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Skanda Sashti 2026: Date, Viratham, Fasting Rules and Soorasamharam
On September 22, 2026Skanda Sashti 2026
Overview
Skanda Sashti is a sacred Muruga festival that honors Lord Muruga's victory over Surapadman. Lord Muruga is also worshipped 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 observance reaches its main event with Soorasamharam on November 15, followed by Thirukalyanam on November 16.
Skanda Sashti is also observed every lunar month. Monthly Sashti, the annual six-day Kanda Sashti festival and Subrahmanya Sashti are related to Muruga worship, but they are not always the same calendar observance.
Let's know about the Skanda Sashti 2026 dates, Sashti Viratham, fasting rules, monthly Sashti, Subrahmanya Sashti, Muruga worship, spiritual significance and important Muruga temples.
Table of Content
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.
| 2026 Observance |
Date |
| Kanda Sashti Festival Begins |
November 10, 2026 |
| Kanda Sashti Day 2 |
November 11, 2026 |
| Kanda Sashti Day 3 |
November 12, 2026 |
| Kanda Sashti Day 4 |
November 13, 2026 |
| Kanda Sashti Day 5 |
November 14, 2026 |
| Soorasamharam |
November 15, 2026 |
| Thirukalyanam at Tiruchendur |
November 16, 2026 |
| Subrahmanya Sashti |
December 15, 2026 |
TheTiruchendur temple festival schedule lists November 10 to November 15 for the six-day Kanda Sashti celebration. Devotees should follow the local Panchang or temple schedule for exact Tithi timings because lunar timings can vary by location.
Calendar listings can show different dates for monthly Skanda Sashti and the annual Kanda Sashti festival. The annual festival linked with Soorasamharam follows its own six-day temple observance, while monthly Sashti appears throughout the year.
Six-Day Kanda Sashti Viratham
Kanda Sashti Viratham is a six-day devotional observance that leads to Soorasamharam. Devotees use these days for prayer, fasting, chanting and worship of Lord Muruga.
The six days remember Muruga's battle against Surapadman and the final victory on Sashti. Some devotees observe Viratham on all six days, while others keep a stricter fast mainly on the final day.
Soorasamharam 2026
Soorasamharam falls on Sunday, November 15, 2026. The observance remembers Lord Muruga's victory over Surapadman and forms the main event of the annual Kanda Sashti festival.
Soorasamharam also carries a spiritual meaning for devotees. Muruga's victory is often understood as the victory of courage, wisdom and Divine strength over fear, ego and negative tendencies.
Tiruchendur is especially known for the Soorasamharam celebration. The seashore Muruga temple draws large numbers of devotees during the six-day festival.
Meaning of Skanda Sashti and Monthly Sashti
Skanda Sashti is the sixth lunar day associated 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.
Lord Murugais also known as Kartikeya, Subrahmanya, Shanmukha and Saravana. Hindu tradition describes Muruga as the son of Shiva and Parvati and as a Divine warrior known for 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 were troubling the Devas.
The story of Skanda Sashti 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 is observed once a year. Monthly Skanda Sashti usually refers to the waxing-phase Sashti dedicated to Muruga.
The annual Kanda Sashti festival has a special connection with Soorasamharam. This six-day observance receives greater importance in many Tamil Muruga temples.
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 and is different from the waxing-phase Sashti usually highlighted for monthly Skanda worship.
Skanda Sashti and Subrahmanya Sashti
Skanda Sashti and Subrahmanya Sashti both honor Lord Muruga, but they can refer to different observances in the calendar. In 2026, the annual Kanda Sashti festival culminates with 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 observance.
Sashti Viratham: Fasting Rules and Practice
Sashti Viratham is a devotional fast observed in honor of Lord Muruga. The form of fasting can differ according to health, family tradition and personal ability.
Kanda Sashti Viratham may be observed for all six festival days or mainly on the final Sashti day. Some devotees take only fruits or liquids, while 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 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. Devotees may also read Skanda Sashti Kavacham or another familiar Muruga prayer.
Food during Sashti Viratham should match the form of fasting followed by the devotee. Some people take fruits, milk or one simple meal, while others observe a stricter fast according to their tradition.
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: Follow a Sattvic diet if taking meals during the fast.
- Follow the chosen fast: Fruits, milk, liquids or one simple meal may be used according to tradition.
- Avoid non-vegetarian food and intoxicants: Devotees generally keep the observance simple and pure.
- Maintain cleanliness: Keep the body, prayer space and surroundings clean.
- Spend time in prayer: Chant Muruga's names, read devotional hymns or meditate.
- Control speech and emotions: Avoid anger, harsh speech and unnecessary arguments.
- Break the fast according to tradition: Follow the practice used by the family or temple tradition.
Sashti Viratham is not only about avoiding food. Muruga traditions also give importance to positive thoughts, prayer and self-discipline during the fasting period.
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 and seek medical advice when needed.
Muruga Worship on Skanda Sashti
Skanda Sashti worship focuses on prayer to Lord Muruga for courage, wisdom, protection and spiritual strength. Devotees can worship Muruga at home, at a temple or through 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. Devotees can keep the worship simple and sincere.
- Light a lamp.
- Offer flowers to Lord Muruga.
- Offer fruits or simple Naivedyam.
- Pray before the Vel if one is kept in the home shrine.
- Chant Muruga's sacred names.
- Recite Skanda Sashti Kavacham or another familiar Muruga prayer.
- Chant “Om Saravanabhava Namaha” with devotion.
- Spend a few minutes in silent prayer or meditation.
