Surasamharam

The Surasamharam performance is based on the legend of Murugan, also known as Kanda, as described in the Kanda Purana. In the days preceding the performance, the Kanda Purana is narrated in the temple. The performance ends with the killing of Surapadman and his allies, which is depicted through the symbolic beheading of the four asuras of Anamugan, Panumugan, Simhamugan, and Surapadman by Murugan, employing his divine spear, known as the vel. At the Tiruchendur Murugan Temple, six days of celebrations for Kanda Shashti start from the tithi of the Aippasi month, culminate on the day of Surasamharam. The performance of the tiru kalyanam, the ceremonial wedding ceremony of the deity and his consorts, is observed on the day following the Surasamharam. In Kerala's Palakkad district, Surasamharam, is held in all the major Tamil settlements in the district. == References ==