Sri Kantha Sashti Kavasam

Sashti is the day the Lord Subramanya defeated the demon Soorapadma and saved the Earth from his evils. When the devas couldn’t tolerate the evil doings of this demon, they approached the younger son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. The kind Lord went on a war against Soorapadman. The war was waged for six days, at the end of which the Lord vanquished the asura. He threw his weapon at him and Soorapadman was split into two halves. One half became a peacock, which He took as His vaahana. The other became a cock and was transformed into his flag.

The devas, who were tormented by Soorapadman, rejoiced – they praised the Lord and prayed to him for six days. Devotees usually narrate the kanda sashti kavacham, during this period. Whoever fasts for these six days of Skanda Sashti and prays to Lord Muruga steadfastly, it is said that they would get the blessings of Lord Muruga. Those who are unable to fast for a whole day for a six-day duration, can eat just one meal during this period.

Many of us are familiar with Kanda Sashti Kavacham and recite it often. Yet it’s origin is not so well known​Here is the story behind it as collected from a few sources.