Kanda Sashti Kavacham — Word-by-Word Meaning
கந்த சஷ்டி கவசம்
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
காப்பு
Kappu
The protective invocation (kappu) that opens the hymn.
துதிப்போர்க்கு வல்வினை போம் துன்பம் போம்
Thuthipporkku Valvinai Pom Thunpam Pom
For those who praise Him, cruel karma flees and sorrow departs.
வருக வருக வேலாயுதனார் வருக
Varuka Varuka Velayuthanar Varuka
"Come, come, O wielder of the Vel (divine spear), come!"
ஆறுமுகம் படைத்த ஐயா வருக
Arumukam Pataitha Aiya Varuka
"Come, O Lord who bears the six faces (Shanmukha)!"
அசுரர் குடிகெடுத்த ஐயா வருக
Asurar Kutiketutha Aiya Varuka
"Come, O Lord who destroyed the clans of the asuras!"
சரவண பவனார்
Saravana Pavanar
Saravanabhava — He who was born in the Saravana reeds; a name of Murugan.
Complete Translation
The Kanda Sashti Kavacham is a Tamil hymn of protection (kavacham, "armour") to Lord Murugan (Kartikeya / Subramanya), composed by the saint Bala Devarayan (Devaraya Swamigal). Its opening kappu promises that for those who praise the Lord, cruel karma and sorrow flee, wealth and steadfastness grow, and the grace of Kanda (Murugan) is attained.
The body of the hymn calls again and again upon Murugan — Saravanabhava, the six-faced Shanmukha, the rider of the peacock, the wielder of the Vel who destroyed the asuras — to come swiftly and guard the devotee. Verse by verse it invokes His divine spear (Vel) to protect every part of the body, from the crown of the head to the soles of the feet, and to drive away every enemy, fear, disease, evil spirit, black magic, poison and danger. It is recited especially during Skanda Sashti, the six days of Murugan's worship that culminate in His victory over the demon Surapadman, and is held to be one of the most powerful protective prayers in the Tamil tradition.
Origin & History
Source: Tamil devotional hymn by Devaraya Swamigal (Bala Devarayan), c. 17th–19th century
Author: Devaraya Swamigal (Bala Devarayan)
Period: Devotional (Tamil)
The Kanda Sashti Kavacham was composed in praise of Lord Murugan of Tiruchendur, where the Lord won His great victory over the asura Surapadman on the sixth day (sashti) of the waxing moon of Aippasi. The hymn is the devotee's armour, calling upon Murugan's Vel to protect him as the Lord once protected the devas — and it is sung with greatest fervour during the Skanda Sashti festival.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kanda Sashti Kavacham?▼
It is a Tamil hymn of protection (kavacham) to Lord Murugan (Kartikeya/Subramanya), composed by the saint Devaraya Swamigal (Bala Devarayan). It invokes Murugan and His Vel (divine spear) to guard the devotee, limb by limb, from every danger, fear, disease and evil.
When is the Kanda Sashti Kavacham recited?▼
It is recited above all during Skanda Sashti — the six days of fasting and worship that celebrate Murugan's victory over the demon Surapadman — and also on Tuesdays and Krittika nakshatra days, and daily by many devotees for protection.
What are the benefits of reciting it?▼
It is believed to give Murugan's complete protection — driving away enemies, fear, illness, evil spirits, black magic and poison — and, as its opening verse promises, to make cruel karma and sorrow flee while prosperity and steadfastness grow.
Who composed the Kanda Sashti Kavacham?▼
It was composed by the Tamil saint Devaraya Swamigal (also known as Bala Devarayan) of Chidambaram, in praise of Lord Murugan of Tiruchendur.
Ready to start chanting?
See Benefits & How to Chant →