Murugan Vratham

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SEVVAI KIZHAMAI VRATHAM, KARTIGAI VRATHAM, SKANDA SHASTI VRATHAM, LORD SKANDA / MURUGAN - BY : MR VIJAYAKUMAR ALAGAPPAN February 9, 2015 at 9:44pm

SEVVAI KIZHAMAI VRATHAM As means of purification and self-discipline, stretches wayback in time. Yogis mainly will fast to bring the mind and senses under control, but also to cleanse and thus rejuvenates the body. In fact fasting is the body`s natural way of dealing with illness or pain – animals in the wild will stop eating when hurt or unwell and we ourselves lose our appetites if we are feverish. In normal life, much of our energy is devoted to the process of digestion. Resting the digestive system once a week releases this energy for allowing the body to rid itself of toxins and allow our organs to repair and relax. You would have heard about the “Sevvai Kizhamai Viratham” (Tuesday fast) in Hindu practices. This is because Sevvai (Mars Planet) is the original planetary ruler of the body. Energy that emanates from this planet can heal and repair our internal organs. This planet will release its energy highly on Tuesday. Thus, Tuesday is designed as the fasting day by the ancient Indian mystics to allow our organs to repair and relax. Do you know that the most sensitive organ in our system is the intestine. If not, taken care properly this organ can cause malfunction and can affect your whole system. HOW TO FAST Every Tuesday start the day with light breakfast which can be easily digest. Drinking water would do no harm to your fast. It actually helps in the cleansing of your body.

For initial starters, please be reminded that it is not advisable to go without food the whole day. This is because many of us are subjected to working conditions that involve frequent travel and high level of stress. Thus, fasting completely would only deteriorate one`s health. For those who are unable to goon a complete fast, you can have milk and fruits as your diet every Tuesday (avoid acidic fruits like apple and orange).

KARTIGAI VRATHAM On every Karthikai (3rd constellation of the 27 stars)day, this Vratam is to be observed with faith and devotion, and with external purification by a bath, before the Puja, etc. This Vratam was observed by Naradar Rishi as per the advice of Lord Ganesha. After a period of 12 years, Naradar gained his ambition, viz., the supreme position among the great Sapta Rishis. Having thus heard all about the Vratams and their importance, king Muchukunda took leave of Sage Vashishtar. With faith and sincerity he observed them and had Darshan of Lord Murugan who blessed His devotee with peace, plenty,prosperity and Kaivalya Moksham.

KARTIGAI VRATHAM 2016 DATES 19th January 2016 (Tuesday) THAI KARTIGAI 15th February 2016 (Monday) 13th March 2016 (Sunday) 10th April 2016 (Sunday) 7th May 2016 (Saturday) 4th June 2016 (Saturday) 1st July 2016 (Friday) 28th July 2016 (Thursday) AADI KARTIGAI 25th August 2016 (Thursday)

21st September 2016 (Wednesday) 18th October 2016 (Tuesday) 15th November 2016 (Tuesday) 12th December 2016 (Monday) THIRU KARTIGAI DEEPAM

LORD SKANDA / MURUGAN

Lord Murugan, celestial master of kundalini yoga, was born of God Siva's mind. His dynamic power awakens spiritual cognition to propel souls onward in their evolution to Siva's feet. Skanda is an ancient deity mentioned in stone inscriptions and shown on coins (1st cent. To5th cent CE) . The story of Murugan /Skanda is found among others in the Mahabharatha, Siva Purana and is retold in Kalidasa's Kumara Sambhavam. Chandogya Upanishad identifies Skanda as Sanat Kumara. In Tamil, Arunagiri's Thiruppugazh, Nakkeerar's Thiru Murugaatrupadai, and scores of other literature praise the glory of Murugan in devotional poetry.

THE BIRTH OF LORD MURUGA TO HELP US REGAIN OUR HIGHER KINGDOM It is during Karthigai Tamil Month that Lord Shiva created Murugan with His infinite light. Lord Shiva manifested Murugan to renew the spiritual energy with in us to help us to regain our higher consciousness, the celestial kingdom. This legend narrates the story of the destruction of Kaama by Shiva and the birth of Murugan on the day of Karthigai Deepam. Sati, the consort of Shiva immolated herself at the site of the Daksha Yagna, which was later destroyed by Shiva. Sati was reborn as Uma, or Parvati the daughter of the mountain king Himavaan (the Himalayas). Shiva withdrew himself from the universe and engaged himself in yogic meditation in the Himalayas. Lord Shiva created Lord Muruga from His 3rd eye on the day of Karthigai Deepam, symbolizing birth of higher consciousness. In the meanwhile, the demon Surapadma ravaged the earth and tormented its beings. It was realized by the Gods that only the son born of Shiva and Parvati could lead the gods to victory over Tarakaasuran, Surapadman and their demon companions. They

