Thai Krittikai Festival (of India) today, Jan. 18th
Today, the 18th of Jan. is said to be 'one of the most auspicious day' to Honor the Hindu deity, Lord Skanda, who is a brother of Ganesha and (6 in one) son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Lord Skanda is known as the demon slayer.
It is interesting to know that this deity is honored by the Hindu worshipers and some Buddhist and Muslim worshipers as well. According to some, Lord Skanda is a deity who promotes transcendence(unity) and not the sectarianism...but can become extremely sectarian...depends on the situation.
(FYI) please visit... www.angelfire.com/id/croon/india/skanda.html
At any rate, it is said to be highly auspicious to recite the various devotional works/hymns in honor of Lord Skanda. According to Pandit. Dakshinamoorthi, Lord Skanda can grant 'valour, intelligence, and physical felicity' and 'most beneficial to those who seek progenic bliss, and for those who are troubled by enemies/debts.' He also says that even to recite his names (i.e. 'Om Skandaaya namah') can be helpful.
The followings are a few samples:
Om Skandaaya namah : for the physical strength
Om Shanmukhaaya namah / Om Shakti Hastaaya namah
or Om Taarakaandakaaya namah : for the victory over enemies
Om Skanda Guravae namah : for wisdom and spiritual progress
Om Kumaaraaya namah : for the progenic bliss
Om Valli ManOharaaya namah : for the romantic matters
Om Agni Janmanae namah : burns all sins.
It is interesting to know that this deity is honored by the Hindu worshipers and some Buddhist and Muslim worshipers as well. According to some, Lord Skanda is a deity who promotes transcendence(unity) and not the sectarianism...but can become extremely sectarian...depends on the situation.
(FYI) please visit... www.angelfire.com/id/croon/india/skanda.html
At any rate, it is said to be highly auspicious to recite the various devotional works/hymns in honor of Lord Skanda. According to Pandit. Dakshinamoorthi, Lord Skanda can grant 'valour, intelligence, and physical felicity' and 'most beneficial to those who seek progenic bliss, and for those who are troubled by enemies/debts.' He also says that even to recite his names (i.e. 'Om Skandaaya namah') can be helpful.
The followings are a few samples:
Om Skandaaya namah : for the physical strength
Om Shanmukhaaya namah / Om Shakti Hastaaya namah
or Om Taarakaandakaaya namah : for the victory over enemies
Om Skanda Guravae namah : for wisdom and spiritual progress
Om Kumaaraaya namah : for the progenic bliss
Om Valli ManOharaaya namah : for the romantic matters
Om Agni Janmanae namah : burns all sins.