Kanda Shasti Kavasam

Lord Muruga

Skanda Sashti Kavacham or Kanda Sashti Kavasam (Tamil: கந்த சஷ்டி கவசம்) is a song composed in Tamil by Devaraya Swamigal (a student of Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai) on Lord Muruga in the place called Chennimalai near Erode. Lord Muruga, also known as Lord Karthikeya, was the son of Lord Shiva. The Tamil language, which is among the oldest languages spoken in the world, consists of many ancient hymns in praise of deities, and Skanda Sashti Kavasam is known well among them, even though it was composed in the 19th century. In the Skanda Sashti Kavasam, the author prays to Lord Muruga to shower his grace. It is said that regular chanting of this song causes all the predicaments of life to be resolved, and that chanting the full song 36 times a day will bring wealth.

Significance

Sashti is the day that Lord Subramanya defeated the demon Soorapadman. When the devas could not tolerate the evil doings of this demon, they approached the younger son of Lord Shiva and Parvati for his assistance. He fought Soorapadman 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 Vahana. The other became a rooster and was transformed into his banner.

The devas, who were tormented by Soorapadman, rejoiced—they praised the Lord and prayed to him for six days. Devotees usually narrate the Skanda Sashti Kavacham during this period. Whoever fasts and prays to Lord Muruga for the six days of Skanda Sashti is believed to receive Muruga's blessings. Those who are unable to fast all day are permitted to eat one meal per day during this period.

Kural Venpa (Prayer)

Tamil Version[1] English Translation

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)

Tamil Version[1] English Translation

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.

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Shashti Kavasam in English. murugan.org

External links

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