Skanda Shashti Celebrations 2024
Date: November 6th and 7th, 2024
Venue: Sri Ganesh Mandir
Join us for the annual Skanda Shashti celebrations at Sri Ganesh Mandir, a sacred two-day event honoring Lord Muruga (also known as Subramanya, Kartikeya, or Skanda). This powerful festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil through the divine battle between Lord Muruga and the demon Soorapadman, culminating in Soora Samhaaram.
Event Highlights:
Wednesday, November 6th, 2024
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Subramanya Abhishekam
Start the day with the sacred Abhishekam (ritual bathing) of Lord Subramanya, invoking divine blessings and prosperity.5:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Dramatic Enactment of Soora Samhaaram
Witness the breathtaking reenactment of the epic battle between Lord Muruga and the demon Soorapadman. This dramatic portrayal brings the story of good triumphing over evil to life, symbolizing the eternal fight against darkness.7:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Subramanya Abhishekam and Aarti
Conclude the evening with another round of Abhishekam and offer Aarti (a devotional ritual) to Lord Subramanya.7:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Sarva Devatha Aarti and Annadhan
Join us for the collective worship of all deities (Sarva Devatha Aarti) followed by Annadhan, a generous offering of food to all devotees.
Thursday, November 7th, 2024
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Subramanya Abhishekam
Another opportunity for devotees to participate in the holy Abhishekam and experience the divine energy of Lord Subramanya.6:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Thirukalyanam, Palki Parikrama, and Aarti
Celebrate the divine wedding (Thirukalyanam) of Lord Muruga with Deivanai and Valli, followed by a grand procession (Palki Parikrama) of the deities around the temple, culminating with Aarti.7:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Sarva Devatha Aarti and Prasad
End the auspicious celebrations with Sarva Devatha Aarti and partake in Prasad, a blessed offering of food.
Sponsorship Opportunities:
Support the temple and be a part of the Skanda Shashti celebrations by sponsoring any of the following rituals or offerings:
- Two-Day Sponsorship (Abhishekam + Kalyanam): $251
- Annadhan (Food Offering): $251
- Kalyanotsavam (Divine Wedding Ceremony): $151
- Abhishekam: $51
- Flowers for Decoration: $51
- Vastram (Clothing for the Deities): $51
Your sponsorship helps us preserve and celebrate this sacred tradition, and it brings divine blessings to you and your family.
What is Soora Samhaaram?
Soora Samhaaram is the climactic event of Skanda Shashti, commemorating the victory of Lord Muruga over the demon Soorapadman. According to Hindu mythology, Soorapadman, blessed with invincibility by Lord Shiva, became a tyrant who oppressed the gods. Unable to bear the suffering, the gods prayed to Lord Shiva for deliverance. In response, Lord Shiva created Lord Muruga to lead the divine army and defeat the demon.
Mounted on his peacock and wielding the mighty spear (Vel), Lord Muruga fought a fierce battle and ultimately defeated Soorapadman, transforming him into a peacock and a rooster, symbols now associated with the deity.
This dramatic victory is celebrated annually with reenactments, ritual worship, and community gatherings, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and divinity over demonic forces. It holds profound spiritual meaning for devotees, particularly those from Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.
Join Us for Skanda Shashti 2024
Come together with fellow devotees to honor Lord Muruga, witness the reenactment of Soora Samhaaram, and partake in the many rituals that bring peace, prosperity, and divine blessings. We look forward to welcoming you and your family to this sacred event.
