Kandha Sashti is a six-day festival celebrating Lord Murugan’s victory over the demon Surapadman, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Devotees begin by fasting and purifying themselves, often with a simple diet and dedicated prayer. The early days focus on devotion through chanting, recitations of the Skanda Sashti Kavacham, and meditative worship of Murugan’s Vel, the divine spear. As the festival progresses, special rituals and processions are held in the temple, bringing the community together in devotion. Each day deepens the devotees’ spiritual resolve, preparing them for the festival’s climax on the sixth day, known as Soorasamharam. On this day, the temple reenacts the epic battle in which Lord Murugan defeats Surapadman, a symbolic victory of righteousness over negativity. The festival blends prayer, celebration, and introspection, inspiring devotees to seek strength, courage, and purity in their lives.

Friday Nov 1 to Wednesday Nov 6
6:00 pm Sashti Kavacham chanting
7:15 pm Aarti

Tuesday Nov 5
6:30 pm Vel Maaral chanting
7:00 pm Vel vanguthal (Muruga getting the spear from his divine mother Parvathi to destroy the demon king Soorapadman)

Wednesday Nov 6
6:30 pm Soora Samharam (Muruga kills Soorapadman) and Vel Abishegam

Saturday Nov 9
10:30 am – 12:30 pm Murugar Abishegam, Sashti Kavacham Chanting, Thirukalyanam (Wedding of Muruga)

Puja Items

Milk 1 gallon
Yogurt 1 large tub
Rose Water 1 small bottle
Fruit juice 1 pack (any juice)
Coconut Water 1 pack
Honey 1 small bottle
Loose Flowers