams and carved pillars. Throughout the year there is an endless stream of devotees to this shrine. Golden Chariot is the speciality of this shrine. Since 1966 a haulage winch transports the pilgrims to the temple. These days rope cars are also driven to transport the pilgrims up and down. There are two other ways to reach the temple on the top of the hill. One goes straigt with somewhat steepy stone steps, but, safe with a lot of Mandapams that have been built on the way so as to facilitate pilgrims taking rest. The other way is called Elephant Path which lies on the left side of the hill. The path is not so steep and would be easy climb up. We can aslo find many small temples and beautiful statues on this way.

Swamimalai Murugan

It is the fourth abode of Lord Muruga. Here our Lord gets the name 'Swami Nathan' as He expounded the the meaning of pranava manthra 'Om' to His father Lord Shiva. The temple is about 5 km away from Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, on the bank of River Cauveri. In legend it is told that saint Bhrugu before commencing an arduous tavam or penance, got the boon any body disturbing his meditation will forget all his knowledge. Such was the power of the penance the sacred fire emanating from the head of the saint reached up to the heavens and the frightened Devas surrendered to Lord Shiva praying for His grace. The Lord extinguished the sacred fire by covering the saint's head by hand. With saint's penance thus disturbed the Lord became oblivious of all His knowledge and is said to have regained them by learning pranava manthra from Lord Muruga at this shrine.

Once when Brahma, the Lord of all creations was proceeding to Kailash, the child Lord Muruga asked Him for the meaning of pranava manthra, 'Om'. When Brahma admitted His ignorance, the Lord imprisoned Him. With Brahma imprisoned, all creations came to a stand still and the Devas prayed to Lord Shiva to get Brahma released. When Muruga insisted that the imprisonment was a just punishment for the ignorance of Brahma, Lord Shiva asked Him whether He Himself know the meaning of 'Om'. Lord Muruga said that He knew the meaning of 'Om' and can expound the meaning of it only if the latter accept Him as a Guru and listen to the exposition as a devoted desciple. As Lord Shiva acceded to the request of Muruga and heared the exposition of 'Om' as a desciple. The temple is built on an artificial hillock of about 60 foot height with beautiful laid stone steps representing the Hindu cycle of sixty Tamil years leading to the Lord. In the ground floor there are temples dedicated to Lord Sundareswarar and Goddess Meenakshi. Every year Chitra Pournami is celebrated in this shrine.

Thiruthani Murugan

According to puranas Lord Muruga married Shri Valli in this shrine. The shrine is situated at about 50 km north of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, at 250 m high mountain. Thiruthani is famous for Adi Krithikai festival which comes every year between the months of July and August. On this festival thousands of devotees came here from far and near and offer flower kavadi to Lord Muruga. The sight of devotees who carry them, uttering 'Haro Hara' as they march and dance in long rows touches the very core of of devotees hearts and makes them spellbound. Kantha Sashti is another festival celebrated here in the months of October and November.

The great saint Arunagirinathar praised this as worthy one for prolonged tapas and it compared to the Home of Lord Shiva, Shiva Lokam. On worshipping the Lord Muruga at Thiruthani, the king of snakes Vasuki got his wounds healed which had been caused during the churnning process in the Milky Ocean to get Amrita held by Devas and Demons. It is also told in legend that Lord Brahma propitiated the Lord here at holy spring known as Brahma sonai after his imprisonment by our Lord for His failure to explain the pranava manthra 'OM'

Palamuthircholai Murugan

This is the sixth abode of Lord Muruga which lies about 19 km away from Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Lord Muruga stands on the top of the hill which can be reached by the motarable road. This is the most beautiful shrine which has been surrounded by green woods, shrubs and hills. At the foot of hills we can see the temple, 'Alakar Kovil' which is one of the important ones of Lord Vishnu. Palamuthircholai is the abode where Lord Muruga stands with her both consorts shri Valli and Shri Deivanai. Though the temple is the simplest of all, it is the most beautiful one with natural scenaries!

Maruthamali Murugan

The shrine is at about 13 km north-west of industrial city of Tamil Nadu Coimbatore. God is standing on the top of the hills called Marutha Malai. We can reach the temple either by climbing up 700 steps or traveling by car or bus through the ghat road leading to he shrine. However we can see the idols and small temples when we climb up the hill through the stone steps. Most of the steps are slant and very easy to pass through them. The story behind the temple is that a thirsty saint was walking through the forest and took refuge under a Marutha tree. To quench his thirst he prayed to Lord Muruga who answered his prayers and water sprang from the Marutha tree. Hence, Lord Muruga has been hailed the lord of Marutha.

