Kantha Shahsti: Strictest Fast for Spiritual Bliss and Blessing
Pictorial By Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai
“Kantha Shashti” is observed in the Tamil month of “Aippasi”, which falls either in October or November on the new moon. Hindus all around the world fast for six days for Lord Murugan. This year Kantha Shasti was observed from 6th of November to 12th of November.Devotees of Lord Murugan have a fast for six days during these days. It’s unlike any other fast; devotees stick to the strictest fast which is called “Upavaasam” (total fast). The seventh day is known as “Paaranai”, and the strictest fast ended on 12 of November 2010.
“Sooran Por” was held on 11th of November 2010 at Naattukkottai Nagaraththaar Sri Kathirvelaayuthaswamy temple (New Kathiresan temple) in Bambalapitty amidst the record breaking raingfall after 18 years in the city of Colombo.Devotees in large numbers gathered to celebrate the victory of evil spirit
It’s believed that Lord Murugan defeated the demon Soorapathman and his army with the “Vel” (lance) given to him by his mother. Lord Murugan fought for six days, and on the last day he liberated “Devas’ from “Asuras”. “Sooran Poor” is held to celebrate the victory on the sixth day at dusk. The temple courtyard and backyard are made to look like a battle field. Idols of Lord Murugan and Soorapathman are taken out of the temple to have the battle and the celebration.
Devotees, who have fasted for six days wake up at dawn, have a head shower, go and pray at the temple and cook and have a vegetarian meal before the sun rises. The devotees who observed the fast are not supposed to witness “Sooran Poor”, because it is considered inauspicious to witness a killing of Sooran after fasting.
passionParade ~ Email: dushi.pillai@gmail.com
