Daily Puja
Skanda Shasti, also called Kanda Sashti, is a six-day festival observed in the bright fortnight of the Tamil month of Aippasi (Kartika), culminating on Shashti, the sixth lunar day.
It celebrates Soorasamharam, Lord Murugan's victory over the asura Surapadman with the Shakti Vel, the divine spear given by Mother Parvati. In surrender, the demon became the peacock that carries Murugan and the rooster on his banner, a reminder that divine wisdom transforms ego, anger and ignorance.
Every evening of the Utsavam follows the same sacred sequence of worship, chanting and song.
Lord Murugan is bathed in sacred offerings amid Vedic chanting, then lovingly adorned for darshan.
A powerful parayanam praising the divine Vel, arranged from Saint Arunagirinathar's Vel Vaguppu and chanted together for courage, protection and the removal of obstacles.
Congregational singing of Thiruppugazh, the 15th-century Tamil hymns famed for their intricate sandham (rhythm) and deep love for Murugan.
The son of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati and younger brother of Lord Ganesha, Murugan is the commander of the celestial army (Deva Senapati). Shown with six faces as Shanmukha, he is especially beloved in Tamil tradition.
Many keep a full or partial fast for six days and recite the Kanda Shasti Kavacham by Devaraya Swamigal. The day after Soorasamharam is celebrated as Thirukalyanam, Murugan's divine wedding with Deivanai.
Murugan's six sacred abodes in Tamil Nadu: Thiruparankundram, Tiruchendur, Palani, Swamimalai, Thiruthani and Pazhamudircholai. Tiruchendur hosts the most famous seashore enactment of the festival.
A joyful Tamil chant hailing the victorious Vel and offering glory to Lord Murugan, raised by devotees during worship and processions.
Bring your family and seek the blessings of Lord Murugan. Reach out with any questions or find your way to the temple below.