Tiruchendur witnesses grand Soorasamharam amid chants by lakhs of devotees

Devotees witnessing the Soorasamharam, which marks the culmination of the six-day Kanda Sashtifestival, in Tiruchendur on Sunday, November 15, 2026. | Photo Credit: N. Rajesh The annual Soorasamharam (annihilation of demon), marking the culmination of the six-day Kanda Sashtifestival at the Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur, was held in a grand manner on Sunday.Amid devotional chants by lakhs of devotees who had gathered to witness the event, Lord Jeyanthinathar vanquished the demon Soorapadman.This year’s Kanda Sashti festival commenced with a yagasala puja on Tuesday (November 10). On Sunday, the sixth day of the festival, the temple was opened at 1 a.m., followed by viswaroopa deeparadhana, udayamarthanda abhishekam, and other customary rituals. The yagasala puja for the day commenced thereafter.Later, Lord Jeyanthinathar was taken from the yagasala to Shanmugavilasa Mandapam, accompanied by devotional hymns, traditional music and the recitation of Vel Vaguppu. Around 2 p.m., abhishekam and other rituals were performed for Lord Jeyanthinathar at Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam’s Sashti Mandapam.Around 4 p.m., Lord Jeyanthinathar, in warrior form, appeared on the Tiruchendur sea shore to slay Soorapadman. The Soorasamharam concluded around 5 p.m. As the event unfolded, the shores of Tiruchendur reverberated with chants of “Vetrivel Muruganukku Arohara”.The entire stretch of the shoreline was packed with devotees from different parts of the State. Following the conclusion of Soorasamharam, devotees took a holy dip in the sea and completed their Kanda Sashti fasting.After the event, Lord Jeyanthinathar, accompanied by his consorts, was taken to Santhosha Mandapam, where the ceremonial deeparadhana was performed for the deities.Around 4,100 police personnel were deployed for security, under the supervision of South Zone IG Vijayendra Bidari, Tirunelveli DIG R. Thirunavukkarasu and Thoothukudi Superintendent of Police R. Shiva Prasad.The Thirukkalyanam (celestial wedding) of Lord Murugan and Goddess Deivanai will be held on Monday. Published - November 15, 2026 08:34 pm IST