Kandha Sashti Viratham | Salem Murugan Temple

6 mins read

Last updated : 11-10-2025

Power of Kandha Sashti Viratham: The 6-Day Fast that Removes Negativity

Kandha Sashti Viratham — a sacred 6-day fast dedicated to Lord Murugan. Discover its significance, fasting rules, benefits, story of Surasamharam, and pooja details.

What is Kandha Sashti Viratham? Why it is observed for six days after Deepavali

Kandha Sashti Viratham (also called Skanda Sashti Vratam) is a sacred fasting and worship period dedicated to Lord Murugan (Kartikeya, Skanda, Subramanya) — the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

The Reason Behind Kandha Sashti – Victory of Lord Murugan

Kandha Sashti viratham is observed to celebrate Lord Murugan’s victory over the demon Surapadman, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

The word Sashti means the sixth day (tithi) of the lunar fortnight. Devotees observe this fast every month on the Shukla Paksha Sashti (6th day after the New Moon), but the most important one is the Aippasi (October–November) Sashti, known as Kandha Sashti, which lasts for six days and ends with the grand festival called Soorasamharam.

How to Observe Kandha Sashti Viratham at Home

According to the Skanda Purana, Lord Murugan was created by Lord Shiva’s divine energy to destroy the demon Surapadman and restore peace to the world. Soorasamharam — the sixth day — marks the symbolic destruction of ego, pride, and negativity within ourselves.

Choose your Fasting methods based on your health

• 1. Full Fast (Nirjala Viratham) No food or water throughout the day; broken only after evening prayers. - Suitable for experienced devotees.
• 2. Partial Fast (Eka Bhukta or One Meal Fast) - Devotees eat once a day — usually plain vegetarian food or fruits. Avoid onion, garlic, tamarind, and spicy items.
• 3. Liquid Fast - Only liquids like tender coconut water, fruit juices, milk, or herbal drinks.

The type of fasting can be chosen based on health and capacity. Focus should remain on purity of thoughts, discipline, and devotion rather than strict abstinence.

Morning Routine

Wake up early, take a holy bath, and light lamps for Lord Murugan. Offer flowers (especially Arali, Sevanthi, or Sampangi). Perform simple pooja with turmeric, sandal, and kumkum.

Chanting & Bhajans,Recite Kanda Sashti Kavasam daily with devotion. Chant “Om Saravana Bhava” or “Vetri Vel Muruganukku Arohara” 108 times. Read Skanda Purana, Thiruppugazh, and Kanda Anubhooti verses

Evening Ritual

Visit Murugan temple or perform evening pooja at home. Offer Naivedyam (prasadam) such as fruits, milk, or Panchamirtham. Read or listen to Murugan devotional songs.

Things to Avoid During Shasthi Viratham

• 1.Non-vegetarian food, alcohol, smoking, and intoxicants.
• 2.Anger, harsh speech, and gossip.
• 3.Avoid sleeping during the day or wasting time in distractions.
• 4.Keep the mind pure and focused on Murugan’s name.

Spiritual and Health Benefits of Observing the Viratham

• 1. Destroys inner and outer enemies — both physical and emotional obstacles.
• 2. Brings health, wealth, and victory in personal and professional life.
• 3. Purifies karma and improves spiritual strength.
• 4. Bestows Lord Murugan’s divine grace, leading to peace and enlightenment.
• 5. Improves focus, discipline, and emotional control.
• 6. Couples Planning for Baby mority people follows virtham blessed with child Next year.

Many devotees at Kalipati kandha samy temple say they feel lighter, calmer, and spiritually rejuvenated after the six-day Viratham.

Significance of Surasamharam Festival

The Surasamharam is the highlight of Kandha Sashti — a grand reenactment of Lord Murugan’s victory over Surapadman. At Thiruchendur and Salem Murugan Temple nearby (Kandhsamy kovil in Kalipatti ), thousands gather to witness this symbolic event, representing the eternal battle between divine and demonic forces — light conquering darkness, and truth triumphing over falsehood.

