Skanda Sasthi also known as Kanda Sashti or Subramanya Sashti is a popular Lord Murugan festival celebrated in Singapore, Malaysia, Tamil Nadu, parts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala. Lord Murugan is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. Lord Ganesh is his brother. Lord Murugan is also known as Sri Subramanya Swamy, Subramani, Shanmuga, Skanda, Karthilkeya, Arumuga and Kumaraswamy.
Skanda Sashti is the sixth day of every lunar fortnight in the Hindu Calendar and falls during the waxing phase of the moon is celebrated as the Skanda Sashti. Devotees of Lord Murugan Observe Full or Partial Fast on this day. They also perform Special Pujas to Lord Murugan on this day.
Chanting Skanda Sashti Kavacham on this day is auspicious. Devotees organize large-scale Bhajan and Kirtan programs. Childless married couples offer their special prayers to ask for Murugan’s blessings for a child. Skanda Sashti is celebrated as a six-day festival during the Tamil month of Aippasi.
Skanda Sashti History:
According to Skanda Puranam, once three asuras Soorapadman, Singamugasuran and Tharakasuran were causing great trouble for the Celestial Devas. To destroy them, Lord Muruga assumed the third eye avatar form of Lord Shiva. During the war, Lord Muruga transformed Singhamugasuram into a Vahana of Goddess Shakti. Soorapadman after fighting tried to escape by hiding like a mango tree at the bottom of the sea. Lord Muruga split the mango tree and turned one half into a peacock Vahana and the other half into a “ceval”(cock) banner or rooster. After giving boons to the asuras, Lord Muruga freed the devas. The destruction of three asuras symbolizes the destruction of ego and illusion.
Skanda Sashti 2022 Dates:
- January 7th Friday – Skanda Sashti
- February 6th Sunday – Skanda Sashti
- March 8th Tuesday – Skanda Sashti
- April 6th Wednesday – Skanda Sashti
- May 6th Friday – Skanda Sashti
- June 5th Sunday – Skanda Sashti
- July 4th Monday – Skanda Sashti
- August 3rd Wednesday – Skanda Sashti
- September 1st Thursday – Skanda Sashti
- October 1st Saturday – Skanda Sashti and 30th Sunday – Soora Samharam
- November 28th Monday – Skanda Sashti
- December 28th Wednesday – Skanda Sashti