plotted with Kaama, the lord of desire, to shoot a flower arrow at Shiva, as he sat in meditation, so as to make him fall in love with Parvati. When Kaama aimed his arrow at Shiva, he opened his third eye and burned him to ashes instantly. Upon hearing the pleas of Kaama's wife Rati, he brought back Kaama to life, in flesh and blood for her sake, and in a formless state for others. His penance disturbed, Shiva fell in love with Parvathi. However, the sparks of the fiery seed of Shiva were unbearable; even the fire God Agni could not bear them; this fire was then transported by the river Ganga into the Sara Vana forest, where Sara Vana Bhava was born. He was raised by the six Kartika damsels. Parvati combined these six babies into one with six faces, ie. Shanmukha. Shanmukha, or Kartikeya the supreme general of the devas, led the army of the devas to victory against the demons. The six sites at which Kartikeya sojourned while leading his armies against Surapadman are Tiruttanikai, Swamimalai, Tiruvavinankudi (Palani), Pazhamudirsolai,Tirupparamkunram and Tiruchendur. All these sites have ancient temples glorified by the Tamil poems of Tirumurugaatruppadai of the Sangam period (prior to the 3rd century CE). Tirukkurukkai, in Tamilnadu near Thanjavur, enshrines Kaamari Murthy, the destroyer of Kaama, in the Veeratteswarar temple which, is one of the 8 Veeratta Stalas celebrating Shiva as the destroyer of evil. During 2012, the Sun, Earth and Karthigai star, will be in alignment resulting in more of the grace light entering the Earth plane. Thereafter, it is predicted that the Karthigai Lord Murugan energy will be responsible for the transformation of the planet and of the genetic evolution of the human species into Gods and Goddesses status. This energy will allow humans to return to their original blueprint. The most important thing to remember about these new energies is to stay conscious and match our frequency to receieve it. Muruga energy is to remind us of who we really are like how He reminded the OM mantra to His father Lord Shiva in Swamimalai. According to Siddhas the birth of Muruga symbolizes the rising of energy from the base of the spine to the pituitary gland, to awaken Gods and Goddesses Conciousness. His energy will enable our strands of DNA to make the shift into the fifth dimension to prepare ourselves into Higher Inteligence / 7th sense (7-am Arivu) being status. The energy of the Karthigai stars - Lord Muruga is of etheric and spiritual nature. The 10,500 years of darkness between the 2000 year periods of light afford incarnating Man repeatedly his spiritual evolution. As the majority of humans become forgetful of their

Divine Source and purpose during these Earthly sojourns, the periods of Light serve a dual purpose. They represent a sorting-out process, gathering matured souls into the Light of the Spirit and affording the weaker, just maturing souls a stabilization period of respite and an opportunity for further spiritual growth. The individuals who could not or would not acknowledge Divine Love as the essence of their being during the l0,500 year period of incarnations are given another chance again.

Rishi Vashishtar Vashishtar is one of the Saptarishis (Seven Great Sages Rishi) in the seventh, i.e.Vashishtar is a manasputra of God Brahma. He had in his possession the divine cow Kamadhenu, and Nandini herchild, who could grant anything to their owners. Arundhati is the name of the wife of Vashishtar. Arunthati is the elder sister for Karthigai six damsels (Pleiadean Stars). Lord Murugan was raised by six Karthigai damsels.

Arundhati and Vashishtar pair of stars In traditional Indian astronomy, pair of Alcor and Mizarin constellation Ursa Major is known as Vashishtar and Arundhati. Mizar is known as Vashishtar and Alcor is known as Arundhati in traditional Indian astronomy. The pair is considered to symbolize marriage (Vashishtar and Arundhati were a married couple) and, in some Hindu communities particularly at South India, priests conducting a wedding ceremony allude to or point out the constellation as a symbol of the closeness marriage brings to a couple (both stars will circumbulate each other which is unique; just imagine that our ancient Siddhas has discovered these without using any telescope and thought us to observe in our marriage ritual for our well being). Have you seen the Pole Star? If you observe keenly you can see it at night in the northern part of the sky shining bright always. Below the Pole Star you will find a group of stars in the shape of inverted English letters as shown here-u). Theyare seven in number and are called ‘Saptarishi Mandala’ or the Great Bear, a constellation. The seven saints after whom they are named are: Marichi, Atri, Angiras, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu and Vashishtar.

THE COSMIC SCIENCE OF LORD MURUGAN'S ENERGY /THE MAGNETIC CLOUDS OF THE PLEIADEAN (KARTHIGAI) STARS In all of Earth's history, this is the most exciting time to be a human body. An incredible change is taking place. Our planet Earth orbits the Sun / Suryan once a year but our solar system as a whole also traverses an orbit in this section of the galaxy with a period of about 24,000 years. There is an electromagnetic cloud of grace ight, around Karthigai star where the Sun is said to complete one orbit in the Karthigai Stars system every 24, 000 years. During 2012, the Sun, Earth and Karthigai star, will be in alignment resulting in more of the grace light entering the Earth plane. Thereafter, it is predicted that the Karthigai Lord Murugan energy will be responsible for the transformation of the planet and of the genetic evolution of the human species into Gods and Goddesses status. This energy will allow humans to return to their original blueprint. The most important thing to remember about these new energies is to stay conscious and match our frequency to receive it. Lord Muruga’s energy is to remind us of who we really are like how He reminds the 'OM' mantra to His father Lord Shiva in Swamimalai.According to Siddhas, the birth of Lord Murugan symbolizes the rising of energy from the base of the spine to the pituitary gland, to awaken Gods and Goddesses Conciousness. His energy will enable our strands of DNA to make the shift into the fifth dimension to prepare ourselves into higher inteligence / 7th sense (7-am Arivu) being status. The energy of the Karthigai stars - Lord Murugan is of etheric and spiritual nature. The 10,500 years of darkness between the 2000 year periods of light afford incarnating Man repeatedly his spiritual evolution. As the majority of humans become forgetful of their Divine Source and purpose during these Earthly sojourns, the periods of Light serves dual purpose. They represent a sorting-out process, gathering matured souls into the Light of the Spirit and affording the weaker, just maturing souls a stabilization period of respite and an opportunity for further spiritual growth. The individuals who could not or would not acknowledge Divine Love as the essence of their being during the l0,500 year period of incarnations are given another chance again.