Muruga worship does not need to be complicated to be meaningful. A simple prayer offered with devotion can form the heart of a home Skanda Sashti observance.
Temple Visit and Priest-Performed Muruga Pooja
A Muruga temple visit can add to the Skanda Sashti experience, but it is not the only way to observe the festival. Devotees who live near a Muruga temple may attend Abhishekam, Archana, chanting, processions or Soorasamharam.
Devotees who cannot travel can worship Lord Muruga from home. They may also arrange a priest-performed Muruga Pooja through AstroVed as part of their devotional observance.
Spiritual Benefits and Sacred Muruga Temples
Traditional Benefits of Sashti Viratham
Sashti Viratham is traditionally observed to deepen devotion to Lord Muruga and develop self-discipline. Devotees also pray for courage, clarity and inner strength during difficult periods.
- deepening devotion to Lord Muruga
- developing discipline and spiritual focus
- seeking courage during difficult situations
- praying for protection from negative influences
- building confidence and inner steadiness
- seeking guidance while facing obstacles
- strengthening prayer and devotional practice
The benefits of Sashti Viratham belong to religious and spiritual tradition. Fasting or Pooja should not be treated as a guarantee of health, wealth, marriage, career success or any specific material result.
Muruga's Six Sacred Abodes
The Arupadai Veedu are six important sacred abodes of Lord Muruga in Tamil Nadu. Each temple has a special place in Muruga tradition and attracts devotees throughout the year.
| Sacred Muruga Abode |
Location |
| Tirupparankundram |
Near Madurai |
| Tiruchendur |
Thoothukudi district |
| Palani |
Dindigul district |
| Swamimalai |
Near Kumbakonam |
| Tiruttani |
Tiruvallur district |
| Pazhamudircholai |
Near Madurai |
Tiruchendur has a special connection with the Skanda Sashti story and Soorasamharam. The temple tradition links Tiruchendur with Muruga's victory over Surapadman.
Devotees who cannot visit Tiruchendur can still observe Skanda Sashti with devotion. Fasting, chanting, home worship, charity and priest-performed Muruga Pooja are other ways to take part in the observance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skanda Sashti
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.
What is the Skanda Sashti 2026 date and time?
The main Soorasamharam observance falls on November 15, 2026. Exact Sashti Tithi timings vary by location, so devotees should check the local Panchang or temple schedule before planning formal rituals.
When does Kanda Sashti Viratham start in 2026?
The six-day Kanda Sashti festival at Tiruchendur begins on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. The observance continues through the Soorasamharam celebration on November 15.
When does Kanda Sashti Viratham end in 2026?
The six-day Kanda Sashti observance reaches its main completion with Soorasamharam on November 15, 2026. Tiruchendur celebrates Thirukalyanam on the following day, November 16.
When is Soorasamharam in 2026?
Soorasamharam is on Sunday, November 15, 2026. The event remembers Lord Muruga's victory over Surapadman.
What is Skanda Sashti?
Skanda Sashti is a Muruga observance connected with the sixth lunar day and Lord Muruga's victory over Surapadman. The major annual festival includes six days of worship and culminates in Soorasamharam.
Why is Skanda Sashti celebrated?
Skanda Sashti celebrates Lord Muruga's victory over Surapadman. Devotees also understand the festival as a reminder to overcome fear, ego and negative tendencies through courage, wisdom and devotion.
Is Skanda Sashti observed every month?
Yes, Skanda Sashti can be observed every lunar month on the waxing-phase Sashti. 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 culminates on November 15, 2026, while Subrahmanya Sashti falls on December 15, 2026.
What is Valarpirai Sashti?
Valarpirai Sashti is the sixth lunar day during the waxing phase of the Moon. It is also known as Shukla Paksha Sashti and commonly receives special importance for Muruga worship.
What is Theipirai Sashti?
Theipirai Sashti is the sixth lunar day during the waning phase of the Moon. It is also known as Krishna Paksha Sashti.
How to follow Sashti Viratham?
Sashti Viratham combines fasting with prayer, simple food, Muruga worship and self-discipline. The exact form of fasting should follow family tradition, personal health and individual capacity.
What are the fasting rules for Kanda Sashti?
Kanda Sashti fasting rules usually focus on simple food, devotional discipline and clean habits. Some devotees take fruits or milk, some eat one Sattvic meal and others follow a stricter fast according to their tradition.
What are the benefits of Sashti Viratham?
Traditional belief connects Sashti Viratham with devotion, courage, discipline, clarity and spiritual strength. These are religious beliefs and not guaranteed material outcomes.
Do I need to visit a Muruga temple during Skanda Sashti?
A Muruga temple visit is 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.
Which temples are famous for Skanda Sashti?
The six Arupadai Veedu temples are among the most important Muruga temples for devotees. Tiruchendur receives special attention during Kanda Sashti because of its strong connection with Soorasamharam.
Where can I witness Soorasamharam?
Tiruchendur Murugan Temple is one of the most famous places to witness Soorasamharam. The temple holds a major six-day Kanda Sashti celebration that culminates with the reenactment of Muruga's victory.
Conclusion
Skanda Sashti 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, with Soorasamharam on November 15.
Devotees can observe Skanda Sashti according to their health, family tradition and circumstances. Fasting, chanting, temple worship, home prayer and acts of devotion can all become part of the observance.
AstroVed's Muruga Pooja offers a priest-performed worship option for devotees who wish to include traditional Muruga worship in their Skanda Sashti observance.- Skanda Sashti
- skanda sashti viratham
- Soorasamharam
- soorasamharamm 2026
- thiruchendur
- Thiruchendur murugan temple
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