Kantha Sasthi Kavasam Introduction

In religion, there are three parts viz philosophy,
mythology, and ritual. Philosophy is the essence of
religion. It sets forth its basic principles or fundamental
doctrines or tenets, the goal and the means of attaining
it. Mythology explains and illustrates philosophy by
means of legendary lives of real men or supernatural
beings. Ritual gives a still more concrete form to
philosophy so that everyone may understand it. The
Puranas contain various myths. Skanda Purana is one of
the most important of the Puranas.

The Skanda Purana richly illustrates the advent of Lord
Murugan and His Lilas. It states that at one time the
Devas were strongly oppressed by the Asura Sooran, and
his brothers, Tharagan and Singan. Being unable to bear
their ill treatment they prayed to Lord Siva and out of His
abundance of compassion ejected six sparks from his
third eye, the inner eye of intuition and threw them in
the Ganges, but as Ganges could not bear the intensity of
the heat, threw them into the Saravana Poykai. This is
where Lord Murugan was born, hence He is called
Saravanabhavan. The six sparks took the form of six
babies and they were brought up by Karthigai Pengal.
Thus, He is called Karthikeyan. God Mother Umadevi
embraced all together and Lord Subramanya took a form

with six heads and 12 hands. He is also called Guhan,
Murugan, Shanmugan, and Velayutham. Guha’ means
“one who dwells in the cave of the heart” or “In-dweller
of the heart.”
Lord Murugan killed Tharagan and Singan at first. They
represent Karma Mala, and Maya Mala. Soorapathman
represents Anava Mala (ego). According to Saiva
Siddhanta Philosophy, Anava Mala is not completely
destroyed but remains dormant when the soul attains
bliss. Skanda Purana reveals that when Lord
Subramaniya’s Velayutham killed Soorapathman by
splitting his body into two parts, one part took the form
of a cock and adorned His flag, while the other took the
form of a peacock and became His chariot.
Soorapathman was killed by Lord Murugan on the Sashti
Day i.e. the Sixth day after the new moon in the month
of Ipasi (October—November). That is the day on which
He bestowed boon on all His devotees. All the six days
including the Sashti day are regarded as auspicious days
for worship and all those who fast and pray to Lord
Murugan receive special boons from Him. It is said
devotees who fast on all six days get the following exils
eradicated: Kama (desire), Grotha (anger), Loba
(miserliness), Moha (avariciousness), Matha (ego), and
Macharium (jealousy).

Lord Murugan is another manifestation of Lord Siva –
born as a ray of light from Sivan’s pure consciousness.
Valli and Deivayanai are His two wives. They represent
the power of will (ichcha-sakthi) and the power of action
(kriya-sakthi), respectively. The six heads represent the
six rays or attributes. They also indicate Murugan’s
control over the five organs of Knowledge as well as the
mind. That His head is turned in all directions signifies He
is all-pervading. They indicate that He can multiply and
assume forms at His will.

Kanthar Sashti Kavasam is a famous Tamil hymn in
praise of Lord Murugan. It is composed by Sri Devaraya
Swamigal and helps one to obtain the grace of the Lord.
It is sung particularly on festive occasions, such as during
Kanthar Sashti in October-November. When chanted
daily with concentration and devotion, the kavasam
serves as a protective ‘armour’ for devotees and confers
great spiritual and material benefits. This rare and
valuable treasure helps one to be successful in our daily
lives.