SKANDA SHASTI VRATHAM – FASTING

The most important of all the Vratams of Lord Murugan is the Skanda Shasti Vratam. It is to be commence on the Prathama Tithi (the day immediately following Deepavali) of

the Sukla Paksham (bright fortnight) in the month of Aippasi (October-November). A complete fast should be observed and the devotee should engage himself solely in the Pujai of the Lord, in reading and earning of the glories of Lord Skanda, Bhajan, meditation, etc. If fasting for six days continuously is likely to prove too much of a strain, he may have one meal per day and fast completely on the last day,i.e. the Shasthi Day. This is the day to commemorate the victory of Lord Shanmukha mover the Asuran king, Surapadman. Persons who observe this Vratam achieve success in all their undertakings and in the end attain Liberation.

Observing Skanda Shasti fasting is one of the easiest but the most powerful techniques to attune yourself to Lord Murugan's frequency. Once when your frequency and His (Pleiadean Stars) frequency match you will start to enjoy His blessings to the extreme for your overall well-being for both in material and spiritual dimension.

SECRET TECHNIQUE TO EVOLVE TOWARDS ANGELIC KINGDOM FROM HUMAN KINGDOM

Sashti is the day the Lord Murugan defeated the demon Soorapadma and saved the Earth from his evils. When, 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 Murugan steadfastly, it is said that they would get the blessings of Lord Murugan. Those who are unable to fast for the whole day for the six-days duration, can eat just one meal during this period. Vel is a symbol of Kundalini energy which can arise along the spine to the brain MONTHLY SASHTI 2016 DATES 15th January 2016 (Friday)

13th February 2016 (Saturday) 14th March 2016 (Monday) 12th April 2016 (Tuesday) 11th May 2016 (Wednesday) 10th June 2016 (Friday) 10th July 2016 (Sunday) 8th August 2016 (Monday) 7th September 2016 (Wednesday) 7th October 2016 (Friday) 5th November 2016 (Saturday) SKANDA SHASTI 5th December 2016 (Monday) Poojai Items Needed Small idol or picture of Ganesha A Vel or picture of Lord Subrahmanya Sandal Paste, water, turmeric, kumkum, flowers and usualpoojai itemsAfter bath, clean the poojai area. First pray to Lord Ganesha to remove all obstacles.

Now the main Poojai begins First meditate on Lord Murugan – You can do this silently or by chanting Om Vali Devasena Samedha Shri Subrahmanya Swaamine Namaha Dhyaayaamii Now invoke Lord Murugan – Take the idol or picture or Vel and keep it near you or hold it in your hands. You can silently pray to Murugan or chant Om Vali Devasena Swaamine Namaha Aavaahayaamii Now you can place the idol in the appropriate place chosen by you in the puja area – you can chant – Om Asanam Samarpayaamii

Now you can sprinkle some water – Om Namaha Arghyam Now you can pour some water on the feet or near the Vel – Om Namaha PaadhyamSprinkle some water again – Om Namaha Aachamaniyam Now you can sprinkle rose water or usual water – Om Oupachaarika Snaanam Sprinkle some water again as final purification – Om Snaanaanandharam AachamaniyamNow you can offer turmeric paste or if you have special dress for idol you can offer it – Om Vastraartham Akshadaam Now you can offer Sandal Paste to the Vel or idol – Om Gandhaan DhaarayaamiNow you can do decorations with flowers or garlands – Om Gandhsyopari Alankaaranaartham Akshadaam Now you can offer kum kum – Om Haridraa Kumkumam Finally, you can offer some flowers – Om Pushpaih Poojayaami Now you can light the lamp and chant Skanda Shashti Kavacham,Subrahmanya Bhujangam or read Skanda Purana or any tale related to Lord Muruga.You can also perform archana after lighting the lamp or your usual method of daily puja with camphor and agarbathis. If you have prepared any food (naivediyam) you can offer it to the lord and perform Arathi. At the end of the Puja you can thank LordGanesha for helping in successfully conducting the pooja.

