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How to Follow Kandha Sashti Viratham in Hinduism

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Kandha Sashti Viratham (fast) is a sacred observance dedicated to Lord Murugan (also known as Skanda, Kartikeya, or Subramanya), the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Observed during the lunar month of Aippasi (October-November) for six days, it celebrates the triumph of good over evil when Murugan vanquished the demon Surapadman. Here’s a detailed guide to following this powerful spiritual practice.

Preparation for Kandha Sashti Viratham

  1. Understanding the Viratham

    • The viratham (fast) involves purification of body, mind, and soul through prayer, fasting, and devotion to Lord Murugan.
    • Observers should start with sincere intentions and a prayer for Murugan's blessings.

  2. Basic Preparation

    • Purity: Take a head bath daily, clean your home or prayer space, and maintain cleanliness.
    • Diet: Abstain from tamasic foods like meat, garlic, and onion. Many people eat once a day (only fruits, milk, or light vegetarian food). Some practice complete fasting.

  3. Clothing and Colors

    • Wear clean and modest clothing, preferably yellow, saffron, or white, as these colors are auspicious for Murugan.
    • Avoid synthetic or luxurious attire. Cotton clothes are ideal for simplicity.

Simple Puja Steps for Kandha Sashti

  1. Morning Rituals

    • Begin with a bath and wear fresh clothes.
    • Light a lamp (diya) in your prayer room or near a Murugan image or idol.
    • Place flowers (especially jasmine or red roses) and offer kumkum and sandalwood paste.
    • Recite basic prayers like "Om Saravana Bhava" (108 times) and chant Murugan's name.

  2. Naivedyam (Offering Food)

    • Prepare simple offerings like fruits, milk, jaggery, or a dish like Pongal. Avoid tamasic ingredients.
    • After offering, consume this as prasad.

  3. Reading Scriptures or Chanting

    • Recite or listen to the Kandha Sashti Kavacham, which is a powerful hymn invoking Murugan's protection.
    • Read or narrate stories of Murugan’s victory over Surapadman.

  4. Evening Puja

    • Repeat the lighting of lamps and chanting Murugan mantras.
    • Perform Arti with camphor or ghee lamps while singing devotional songs like "Kandha Sashti Kavacham" or Murugan bhajans.

Mantras and Prayers to Chant

  1. Murugan Moola Mantra

    Om Saravana Bhavaya Namah
    • This mantra invokes Murugan’s blessings and removes obstacles.

  2. Shanmukha Gayatri Mantra

    Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe 
Maha Senaya Dhimahi 
Tanno Shanmukha Prachodayat
    • A powerful mantra to meditate on Murugan.

  3. Kandha Sashti Kavacham

    • A hymn of praise that protects devotees from harm and evil forces. It consists of powerful verses for physical and spiritual protection.

Rare Facts About Kandha Sashti

  1. Symbolism of the Vel (Spear)

    • Lord Murugan’s Vel represents wisdom, sharpness of mind, and the destruction of ignorance.

  2. Six Days of Purification

    • Each day corresponds to purifying one of the six chakras in the body, helping the devotee ascend spiritually.

  3. Surapadman’s Transformation

    • After his defeat, the demon Surapadman was transformed into Murugan’s vehicle (the peacock) and his flag (the rooster), symbolizing redemption.

  4. Kumkum Archana

    • Offering red kumkum to Murugan during the six days is believed to fulfill wishes and grant courage.

Practical Steps and Ideas for Modern Times

  1. Incorporate Technology for Devotion

    • Play Kandha Sashti Kavacham or Murugan bhajans on your phone or speaker if you're unable to chant long hymns.
    • Join online satsangs or Murugan worship groups for inspiration and shared prayers.

  2. Work-Life Balance

    • If you're unable to fast fully, practice a partial fast by consuming fruits and water during work hours and eating light meals at home.

  3. Simplified Offerings

    • If elaborate pujas are challenging, focus on simple offerings of flowers, water, and chanting mantras sincerely.

  4. Meditation and Visualization

    • Spend 10-15 minutes daily visualizing Lord Murugan with his Vel, sitting on his peacock, and destroying negativity in your life.

  5. Acts of Kindness

    • Help the needy or feed animals, as this aligns with the compassionate values upheld during the viratham.

Benefits of Observing Kandha Sashti Viratham

  1. Spiritual Growth

    • Fasting and prayer purify the mind and elevate spiritual consciousness.

  2. Overcoming Obstacles

    • Murugan is known as the remover of obstacles, granting strength to face life's challenges.

  3. Health and Discipline

    • The dietary discipline and meditative practices contribute to physical health and mental focus.

  4. Divine Protection

    • Chanting hymns like Kandha Sashti Kavacham is believed to provide a shield against negative energies.

By following these practices with devotion and consistency, devotees can deepen their connection with Lord Murugan, seek his blessings, and lead a spiritually fulfilling life.