Soora Samharam - What happens in the 6 days long festival ?

This festive season, people who are spiritually inclined would taste the essence of fasting during these important days. The day after Deepavali, women fast and pray to Goddess Mahalakshmi. From the next day of Deepavali, starts the Skandha Shashti Vratham which is observed for 6 days.

Skandha Shashti Vratham is connected to the mythological incident in which Lord Karthikeya aka Murugan (the younger son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi)    faces Soorapadman in the war front and destroys him in the battle.

When we talk about Soora Samharam, automatically Thiruchendur comes to our mind. Soora Samharam festival is celebrated in a grand manner in Thiruchendur because it is the place where Lord Karthikeya destroyed the demonic king Soora Padman and also it is the second most important temple among the 6 temples (Aarupadai Veedu) of Lord Murugan in Thamizh Nadu. Excluding Thiruthani, all other 5 temples among the aarupadai veedu celebrates Soora Samharam festival.

This festival is celebrated based on the Skandha Puranam authored by Sri Kachiyapa Shivachariyar.

Valli Devasena Sametha Sri Swaminatha Swamy, Uttara Swamimalai, Malai Mandir, New Delhi

Nava Veerargal (Nine warriors)

When 6 droplets of fire came out of Lord Shiva’s third eye, Goddess Parvathi ran away from Lord Shiva in fear. Navaratnas from her anklet fell down and turned into 9 women. Each women gave birth to one veer.

1. Manikkavalli gave birth to Veerabhaaguthevar
2. Muthuvalli gave birth to Veerakesari
3. Pushpagaragavalli gave birth to Veeramagendhirar
4. Gomedhaga Valli gave birth to Veeramageshwarar
5. Vaiduriya Valli gave birth to Veeraapurandhirar
6. Vaira Valli gave birth to Veeraratchagar
7. Maragathavalli gave birth to Veeramarthandavar
8. Pavalavalli gave birth to Veerandhagar
9. Indhiravalli gave birth to Veeradheeran.

Veerabhagu is the leader of these nine warriors who went as a messenger to Soorapadman and gave Vishwaroopa dharshan.

 

Lord Karthikeyan Throwing spear at the Mango tree form of Sooran

Soora Samharam Drama

Next day to Deepavali is Amavasai (new moon day). 10 members will tie bracelet (Kaapu) and observe fast. One of them will be Lord Karthikeya and the remaining will be the nine warriors. When Lord Karthikeya leaves on a promenade, these 10 people will walk before the deity. They will be wearing a turban. Their suit will be touching the ground, also they wear wreath. They also carry weapons and will be walking bravely and exclaiming “Hara”. They will also be singing songs on lord Karthikeya and Shathrusamhara padhigam.

Thiruchendur Soora Samharam Celebrations 

Vel (Spear) Giving Ceremony

Vel giving ceremony is held on the 5^th day of Soora Samharam festival. Lord Karthikeya will be getting his spear from Goddess Parvathi. The person who plays the role of Lord Karthikeya will be going to Amman’s shrine (Goddess Parvathi’s shrine) along with the nine others who plays the nine warriors’ role. Lord Karthikeya’s utsava moorthy will also go behind him. Lord Murugan will pray to Goddess Parvathi, then she will give the Vel (Spear) and then she will bless him. Simultaneously they will be conveying this information in the form of songs.

There will be 2 spears kept at the Amman’s shrine. The priest of the temple will keep one spear at the utsava moorthy and other one will be given to the person who plays the role of Lord Karthikeya. After that promenade will begin.

Sweating Karthikeyan (Viyarvai Sindhum Velar)

While getting the spear from Goddess Parvathi, Lord Karthikeya’s idol (Vigraham) is found to be sweating. This spiritual wonder is witnessed in the Singaravelan’s temple located in Sikkal of Nagapattinam district. Sikkal Singaravelan’s temple is famous for this miraculous incident. There’s also a proverb based on this event on Thamizh i.e., “Sikkalil vel vangi Chenduril samharam” (In English – Getting spear in Sikkal and destroying at Thiruchendur).

Sikkal Singaravelan Sweating Utsava Moorthy

Final day

On the evening of sixth day, Soora Samharam happens. Lord Murgan will depart along with the nine warriors. That time others will bring the Soorapadman’s puppet made of hay and other things. In some old murugan temples wooden toy of Soorapadman will be made.

Soorapadman will come along with his sons Bhanugovan, Thaaragan and Singhamugan. Some people will play all these roles in the drama of Soora Samharam. They’ll sing the praises of Soorapadman like he conquered the Devas, imprisoning Jayanthan etc.

Thiruchendur Murugan Temple

After that Lord Karthikeya will arrive in Horse car. Nine warriors will also arrive with Lord Murugan. When Lord Karthikeya and Soorapadman face each other, the war will begin. Then all the incidents will be played by the drama artists.

Ajomukhi who has the goat head will arrive. Sastha will stop her. Indira dev’s son will be imprisoned by Sooran’s son. Then the fight will get intense. Veerabhagu will cut off Tharagan who has the head of an elephant. After that Veerabhagu will win over Ajamugan, Singhamugan and Kodimugan.

At last Soorapadman will come. Veerabhagu and Lord Murugan will fight him. Soorapadman will transform as a mango tree. Lord Karthikeya will attack with his spear. Then the screen will be closed as Soorapadman will transform into peacock and rooster after the destruction of his demon form. Then they will be dancing and bringing the puppets of peacock and rooster. After that Aarathi will take place followed by abhishekam and promenade will begin.

Thiruchendur Murugan

This is how the drama of Soora Samharam will happen in all the temples of Lord Karthikeya where Skandha Shashti is celebrated. In some temples, only Soorapadman will be destroyed. In some temples Soora samharam will be followed by Devasena and Valli marriage.

Happy Skandha Shashti!!!

Yours East Gaterr

Content from Bhakthi Malar - Dina Malar and images from Google and divineinfoguru.com