Skanda Shasthi

[Vinayaka]

Today is the last night of the 6 day festival, dedicated to Murugan, the great Pleidian Master God who sits on the anahatha chakra guiding aspirants on the yogic path. May tonight be auspicious!

Did a bit of research on him just now. Could you please tell me more about what the 6 day festival is about?

[Vinayaka]

Originally Posted by Gracey

Did a bit of research on him just now. Could you please tell me more about what the 6 day festival is about?

This site should help .. http://hinduism.about.com/od/festiva...andasashti.htm

In Tamil culture in particular, Murugan is special. Murugan is often called the God of the Tamil people. Generally Murugan festivals are associated with penance and austerities. The more important Thai Pusam, a one day festival in February would be attended my many more devotees. over a million in a couple of places ... Batu caves in Malaysia, and Palani in India.

thank you kindly.

how does the destruction of evil by the Supreme Being come about? if you dont mind answering or pointing me in the right direction to learn.

http://www.pantheon.org/articles/k/karttikeya.html

[Vinayaka]

Originally Posted by Gracey

thank you kindly.

how does the destruction of evil by the Supreme Being come about? if you dont mind answering or pointing me in the right direction to learn.

Firstly, the term 'evil' in the sense of 'absolute bad' does not exist in Hinduism. There is only 'that which leads us towards the goal', and that which keeps us from the goal' so things are fairly grey with far less good/bad thinking than in some other faiths.

Murugan, as the commander of the devas, is a metaphor, for conquering our lower instinctive forces: anger, fear, prejudice, etc. Murugan is not considered a Supreme being in most cases, (In Smartism, there would be an exception) but more like an archangel, a soul created for this more focussed purpose.

Not sure if that helps.

That helps tremendously. Thank you.

You say deva...is this an elemental term or is it perceived differently in Hinduism?

[Vinayaka]

Not sure what you mean by 'elemental' in this context. In Hinduism, Devas are beings, helpers from the second (astral) world, souls between births, and others. Elementals are particular kinds of devas generally associated more with nature spirits. So pujas in agamic temples involve a part where the priest feeds the 'elementals'. Not sure if this is what you meant at all.

yes, you understood my question and thanks again. Hinduism resonates well with me, as to what is understood so far.

[Vinayaka]

Originally Posted by Gracey

yes, you understood my question and thanks again. Hinduism resonates well with me, as to what is understood so far.

Good to know. Thanks.