Kumara
Shashti also known as ‘Skanda Shashti’ is an important Hindu festival that is
dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, who is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Lord Kartikeya is worshipped by different names like ‘Kumara’, ‘Muruga’, ‘Subramanya’
and therefore the name ‘Kumara Shashti’. Kumara Shashti is observed on the ‘Shashti’
(6th day) during the Shukla Paksha (the bright fortnight of moon).
As
per the Hindu legends it is believed that on this auspicious day, Lord
Kartikeya appeared on Earth to defeat the demon named, ‘Adharma’. From them
onwards, this day is celebrated as Kumara Shashti and Lord Kartikeya is
worshipped with complete devotion and affection.
Rituals during Kumara Shashti
Devotees
worship Lord Kartikeya on this day with complete devotion. Special offerings
are made to the Lord in the form of sandalwood paste, kumkum, incense sticks,
dhoop, flowers and fruits.
Chanting ‘Skanda Shashti Kavacham’,
‘Subramaniya Bhujangam’ or ‘Subrahmanya Purana’ is believed to be very auspicious
on this day. Devotees must also read stories or tales dedicated to Lord Muruga.
In some regions Hindu devotees draw a
circle in the front area of their house, using cow dung and red clay.
Devotees also observe a strict fast on this
day. They abstain from eating or drinking anything right from the time they get
up until they visit Lord Kartikeya temple in the evening. Only after offering
prayers to the Lord, the Vrata is broken. Few devotees take one meal during the
noon while some take at night.
Special pujas and ‘aarti’ are performed in
the temples. Devotees pray to Lord Kumara to free them from all demonic
qualities and also seek His blessings to remain healthy mentally and
spiritually.
Significance of Kumara Shashti
The
importance of Kumara Shashti is explained in the ‘Skanda Purana’. Kumara Shashti
celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Kartikeya and is also referred as ‘Kumara
Jayanti’. According to the Hindu mythological facts Lord Kartikeya is the
General of the Army of the Devas and also known to be the destroyer of demons.
Hindu devotees therefore worship Lord Kartikeya and seek His blessings to
destroy all the evils from their lives. By observing the Kumara Shashti Vrata,
devotees can put an end to all their miseries and also fulfil their desires.