Skanda Shashthi

festivals

Also known as: Skanda 6, Skandakanta

Select Calendar Year

2026 Festival Date & Muhurta

Skanda Shashthi

About Skanda Shashthi

Skanda Shashthi, also known as Skanda 6 or Skandakanta, is a six-day festival dedicated to Lord Skanda, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is widely worshipped as Kartikeya, Murugan, Subrahmanya, and Kumara, the commander-in-chief of the celestial armies.

The festival begins on the Shukla Paksha Pratipada and concludes on Shashthi (the sixth day) in the lunar month of Kartika, usually in October or November. It celebrates Lord Skanda's victory over the demon Surapadma and his protection of the gods and devotees.

Devotees observe fasting, perform special pujas, visit Murugan or Subrahmanya temples, and sing kirtans. The concluding day, Soorasamharam, marks the slaying of Surapadma, and the following day is celebrated as Thirukalyanam (divine marriage) in South India.

Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules

A six-day fast and worship dedicated to Lord Skanda, culminating in the celebration of his victory over Surapadma.

Step-by-Step Fasting Procedures:

Begin the fast on Kartika Shukla Pratipada and observe it for six days, eating only satvik food once a day or fasting with fruits and milk.
Wake early, bathe, and visit a Subrahmanya or Murugan temple daily, if possible.
Chant the Skanda Shashthi Kavacham, Subrahmanya Bhujangam, or 'Om Saravanabhavaya Namah'.
Avoid tamasic food, anger, and negative speech throughout the six days.
On Shashthi, perform a special abhisheka and offer red flowers, kumkum, sandalwood, and honey.
Conclude the vrata with charity and feeding of devotees.

Puja Samagri & Ritual Steps

Essential Puja Samagri:

Idol or image of Lord Skanda/MuruganRed flowers and kumkumSandalwood pasteHoney and milkIncense and ghee lampFruits, especially bananaVetiver and fragrant oils

Puja Procedure:

Install the deity and clean the altar.
Perform abhisheka with milk, honey, and water.
Apply sandalwood paste and kumkum; offer red flowers.
Light incense and lamp; chant Skanda mantras.
Offer bhoga of fruits and sweets.
Perform arati and circumambulate the shrine.

Vrat Katha: Skanda and the Demon Surapadma

The demon Surapadma had conquered the heavens and imprisoned the devas. Unable to defeat him, the gods approached Lord Shiva, who manifested a blazing six-faced son from his third eye—Lord Skanda.

Skanda, armed with the divine spear (vel), led the celestial armies into battle. On the sixth day, he destroyed Surapadma, freeing the gods and restoring cosmic order. Grateful devotees celebrate this victory as Skanda Shashthi, praising the Lord as the commander of the divine hosts.