Skanda Sashti (also called Kanda Shashti or Subramanya Shashti) is a major festival dedicated to Lord Murugan / Skanda / Subrahmanya, celebrated mainly in South Indian states – Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana. especially in Tamil Nadu – and by Murugan devotees worldwide.
When is Skanda Shashti Celebrated? or Skanda Shashti Date
It falls during the month of Aippasi (October – November) and lasts for six days, ending on the day of Soora Samharam, which commemorates Lord Murugan’s victory over the demon Surapadman, symbolizing the defeat of negativity and the triumph of divine light.
In 2025, Skanda Sashti is celebrated on 26th November.
Why is Skanda Shashti Celebrated?
Skanda Shashti marks the victory of Lord Murugan over the demon Surapadman. According to mythology, Surapadman was a powerful demon who troubled the devas and created great chaos. To protect the world, Lord Murugan was born as a divine warrior. After six days of intense battle, Murugan defeated Surapadman on Shashti day, restoring peace and dharma. This victory symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and courage over fear.
How is Skanda Sashti Celebrated?
Skanda Shashti celebrations are observed for 6 days commemorating the 6 days of battle between Lord Murugan and Surapadman. Skanda Shashti is celebrated on the 6th day. During these six days, devotees observe:
- Upavasam (Fasting) or simple satvik diet
- Daily Murugan pujas and abhishekams
- Recitation of Skanda Shashti Kavacham and other hymns
- Listening to Skanda Shashti Katha
- Temple visits and special rituals
The final day – Soora Samharam – is marked by dramatic re-enactments in temples, where Murugan’s victory is symbolically performed, followed by Tiru Kalyanam, celebrating the divine wedding of Murugan and Devasena.
Important Stotras for Skanda Shashti
- Skanda Shashti Kavacham
- Subramanya Ashtakam Karavalamba Stotram
- Subramanya Bhujanga Stotram
- Subramanya Stotram
- Subramanya Ashtothram – 108 Names
- Subrahmanya Shadakshara Ashtottara Shatanamavali
- Subrahmanya Sahasranamavali – 1000 Names
- Subrahmanya Sahasranama Stotram
Important Murugan Temples
The following six abodes, which are known as Arupadaiveedu, are the most important shrines of Lord Murugan and all of them are in the Southern Indian state of Tamilnadu, India.
- Palani Murugan Temple (Near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu)
- Swamimalai Murugan Temple (Near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu)
- Thiruthani Murugan Temple (Near Chennai, Tamil Nadu)
- Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple (Near Madurai, Tamil Nadu)
- Sri Subrahmanya Swami Devasthanam, Tiruchendur (Near Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu)
- Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple (Near Madurai, Tamil Nadu)
Other important Murugan temples are
- Kukke Subramanya Temple, near Mangalore, Karnataka
- Marudamalai Murugan Temple, near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
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