📅 Observance Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival Name | Skanda Sashti |
| Also Known As | Skanda Shashthi, Murugan Sashti |
| Hindu Month | Bhadrapada |
| Paksha | Shukla Paksha |
| Tithi | Shashthi |
| Deity | Lord Skanda (Murugan, Kartikeya) |
| Primary Regions | Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Sri Lanka |
| Vrat Type | Devotional & Protective Vrat |
📖 What is Skanda Sashti?
Skanda Sashti is a sacred Hindu observance dedicated to Lord Skanda, also known as Murugan, Kartikeya, Subramanya, the commander of divine forces and son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
It is observed on the sixth lunar day (Shashthi) of Shukla Paksha and is considered highly auspicious for:
- Protection from negativity
- Victory over obstacles
- Inner strength and courage
🔱 Who is Lord Skanda?
Lord Skanda represents:
- Youthful energy
- Spiritual valor
- Divine leadership
- Victory of good over evil
He is famously known as the slayer of demon Surapadman, symbolizing triumph over ego and ignorance.
🌺 Spiritual Significance of Skanda Sashti
Skanda Sashti signifies:
- Removal of internal and external enemies
- Strengthening of willpower
- Blessings for success and fearlessness
In Tamil bhakti tradition:
“Skanda Sashti Kavacham” is recited for divine protection.
🪔 Skanda Sashti Vrat Vidhi
🔔 Morning Rituals
- Early morning bath
- Clean altar with Murugan idol or picture
- Lighting of lamp and incense
- Sankalp for Skanda Sashti vrat
📿 Mantras to Chant
ॐ सरवणभवाय नमः
ॐ स्कन्दाय नमः
🍽️ Fasting Rules on Skanda Sashti
| Aspect | Practice |
|---|---|
| Fasting Type | Partial / Full fast |
| Allowed Food | Fruits, milk |
| Avoided Items | Grains, salt |
| Vrat Break | Evening or next day |
Devotees also practice maun (silence) and japa.
🛕 Temple Observances
Major Murugan temples celebrate Skanda Sashti with grandeur:
- Tiruchendur
- Palani
- Swamimalai
- Thirupparankundram
- Pazhamudircholai
Special abhishekam, alankaram, and processions are held.
📜 Skanda Sashti Kavacham
The powerful hymn composed by Devaraya Swamigal is recited to:
- Seek protection
- Remove fear
- Overcome diseases and negativity
It is believed to create a spiritual armor (Kavacham) around the devotee.
🌱 Symbolic Meaning
| Element | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Vel (Spear) | Divine wisdom |
| Peacock | Ego control |
| Shashthi Tithi | Victory over senses |
| Six Faces | Mastery of six vices |
🌼 Benefits of Observing Skanda Sashti
- Courage and confidence
- Protection from harm
- Success in education and career
- Spiritual discipline
📅 Calendar-Style Table Entry
| Observance | Lunar Date | Deity |
|---|---|---|
| Skanda Sashti | Bhadrapada Shukla Shashthi | Lord Skanda |
❓ Short FAQ – Skanda Sashti
Q1. What is Skanda Sashti?
A sacred day dedicated to Lord Murugan observed on Shashthi tithi.
Q2. Is Skanda Sashti only in Tamil Nadu?
Primarily South India, but observed across Hindu communities.
Q3. Is fasting compulsory?
Recommended but not mandatory.
Q4. What is special about Shashthi tithi?
It is associated with protection and divine victory.
Q5. Which prayer is most important?
Skanda Sashti Kavacham.
Panchang Official