Kanda Ṣaṣṭi: The Devotees’ Day Out

by V.S. Krishnan

“Life is like the ocean,” said a poet. “Sometimes it is calm and still and sometimes it is rough and rigid, but in the end, it is always beautiful.”

When Kanda Ṣaṣṭi comes, the blue sea that converges on the shores of Tiruchendur on the south-eastern side of India looks more beautiful because it mingles with another sea, a saffron sea, a vast sea of devotees.

Kanda Ṣaṣṭi is the day when Lord Skanda waged war against evil forces, emerged victorious and restored peace on earth. The day marks the triumph of good over evil. It is the day when devotees come out in large numbers and congregate at Tiruchendur to hail the God they venerate, to chant His names and sing of His glory.

Photo by Sakthi2002 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

Murugan as Shanmukha or Gauri Bala

In the midst of the whispering sound of the waves, we hear the different names of Lord Murugan being chanted, like Karttikeya, Kanda, Kadamba.

Devotees come here from far and near to venerate the Vel (spear) and witness the Soorasamharam, the destruction of demon Sooran, being enacted. They come here after observing strict austerities, after denying themselves basic necessities and after walking long distances.

They come here to experience the bliss of being in the holy temple of Tiruchendur, the abode of Senthil Andavar and the joy of taking part in the Kanda Sasti celebrations. They come here not to seek fulfilment of any desire on their part, but to immerse themselves in the Ocean of Grace that flows from Senthil Andavar.

Like the waves that come from the ocean and ultimately reach the shore and subside, they come here with the aspiration of reaching the Lotus Feet of Lord Skanda.

Wearing saffron robes, their body smeared with sacred ash (vibhuti), a rosary of Rudraksha beads adorning their neck, they exude an aura of divinity, humility and simplicity. While some of them derive inspiration from within, some derive inspiration from saints who have left behind a great culture of Murugan devotion.

Among the many other saints who came to Tiruchendur and experienced the infinite grace that flows from Lord Kanda, Sri Arunagirinathar is also one. He came to Tiruchendur and stayed in a hut nearby. The great Masi month festival was going on at that time.

On the 7th day, the deity of the Lord, decorated with ornaments and garlands, was being taken out in procession. It was a marvelous sight and Arunagirinathar could not take his eyes off the Lord of infinite beauty. Devotees were accompanying the procession by singing devotional songs. Arunagirinathar marveled at the beauty of Lord and even visualized how wonderful it could be if the Lord had come before him. The Lord was too willing to oblige and gave a signal to him to come behind the chariot.

When Arunagirinathar saw Murugan looking majestic with his different ornaments, a song came spontaneously from him and the Lord took his steps in tune with the song. It was a divine experience to see Murugan with His sparkling Vel, His head adorned by the crown and the garland around his neck; the experience which Arunagirinathar shared with devotees in his song: Thandayani Vendayum. Every year, during the procession taken on the occasion of Masi festival, the idol of Murugan in dancing posture can be seen behind the chariot.

There were many others who hailed the glory of Tiruchendur Murugan and Pakazhi Koothar was one among them. Even from his young age, he acquired good knowledge of Sanskrit and mastered the Vedic scriptures.

One night, when he was asleep, Lord Murugan appeared in his dream and ordered him to sing. He got up suddenly, applied the sacred ashes over his forehead and started composing.

He composed many works and the most outstanding one was Tiruchendur Pillai Thamizh. Though the Pillai Thamizh songs were launched in an inaugural ceremony, at the end of the ceremony there was none to express appreciation or admiration.

When there was a spell of silence, there appeared a devotee by the name Mooppanar who garlanded the poet Pakazhi Koothar and profusely admired his works. When asked what prompted him to come and appreciate an unknown poet, Mooppanar simply replied “Murugan”.

A saint, who was walking around the Pazhani Hill, happened to see poor people resting on the roadside. One look at their face would reveal their under-nourishment and some even suffering from diseases. There was not even a roof above to protect them from rain or heat. He then went near a mutt, sat there and wondered why there is so much suffering and agony right here, even at the very Abode of Murugan.

As it was late night, he lied down there and gradually went to sleep. During the sleep, he saw a dream in which Murugan appeared and said: “My blessing is there to all devotees. You have the power to compose a song that will free everyone from past karmas. Compose a song that will kindle the light of devotion in their heart; the song by which they will reach Me. Compose a song in a way that would ward off their sufferings and lead them to a life of happiness and prosperity.”

The saint woke up and with the grace of Lord Murugan, started composing songs. The saint, whose compositions became the most outstanding prayer to Lord Murugan, was Sri Devaraya Swamigal and the song he composed in splendid verses spanning over 238 lines was Kanda Sasti Kavacam. If there is one song that is heard at all the residences of devotees, at temples and consorts constantly, it is Kanda Sasti Kavacham. There is no doubt that the shield which Sri Devaraya Swamigal has given us would protect us from all kind of diseases.

The evil force comes in form and without form. It came in the form of demon Soorapadman and Murugan’s Vel eliminated it. It comes without form as virus and Skanda’s Vel would eliminate that virus also. All that the devotees should do is to worship the Vel that symbolizes victory.

On this auspicious occasion of Kanda Sasti, we dedicate this write-up only to hail the glory of Skanda’s devotees.

E-mail your feedback to the author V.S. Krishnan at: vsk1940@gmaiol.com
See other articles by the author at his website: www.thiruppugazh.org