Skanda Shasti: The Festival of Divine Victory

Skanda Shasti is a significant Hindu festival celebrating the victory of Lord Skanda (also known as Muruga, Subrahmanya, or Karthikeya), the son of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati. According to legend, Skanda was born to annihilate the demon Tarakasura, who had terrorized the devas (demigods). The festival marks the six-day battle that Lord Skanda waged against the demons Simhamukha, Surapadma, and Tarakasura, culminating in their defeat on the sixth day after Deepavali.

The festival highlights Skanda’s divine birth and his mission to restore cosmic order. The six faces of Skanda represent different aspects of cosmic energy, symbolizing creation, sustenance, destruction, delusion, liberation, and supreme reality.

Skanda Shasti is celebrated with great devotion, especially in South India, where devotees observe the Skanda Shasti Vratam (penance) and partake in various rituals, culminating in a grand celestial wedding on the seventh day. This festival is a time for devotees to seek courage and strength, drawing inspiration from Lord Skanda’s valor and divine grace.