Tiruchendur: The grand annual festival of Soorasamharam, commemorating the divine extermination of the demon Surapadman by Bhagwan Murugan, was observed across Tamil Nadu with great devotion and fervour. Thousands of devotees, including a number of international visitors, gathered in Murugan temples across the state, with the highlight of the celebrations occurring at Tiruchendur, one of Bhagwan Murugan’s six sacred abodes.
The festival of Skanda Shasti, celebrated in the Tamil month of Aippasi (October-November), marks the defeat of Surapadman, a demon who embodies the three inner evils—Anava (ego), Maya (illusion), and Kanma (karma)—according to Tamil mythology. This victory, said to cleanse humanity of these afflictions, is celebrated in the month following Deepawali, symbolising a battle between divine forces and evil.
The six-day festival, beginning on the sixth day of the waning moon in Aippasi, sees devotees partaking in rigorous fasting, prayer, and penance, leading up to the climactic Soorasamharam event on the sixth day. Throughout this period, worshippers across Tamil Nadu and in Tamil communities worldwide—including in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Singapore—observe Skanda Shasti Vratham, a disciplined period of prayer and fasting, in preparation for the ultimate victory of good over evil.
Rituals of Skanda Shasti and Soorasamharam at Tiruchendur
The festival reaches its peak on the sixth day, known as Sashti, with a reenactment of the Soorasamharam, symbolising the defeat of Surapadman. The event is staged along the seashore at Tiruchendur, where the processional deity Senthil Nāyakar takes on the role of Arumukha-Nainar, Bhagwan Murugan’s main form. In this dramatic portrayal, the deity confronts various incarnations of the demon, as Surapadman transforms multiple times, each time defeated by the Lord’s “Vel” (spear), ultimately restoring peace and order.
The climactic Soorasamharam enactment drew massive crowds, with slogans of “Muruganuku Arohara” echoing across the serene shores, invoking blessings for the vanquishing of evil forces. The Archakar, serving as Lord Murugan’s earthly representative, completed the ceremonial slaying of Surapadman, who appeared in five forms, each signifying a different aspect of spiritual obstacles. The crowd witnessed the symbolic defeat of these forms with deep reverence and spiritual intensity, underscoring the timeless moral of righteousness prevailing over unrighteousness.
The day following Soorasamharam is marked by Thirukalyanam, the celestial wedding of Lord Murugan and Devasena (Deivanai), symbolising cosmic harmony and divine blessings for devotees. This day is observed with special rituals celebrating the sacred marriage, enhancing the sanctity and culmination of the festival.
Fasting and Penance in the Skanda Shasti Vratham
The Skanda Shasti Vratham observed by devotees in the days leading up to Soorasamharam is an intense period of fasting and prayer, aimed at spiritual purification. Many devotees undertake strict fasting during the festival, some abstaining from food for the entire day or limiting themselves to fruit until afternoon. Special dishes are prepared and offered to Lord Murugan, with the prayers and offerings marking a period of self-discipline and devotion. The Vratham period not only symbolizes sacrifice but also devotion, humility, and surrender to divine will, qualities that are central to Hindu faith.
Tiruchendur: A Hub of Soorasamharam Celebrations
While the festival is observed in Murugan temples across Tamil Nadu, the celebrations at Tiruchendur are uniquely revered, as it is believed to be the very site where Lord Murugan defeated Surapadman. In this sacred temple complex, the re-enactment is performed with elaborate detail, bringing to life the story of Murugan’s valiant battle. The Tiruvāvaduthurai Skanda Sasti Mantapa, a pavilion dedicated to Skanda Shasti, becomes the focal point for worship and celebration during the festival, with devotees chanting and offering prayers to the deity.
This year’s celebrations saw even greater participation, as the festival drew devotees not only from Tamil Nadu but from around the world, including devotees of Tamil origin from other countries. The atmosphere of unity, strength, and spiritual fervor resonated throughout the temples as devotees reaffirmed their faith in Lord Murugan’s blessings for peace, strength, and victory over life’s adversities.
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