Skand Shashthee

Skand Shashthee is the six-day-worship of Lord Skand or Kaarttikeya. He is the spiritual son of Bhagavaan Shiv. Skand is worshipped with intense devotion by a very large section of people throughout Southern India and Sri Lankaa as well.

The origin of Skand, the purpose of his Avataar and its significance are of much importance to all seekers of Truth. During the battle between the Devtaa and Asur, Devtaa were defeated several times by Asur. The Devtaa were unable to resist the onslaught of the Asur forces. Then, in despair, they approached Shiv and entreated him to give them an able leader under whose heroic lead they might obtain victory over the Asur. They surrendered themselves completely and prayed to Shiv sincerely. Shiv granted their request by creating the Mighty Divine Warrior, Skand, out of his Divine Power or A-Chintya Shakti. This great son of Shiv at once assumed the leadership of the celestial forces, originated them, inspired them and attacked the Asur. The Asur were routed and a glorious victory was gained by the Devtaa. Thus it was through the able guidance and leadership of Skand that the Divine forces obtained victory over the demoniacal.

Legend About Skand Shashthee
According to Skand Puraan, the longest of the 18 Mahaa Puraan, the demons under the leadership of Shoor Padma, Sinhamukh and Taarakaasur defeated the Devtaa and took over the earth. They found immense pleasure in torturing the Devtaa and humans. They went on a massive rampage and destroyed anything that belonged to Devtaa. So Devtaa took refuge at the feet of Lord Shiv but Shiv was in deep meditation. On the advice of Lord Brahmaa, Devtaa took the help then of Kaam Dev or Manmath to incite sexual desire in Shiv. Kaam Dev succeeded in his mission but Shiv got angry and he burnt him into ashes.

The semen that got emanated from Shiv got divided into six parts and was deposited in Gangaa's womb. Gangaa could not tolerate the Tej and she deposited the six parts in a forest. It assumed the form of six children. The children were looked after by the six Krittikaa stars. Later, Paarvatee combined the six babies into one. Therefore Lord Muruga is depicted differently sometimes with one face and two arms, sometimes with six faces and twelve arms and in some places with single face and four arms. The demons continued their rampage and Shoorapadm held son of Lord Indra and many other saints and Devtaa as captives. Lord Subramanya soon adorned the role of Army General of Devtaa and annihilated the demons. In the final battle, Lord Muruga killed Shoorapadm with his ‘Vel’ and this act of the Lord is known as Shoor Sanhaar. The main Skand Shashthee festival is held on this day. The famous "Vetri Vel" chanting that takes place on the Shashthee day is associated with the victory of Skand over Shoorapadm demon.