Skanda Shasti Kavasam (Wisdom of the great ancient Mystics, Siddhars) When chanted Skanda Shasti Kavasam 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. Kural Venpa ... Prayer Thuthiporkku val vinai pom, thunbam pom Nenjil pathiporkku selvam palithukadithongum Nishtayum kaikoodum, Nimalar Arul kanthar sashti kavachamthanai The sufferings great will vanish for those who pray,

The riches will increase for those who paste it in their mind, All penance will surely bear fruit, By this Sashti Kavacham written by the grace of God. Kaappu ... Protection Amarar idar theera amaram purintha Kumaranadi nenjeh kuri. Mind, oh mine, meditate On the feet of that Young God, Who waged the war, To end the problems of devas, great. The Kavacham … Armour Sashtiyai nokka saravana bavanaarSishtarukku uthavum sengkathir velonPaatham irandil panmani sathangaiGeetham paada kinkini yaadaMaiya nadam seiyum mayil vahananaar Kayil velal ennai kakavendru uvanduVara vara vela yuthanar varugaVaruga varuga miyoloan varugaIndiran mudhala Endisai potraMandira vadivel varuga varuga (10) Welcome to thee Oh, Lord, Who rides on the peacock, Who comes to help his devotees, Who comes accompanied by sweet songs, Who comes with pleasing sound of ringing anklets, Made by numerous bells tied to your feet. And I pray Lord Saravana Bhava, To bless this poem on Sashti. Vaasavan maruhaa varuha varuha Nesak kuramahal ninaivon varuha Aarumuham padaitha aiyaa varuha Neeridum velavan nitham varuha Sirahiri velavan seekkiram varuha Saravana bavanaar saduthiyil varuha Rahana bavasa ra ra ra ra ra ra ra Rihana bavasa ri ri ri ri ri ri ri Vinabava sarahana veeraa namo nama Nibava sarahana nira nira nirena (20) Come, comes on in law of Indra, Come darling of the lady of mountain, Come my master who has six faces, Come daily he who holds the Vel*, And who applies the ash,

Come with speed, Oh Lord of Sira Mountain, Come with speed, Of holder of the Vel. Oh Lord Saravana bhava, Come with speed, Rahanabavasa ra ra ra ra ra ra ra Rihanabavasa ri ri ri ri ri ri ri Vinabavasarahana, Salutations and salutations to the great hero, Nibavasarahana nira, nira, nirena (Some words are reproduced, because they are theinterplay of the letters that make “Saravana Bhava” written in Tamil and havebeen added to make the verse musical. They may have hidden meaning, which thistranslator is not aware of). Vasara hanabava varuha varuha Asurar kudi kedutha aiyaa varuhaYennai yaalum ilaiyon kaiyilPannirendu aayutham paasaan gusamumParantha vizhihal pannirandu ilangaVirainthu yenaik kaakka velon varuhaAiyum kiliyum adaivudan sauvumUyyoli sauvum uyiraiyum kiliyumKiliyum sauvum kilaroli yaiyumNilai petrenmun nithamum olirum (30) Come, come friend who lives within me, Come lord who spoiled the lives of Asuras, Come with the wide open twelve graceful eyes, Come with weapons and pasa and angusa in yourtwelve hands, Come, Oh young lord, who rules over me. Come Oh, Lord of Vel to protect me fast, Let Aaim, Klim and Saum which reach to you, The Saum with its brilliant light, The Klim which is like the soul, And Klim, Saum and the sweet sounding Aaim, Stand and shine before me. (Pasa is the rope and Angusa is a weapon to control). (Aaim, Klim and Saum form the part of the Bijamanthra (seed invocation) that denotes Lord Skanda). Shanmuhan neeyum thaniyoli yovvum Kundaliyaam siva guhan thinam varuha Aaru muhamum animudi aarum Neeridu netriyum neenda puruvamum Panniru kannum pavalach chevvaayum Nanneri netriyil navamanichchuttiyum Eeraaru seviyil ilahu kundalamum Aariru thinpuyathu azhahiya maarbil Palboo shanamum pathakkamum tharithu nanmanipoonda navarathna maalaiyum (40)

Come Oh, Six headed one, With your brilliant light, Come daily without fail, great Lord, Who has attained the Kundalini, And come with thine six faces with six crowns, With holy ash applied on your forehead, With your long eye brows, And with your twelve eyes and coral like mouth. Come Oh Lord, With decorations of nine gems in your forehead, With pretty ear rings shining in your twelve ears, With several ornaments and pendant shining. In thine, handsome trunk with twelve arms, And with the garland of nine gems inlaid with precious stones. (Kundalini is the thousand-petal lotus in the bottom of the brain. It is believed that on opening it, all knowledge will automatically be yours).

Muppuri noolum muthani maarbum Sepppazhahudaiya thiruvayir unthiyum Thuvanda marungil sudaroli pattum Navarathnam pathitha nartchee raavum Iru thodai azhagum enai muzhanthalum Thiruvadi yathanil silamboli muzhanga Seha gana seha gana seha gana segana Moga moga moga moga moga moga mogana Naha naha naha naha naha naha nahena Digu kuna digu digu digu kuna diguna (50) Come Oh Lord, With the holy three stringed thread, With your chest decorated with pearls, With your very pretty abdomen which has been praised, With silken sash and girdle around your waist, And with nine gems chain adorning your silken robes, With the beauty of the two thighs and adjoining knees,

Ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra Ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri Du du du du du du du du du du du du du du du Dagu dagu digu digu dangu dingugu Vinthu vinthu mayilon vinthu

Come Oh Lord, With anklets in thine holy feet, Which make jingling sounds, like,

Seha gana seha gana seha ganasegana Moga moga moga moga moga moga mogana Naha naha naha naha naha naha nahena Digu kuna digu digu digu kuna diguna Ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra Ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri ri Du du du du du du du du du du du du du du du Dagu dagu digu digu dangu dingugu Oh Lord who rides the peacock, come quickly.

