Skanda Shasti Celebration of Lord Murugan at Staten Island Hindu Temple November 1st-7th

Skanda Shasti Celebration of Lord Murugan at Staten Island Hindu Temple

Staten Island Hindu Temple celebrated Skanda Shasti celebration from November 1st to November 7th, 2024. Lot of devotees attended this important festival.

Skanda Shasti is an important Tamil Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The festival is observed during the Shashti (sixth day) of the waxing moon phase of the Tamil month of Aippasi (typically October or November). It is a time for devotees to express their reverence for Lord Murugan, who is widely revered as the god of war, wisdom, and courage, and is also a symbol of virtue and spiritual growth.

The festival commemorates the victory of Lord Murugan over the demon Surapadman, who symbolized evil and injustice. The battle between Murugan and Surapadman is seen as a spiritual metaphor for the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. Murugan, often depicted riding a peacock and wielding a spear (Vel), is believed to empower his devotees to overcome obstacles and challenges in life.

Skanda Shasti is particularly significant in Tamil Nadu, India and among Tamil diaspora communities around the world, especially in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and other countries. The festival also holds a deep spiritual significance, encouraging devotees to purify the mind and soul, overcome personal struggles, and focus on achieving spiritual growth and liberation. It is a time of collective devotion, with families coming together to celebrate and seek the blessings of Lord Murugan for prosperity, peace, and strength.

After the celebration, the devotees were treated with the best traditional cuisine which is very particular food items and sweets cooked during this festival.

Skanda Shasti display at Staten Island Hindu Temple.  Image Credit – SI Hindu Temple

Skanda Shasti display at Staten Island Hindu Temple.  Image Credit – SI Hindu Temple

Banner Image: Skanda Shasti display at Staten Island Hindu Temple.  Image Credit – SI Hindu Temple 

Staten Island Hindu Temple, Shree Ram Mandir

An organization namely, Staten Island Hindu Temple, Inc was registered with the State of New York in 1997. There was a consensus to name the temple after ​Shree R​ama. This led to the purchase of property at 1318 Victory Blvd. Staten Island, in June 2001 with the intent to build the temple by replacing the existing structure. The congregation of Hindus consecrated the new temple structure with Hindu religious invocations (bhoomi puja) by priests in 2004. Construction of the temple began making the dream a reality. Construction was completed in 2006. Inauguration of the temple premises, the house of God (Devalaya) took place with worship according to Hindu rituals of temple entry (devalaya pravesana) thereafter. Various Hindu deities were included inside the temple premises as per the wishes of different denominations of the Hindus with different cultures and traditions thereby reflecting a harmonious and peaceful confluence of all traditions of devotees.