Skanda Sashti

Skanda Sashti kavasam or kanda Sashti kavasam is a song composed in Tamil by Devaraya swamigal on Lord Muruga. Lord Muruga also known as Lord Kartikeya was a 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 occupies a prominent stature among them. Tamil language boasts of a rich and extensive literature and dates back to times when European languages other than perhaps Latin and Greek didn't exist. It is a rare and valuable treasure intended to help day-to-day life. In kanda 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. also as come in this spiritual song a person who he cants the full song 36 times a day will be bestowed with all kinds of wealth.

Sashti is the day the Lord Subramanya defeated the demon soorapadman. When the devas couldn't 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 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 Skanda Sashti kavacham during this period. Whoever fasts for these six days of Muruga steadfastly, it is said that they would get the blessings of {Lord Murugan}. Those who are unable to fast for a whole day for a six-day duration, can eat just one meal during this period.