Harshvardhan Mishra
Introduction to Skanda Sashti
Skanda Sashti, also known as Kanda Sashti, is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Skanda, also known as Murugan, Kartikeya, or Subramanya. Observed primarily by Tamil Hindus, this day marks the victory of Lord Skanda over the demon Soorapadman. The festival is particularly important in South India, especially in Tamil Nadu, where devotees observe fasting, visit temples, and participate in devotional activities.
The Sashti Tithi (sixth lunar day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon phase) each month is dedicated to Lord Skanda. Among all, the Skanda Sashti falling in the lunar month of Kartika is considered the most significant. Devotees undertake a six-day fasting period, culminating in the grand celebration of Soorasamharam, symbolizing the annihilation of evil.
Skanda Sashti Vrat Dates 2025
Below are the Skanda Sashti dates for the year 2025, based on the Vikrama Samvata calendar:
| Date | Day | Lunar Month | Tithi Begins | Tithi Ends |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 5, 2025 | Sunday | Pausha | 10:00 PM, Jan 4 | 08:15 PM, Jan 5 |
| February 3, 2025 | Monday | Magha | 06:52 AM, Feb 3 | 04:37 AM, Feb 4 |
| March 4, 2025 | Tuesday | Phalguna | 03:16 PM, Mar 4 | 12:51 PM, Mar 5 |
| April 3, 2025 | Thursday | Chaitra | 11:49 PM, Apr 2 | 09:41 PM, Apr 3 |
| May 2, 2025 | Friday | Vaishakha | 09:14 AM, May 2 | 07:51 AM, May 3 |
| June 1, 2025 | Sunday | Jyeshtha | 08:15 PM, May 31 | 07:59 PM, Jun 1 |
| June 30, 2025 | Monday | Ashadha | 09:23 AM, Jun 30 | 10:20 AM, Jul 1 |
| July 30, 2025 | Wednesday | Shravana | 12:46 AM, Jul 30 | 02:41 AM, Jul 31 |
| August 28, 2025 | Thursday | Bhadrapada | 05:56 PM, Aug 28 | 08:21 PM, Aug 29 |
| September 27, 2025 | Saturday | Ashwina | 12:03 PM, Sep 27 | 02:27 PM, Sep 28 |
| October 27, 2025 (Soora Samharam) | Monday | Kartika | 06:04 AM, Oct 27 | 07:59 AM, Oct 28 |
| November 26, 2025 (Subrahmanya Sashti) | Wednesday | Margashirsha | 10:56 PM, Nov 25 | 12:01 AM, Nov 27 |
| December 25, 2025 | Thursday | Pausha | 01:42 PM, Dec 25 | 01:43 PM, Dec 26 |
Note: All timings are based on the local time of New Delhi, India.
Significance of Skanda Sashti Vratam
- Devotees observe a strict fast, consuming only fruits, milk, and water.
- Special pujas and abhishekams are performed in Murugan temples.
- Recitation of the Skanda Sashti Kavasam and other hymns dedicated to Lord Murugan is common.
- The Soorasamharam festival, marking Lord Skanda’s victory over Soorapadman, is celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Temples Dedicated to Lord Murugan
The following six abodes, known as Arupadaiveedu, are the most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Murugan in Tamil Nadu:
- Palani Murugan Temple – 100 km southeast of Coimbatore.
- Swamimalai Murugan Temple – Near Kumbakonam.
- Thiruthani Murugan Temple – 84 km from Chennai.
- Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple – 10 km north of Madurai.
- Sri Subrahmanya Swami Devasthanam, Tiruchendur – 40 km south of Thoothukudi.
- Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple – 10 km south of Madurai.
Other notable temples include:
- Marudamalai Murugan Temple (Coimbatore)
- Kukke Subramanya Temple (Karnataka)
Conclusion
Observing Skanda Sashti is believed to bring immense blessings, protection from negative influences, and spiritual upliftment. The festival signifies the triumph of good over evil, inspiring devotees to lead a righteous life. By participating in rituals and fasting with devotion, followers seek Lord Murugan’s guidance and divine grace.
