Skanda Sashti 2023 October: Date, Timing, Vrat Katha, Tithi, Benefits

Skanda is one of the many names of the Hindu god Muruga, who is the son of Shiva and Parvati. Skanda Shasti is a festival that is dedicated to Muruga. It is celebrated mostly in Tamil Nadu, as Muruga is the patron god of Tamil Hindus.  

Skanda is the god of war and the commander-in-chief of the Devas/gods. The festival falls on Shasti, the 6th day of the lunar cycle. Devotees observe a fast on this day and throng Muruga temples in the state to invoke his blessings.

Skanda Shasti fast is observed between sunrise and sunset, especially when Panchami Tithi (the 5th day of the lunar period) ends and Shasti begins. Skanda Shasti occurs every month, but the Shukla Paksha Shasti in Karthigai month (Nov-Dec) month is very important.

Significance of Skanda Shasti 

Hindu mythology says that Skanda was born from Shiva’s third eye for a specific purpose. His life mission was to kill the demon Soorapadman and his brothers Tarakasura and Simhamukha. Shukla Paksha Sashti Tithi celebrates his conquest of the demons. Murugan severed Soorapadman’s head with his Vel or lance, following which two birds appeared from the demon’s head - a peacock and a rooster. The rooster turned into a symbol on his banner, and the peacock became his vehicle. The demons signify negative elements that are present within us, like pride, ego, hatred, etc. Such elements distance us from god and need to be eradicated. Hence, the battle is a metaphor for the inner battle all of us must wage to overcome such negative emotions and attain oneness with god.

The Legend Behind Skanda Shasti

Muruga is the younger brother of the elephant-headed deity, Ganesha. There is an interesting myth behind Muruga’s birth and the killing of Soorapadman.

Once, there were three demon brothers Soorapadman, Simhamukhan, and Tarakasuran. They were causing a lot of problems for everyone. Surapadman had a boon from Shiva that only a son of Shiva could destroy him.

But Shiva was in deep meditation after his wife, Sati, died. The crafty demon knew that nobody would dare to interrupt Shiva’s penance and also that he was in no mood to marry someone and beget children. This made him bold, and he went on the rampage. As the devas began to feel the heat from the 3 demons, they approached Shiva for a solution. But he was in deep meditation, and no one had the courage to disturb him. Finally, the gods sent Manmadha, the God of Love, to awaken feelings of love in Shiva and make him come out of his tapasya.

Manmadha sent one of his flower-tipped arrows at Shiva. Shiva opened his eyes and, on seeing Manmadha, burned him to ashes by opening his 3rd eye. However, the gods and Manmadha’s wife, Rathi, requested Shiva to restore his life, which he did. Thanks to Manmadha, Shiva fell in love with Parvati (Sati reborn) and prepared to unite with her. But due to his rigorous penance and long celibacy, his semen was too hot, and Parvati could not tolerate it. Shiva then emitted 6 sparks from his third eye, which were taken by Agni and Vayu to the cooling waters of the river Saravana. The 6 sparks turned into 6 babies. The 6 Karthigai maidens (6 stars of the constellation Kartika or Pleiades) took care of the infants. When Parvati arrived there and embraced the 6 babies, they merged to form one baby with six faces, twelve hands, and two feet. Parvati then gave him many divine powers and a lance called Vel. He came to be called Kartikeyan.

The boy grew fast, becoming a skilled warrior and philosopher. He was appointed commander of the gods and waged war against Surapadman and his brothers. Muruga killed Soorapadman’s brothers Simhamukhan and Tarakasuran first and eventually slew Surapadman with his divine Vel. Karthikeya killed the demon on Shasti. Supposedly, Soorapadman begged Skanda to spare him. So, Muruga transformed him into a peacock and made him his mount.

Benefits of Skanda Shasti

Worshipping Muruga on Skanda Shashti brings many blessings. It can bring luck in love.

It is also good for growth in business and strengthening marital bonds.

Offering prayers to Skanda on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th days of Skanda Shashti can bestow relief from health issues and attract positivity.

Worshipping him on the 5th and 6th days brings spiritual bliss, prosperity, and success in career.

How to Celebrate Skanda Shasti 

Devotees observe vrat/fast, pray, and sing devotional songs for 6 days. Muruga had waged war for 6 days against the demons. On these days, many devotees stay in temples. The incidents that led to the battle are dramatized in Tiruchendur and Tiruparankundram. Devotees offer Kavadi on the day of Skanda Shasti.

Skanda Shashti Rituals

Keep fast for 6 days.

Avoid eating non-veg food, onions, garlic, and alcohol. Consume only milk or fresh fruits.

On the day of Skanda Shashti, worship Shiva and Parvati.

Light a candle or lamp before Skanda’s idol.

Pour holy water or milk on the idol. Clothe the idol in new attire.

Offer food or sweets as prasad.

Read the Skanda Purana and chant Skanda Shashti Kavacham.

Chant the Skanda Shashti Mantra during the fast.

Chant the Skanda Shashti Mantra below 108 times daily.

Om Saravanabhavaya Namah

Thuthipporku Valvinaipom Thunbampom

Nenjil Pathipporku Selvam Palithuk Kathithongum

Nishtaiyum Kaikoodum

Nimalar Arul Kanthar Shashti Kavacham Thanai

Skanda Shasti 2023 in October is on 20th October, Friday.