In pictures: Battle of Lord Murugan and Soorapathman
by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai
“Kantha Shasti” is observed in the Tamil month of “Aippasi”, which falls either in October or November on the new moon. Hindus all around the world fast for six days for Lord Murugan. “Kantha Shasti Kavasam” a special hymn is sung at houses and temples during this period.
It’s believed that Lord Murugan defeated the demon Soorapathman and his army with the “Vel” (lance) given to him by his mother. Lord Murugan fought for six days, and on the last day he liberated “Devas” from “Asuras”.
“Sooran Poor” is held to celebrate the victory on the sixth day at dusk. The temple courtyard and backyard are made to look like a battle field. Idols of Lord Murugan and Sooran are taken out of the temple to have the battle and the celebration.
This year Kantha Shasti was observed from October 18th to October 23rd. Devotees of Lord Murugan have a fast for six days during these days. It’s unlike any other fast; devotees do not have any meals except a glass of fresh milk and fruits in the night.
It’s called “Upavaasam” (total fast). The seventh day is known as “Paaranai”, on October 24th 2009.
Devotees, who have fasted for six days wake up at dawn, have a head shower, go and pray at the temple, cook and have a vegetarian meal before the sun rises.
The devotees who observed the fast are not supposed to witness “Sooran Poor”, because it is considered inauspicious to witness a killing of Sooran after fasting.
Devotional songs dedicated to Lord Murugan by T.M.Sountharararajan are being played at a Hindu House in Bambalapitty:
Muruga nee vara venndum ~
Senthoor Kanthaiya ~
Ullam uruguthaiya ~
“Sooran Poor” was elegantly observed at Ponnambalavaneswarar Temple, Kochchikade, Colombo, on Oct 23rd:
The fast is spent on meditations, prayers and reflections
A pure mind in a pure body is a sublime combination and conducive to realizing the divine
Beautifully decorated Arumugaswamy comes out of the temple at dusk
The pointed edge of the Vel denotes the sharpness of intellect while the centre represents vastness and lower part signifying depth of knowledge.
Arumugaswamy is decorated with variety of fresh flowers, rides a goat and carried by men wearing red head bands, while another sets of men carries a Vel (lance) and walk along with the parade
Lord Siva represents both death and destroys, and reproduction which follows destruction
Devotees enthralled in youthfulness, compassion and valour as symbolised by Lord Muruga
Lord Murugan, the word is derived from ‘Murugu,’ in Tamil means honey, beauty, fragrance and eternal youth
Devotees witnessing the ceremony
A colourful parade in the temple compound
The battle between Lord Murugan and Sooran takes place
Musicians accompany the procession
Sooran changed his faces while battling with Lord Murugan
Lord Murugan grants all kinds of excellence and the bliss of salvation to his devotees
Vel, which symbolises the spear of victory
Festivals inspire us to live a virtuous life
Vertivel garland is made of natural roots. It is offered to Lord Murugan at the end of the Kantha Shasti fasting, and it is auspicious to keep it till the next Kantha Shasti fasting
“Viratham” means solemn vow
The famous ‘VetriVel’ chanting that takes place on the Shasti day is associated with the victory of Lord Murugan over demon Soorapathman
The ‘Param Porul’ has neither birth nor death
Lord Murugan bestows beauty, greatness, true knowledge and salvation upon those who praise and worship him
The festival is being observed by the devotees every year to mark the victory of good over evil
A God has neither “Aathi” (Beginning) or “Antham” (End)
Moreover women observes Kantha Shasti Viratham
‘ Soorasamharam’ or annihilation of ‘Asuras,’ which was celebrated with religious fervour
The popular belief is that Lord Murugan killed Soorapathman with his ‘Vel’ and this divine act is known as Soorasamharam
A fiery battle took place between Lord Murugan and Soorapathman
Finally, Lord Murugan pierced the body of Surapathman with his Vel (lance). And, suddenly demon Soorapathman transformed into a huge mango tree. But Lord Murugan cut the tree vertically into two pieces with His Vel.
The two pieces transformed into a peacock and cock. Lord Murugan took the peacock as his divine vehicle and the cock was given a place on his banner.
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HumanityAshore.org ~ Email: dushi.pillai@gmail.com
well discribed about Sooran poor and kantha sasdi veratham the religious events and its significence Thanks to the Author
Though I am living in UK, you make me to go back to the good old days from 1974-2001.every friday I vist this temple and never missed the events at this temple.in this temple only, I propose my love to my batchmate who is now my better half.
GOD BLESS YOU DUSHI
Great Work Dushi!
In Batticaloa, Sooran Por is enacted annually at the Aanaipanthy Pillayar Kovil in Puliyantheevu.
Murugan appears with his Army headed by Veerapathirar his General,who leads ten soldiers, all in costume and bearing Sengunthams (red tridents).These eleven are always from the Sengunthar (Kaikolar/Mudaliyar) community most of whom lived in Thamaraikerny, a part of the batticaloa town.
They claim descent from the Army of Murugan and are named/celebrated in poetry by Ottakkoothar their poet – who was also Aasthanap Pulavar of a Paandyan King, and who was also a contemporary of Kambar.
God is energy.
Energy is nature.
Energy creates Universe.
Energy is natural,infinite and eternal.
Energy fluctuates constantly,therefore,birh,death,creation and destruction occur.
This permanence in impermanence is the reality of life and nature.
your photos and comments were so wonderful to see. what a great festival to attend. i would love to have attended this. when i lived in bangalore i loved to go to the subramanian temple in rajajinagar. the tuesday abishekam was beyond inspiring. it was electrifying. thanks so much for sharing your photos with me and others who love skanda/murugan.