Soorasamharam is the final day of Skanda Shasti Vratham and the most important day of the six days’ festivities. It is believed that Lord Muruga defeated the demon Surapadman on this day. Muruga, who is the warrior-god and the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and the brother of Ganesha, is also popularly known by these names Kartikeya, Subramanya, Saravana, Vadivela, Kumara, and Skanda. This tradition of Skanda Shasti Vratham is most prevalent among the Tamil speaking community around the world. It is a traditional belief that people seeking progeny blessings observe fasting and pray to Muruga. Devotees keep fast (called Shasti Vratam) during the entire day, starting from sunrise and break the fast only the next day after sighting the Sun. If needed, one can consume milk, water, and fruits during the fast. Fasting helps cleanse our mind of sins. The prayer procedure includes decorating the Vel (Muruga’s lance) or Muruga idol, lighting the lamp and incense, and various food offerings to Muruga. One can chant or listen to Skanda Shasti Kavacham, Subrahmanya Bhujangam, or Skanda Purana. Devotees of Muruga offer prayers and rituals and observe fast to obtain the grace and blessings of Lord Muruga.
How Planets Help Receive The Blessings Of The Day?
The Skanda Shasti Vratham culminates today on Soorasamharam Day on November 20, 2020 and the first day of fasting actually began on Monday November 16, 2020. Today, the Day Lord Venus is in Libra, its own sign and is in bright Chitra Nakshatra. The birth star Chitra is ruled by the fiery planet Mars and is the star of opportunities and brightness, containing the Punya Chayani Shakti. Venus is with Mercury, which is in the powerful and invincible Swati Nakshatra (ruled by Rahu), which is all about Pradhvamsa Shakti, the ability to bring success in any task through the power of goal, independence, and determination. Both Venus and Mercury are aspected by Mars and Saturn. Today, we can get immense power of mind and intellect to solve any problem and succeed in any action, if we pray to Lord Muruga. Offering prayers to Muruga today can help conquer all our battles with bright ideas, communication, sharp intellect, hard work, wisdom, strength, and determination.
Today, the Moon is strongly placed in its own Nakshatra, Shravana, which is all about hearing and samhanana Shakti, the energy of the learning ear. Also, the Moon is with Jupiter and Saturn in Capricorn. Both Saturn and Jupiter are in a close conjunction in Uttarashada Nakshatra (ruled by Sun). Jupiter moves to Capricorn today around 2.55 pm (IST). Today, if we pray to Lord Muruga, we can become invincible and successful in any task we undertake through our courage and passion. Prayers and fasting (if possible) on this day shall give us mental power, name, fame, fortune, courage, wisdom, and immense wealth.
Chant the following mantras for 108 times
Om Saravana Bhavaya Namaha
Meaning – I bow to Saravana (Muruga)
Om Skandaaya Namaha
Meaning – I bow to Skanda (Muruga)
Om Kumaaraya Namaha
Meaning – I bow to the eternally young one (Muruga)
Dos
• Visit Muruga temple, if possible
• Help and protect the poor and weak
• Observe fast, if possible
• Offer sweets and delicacies to Lord Muruga
• Take leadership and responsibilities, wherever possible
• Meditate and chant the above mantras
• Wear red-colored clothes on this day, if possible
Don’ts
• Do not consume alcohol or non-vegetarian food
• Avoid using inauspicious words
• Watch your anger and avoid getting into such situations
• Refrain from hurting others
