Skanda Shashti Katha is the scared story of Lord Murugan’s triumph over the powerful demon Surapadman, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. It is also known as the Skanda Shashti Mahatmiyam or Soorasamharam story. It is mainly read or heard during the Skanda Shashti day.
Skanda Shashti Katha
Rise of Soorapadman
In ancient times, the universe was peaceful and harmonious. The devas lived happily in the heavens and human beings lived without fear. But this peace did not last long. A mighty demon named Surapadman, born to Sage Kashyapa and his wife Asurasena, performed intense penance to win special boons from Lord Shiva.
Pleased with his tapas, Lord Shiva granted Surapadman near-invincibility. Drunk with power, Surapadman became arrogant. With his brothers – Simhamukha (lion-faced warrior) and Tarakasura – he conquered the three worlds. The devas lost their kingdoms, their freedom, and even their courage. Surapadman declared himself ruler of heaven, earth, and the underworld. He demanded that everyone bow before him. Those who disobeyed faced terrible punishment. Unable to tolerate the cruelty, the devas fled and hid in forests and mountains. Finally, they went to Lord Brahma, who guided them to Lord Shiva.
The Divine Spark – Birth of a Warrior
When the devas narrated their suffering, Lord Shiva grew sorrowful and determined. His divine energy manifested as six fiery sparks from his third eye. These sparks were so intense that even Agni (the fire god) could not bear them directly. Agni carried them carefully to the Ganga, who gently placed them in the Sarayu River.
From these sparks emerged six radiant infants, glowing like the sun. The six babies were lovingly nursed by the six Krittika maidens, celestial mothers. When Goddess Parvati arrived and embraced the six children with infinite love, they merged into one divine boy with six faces – Shanmukha, meaning “The Six-Faced One”
Each of His six faces represented:
- Divine wisdom
- Eternal life
- Courage
- Strength
- Protection
- Blessing
He came to be known by many names: Skanda, Muruga, Karthikeya, Subramanya, Kumaraswamy, Saravanabhava, and Guha.
Young Murugan grew in intelligence and strength much faster than any human child. He learned scriptures, martial arts, strategy, mantra science, and the laws of dharma. When he reached the age of maturity, Goddess Parvati presented him with the Vel or Velayudham, a spear made of pure light and divine power. This Vel was not merely a weapon—it was a symbol of knowledge that destroys ignorance, and courage that destroys fear. Lord Shiva blessed Murugan with special powers and weapons and appointed him as the Commander-in-Chief (Deva Senapati) of the celestial army. The devas rejoiced, for they knew the moment of liberation was near.
March to War
Murugan mounted his peacock, his divine vehicle, and began the journey toward Surapadman’s kingdom. His army included Devas, Gandharvas, Yakshas, Siddhas, Rishis, and his loyal commanders like Veerabahu. As they marched forward, the entire universe seemed to come alive with energy. Mountains, rivers, winds, planets—all offered their blessings.
Murugan camped at various sacred places along the way, each becoming a holy shrine in the future and they are together called Arupadai Veedu (Six Sacred Abodes).
- Thiruparankundram
- Thiruchendur
- Palani
- Swamimalai
- Pazhamudircholai
- Tiruttani
The Six Days of Battle (Skanda Shashti)
Day 1 – Battle Against Tarakasura
The first day began with Murugan confronting Tarakasura, the fierce brother of Surapadman. Tarakasura was strong and skilled in magic, but Murugan struck him down with his Vel. With Tarakasura defeated, the devas gained confidence.
Day 2 – Destroying Simhamukha
On the second day, Murugan faced Simhamukha, the lion-faced demon. Simhamukha attacked with terrifying roars and illusions, but Murugan, calm and steady, ended his tyranny.
Day 3 – Breaking Surapadman’s Army
On the third day, Surapadman sent massive armies – elephants, horses, giants, and sorcerers. One by one, Murugan destroyed them.
Day 4 – The Demon Generals Fall
Surapadman’s most powerful generals attacked on the fourth day. The battle was long and fierce, but Murugan’s divine army remained victorious.
Day 5 – Surapadman’s Last Tricks
On the fifth day, Surapadman used powerful illusions—storms, shapeshifting, and darkness—to confuse Murugan. But the Vel shone like a lighthouse, breaking every illusion.
Day 6 – Soorasamharam
On the sixth day, Surapadman himself came to the battlefield. He changed forms repeatedly—mountains, trees, animals – trying to escape Murugan’s Velayudham. Finally, Murugan struck the demon’s real form. Finally, when Surapadman realized defeat was near, he surrendered. Seeing his change of heart, Murugan showed compassion and turned one half of Surapadman into a peacock (his vehicle) and the other half into a rooster (his emblem on the battle flag).
Thus, even his enemy was given a place of honor. This divine act is known as Soorasamharam, and is celebrated every year on Skanda Shashti.
Why Reading This Katha Is Considered Auspicious?
Devotees read this katha during Skanda Shashti because it inspires courage and positivity, removes mental obstacles and fear, brings blessings of protection and strength, connects the heart with Murugan’s compassion and power. Every year this Katha is recited in many murugan temples and homes of Murugan devotees on Skanda Shashti.
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