Kanda Sashti, also known as Skanda Shashti, is an important festival dedicated to Lord Murugan. It is a 6-day festival, and the most important day is the 6th day, when Murugan is said to have slayed the demon Soorapadman. This occasion is known as Soorasamharam and it marks the victory of good over evil.
Soorasamharam is celebrated in all Murugan temples across Tamil Nadu. However, the most famous Soorasamharam happens at Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur. Here, Lord Murugan is also known as Subramaniyan and Jayanthinathan.
This blog contains 16 photos shot in Tiruchendur.
Location : Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu.
Photos shot in November 2019.
All photos © S Srikant.
Instagram : ssrikantphotographer.
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| Pilgrims walk near Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur, on the eve of Soorasamharam. |
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| Devotees perform kummi adi (a dance form of Tamil Hindus) outside Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur, on the eve of Soorasamharam. |
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| A man gives discourse (sorpozhivu) near Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur, on the eve of Soorasamharam. |
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| A devotee performs angapradakshinam (circumambulation by rolling on the floor) as vibhuti (holy ash) is sprinkled over him, near Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur. |
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| Milk being distributed to pilgrims outside Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur, on the eve of Soorasamharam. |
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| A view of Tiruchendur town early in the morning, on the day of Soorasamharam. Seen in the distance is the main gopuram (tower) of Subramaniya Swamy Temple. |
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| Lamps, bananas, flowers and coconuts laid out on banana leaves by pilgrims, as prayer to Lord Murugan, near Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur, on the day of Soorasamharam. |
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| A big crowd of Murugan devotees outside Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur, on the day of Soorasamharam. |
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| A Murugan devotee, with his tongue and cheeks pierced, seeks donation near Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur, on the day of Soorasamharam. The coconuts are hanging from his pierced cheeks. This form of extreme devotion is known as alagu kuthuthal. |
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| Devotees dance outside Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur, on the day of Soorasamharam. |
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| The deity Subramaniyan being carried in Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur, before the commencement of Soorasamharam. |
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| Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Tiruchendur was jampacked with devotees before the commencement of Soorasamharam. Seen in this photo are devotees standing outside the temple, eagerly catching a glimpse of the lord, who was being carried inside the temple. |
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| Priests distribute vibhuti and photos of Subramaniyan to devotees in Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Tiruchendur. The deity is seen in the centre. |
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| Soorasamharam, the event where the demon Soorapadman is slayed by Lord Murugan (Subramaniyan), is enacted on the beach in Tiruchendur. Soorasamharam marks the victory of good over evil. |
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| Priests perform pooja to Subramaniyan in Tiruchendur, after the conclusion of Soorasamharam. |
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| Devotees reach to get saradu (holy string) from priests, after the conclusion of Soorasamharam, in Tiruchendur. |