Munthu munthu muruhavel munthu Venthanai yaalum yehraha selva Mainthan vehndum varamahizhnth thuthavum Laalaa laalaa laalaa vehshamum Leelaa leelaa leelaa vinothanendru (60) Rush Oh rush, my Lord who has the Vel, Oh Lord of Swami Malai*, who rules over me, Who is so prettily dressed, And who is so playful. Grant this boon with smile to your son, Unthiru vadiyai uruthi yendrennum Yen thalai vaithun yinaiyadi kaaka Yennuyirk uyiraam iraivan kaaka Panniru vizhiyaal baalanaik kaaka Adiyen vathanam azhahuvel kaaka (65) Please save me, who has firm faith in thinefeet, And who has placed his head on your feet, Oh God who is my soul of souls protect, Please protect this child with your twelveeyes, Let your pretty Vel protect my face. Podipunai netriyaip punithavel kaaka Kathirvel irandu kanninaik kaaka Vithisevi irandum velavar kaaka Naasihal irandum nalvel kaaka Pesiya vaaythanai peruvel kaaka (70)

Let your pure Vel protect my ash adornedforehead, Let your shining Vel protect my two eyes, Let he holds the Vel protect my two ears, Let your good Vel protect my two nostrils, Let your great Vel protect the mouth, whichspeaks. Muppathirupal munaivel kaaka Seppiya naavai sevvel kaaka Kannam irandum kathirvel kaaka Yennilang kazhuthai iniyavel kaaka Maarbai irathna vadivel kaaka(75) Let your sharp Vel protect my thirty-two teeth, Let your perfect Vel protect my tongue, whichtells, Let your shining Vel protect my two cheeks, Let your sweet Vel protect my tender neck, Let your gem studded Vel protect my chest. Serila mulaimaar thiruvel kaaka Vadivel iruthol valamberak kaaka Pidarihal irandum peruvel kaaka Azhahudan muthuhai arulvel kaaka Pazhu pathinaarum paruvel kaaka (80) Let your holy Vel protect my chest, Let your straight Vel protect my two shoulders, Let your great Vel protect my two napes, Let your graceful Vel protect my back, Let your youthful Vel protect my sixteen ribs. Vetrivel vayitrai vilangave kaaka Sitridai azhahura sevvel kaaka Naanaam kayitrai nalvel kaaka Aan penn kurihalai ayilvel kaaka Pittam irandum peruvel kaaka (85) Let your victorious Vel protect my abdomen, Let your pretty Vel protect my thin waist, Let your good Vel protect my waist thread, Let your pretty Vel protect the reproductive organs, Let your big Vel protectmy two kidneys. Vattak kuthathai valvel kaaka Panai thodai irandum paruvel kaaka Kanaikaal muzhanthaal kathirvel kaaka Aiviral adiyinai arulvel kaaka Kaihal irandum karunaivel kaaka (90)

Let Let Let Let Let

your your your your your

big Vel protect my round colon, heavy Vel protect my two thighs, bright Vel protect the two knees and calves, graceful Vel protect my two feet, merciful Vel protect my two hands.

Munkai irandum muranvel kaaka Pinkai irandum pinnaval irukka Naavil sarasvathi natrunai yaaha Naabik kamalam nalvel kakka Muppaal naadiyai munaivel kaaka (95) Let your strong Vel protect my two forearms, Let Goddess Lakshmi reside in my arms, Let Goddess of knowledge reside in my tongue, Let your good Vel protect my belly button. Let your sharp Vel protect the three nervecurrents. Veppozhuthum yenai yethirvel kaaka Adiyen vasanam asaivula neram Kaduhave vanthu kanahavel kaaka Varum pahal thannil vachravel kaaka Arai irul thannil anaiyavel kaaka (100) Let your great Vel always protect me, Let your golden Vel come fast, To protect me as long as I am alive, Let your diamond Vel protect me in day time, Let your glittering Vel protect me in darkness. Yemathil saamathil yethirvel kaaka Thaamatham neeki chathurvel kaaka Kaaka kaaka kanahavel kaaka Noaka noaka nodiyil noaka Thaakka thaakka thadaiyara thaakka (105) Let his flowing Vel protect me all the sections of the night, Let his craft Vel protect me from delays, Let the golden Vel protect and protect, Let it be seen quickly and quickly, Let it strike and strike and remove all my problems. Paarka paarka paavam podipada Pilli soonyam perumpahai ahala Valla bootham valaashtihap peihal Allal paduthum adangaa muniyum Pillaihal thinnum puzhakadai muniyum (110)

