Significance of Soorasamharam - Why Do We Celebrate It?

Soorasamharam or Sooranporu is one of the significant Hindu festivals. It is celebrated for six days and is dedicated to the worship of Lord Murugan in Tamil. As per the Tamil calendar, it falls in the month of Karthik, and hence every year, Soorasamharam is celebrated in October or November as the date varies. This year’s Soorasamharam will be celebrated on Friday, 20th November.

People also observe fasting on this event to pursue the blessings of Lord Murugan. This is when the town of Tiruchendur in Tamil Nadu receives thousands of devotees from Tamil Nadu itself and the nearby areas to enjoy the celebration.

Generally, the festival is celebrated on the last day of Skanda Sashti, and it also has its mention in Skanda Purana. People who observe fasting start it from the Pirathamai day, and they conclude it on the last day of Soorasamharam.

Legend behind Soorasamharam

The legend says a demon named Surapadma captured Earth and was spreading the chaos everywhere. To defeat the demon and liberate people from the evil intentions of Surapadma, Lord Murugan, the son of Shiva and Parvati, came forwarded to destruct the demon.

The battle went on fiercely for six days, and on the seventh day, Lord Murugan was able to kill the demon Surapadma. This victory is hence called the Soorasamharam, which depicts the triumph of good over evil.

The day after Soorasamharam is called Thirukalyanam. This was when Lord Murugan got wed to Devasena; people also wrap this day with Soorasamharam as a part of the celebration.

The legend behind the birth of Lord Murugan

To kill the demons like Soorapadman, Tarakasura, and Simhamugan, Lord Murugan was born. There is a legend behind how Lord Murugan was born since Shiva was ascetic and restrained himself from all kinds of worldly pleasures.

When Gods faced cruelty from all these demons and got drove out of heaven, they visit Kama Deva to tempt Lord Shiva to marry Parvati. After the Yoga-Samadhi, Shiva married Parvati, and he emanated a divine fire from his third eye. This fire became six sparks, carried to the Ganges, and then to the Saravana pond.

In the Pond, Goddess Parvati found these six sparks and made them into one which originated a six-headed Son named Lord Murugan or Karthikey. Later, Lord Murugan went to destroy the demon who captured heaven, and since then, he is known as the God of war.

Parvati gifted his son with Vel to win against Soorapadman. Similarly, Indra gave him the weapon Kulisam and his elephant, Pinimugam. During the battle, Soorapadman did not want to surrender. The demon took the form of a huge mango tree. Lord Murugan then split the tree; one part became a peacock, and another became a cock.

The Lord then chose Peacock as his vehicle and cock as his flag. Lord Murugan also killed Taraka, and Simamughan too. Simamughan came with a thousand heads, but Murugan destroyed all his heads with the almighty Vel given by his mother, Parvati.

Every year, the festival is celebrated in Tamil Nadu and nearby regions of South India to rejoice this huge and splendid victory.

Observing fast on Soorasamharam

To receive the blessings of Lord Murugan, devotees observe fast during the event. As Soorasamharam is celebrated for six days, the fasting starts on the first day and gets concluded on the sixth day when the celebration ends.

As per the ritual, devotees can have one single meal while observing the fast. Devotees strictly avoid any non-vegetarian food, and some devotees avoid consuming onions and garlic as well. They read scriptures related to Muruga, such as Kanta Shashti Kavasam or Subramaniya Bhujangam.

During these days, one must also not yield emotions like lust, anger, or telling lies. Devotees also witness the worship of Lord Murugan and offer prayers at temples. They witness all the rituals performed during the Soorasamharam.

Abhishekam, Shringar Darshan, and the procession of Lord Murugan throughout the town makes it irresistible for anyone. Through the parade, they spread the message that God is the almighty and that the evilness always loses.

During the celebration, the state Govt. also runs special buses that take the devotees to the temple easily and facilitates the overall journey.