Kumar Sashti
Kumar Sashti also known as ‘Skanda Sashti’ is an
important Hindu festival that is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, who is the son of
Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Lord Kartikeya is worshipped by different names
like ‘Kumar’, ‘Muruga’, ‘Subramanya’ and therefore the name ‘Kumar Sashti’.
Kumar Sashti is observed on the ‘sashti’ (6th day) during the Shukla Paksha
(the bright fortnight of moon) in the month of ‘Ashadh’ in the Hindu calendar.
As per the Hindu legends it is believed that on this auspicious day, Lord
Kartikeya appeared on Earth to defeat the demon named, ‘Adharma’. From them
onwards, this day is celebrated as Kumar Sashti and Lord Kartikeya is
worshipped with complete devotion and affection.
Kumar Sashti is observed with great reverence in
different parts of India. In the southern parts of the country, this festival
is celebrated during ‘Vaikasi Visakam’ that corresponds to the months of May or
June while in the western regions, it falls between the months of July-August.
There are many temples dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, all throughout South India.
The festivities of Kumar Sashti are not just confined to India, but also in the
neighbouring countries like Nepal. In Nepal, there are various temples
dedicated to Lord Kartikeya and special rituals are observed on this day. It is
to be noted that the birth celebrations of Lord Kartikeya may vary in different
cultures, but the essence remains the same.
Significance :
The importance of Kumar Sashti is
explained in the ‘Skanda Purana’. Kumar Sashti celebrates the birth anniversary
of Lord Kartikeya and is also referred as ‘Kumar Jayanti’. According to the
Hindu mythological facts Lord Kartikeya is the General of the Army of the Devas
and also known to be the destroyer of demons. Hindu devotees therefore worship
Lord Kartikeya and seek His blessings to destroy all the evils from their
lives. By observing the Kumar Sashti vrat, devotees can put an end to all their
miseries and also fulfil their desires.
Rituals :
- Devotees worship Lord Kartikeya on this
day with complete devotion. Special offerings are made to the Lord in the
form of sandalwood paste, kumkum, incense sticks, dhoop, flowers and
fruits.
- Chanting ‘Skanda Shashti Kavacham’,
‘Subramaniya Bhujangam’ or ‘Subrahmanya Purana’ is believed to be very
auspicious on this day. Devotees must also read stories or tales dedicated
to Lord Murugan.
- In some regions Hindu devotees draw a
circle in the front area of their house, using cow dung and red clay.
- Devotees also observe a strict fast on
this day. They abstain from eating or drinking anything right from the
time they get up until they visit Lord Kartikeya temple in the evening.
Only after offering prayers to the Lord, the vrat is broken. Few devotees
take one meal during the noon while some take at night.
- Special pujas and ‘aarti’ are performed in
the temples. Devotees pray to Lord Kumara to free them from all demonic
qualities and also seek His blessings to remain healthy mentally and
spiritually.
2016 Date : 9th July.
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