Kollivaayp peihalum kuralaip peihalum Penkalai thodarum bramaraa chatharum Adiyanaik kandaal alari kalangida. Please see and see that my sins are powdered, Let the black magic and great enmity go away, Let great devils and those who shake their tails, Let the uncontrollable Muni, which creates problems, Let the back yard Muni which eats babies, Let the ghosts with fire in their mouth, Let the ghosts which steal my speech, And let the Brahma Rakshasas which followladies, Run away screaming when they see me. (Muni is an evil spirit in Tamil Nadu. It alsoindicates a sage in a different context). Irisi kaatteri ithunba senaiyum Vellilum iruttilum yethirpadum mannarum (115) Kana pusai kollum kaaliyodu anaivarum Vittaan gaararum migu pala peihalum Thandiyak kaararum sandaalar halum Yen peyar sollavum idi vizhunthodida. Let the Irusi Katteri and Idumba sena, Let Mannar who is seen every where in thenight. Let Kali and all others, who kill us onmeeting, Let Vittan Karar and other ghosts and devils, Let Thandai Karar and debased humans, As soon as they hear my name, Run away as if struck by thunder. (These are ghosts believed to roam especially atnight. Each of them will have story of origin attached to them). Aanai adiyinil arum paavaihalum (120) Poonai mayirum pillaihal enpum Nahamum mayirum neenmudi mandaiyum Paavaihal udane pala kalasathudan Manaiyil puthaitha vanjanai thanaiyum Ottiya paavaiyum ottiya serukkum (125) Kasum panamum kaavudan sorum Othu manjanamum oruvazhi pokum Adiyanaik kandaal alainthu kulainthida Maatran vanjahar vanthu vanangida

Kaala thoothaal yenai kandaal kalangida (130) Dolls with spells, placed in our home, Hairs of cat, bones of babies, Claws, hairs, skulls with long hairs, Dolls placed in several pots, Buried in different parts of the house, Dolls pierced, pierced shapes, Coins and money, cooked rice, with vegetables Spell cast yellow-black balms, which travel inone direction’ Let all these get confused and be afraid onseeing me, Please make them shiver on seeing me always, And make strangers and bad men salute me. (These are supposed to be signs and symbols of black magic done by your enemies).

Anji nadungida arandu purandida Vaay vittalari mathi kettoda Padiyinil mutta paasak kayitraal Kattudan angam katharida kattu Katti uruttu kaal kai muriya (135) Make all of them afraid of me, Make them roll in the floor out of fear, May them shout loudly and get mad, Let them dash their head on my door steps, Tie them with your Pasa rope, Tie them tight, Roll them after tying, And break their hands and legs. Kattu kattu katharida kattu Muttu muttu muzhihal pithungida Sekku sekku sethil sethilaaha Sokku sokku soorpahai sokku Kuthu kuthu koorvadi velaal (140) Patru patru pahalavan thanaleri Thanaleri thanaleri thanalathuvaaha Viduvidu velai verundathu oda. Tie and tie them, till they loudly cry out, Dash and dash them till the joints split, Step on them, step on them, till they break inthe mud, Pierce and pierce them with your Vel. Catch and catch the fire of the Sun,

Set fire, set fire till they wilt in the fire, Throw and throw your Vel till they scare andrun. Puliyum nariyum punnari naayum Veliyum karadiyum inithodarnthu oda (145) Thelum paambum seyyaan pooraan Kadivida vishangal kadithuyar angam Yeriya vishangal yelithudan iranga Let the tiger, fox, wolf, rat and bear, Continue to run away from me, Let the poisons of scorpion, snake, millipede, Which has entered in and will stay in my body After being bitten by them, Come out of my body with great speed. Vellap piniyum yendranaik kandaal Nillaa thoda nee yenak arulvaay Puliyum nariyum punnari naayum Veliyum karadiyum inithodarnthu oda Polippum sulukkum oruthalai noyum Vaatham sayithiyam valippu pitham Soolai sayam kunmam sokku sirangu Kudaichal silanthi kudalvip purithi Pakka pilavai padarthodai vaazhai Kaduvan paduvan kaithaal silanthi parkuthu aranai paru arai yaakku Let wounds, sprains, one sided head ache, Arthritis, cold fever, fits and bile, Piles, fistula, carbuncles, strains, Diseases of intestines, itching of the skin, Partial paralysis, ring worm, skin ailments, Biting of cat, dog and spider, Tooth ache and all the diseases and attacks, Vanish and run away, As soon as they see me, Please Lord bless me always so that, All these do not tarry and run away from me. Eerezhula hamum yenak uravaaha Aanum pennum anaivarum yenakkaa Mannaal arasarum mahizhnthura vaahavum (160) Let the seven worlds be my friends,

Let gents and ladies, and kings who rule, Become my relations with pleasure andhappiness. Unnai thuthikka un thirunaamam Saravana bavane sailoli bavanee Thirupura bavane thigazholi bavane Paripura bavane pavamozhi bavane Arithiru maruhaa amaraa pathiyai (165) Kaathu thevarkal kadum sirai viduthaay Kanthaa guhane kathir velavane Kaarthihai mainthaa kadambaa kadambanai Idumbanai yendra iniyavel muruhaa Let me praise your holy names, He who originated from Saravana, He who originated from flashing light, He who was born to Tripura, He who originated from holy sound, He whose feet are adorned with anklets, He who severs the cords of attachment, He who is the nephew of Vishnu and Lakshmi, He who protected the army of devas, He who released them from prison, He who is called Skanda and Guha, He who holds the resplendent Vel, He who is the son of Karthika maidens, He who lives in Kadamba forest, Hewho is Muruga with the sweet Vel, Who defeated Idumba and Kadamba asuras.

