Vaikasi Vishakam (June 2, 2012) - Lord Subrahmanya

Lord Muruga, also known as Shanmuga, Skanda, Kartikeya and Subrahmanya, is the primordial energy, created to save the world from the asuras (dark and negative forces). He is the Lord of the army of Devas. 

According to Puranas he was instrumental for the Soora Samharam (destruction of the evil asura Soora Padma).  He is also the lord of Serpents and is worshipped as Kukke Subrahmanya Swamy.  According to the legend, Subrahmanya Swamy is said to have given protection to the serpents Vasuki and others from Garuda. Hence he is worshipped as the lord of Serpents in Kukke Subrahmanya Swamy Temple, Karnataka. Skanda Sashti is a very important festival celebrated all around the world by the devotees.

According to the Hindu calendar, Lord Muruga’s birthday is celebrated on the Vishaka Nakshatra which falls in the Vaikasi month. He is the son of Shiva and Uma Devi (Parvati).  Muruga’s Vahana is the Peacock and with one of his hands he holds his weapon, the spear (Vel) and with his other hand he holds a flag with rooster symbol.

Being the Lord of courage, valor, beauty and intelligence, he blesses his devotees with the same characteristics. He is also called the six-faced lord Arumuga Swamy.  With his six faces (5 faces of Lord Shiva and one face of Goddess Uma Devi), he is said to protect his devotees in all the 6 directions: East, West, North, South, Skyward and also the Earth.  Being the son of Shiva and Uma Devi, he is said to bless people with the comforts of this world and also the other world.

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Six is a very powerful number associated with Lord Muruga and the six syllable mantra “SARAVANABHAVA”, was revealed by Lord himself, to Sage Agastya.  The six syllables are said to mean:

SA – power to attract good people into your lives
RA – power to attract wealth
VA (HA)– power to destroy negative energy like diseases and debts.
NA – Power to eliminate enemies and problems.
BA – power to attract positive energy  

VA – Power to eliminate the negativity and influence caused by bad placement of planets in one’s horoscope.

While you chant this mantra (either silently or out loud), visualize Muruga’s Peacock, Rooster symbol on his flag and his Vel (weapon) forming a protective shield around you. This year Vaikasi Vishaka also happens to be a Sani Pradosham day. (Pradosham falling on a Saturday).

On this day, special poojas like Archana (reciting of Lord’s names) with fresh flowers and Abhisheka is performed by devotees with water, milk and other abhisheka materials like honey, chandan, panchamrut etc. Singing of various hymns and bhajans in praise of Muruga helps devotees overcome their obstacles and attain health, wealth and prosperity by his grace.

SubrahmanyaSahasranamam – Thousand names of Lord Muruga

SubramanyaBhujangam by Adi Shankara. (Read with meaning)

References:

http://www.palanitemples.com/english/vaikasi_vishakam.htm#

http://www.kukketemple.com/

http://www.ambaa.org/pdf/sb_san.pdf

http://www.zaped.info/Murugan

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Yadakshara

Yadaksara-pada-bhrastam

matrahhinantu yad bhavet

tat-sarvam ksmyatam deva

Srimate Narayanaya Namo Namah

Meaning: 

Whatever syllable or word or syllabic instant has been left out, 

may they be returned back correctly as each should be.

May all that be forgiven Oh divine Narayana. Salutations to you,

To the glorious Narayana, salutations, salutations.

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