KANDHAR SHASTI (SOORA SAMHARAM)

[Guest guest]

This is a very important festival at Palani, during the 6 days in the

month of Aippasi (7th Tamil month). This is based on the mythological

story of Lord Muruga Killing the demons. On this day only (once in a

year) the Lord comes down the Hill, and after vanquishing the demons,

ascends the Hill again. This is associated with Kandhar Shasti. The

four demons (Gajamugan, Tharagan, Singamugan and Surapadman) are won

by the Lord. It is a grand sight to see the dramatic representation

of this. On this day devotees observe total fasting as they consider

that this will offset all their sins.