Skanda Sashti 2026: Date, Viratham, Fasting Rules and Soorasamharam

Overview

Skanda Sashti 2026 is a sacred Muruga festival that honors Lord Muruga's victory over Surapadman. Devotees also worship Lord Muruga as Skanda, Kartikeya, Subrahmanya, Shanmukha and Saravana.

The main Kanda Sashti festival in 2026 runs from November 10 to November 15 at Tiruchendur. The six-day festival reaches its main event with Soorasamharam on November 15. Thirukalyanam follows on November 16.

Skanda Sashti is also observed every lunar month. However, monthly Sashti, the annual six-day Kanda Sashti festival and Subrahmanya Sashti do not always fall on the same calendar date.

This blog covers the Skanda Sashti 2026 dates, Sashti Viratham, fasting rules, monthly Sashti, Subrahmanya Sashti, Muruga worship and important Muruga temples. You can also read AstroVed's Skanda Sashti guide for more background on the festival.

Table of Contents

Skanda Sashti 2026 Date, Viratham and Soorasamharam

The six-day Kanda Sashti festival at Tiruchendur begins on November 10, 2026 and continues through November 15, 2026. Soorasamharam takes place on the sixth day, November 15.

The Tiruchendur temple festival follows the six-day Kanda Sashti celebration. However, lunar timings can vary by location. Therefore, devotees should follow the local Panchang or temple schedule for exact Tithi timings.

Calendar listings may also show different dates for monthly Skanda Sashti and the annual festival. The annual Kanda Sashti festival leads to Soorasamharam, while monthly Sashti occurs throughout the year.

Six-Day Kanda Sashti Viratham

Kanda Sashti Viratham is a six-day period of prayer and fasting that leads to Soorasamharam. During these days, devotees focus on Lord Muruga through chanting, worship and self-discipline.

The six days remember Muruga's battle against Surapadman and his final victory on Sashti. Some devotees follow the Viratham for all six days. Others keep a stricter fast mainly on the final day.

AstroVed's guide to Skanda Sashti fasting explains the different ways devotees traditionally follow the six-day fast.

Soorasamharam 2026

Soorasamharam falls on Sunday, November 15, 2026. The event remembers Lord Muruga's victory over Surapadman and forms the main part of the annual Kanda Sashti festival.

For devotees, Soorasamharam also carries a deeper meaning. Muruga's victory represents courage, wisdom and Divine strength overcoming fear, ego and negative tendencies.

Tiruchendur is especially known for its Soorasamharam celebration. The seashore Muruga temple attracts many devotees during the festival. Visitors can also refer to the official Tiruchendur Subramania Swamy Temple website for temple information.

What Skanda Sashti Means and How Monthly Sashti Is Observed

Skanda Sashti is the sixth lunar day connected with the worship of Lord Skanda or Muruga. The word Sashti means the sixth lunar day, while Skanda is one of Lord Muruga's sacred names.

Devotees also know Lord Muruga as Kartikeya, Subrahmanya, Shanmukha and Saravana. Hindu tradition describes Muruga as the son of Shiva and Parvati. He is also known as a Divine warrior who represents courage and wisdom.

Sacred Meaning of Skanda Sashti

The annual Skanda Sashti festival celebrates Muruga's victory over Surapadman. Traditional accounts describe a six-day battle that ends with Muruga defeating the forces that troubled the Devas.

The story also represents an inner spiritual victory. Devotees connect Muruga's Vel with wisdom, clarity and the strength to overcome fear, anger, ego and confusion.

Monthly Sashti and Annual Kanda Sashti

Sashti occurs every lunar month, while the major Kanda Sashti festival takes place once a year. Monthly Skanda Sashti usually refers to the waxing-phase Sashti dedicated to Muruga.

In contrast, the annual Kanda Sashti festival has a special link with Soorasamharam. Many Tamil Muruga temples give greater importance to this six-day festival.

Valarpirai Sashti

Valarpirai Sashti is the sixth lunar day during the waxing phase of the Moon. It is also called Shukla Paksha Sashti and commonly receives special importance for Muruga worship.

Theipirai Sashti

Theipirai Sashti is the sixth lunar day during the waning phase of the Moon. It is also called Krishna Paksha Sashti. Therefore, it differs from the waxing-phase Sashti usually highlighted for monthly Muruga worship.

Skanda Sashti and Subrahmanya Sashti

Skanda Sashti and Subrahmanya Sashti both honor Lord Muruga, but they can refer to different dates in the calendar. In 2026, the annual Kanda Sashti festival reaches Soorasamharam on November 15.

Subrahmanya Sashti falls on December 15, 2026. Panchang tradition uses this name for the Skanda Sashti that follows the major Soorasamharam festival.

Skanda Sashti Viratham: Fasting Rules and Practice

Sashti Viratham is a devotional fast in honor of Lord Muruga. However, the form of fasting can change according to health, family tradition and personal ability.

Devotees may follow Kanda Sashti Viratham for all six festival days or mainly on the final Sashti day. Some take only fruits or liquids. Others follow a simple Sattvic diet.

Simple Way to Follow Kanda Sashti Viratham

Kanda Sashti Viratham can begin with a morning bath and a simple prayer to Lord Muruga. A devotee may then make a Sankalpam to spend the day with prayer, self-control and devotion.

Daily Sashti worship can include lighting a lamp, offering flowers or fruits and chanting Muruga's names. In addition, devotees may recite Skanda Sashti Kavacham or another familiar Muruga prayer.

