Skanda Sashti takes place every month on the sixth day of Shukla Paksha. This month, it is observed on February 14. Understand the rituals and puja timings.
Skanda Sashti is an auspicious fast observed by Hindus every month in honor of Lord Skanda or Murugan, Lord Ganesha’s brother and the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Although the festival is held on the sixth day of the bright fortnight every month, Shukla Paksha Sashti in the lunar month of Kartika is considered the most important.
On Skanda Sashti, devotees wake up early to worship Lord Murugan by lighting a ghee lamp, burning incense, and offering him fruits and sweet pongal. It is believed that those who fast for the entire day on this day will be blessed with good health, wealth, and success, as well as the removal of negative energies.
Lord Murugan is also known as Subramanya, Karthikeya, and Skanda. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. In South India, Lord Murugan is considered the younger brother of Lord Ganesha, whereas in North India, he is considered the elder. Skanda Sashti, also known as Kanda Shashti, is celebrated in the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, as well as Malaysia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.
Skanda Sashti 2024 February Date
Skanda Sashti is observed every month on the sixth day of Shukla Paksha, which is the moon’s waxing phase. This month, it is observed on February 14.
History and significance of Skanda Sashti
Legend has it that Lord Murugan or Lord Kartikeyan defeated the demon Surapadman on this day. Surapadman began wreaking havoc on the world after receiving numerous boons and gaining immense power. Lord Murugan, under the orders of his parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, led an army of celestial beings in a 6-day battle against Surapadman and defeated him. On Skanda Shasti, Lord Murugan’s devotees fast for one day to express their gratitude and seek his blessings.
Skanda Sashti 2024 in February Shubh Muhurat
Skanda Sashti on February 14, 2024, Wednesday
Begins: 12:09 PM, February 14
Ends: 10:12 AM, February 15
Rituals of Skanda Sashti 2024 in February
- Devotees get up early, wear clean clothes, and clean their puja area.
- A new idol or image of Lord Murugan is placed in the puja area and decorated with flowers.
- A traditional ghee lamp and incense are lit, and offerings of fruits and sweet delicacies are prepared.
- The puja concludes with the recitation of texts and hymns from Skanda Puranam and Skanda Shasti Kavacham.
- One of the rituals is to worship Murugan’s main weapon, the Vel or lance. Many people visit Murugan temples.