Sri Skanda Stavam

Sri Skanda Stavam, revealed by Sage Vamadeva in the Shiva Mahapurana, is a profound hymn that glorifies Skanda as the embodiment of Pranava (Om), the essence of Vedanta, and the supreme inner Self hidden within all beings. It praises him as both smaller than the smallest and greater than the greatest, the knower of all levels of reality, and the radiant child of Shiva and Parvati.

The stavam describes Skanda as the effulgent, reddish-golden deity adorned with divine garlands and ornaments, ever granting auspiciousness and spiritual wisdom. He is portrayed as the beloved disciple and son of Shiva, ocean of bliss for Shiva and Parvati, the wise Kartikeya, the son born from Ganga and nourished by the Krittikas.

His form is glorified as the six-faced Shanmukha, embodying the six sacred principles and transcending all six paths of spiritual evolution. With twelve eyes, twelve arms, and twelve divine weapons, he stands as the cosmic general, destroyer of negative forces, the protector of dharma.

He is adored by Brahma, sages, devas, kinnaras, and gandharvas. His lotus feet are decked with heavenly garlands and worshiped in all divine regions. Skanda is eternal, ancient, supreme among gods, and the giver of bliss, health, longevity, success, and liberation.

Summary:

Sri Skanda Stavam is a transcendental hymn that praises Lord Skanda as the embodiment of Om, the essence of Vedanta, the eternal divine warrior, and the beloved son of Shiva and Parvati. It reveals his cosmic power, six-faced brilliance, divine weapons, supreme wisdom, and compassionate nature. Reciting this hymn grants intelligence, unshakable devotion, long life, prosperity, freedom from suffering, and ultimately the supreme spiritual abode of Skanda.