Skanda Sashti 2026

Skanda Sashti—also known as Kanda Shashti or Subrahmanya Shashti—is a powerful and highly auspicious day dedicated to Lord Murugan (Kartikeya, Subrahmanya), the divine commander of the gods. It is observed every month on the Shukla Paksha Shashthi (6th lunar day after Amavasya). Devotees worship Lord Murugan for victory, courage, protection, and removal of negativity. The year 2026 includes multiple Skanda Sashti dates, with each offering unique spiritual benefits. One of the most important among them is Soora Samharam, celebrated in November 2026, marking Lord Murugan’s victory over the demon Surapadman. This complete guide covers Skanda Sashti 2026 dates, significance, fasting rules, puja vidhi, katha, benefits, and traditional observances.

Skanda Sashti is the sacred monthly day dedicated to Lord Skanda, also known as: Murugan

Kartikeya

Shanmukha

Subrahmanya

Kumara

He is the deity of courage, protection, wisdom, and righteous victory. Why is the day called “Skanda Sashti”? Skanda = Lord Murugan

Sashti = Sixth lunar day (Shashthi)

Thus, Skanda Sashti is the day when devotees honor Skanda for his divine strength and blessings.

Skanda Sashti is observed for the following spiritual and religious reasons:

1. Victory of Good Over Evil This day commemorates the moment when Lord Murugan defeated the terrible demon Surapadman, restoring peace to the universe.

2. Protection from Negativity Murugan is known as the Destroyer of Evil Forces, so his worship removes obstacles, fear, and negative influences.

3. Blessings for Courage & Success Students, professionals, and spiritual seekers worship Murugan for: Clarity of mind Confidence Career growth Victory in challenges

4. Healing & Emotional Strength Murugan’s Vel (divine spear) symbolizes: Cutting away sorrow Removing emotional pain Healing past trauma

5. Devotion & Purification The fasts and rituals of Skanda Sashti purify the body, mind, and soul.

Skanda Sashti is observed by: Hindu devotees across India, especially in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh.

Those seeking success, courage, and protection

Students preparing for exams

Professionals facing challenges at workplace

People facing obstacles in life

Couples wishing for harmony and family blessings

Devotees of Lord Murugan

Anyone can observe Skanda Sashti with devotion.

1. Worship of Lord Murugan Murugan is known for: Bravery

Leadership

Divine knowledge

Victory over evil

Devotees seek his divine protection and strength.

2. Removes Obstacles He clears: Financial problems Relationship disputes Career hurdles Emotional burdens

3. Blessings for Children & Family Families pray for the: Wellbeing of children Harmony in family Protection from illness

4. Triumph Over Enemies Just as Murugan destroyed Surapadman, devotees pray for freedom from: Jealousy Hidden enemies Negative influences

5. Powerful Fasting Day Skanda Sashti fasting purifies: Thoughts Body Karma Actions

Perform this puja at home or temple with devotion. Step 1: Morning Rituals Wake up early Take a bath Clean your home and puja area Wear fresh, simple clothes

Step 2: Sankalp (Vow) Sit in front of Murugan’s photo or idol and take a vow: “I observe this Skanda Sashti fast for divine protection, courage, good health, and positive energy.”

Step 3: Puja Setup Keep the following items ready: Lord Murugan idol or image Flowers (especially red or yellow) Fruits Camphor & incense Diya (oil lamp) Rice, kumkum Coconut Naivedyam (sweet or fruit)

Step 4: Worship Procedure Light the lamp and incense Offer flowers Offer water and rice Chant Murugan mantras Perform aarti Listen to or read Skanda Sashti Katha

Step 5: Fasting Rules Devotees may choose: Nirjala fast (no water) – only for strong devotees Phalahar fast (fruits/milk) Satvik meal once a day

Avoid: Salt (optional) Onion, garlic Non-vegetarian food Spicy or oily food

Step 6: Evening Puja Perform aarti Recite Kanda Sashti Kavacham Meditate for peace

Step 7: Parana (Breaking the Fast) Break your fast after Sashti Tithi ends. Traditional ways: Eat satvik food Donate food to the poor Offer fruits to birds Feed cows

Do’s Maintain purity of mind

Speak politely

Chant Murugan mantras

Read Kanda Sashti Kavacham

Visit Murugan temple

Don’ts Avoid lies, anger, arguments

Avoid alcohol or smoking

Avoid non-veg food

Avoid hurting animals

The Skanda Sashti story describes the mighty battle between Lord Murugan and the demon Surapadman. Story Summary The demon Surapadman had become extremely powerful. He tortured the gods, destroyed yajnas, and spread fear everywhere. Unable to bear his tyranny, the gods prayed to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva created Lord Murugan, born out of divine fire, with six faces and immense strength. Murugan led the army of the gods and fought a fierce battle for six days. On the sixth day—Skanda Sashti—he defeated Surapadman. Divine Outcome Surapadman was transformed into a peacock and a rooster

These became Murugan’s vahana (peacock) and flag symbol (rooster)

The victory symbolizes: Destruction of ignorance

Removal of evil

Triumph of righteousness

1. Removes Obstacles Devotees experience: Reduced stress Solutions to problems Clarity of thoughts

2. Health & Healing Murugan is a divine healer. Fasting helps: Detox the body Purify senses Improve mental calmness

3. Courage & Confidence Worship gives: Inner strength Fearlessness Ability to face challenges

4. Protection from Negativity Murugan protects devotees from: Evil eye Jealousy Hidden enemies

5. Family Peace Promotes: Harmony Unity Blessings for children

6. Spiritual Growth Increased devotion Mental discipline Reduction of negative karma

1. Murugan Mantra “Om Saravanabhavaya Namah”
2. Subrahmanya Mantra “Om Subrahmanyaya Namah”
3. Kanda Sashti Kavacham Reciting the Kanda Sashti Kavacham is considered extremely powerful for protection and courage.
4. Shanmukha Gayatri “Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahasenaya Dhimahi Tanno Shanmukha Prachodayat” Chant 108 times for maximum spiritual benefit.

Allowed Fruits Milk, curd, butter Coconut water Dry fruits Homemade satvik meals Rock salt (sendha namak)

Not Allowed Meat, fish, eggs Onion, garlic Alcohol or smoking Spicy junk foods Processed snacks

After completing Skanda Sashti: Eat satvik food

Offer coconut or banana to Lord Murugan

Donate clothes or food

Feed cows or birds

Express gratitude to Lord Murugan

These acts amplify the blessings of the vrat.

Skanda Sashti is one of the most spiritually powerful days for gaining courage, protection, prosperity, and victory over negativity. Observing the vrat in 2026 brings divine blessings from Lord Murugan for individuals and families. Whether you seek peace, career success, health, or spiritual upliftment, Skanda Sashti offers a sacred path to transformation. Observing even a few of the Skanda Sashti days in 2026 with devotion can bring long-lasting positivity and divine grace.