Skanda Sashti
Skanda Sashti is an important Hindu observance that honors Lord Murugan, known for his strength and courage.
It takes place on the sixth day of the bright half of the Bhadrapada month, typically in October or November.
Devotees, especially in South India, mark this six-day festival with prayers and rituals, seeking Murugan’s blessings for protection and inner power.
Skanda Sashti Date and Timing 2025
Skanda Sashti will be observed on Thursday, 28 August 2025, during Shukla Shashthi in the month of Bhadrapada, according to the Hindu calendar,
The Sashti Tithi begins at 12:10 PM on 28 October and ends at 02:36 PM on 29 October.
Devotees generally begin observing fasts and rituals from the first day after Amavasya and continue until Sashti.
History of Skanda Sashti
Skanda Sahti commemorates the divine victory of Lord Murugan, also named Skanda or Kartikeya, over the asura Surapadman.
As described in the Skanda Purana, the demon wreaked havoc on the celestial beings, prompting them to seek help from Lord Shiva. In response, Shiva created Skanda from his third eye, a radiant warrior destined to restore peace.
The battle lasted six intense days, ending with Surapadman's defeat on the final day.
Touched by the demon’s plea for mercy, Skanda transformed him into a peacock and a rooster, symbols that would forever accompany him.
This tale of good conquering evil forms the heart of Skanda Sashti. It's not just a myth, it's a reminder of spiritual strength, faith, and courage.
The festival is especially vibrant in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where grand celebrations unfold at famous Murugan temples like Palani, Tiruchendur, Swamimalai, and Thirupparamkunram.
How to Observe Skanda Sashti
Skanda Sashti typically begins before sunrise, with devotees taking an early morning bath to purify themselves.
Wearing clean or traditional attire, they prepare for prayers either at home or in temples.
A key aspect of Skanda Sashti is fasting. Many devotees observe a six-day fast, either by eating only once a day or following a fruit- or liquid-based diet.
Some even observe a complete fast until the sixth day. This period is dedicated to prayer, penance, and self-discipline.
Visiting Lord Murugan temples is an important part of the observance. Devotees offer milk abhishekam, flowers, fruits, sandal paste, and kavadi.
A lot of people come to visit the six holy homes of Lord Murugan, which are called Arupadai Veedu.
Listening to or chanting the Skanda Sashti Kavasam, a powerful Tamil hymn dedicated to Lord Murugan, is another essential practice.
This devotional hymn is believed to offer protection and invoke blessings from the deity.
On the sixth day, many temples host a dramatic reenactment of the defeat of the demon Surapadman, known as Soorasamharam.
This symbolic event marks the triumph of good over evil and draws large crowds of worshippers.
In Tamil traditions, some devotees carry kavadi, decorated structures symbolizing their vows and devotion. In extreme forms of penance, a few may even undergo body piercings with hooks or skewers to show their commitment and surrender.
The day concludes with final prayers, lighting of camphor, distribution of prasadam, and acts of charity such as donating food or clothes to those in need.
These offerings reflect the spirit of humility, service, and sacrifice that Lord Skanda represents.
Read Nag Panchami next.
