Soorasamharam
சூரசம்ஹாரம்
Soorasamharam marks the grand climax of the Kanda Shasti festival, celebrating Lord Murugan's glorious victory over the demon Soorapadman.
Primary date & Panchangam
Times and tithi lines follow the site Panchangam engine for that civil day when data exists.
Spiritual Festival Sequence
Tamil Nadu Spiritual Experience
Legend of Soorasamharam
Celebrated on the sixth day (Shasti) of the waxing moon in the Tamil month of Aippasi, Soorasamharam honors the incarnation of Lord Murugan. He emerged from the third eye of Lord Shiva specifically to defeat the tyrant demon Soorapadman and save the Devas.
Armed with the 'Vel' (divine spear) given by Goddess Parvati, Lord Murugan fought the demon for six days on the shores of Tiruchendur. In the end, rather than killing him, Murugan split the demon into two, transforming them into a peacock (his mount) and a rooster (his flag emblem).
Kanda Shasti Vratam (Fasting)
Devotees observe a rigorous six-day fast known as Kanda Shasti Vratam, beginning the day after Amavasai. They consume only one simple meal a day or sometimes just fruits and milk, dedicating their time to chanting the 'Kanda Shasti Kavacham'.
The fast is broken on the sixth day after witnessing the Soorasamharam event, or on the seventh day after the celestial wedding (Thirukalyanam) of Lord Murugan and Deivanai. This vratam is strongly believed to bless childless couples with progeny.