(Guha and Muruga are other names for Skanda. When he was born, he took the form of six babies who were looked after by the six Karthika maidens, He loves to live in Kadamba forest. He is supposed to have defeated two Asuras called Idumba and Kadamba and made them his devotees). Thanihaa salane sangaranputhalvaa (170) Katirkaa mathurai kathirvel muruhaa Pazhani pathivaazh baala kumaaraa Aavinan kudivaazh azhahiya vela Senthil maamalai yuryum sengalva raayaa Samaraa purivaazh shanmuha tharase (175) Hey lord who lives on Thiruthani mountains, Hey lord who is the son of Lord Shiva,

Hey Lord Muruga, with shining Vel, Hey Lord, Who lives in Kathirgamam, Hey young Kumara who lives in the city ofPazhani, Hey pretty Vela, who lives in Thiruvavingudi, Hey, Sengalva raya who lives on Senthilmountains, Hey king, Shanmuga who lives in Samarapuri, (Thiruthani, Kathirgamam, Pazhani,Thiruvavingudi, Senthil Mountains and Samarapuri are famous temples of Skanda.He is also known as Vela and Kumara). Kaarar kuzhalaal kalaimahal nandraay Yennaa irukka yaan unai paada Yennai thodarnthu irukkum yenthai muruhanai Padinen aadinen paravasa maaha Aadinen naadinen aavinan poothiyey (180) When the Goddess of knowledge, With her dark black tresses, Placed herself on my tongue, I did sing about you, And I sang about my father Murugan, Then Danced, went in to ecstasy, And sought the company, Of the great Lord of Thiruvavinkudi. Nesamudan yaan netriyil aniya Paasa vinaihal patrathu neengi Unpatham perave unnarulaaha Anbudan rakshi annamum sonnamum Metha methaaha velaayu thanaar (185) Sithi petradiyen sirappudan vazhga. When I adorned with love, my forehead withyour sacred ash, The ropes attaching me to the fate were untied, And I reached your feet to attain your grace. So please protect me with love, give me foodand wealth, Oh Velayudha slowly and gracefully. Bless me with your grace, And let me live in a great manner. Vaazhga vaazhga mayilon vaazhga Vaazhga vaazhga vadivel vaazhga Vaazhga vaazhga malai guru vaazhga Vaazhga vaazhga malai kura mahaludan (190) Vaazhga vaazhga vaarana thuvasam Vaazhga vaazhga yen varumaihalneenga Long live, long live, the rider of peacock, Long live, long live, the holder of Vel,

Long live, long live, the god of mountains, Long live, long live, he with the mountaingirl, Valli. Long live, long live, he with the flag of acock, Long live, long live, Let my poverty be driven out, Yethanai kuraihal yethanai pizhaihal Yethanai adiyen yethanai seiyinum Petravan neeguru poruppathu unkadan (195) Petraval kuramahal petravalaame Pillai yendranbaay piriya malithu Mainthan yenmeethu unmanam mahizhntharuli Thanjam yendradiyaar thazhaithida arulsey Kanthar sashti kavasam virumbiya (200) You are my father and teacher, Goddess Valli is my mother, And it is your duty to pardon, Any number of errors that I make, Any number of mistakes that I make, Without parting away from this your child, With Happiness love this son of yours, And give protection to all devotees, who seek, And love this Skanda Sashti Kavacham. Baalan theva raayan paharn thathai Kaalaiyil maalaiyil karuthudan naalum Aasaa rathudan angam thulakki Nesamudan oru ninaivathu vaahi Kanthar sashti kavasam ithanai (205) Sindhaikalangaathu thiyaani pavarhal Orunaal muppathaa ruru kondu Othiyeh jebithu uhanthu neeraniya Ashta thikkullor adangalum vasamaay Thisai mannar yenmar seyalathu (sernthangu) arulvar (210) Maatrala rellaam vanthu vananguvar Navakol mahizhnthu nanmai alithidum Navamatha nenavum nallezhil peruvar Enthanaalum eerettaay vaazhvar Kantharkai velaam kavasa thadiyai (215) Daily in the morning and evening, All those who clean themselves, With religious fervor and read,

Thirty six times* a day (* Alternate meaning: mu = three, paththu (pattru) = slags (impurities) i.e. ANavam kanmam - mAyAi (arrogance, karma, delusion), ur = extinguishing. So it means - we should chant Kandha Shashti Kavacham without any desire or malams). This Skanda Sashti Kavacham, Which has been composed, By the young Deva Rayan, And meditate on that god with concentration, And wear the sacred ash, Will get the great blessings, Of all the devas from all eight directions, And the guardians of the eight directions. All strangers would come and salute them, The nine planets will become happy, And shower their blessings, They would shine in prettiness. They would happily live on all days, If they recite this Kavacham, Which is equivalent to a Vel. Vazhiyaay kaana meiyaay vilangum Vizhiyaal kaana verundidum peigal Pollathavarai podi podi yaakkum Nallor ninaivil nadanam puriyum Sarva sathuru sankaa rathadi (220) If seen as a way, this Kavacham would show the truth, If seen of Ghosts by their eyes, they will gets cared, It would powder bad people, And the good people would dance with joy, And all their enemies will be exterminated Arintha yenathullaam ashta letchmihalil Veera letchmikku virun thunavaaha Soora bathmaavaith thunithagai yathanaal Iruba thezhvarkku uvan thamuthalitha Gurubaran pazhani kundrinil irukkum (225) Chinna kuzhanthai sevadi potri Oh Lord, Let my mind that has understood you, Pray Veera Lakshmi among the Ashta Lakshmis, My salutations to the feet of Small baby of Pazhani, Whose hands killed Soora Padman, Who gave deathless nectar for the twenty-seven,

