Subrahmanya Shasthi or Champa
Shasthi (also known as Skanda Shasthi) is an important festival for Hindus that
is dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya (Skanda). It is observed on the ‘Shasthi’ (6th
day) tithi during the Shukla Paksha (the bright fortnight of moon) in the month
of ‘Margashira’ as per the traditional Hindu calendar. For those following the
Gregorian calendar, this date falls between the months of November-December.
Lord Subrahmanya is the second son
of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is known by different names like
‘Kartikeya’, ‘Velan Kumaran’, ‘Murugan’ and ‘Tamil Kadavul (the God of Tamils).
Moreover, this day is also known as ‘Subrahmanya Champa Shasthi’ when the
Shukla Paksha Shasthi tithi of the Margashira month falls on a Sunday.
Subrahmanya Shasthi holds special significance for Lord Kartikeya followers as
it marks the triumph of Lord Subrahmanya over the demon named Tarakasura.
Subrahmanya Shasthi is celebrate with immense fervour and gaiety in the
southern parts of the country, namely in the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu,
Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the most awaited events in South
India.
Significance of Subrahmanya Shasthi
The auspicious observance of Subrahmanya Shasthi is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva who was born with an intention of killing the demon Tarakasura. On this day Lord Subrahmanya is worshipped in the form of a 5-headed snake. It is a popular belief that one who worships Lord Subrahmanya on this day is freed from ‘Sarpa Dosha’. According to the Hindu mythology, Lord Subrahmanya is the General of Gods army and is also known to be sharper of all gods. A person who gets the darshan of Lord Subrahmanya and performs rituals like ‘daan’ and ‘snan’ on the day of Subrahmanya Shasthi will be freed from all his/her sins, even those equivalent to ‘Brahma Hatya’.