Health Category

Dr.Surendra Kapoor 2018-09-21 06:30:55. kumar or Skanda Shasthi on 17th july 2018

Skanda Shashthi is observed on the day of Shukla Paksha Shashthi in the month of Ashadh. On this day, Lord Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati, is revered. It is believed that on this day, Lord Kartika incarnated on earth to vanquish Adhar

Paying respect to the divine power

In many places of India, the celebration for Skanda Shashthi commences six days before Shashthi and ends on Shashthi with grandeur. This holy occasion is observed in different regions of the country with extreme reverence. The birth anniversary of Lord Kartikeya also referred as Kumar Jayanti is observed on the occasion of Kumar Shashthi. As per legend, Lord Kartikeya is said to be the General of the armed forces of devas and the power who annihilates the demons. By paying homage to Lord Kartikeya, devotees can put a permanent end to all their sufferings and be blessed with the life they just desire.

Rituals observed on this day

Devotees offer their prayers to Lord Kartikeya with utmost devotion. Special offerings such as flowers, incense sticks, kumkum, sandalwood paste and fruits are made to the deity.Chanting mantras such as Subramaniya Bhujangam, Skanda Shashthi Kavacham and Subramanya Purana on this day is considered to be extremely auspicious. It is a ritual to read legends related to Lord Kartikeya, recite the Kartika stotra and chant 21 names of Kartika to invite prosperity in life.

Rituals observed on this day

In some areas, a ritual of drawing a circle in front of the house using clay and cow dung is observed by devotees. Devotees observe a whole day fast on this day and abstain from taking any kind of food until they have offered a pooja in the evening. They visit a temple in the evening to pay obeisance to Lord Murugan and then break their vrata. In the temples, special aarti and pooja are performed. Devotees seek blessings from the lord to get rid of their latent demonic attributes and to attain a healthy and contented life.