And who is my teacher on the Pazhani Mountain Yenai thadu thaatkola yendrana thullum Meviya vadivurum velava potri Thevargal senaa pathiye potri Kuramahal manamahizh kove potri (230) Salutations to the Skanda with the Vel Who has occupied my mind, So that I am always His, Salutations to commander of the devas Salutations to the darling of Valli, Who is the daughter of a mountain tribe. He whose form is strong and dazzling, Praise beto Thee! He who conquered Idumba, Praise be to Thee! Thiramihu thivya thehaa potri Idumbaa yuthane idumbaa potri Kadambaa potri kanthaa potri Vetchi punaiyum veleh potri Uyargiri kanaha sabaikor arase (235) Salutations to the ablest of Gods, Who has a very holy form, Salutation to him, who conquered Idumba, Salutations to him who wears Kadamba flowers Salutations to him who is Kanda, Salutations to the Vel which wears Vetchiflowers, Salutations to the king of the golden hall ofthe mountain. Mayilnada miduvoy malaradi saranam Saranam saranam saravanabava Om Saranam saranam shanmuhaa saranam Saranam saranam shanmuhaa saranam (239) I surrender to flowery feet of my Lord, Who travels on the peacock, I surrender, surrender and surrender to the Saravanabhava, I surrender, surrender and surrender to the Shanmuga. According to yogis " the Lord spent His childhood in Tiruchendur and took Mahasamadhi at Kathirgamam. If anyone goes to Kathirgamam (Sri Lanka) with faith, devotion and piety, and stays in the temple for two or three days, the Lord Himself grants His vision to the devotee."

SECRETS OF MURUGAN’S WORSHIP – LIGHTING UP THE BRAIN - BY MRVIJAYAKUMAR ALAGAPPAN Modern science divides the dormant area of the brain into ten parts, whereas in kundalini yoga we divide it into six. The qualities or manifestations of the brain are also six fold, e.g. the psychic powers, these manifest in different individuals according to the degree of awakening in the corresponding areas of the brain. Lord Murugan is also known as Shanmukha because He has six heads which represents the 6 parts of our brain. With the right Murugan’s worships you can invoke Him in the form of Vel (the spear) which symbolizing the ascension of Kundalini energy along spinal column and activate the whole brain (naturally by birth we will only use 1 / 6 of the brain, the rest 5 / 6 part of the brain can be activated only through chakras activation). Lord Murugan also known as Subrahmanya,Karttikeya, Visakha, Shanmukha, Kumara, Skanda, Guha and Saravanabhava. In Kundalini yoga, it was discovered that thedifferent parts of the brain are connected with the chakras. Certain areas are connected with mooladhara chakra, others with swadhisthana, manipuraka, and so on. When you want to turn on a electric lamp, you don't have to touch the lamp itself, you operate it by means of the switch on the wall. Likewise, when you want to awaken the brain, you can't deal with it directly, you have to flick the switches which are located in the chakras. Sa Ra Va Na Ba Va are the mantra to invoke our six chakras. You need to close your eyes and consciously concentrate on mooladhara chakra while reciting ‘Sa’ for 4 seconds/ counts, then concentrate on swadhisthana and recite Ra for 4 seconds, and soon. You can ask your Guru to reveal further on the secrets of Murugan’s worships.

 Notes by Geethanchali Veerapathran

Kanda Shasti Vratam Begins on October 31, 2016 (Monday).

kanda Sashti 2016 dates are from October 31 begins with six-day fasting and ends on November 6, 2016 with Soorasamharam

Skanda Shasti, or Kanda Sasti, Vratam is an important observance dedicated to Lord Muruga. It is observed in the Tamil month of Aippasi and most devotees fast during the 6-day period. There is no common method of Skanda Shasti fasting. Different devotees observe it differently. But there are some basic rules followed by all the devotees.

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Non-vegetarian food is completely avoided during the period.

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Some people also avoid garlic and onions. Those who are observing the fast make it a point to read scriptures related to Lord Muruga or recite the Kanta Shasti Kavasam or Subramaniya Bhujangam. Most devotees also visit Skanda temples during the period. When it comes to Kanda Shasti fasting, some devotees only take a single meal a day.

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Some take the meal at noon and others at night.

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Some devotees confine to fruits and juices during the 6-day period. There are several Skanda devotees who see the Vratam as an opportunity to clean the body and get rid of unwanted toxic elements. Such devotees confine to water, coconut water and other fruit juices. The fasting ends on the Sixth day. It must be noted that ‘Vrat’ or ‘Vratam’ in Sanskrit means ‘vow.’ Vratam should not be misunderstood as mere fasting. By observing a Vratam a person is trying to purify his mind through meditation, worship and by sticking to some ‘vow’ that he/she has taken. Now, this vow can include fasting, not telling lies, not getting anger etc. A vratam should be seen as a deliberate attempt on your part to bring back discipline into your life. Fasting should be voluntary and it should not be done unwillingly. If you are taking medicines, do not observe intense fasting and stick to the routine suggested by your doctor.