Batu cave Murugan

This is very popular Murugan Temple in Malaysia. Every year 'Thaipusam' will be celebrated here. On that day lacs of His devotees from inland and other countries came here to pay their homage to the Lord. This is the premier Hindu pilgrimage site in Malaysia where we need to climb about 272 steps to get dharsan of God. The other speciality of the shrine is 130 foot high Lord Muruga statue.

Kurunji Andavar Temple

Taking the name of flower Kurunji which blooms once in every 12 years in this area God here gets the name Kurunji Andavar. Perhaps it is the most elevated Lord Muruga Temple of the world situated at an altitude of 2,250 m from msl. It was built by an European lady who on coming to India got faith on Lord. The temple is under the control of Lord Dhandayuthapani Swamy temple, Palani. This is where we can enjoy the natural beauty as the shrine is surrounded by deep valleys on three sides.

http://hubpages.com/hub/LORD-MURUGA-AND-HIS-SIX-ABODES-IN-TAMIL-NADU--INDIA

History - Bala ThandayuthapaniTemple, Penang

The present Bala ThandayuthapaniTemple began as a shrine of Lord Murugan. It was the located at the base of the waterfall at the Botanical Gardens Penang sometime before 1782.

The above statement was the evident from the writings of Sir Francis Light where in it was stated that the Tamils (Chulias and Chettiars) were already present and worshipping the Vel (spear) when he named Georgetown on the 10th of August 1786 after having bought the island from the Sultan of Kedah for 6000 Spanish dollars for the East India Company.
It is not possible to know who installed the vel at the original temple site of Thanneermalaian(one who resides at the waterfall) as Lord Murugan was then known.

Soon this shrine became important for many Indian workers who ferried water to Georgetown by way of bullock carts. By the early part of 1800 the shrine seemed to have been the focus of Thaipusam celebration, a festival dedicated to Lord Murugan.British records and local newspapers do mention of Hindu devotees celebration the festival.

In 1850 with the increase of the local population, the British authorities decided to develop the area into a reservoir.They decided that the waterfall area and the immediate catchment area had to be protected.At the same time they did not want to upset the sentiments of the Hindu population.Therefore,they alienated an eleven acre hillside property(the present site) for the location of a proper temple.This is the present site of the Hill Top Murugan temple at Waterfall Road, which has been

source: http://www.murugan.tnkk.com.my/

Thaipusam Penang

Thaipusam Penang, a truly spectacular and awe inspiring event for all present. Among those drawn to the procession were foreign tourists. Foreign tourists were engrossed taking pictures of locals deep in prayers during Thaipusam Penang.

They were just too surprised and amazed, asking us how a Chinese can pray to an Indian deity. Witnessing the massive crowds in all roads literally like ants or bees swarming the streets of Penang.

Chettiar Pusam (First Day)

Chettiar Pusam started off very early in Penang Street on Wednesday morning 31st January 2007. Chandra and I were among the first few hundreds to arrive for the Chettiar Pusam, Thaipusam Penang. By 5.30am, the crowd has built up to thousands.

We saw Chettiars clad in loin cloth, walking into the Kovil Veedu and taking their place in the house to start their prayers.

As the crowd built up to thousands, we watched the video screen to the happenings inside the house. Continuous chanting of prayers and hymns and roll calls were heard. As the statue of Lord Muruga was revealed, all hands rise up in unison to pray. One by one, the chettys came out with their peacock feathered kavadis ready for the journey during Thaipusam Penang.

By then the volunteers started to get busy, a few climb up the silver chariot, and a few on the platform to receive the heavily jeweled statue of Lord Muruga from the Kovil Veedu to the 113 years old silver chariot.

Two beautifully dressed bulls were brought to the bullock cart and womenfolk gathered around to offer glittering cloth to tie on the bulls’ heads. Indian trumpets were blowing away devotional songs. Singing of devotional songs too was heard along the way from volunteers behind the silver chariot.

Down by the road sides, piles and piles of coconuts were prepared by the devotees . Devotees were helped by strangers as they got too tired from breaking piles and piles of coconuts during Thaipusam Penang.

As the chariot start its journey, trays of offerings filled with incense, camphor, joss sticks, flowers, fruits and silver glittering cloth were offered to welcome Lord Muruga.

Gratitude for having babies, young parents and grandparents lifted up the child for blessing as the chariot proceed slowly thru many stops along the 18 km route to the Nattukottai Chettiar Thandayuthapani Kovil and Waterfall temple (Balathanda-yuthapani) in Jalan Air Terjun Waterfall Road)during Thaipusam Penang.

Coconuts for Thaipusam

Coconuts line Dato Keramat road along the path of the Chariot. Already the traffic is jammed. The coconuts are thrown and broken on the road in front of the chariot.