Food during Sashti Viratham should match the form of fasting chosen by the devotee. For example, some people take fruits, milk or one simple meal. Others follow a stricter fast according to their tradition.

For another traditional approach, see AstroVed's guide on how to observe Skanda Shasti Vratam.

Kanda Sashti Fasting Rules

Kanda Sashti fasting rules are not the same for every devotee. The main purpose is to combine food discipline with prayer, clean habits and control of thoughts and actions.

• Choose simple food if you eat during the fast.
• Follow the type of fast that suits your tradition and health.
• Avoid non-vegetarian food and intoxicants during the observance.
• Keep the body, prayer space and surroundings clean.
• Spend time chanting Muruga's names or reading devotional hymns.
• Avoid anger, harsh speech and unnecessary arguments.
• Break the fast according to family or temple tradition.

Sashti Viratham is not only about avoiding food. Muruga traditions also give importance to prayer, positive thoughts and self-discipline.

A severe fast is not necessary for everyone. Children, older adults, pregnant people and anyone with a medical condition should choose a safe form of observance. When needed, they should also seek medical advice.

Muruga Worship on Skanda Sashti 2026

Skanda Sashti worship focuses on Lord Muruga and qualities such as courage, wisdom, protection and inner strength. Devotees can worship Muruga at home, visit a temple or arrange a priest-performed Pooja.

Simple Skanda Sashti Pooja at Home

A simple Skanda Sashti Pooja can begin with a clean prayer space and an image or idol of Lord Muruga. The worship does not need to be elaborate.

1. Light a lamp.
2. Offer flowers to Lord Muruga.
3. Offer fruits or simple Naivedyam.
4. Pray before the Vel if one is kept in the home shrine.
5. Chant Muruga's sacred names.
6. Recite Skanda Sashti Kavacham or another familiar prayer.
7. Chant "Om Saravanabhava Namaha" with devotion.
8. Spend a few minutes in silent prayer or meditation.

For a more detailed home worship sequence, see AstroVed's guide to performing Skanda Shasti Pooja at home.

Devotees who wish to understand the hymn can also read about the meaning of Kanda Shasti Kavasam.

Muruga worship does not need to be complicated to be meaningful. A simple prayer offered with focus and devotion can form the heart of a home Skanda Sashti observance.

Temple Visit and Priest-Performed Muruga Pooja

A visit to a Muruga temple can add to the Skanda Sashti experience. Devotees may attend Abishekam, Archana, chanting, processions or Soorasamharam according to the temple schedule.

However, travel is not essential for worship. Devotees who cannot visit a temple can pray from home. They may also arrange a priest-performed Muruga Pooja through AstroVed.

Muruga's Six Sacred Abodes

The Arupadai Veedu are six important sacred abodes of Lord Muruga in Tamil Nadu. Each temple holds a special place in Muruga tradition and attracts devotees throughout the year.

Tiruchendur has a special connection with the Skanda Sashti story and Soorasamharam. Temple tradition links this sacred place with Muruga's victory over Surapadman.

You can also explore AstroVed's guide to the Arupadai Veedu Muruga temples to learn more about the six sacred abodes.

Devotees who cannot visit Tiruchendur can still observe Skanda Sashti with devotion. Fasting, chanting, home worship, charity and Muruga Pooja are other ways to take part.

Conclusion

Skanda Sashti 2026 brings together fasting, prayer and the remembrance of Lord Muruga's victory over Surapadman. In 2026, the Tiruchendur Kanda Sashti festival runs from November 10 to November 15. Soorasamharam falls on November 15.

Devotees can observe Skanda Sashti according to their health, family tradition and circumstances. Therefore, fasting, chanting, temple worship, home prayer and acts of devotion can all become part of the festival.

Those who prefer traditional priest-performed worship can also include Muruga Pooja as part of their Skanda Sashti observance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skanda Sashti 2026

What is Skanda Sashti?

Skanda Sashti is a Muruga observance linked with the sixth lunar day and Lord Muruga's victory over Surapadman. The major annual festival includes six days of worship and ends with Soorasamharam.

When is Skanda Sashti in 2026?

The annual Kanda Sashti festival at Tiruchendur runs from November 10 to November 15, 2026. Soorasamharam falls on Sunday, November 15, 2026.

When is Soorasamharam in 2026?

Soorasamharam falls on Sunday, November 15, 2026. The event remembers Lord Muruga's victory over Surapadman.

Why is Skanda Sashti celebrated?

Skanda Sashti celebrates Lord Muruga's victory over Surapadman. Devotees also see the festival as a reminder to overcome fear, ego and negative tendencies through courage, wisdom and devotion.

Is Skanda Sashti observed every month?

Yes. Devotees can observe Skanda Sashti every lunar month on the waxing-phase Sashti. However, the annual Kanda Sashti festival connected with Soorasamharam receives special importance.

What is the difference between Skanda Sashti and Subrahmanya Sashti?

Both observances honor Lord Muruga, but they can fall on different dates. The annual Kanda Sashti festival reaches Soorasamharam on November 15, 2026. Subrahmanya Sashti falls on December 15, 2026.

How can I follow Sashti Viratham?

Sashti Viratham combines fasting with prayer, simple food, Muruga worship and self-discipline. The exact form of fasting should suit family tradition, personal health and individual ability.

Do I need to visit a Muruga temple during Skanda Sashti?

No. A Muruga temple visit can be meaningful, but it is not the only way to observe Skanda Sashti. Devotees can worship at home or arrange a priest-performed Muruga Pooja when travel is not possible.

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