Thu Nov 07 13:43:57 UTC 2024: ## Murugan Triumphs Over Asura in Grand “Surasamharam” at Tiruchendur
**Tiruchendur:** The annual “Surasamharam” event marking the climax of the Kanda Shasti festival was celebrated with great fervor at the renowned Tiruchendur Murugan temple today.
The Kanda Shasti festival, which began on the 2nd with the ‘Kavasam Yaga Sala Pooja,’ saw devotees observe a fast throughout the period. Daily pujas were conducted for Lord Jayanthi Nathar, Valli, and Deivayanai, culminating in the grand “Surasamharam” ceremony this evening.
The event saw Lord Murugan, in his avatar of Jayanthi Nathar, emerge from the temple and make his way to the seashore, accompanied by the thunderous chants of “Arogara” from the devout throng.
As per the legend, Lord Jayanthi Nathar first vanquished Tarakasura, the demon with an elephant head. Subsequently, he destroyed Singamukha Asura, who possessed the head of a lion. However, the final showdown involved the most formidable foe, Surapadma, who took the form of a monstrous being with multiple heads and arms.
The fierce battle ensued, culminating in Lord Murugan, with his divine Vel (spear), cleaving Surapadma in two. One half transformed into a rooster, while the other became a peacock. This victory cemented Lord Murugan’s triumph over evil and marked his ascension as the vanquisher of Asuras.
The majestic peacock was then chosen as Lord Murugan’s mount, while the rooster became his flag, a symbol of his divine victory.
The “Surasamharam” spectacle witnessed an outpouring of devotion, with devotees participating in the ceremonies and celebrating the divine victory of Lord Murugan.
First Piper 