Murugan, also called Karthikeya, Skanda and Subramanya, is the beloved god of Tamil Nadu and is worshipped across South India. The short prayer below is recited on Tuesdays and on Skanda Shashti. Pilgrims on the way to Palani and Thiruchendur also call out "Vetrivel, Muruganukku Arohara".
Murugan (Skanda) Prayer: Shakti Hastam: full text
शक्तिहस्तं विरूपाक्षं शिखिवाहनषण्मुखम्।
दारुणं रिपुरोगघ्नं भावये कुक्कुटध्वजम्॥
ॐ शरवणभवाय नमः॥
वेट्रिवेल मुरुगनुक्कु अरोहरा॥
In Roman letters
Shakti hastam virupaksham shikhi vahana shanmukham
Darunam ripu rogaghnam bhavaye kukkuta dhvajam
Om Saravanabhavaya namah
Vetrivel Muruganukku Arohara
Meaning in simple words
I meditate on the six-faced Lord who holds the spear of power, rides the peacock, carries the rooster on his flag and destroys the sickness that comes from enemies. The mantra "Om Saravanabhavaya Namah" bows to Murugan as the one born in the reed pond (Saravana). "Vetrivel" means "the victorious spear".
How to recite it
Bathe, sit in a clean place, light a diya and read with a calm mind. For an aarti, sing together and ring the bell. Check today's panchang for the best day and time. Today's panchang.
Questions people ask
When should I recite the Murugan (Skanda) Prayer: Shakti Hastam?
Tuesdays, Skanda Shashti, Thaipusam. You can also read it on any day with faith.
Who wrote the Murugan (Skanda) Prayer: Shakti Hastam?
Traditional shloka; the six-syllable mantra is ancient.