What to Eat During Kandha Sashti Fasting

During fasting, devotees consume pure vegetarian and sattvic foods that promote spiritual energy. Some meal ideas include:

• Boiled rice with dal or vegetables
• Fruits, tender coconut water, or herbal drinks
• Dried nuts and soaked almonds
• Light kanji or rice gruel for energy

Avoid fried or spicy foods. SalemMango offers natural fasting essentials like pure ghee, jaggery, coconut oil, and traditional rice varieties perfect for the occasion.

Kandha Sashti Mantras and Kavasam

The Kanda Sashti Kavasam, written by Sri Bala Devaraya Swamigal, is a powerful Tamil hymn invoking Lord Murugan’s protection.Chanting this daily during Viratham:

• Brings peace and confidence
• Removes fear and negativity
• Invites Murugan’s divine grace

Devotees can listen to or read the Kavasam in Tamil or English translations for deeper connection.

How SalemMango Supports Devotees During Kandha Sashti

At SalemMango, devotion meets purity. The brand helps devotees perform the Viratham naturally by delivering:

• Pure Jaggery for prasadam
• Traditional Ghee and Deepam Oil for lighting lamps
• Organic Rice and Millet Varieties for sattvic fasting
• Temple essentials like Coconut, Mango leaves for Murugan pooja rituals

Every product is sourced ethically from Salem farms, supporting both devotion and wellness. For any help with orders or pooja essentials, kindly contact Customer Helpdesk SalemMango

Kandha Sashti Viratham | Soorasamharam

The final day of the six-day observance, known as Soorasamharam, is the dramatic reenactment of Lord Murugan’s victory over the demon Surapadman. Celebrated grandly at Thiruchendur Murugan Temple and other major shrines. Symbolizes the destruction of evil and the restoration of dharma. Devotees chant “Vetri Vel Muruganukku Arohara!” during the climax of the event.

Soorasamharam Next day Thirukalyanam

The day after Soorasamharam is celebrated as Thirukalyanam, the divine marriage of Lord Murugan and Goddess Devasena. It represents harmony, happiness, and the union of divine energies.

Murugan Symbolic Meaning

• Vel (spear) – Represents wisdom that destroys ignorance.
• Peacock (vehicle) – Symbolizes the control of pride and desires.
• Rooster (flag) – Awakens awareness and victory over darkness.

Kanda Sashti is not just a festival for tamil people, it is an inner battle of light and shadow, teaching us to rise above negativity and live with strength, love, and humility. It is celebrated all over world.

Famous Temples Celebrating Kanda Sashti in Tamil Nadu India

1. Thiruchendur Murugan Temple (Tamil Nadu) – most significant celebration.
2. Palani Murugan Temple
3. Swamimalai
4. Thiruttani
5. Pazhamudircholai and
6. Tirupparankundram

These are the Six Abodes of Murugan (Arupadai Veedu) — each holds special poojas during this period. The Kandha Sashti Viratham teaches discipline, humility, and surrender to divine will. It’s not just about fasting — it’s a journey toward inner peace and divine realization. May Lord Murugan bless all devotees visiting,If you are in Salem, visit Kalipatti Kandasamy temple famous for Shasti virtham Festival or observing the Viratham at home with strength, wisdom, and victory in every part of life.

Important Dates in 2025 | Faq

When is Kandha Sashti Viratham celebrated?

It is observed during the Tamil month of Aippasi (October–November) for six days. Kandha Sashti Viratham in 2025 is observed from October 22 to October 27, with the final Soora Samharam on October 27

Can I observe Kandha Sashti from home?

Yes, devotees can perform fasting and prayers from home while visiting the temple on the final day.

What is Soorasamharam?

It marks Lord Murugan’s victory over the demon Surapadman, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness

Why is Kalipatti Kandha samy Murugan Temple famous during Kandha Sashti in salem?

The temple hosts special poojas, bhajans, and Soorasamharam rituals that attract devotees from across Tamil Nadu.