Kanda Sashti Kavasam: Meaning and How Devotees Chant It
Every year, during the six days of Skanda Sashti, the Kavasam is heard in homes and temples across Tamil Nadu. Many people chant it without knowing the full meaning. This guide explains what it is and how it is used.
Kanda Sashti Kavasam is a Tamil devotional hymn to Lord Murugan by Devaraya Swamigal. A kavasam is a protective armour in verse. Devotees recite it during Skanda Sashti and at other times, asking for the Lord’s protection. Many read its battle imagery as a picture of the struggle with inner enemies.
By Dr. Mekhala V Jois · Last updated: 27 October 2026
What Is Kanda Sashti Kavasam?
A kavasam is a hymn that works like armour. The devotee names the parts of the body one by one and asks the deity to guard each. Kanda Sashti Kavasam does this for Murugan, with images of his Vel, his peacock and his army.
The hymn is attributed to Devaraya Swamigal, a Tamil devotee of Murugan. Published sources disagree about his dates and about where it was composed, and one places it in Chennimalai. Its Tamil verses are sung in temples throughout Skanda Sashti, and recordings are widely shared.
The Opening Verse and Its Meaning
The opening lines of Kanda Sashti Kavasam
Tamil: துதிப்போர்க்கு வல்வினை போம் துன்பம் போம் நெஞ்சில் பதிப்போர்க்குச் செல்வம் பலித்துக் கதித்தோங்கும் நிஷ்டையும் கைகூடும் நிமலர் அருள் கந்தர் சஷ்டி கவசம் தனை
Transliteration: Thuthipporkku valvinai pom thunbam pom nenjil pathipporkku selvam palithu kathithongum nishtaiyum kaikoodum nimalar arul kandar sashti kavasam thanai
In plain English: For those who praise this Kanda Sashti Kavasam, by the grace of the pure Lord, grave past karma and sorrow depart. For those who fix it in the heart, wealth bears fruit and rises, and steady meditation comes within reach.
The verse states the hymn’s own promise and, in the usual devotional sense, is read as a statement of faith rather than a guarantee.
How Devotees Chant the Kavasam
When. Most devotees recite it each morning of the six days of Skanda Sashti. Many also recite it on Tuesdays, on monthly Sashti and in times of difficulty.
How many times. There is no single rule. Some read it once a day, others several times. Follow the practice of your family or temple.
In Tamil or in translation. The Tamil sound is treasured, but many devotees read along with a transliteration. Meaning matters as much as pronunciation.
With the vratam. The Kavasam is a regular part of the Skanda Sashti vratam, alongside fasting and a temple visit.
Reading the hymn as an inner journey
One commentary notes that the Kavasam does not describe the battle literally. Its imagery reads as the struggle with ego and fear, with Murugan as the protector. This is also how many devotees understand the Soorasamharam story.
Kanda Sashti Kavasam: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kanda Sashti Kavasam?
Kanda Sashti Kavasam is a Tamil devotional hymn to Lord Murugan, composed by Devaraya Swamigal. A kavasam is a verse armour, in which the devotee asks the deity to protect each part of the body. It is recited widely during the six days of Skanda Sashti.
Who wrote Kanda Sashti Kavasam?
It is attributed to Devaraya Swamigal, a devotee of Murugan. Sources differ on his dates, and one places the composition at the Subramanya Swamy temple at Chennimalai. Very little biographical detail is firmly established, so treat dates you read online with caution.
When should I chant Kanda Sashti Kavasam?
Most devotees chant it every morning during the six days of Skanda Sashti, from 10 to 15 November 2026. Many also chant it on Sashti days, on Tuesdays and when seeking protection. There is no fixed number of repetitions.
Do I need to know Tamil to chant it?
No. Many devotees read it from a transliteration while listening to a recording, and learn the sounds over time. Reading the English meaning first helps you chant with understanding.
What does the word kavasam mean?
Kavasam means armour or protective shield. Hymns called kavasam, such as Kanda Sashti Kavasam, are recited to invoke the protection of a deity, one part of the body or one quality at a time.
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