Skanda Sashti 2024 January: Date & Timing, Vrat Katha, Tithi, Benefits

Check Skanda Sashti 2024 date in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December.

Skanda Sashti dedicated to Lord Skanda is one the major festivals of Tamil Hindus. Skanda or Skanda Sashti is also known as Kanda Shashti. Known by many other names like Murugan, Karthikeyan, Subramanya, etc, Skanda is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is believed to be born out of sparks that came out of Lord Shiva’s third eye. In south India, Skanda is considered as the younger brother of Lord Ganesh while in north India as the elder brother. Skanda Sashti celebrates the victory of Lord Skanda over evil demons.

Although, Skanda Sashti falls every month, the Shukla Paksha Sashti that falls during the lunar month of Kartika is considered to be the most auspicious of all.

Note: Skanda Sashti in January falls on 16th January 2024.

Skanda Sashti January 2024 Date

Dates on which Skanda Sashti falls in every month of the year 2024 are provided below. Skanda Sashti that falls in the month of Kartik (October or November according to Gregorian calendar) is considered as the most significant one.

Celebration of Skanda Sashti

Skanda Sashti is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Skanda over the demon Surapadma and his two brothers. This special day signifies the victory of good over bad and is therefore celebrated with great enthusiasm by the people. It is believed that Lord Skanda, who was born from sparks of Shiva’s third eye, defeated the demon Surapadma and his brothers Simhamukha and Tarakasura on the day of Kartik Skanda Sashti. Due to this, Skanda Sashti is also known as Sooranporu or Soorasamharam.

Skanda Sashti Viratham Benefits

Fasting on Skanda Sashti is a common practice among devotees and is believed to bring good fortune to the ones observing the fast and their family. those who are praying for a child, observing a fast on the days of Kartik Skanda Sashti seems to be very beneficial. It is said that observing the fast with complete devotion for 6 days can bring luck and fulfill all the wishes of the devotees.

Best Time for Skanda Sashti Vrat

The day of Skanda Sashti is decided on the basis of lunar cycle and falls during the sixth day of Krishna Paksha. The day when Sashti Tithi combines with Panchami Tithi is preferred is considered as very auspicious. As such, Skanda Sashti Vrata might be observed on Panchami Tithi. When Panchami Tithi ends or Sashti Tithi starts there is a time when both Tithi combine and this day is chosen for Skanda Sashti Vratam.

How to observe Skanda Sashti?

During fast, some people prefer taking milk or fruits while others spend the whole day by drinking only water or nothing. Depending on one’s health condition and other factors, the method of observing the fast can vary from person to person. Lord Skanda, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped and the devotees ask for their blessings. Donating blanket and warm clothes on the day of Skanda Sashti is believed to bring special virtue to the devotees. Devotees also read Skanda Purana, recite Skanda Sashti Kavacham and visit the temples of Lord Murugan in the evening on this day.

Skanda Sashti Vrat Katha

Once there was a demon named Surapadma, who along with his brothers Simhamukha and Tarakasur was on rampage and was destroying anything coming in his way. This had troubled both human and the deities. Worried deities approached Lord Brahma and asked Him for a way to put an end to this. Brahma told that only the Destroyer, Lord Shiva, has the power to kill the demon and bring both Dhartlok and Swarglok to peace. So, everyone proceeded towards Kailash where Lord Shiva was in deep meditation. 

The deities gave Manmatha (Kamadeva) the duty to wake Shiva up from his mediation which resulted in his death by turning into ashes when Shiva opened His third eye. Furious Shiva unknowingly dropped six sparks from His eyes who grew up into a boy. the boy was card upon by Parvati who gave Him the name Skanda (Parvati is therefore also known as Skandamata).

Skanda went on and defeated Surapadma, Simhamukha and Tarakasur and brought peace everywhere. All three demons were killed by Lord Skanda on the day of Sashti and hence Skanda Sashti is observed to celebrate this victory.

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Temples Dedicated to Lord Skanda

Six abodes, also known as Arupadaiveedu, are the most important shrines dedicated to Lord Skanda in Tamil Nadu and are given below. People visit these temples in large number on the day of Kartik Skanda Sashti where prayers, recitals and aarti are held at a huge scale.

• Palani Murugan Temple
• Swamimalai Murugan Temple 
• Thiruthani Murugan Temple
• Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple
• Sri Subrahmanya Swami Devasthanam
• Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple 

Frequently Asked Questions