Are Skanda Sashti and Soora Samharam different?

Skanda Sashti is the six-day observance; Soora Samharam is the event on the final day, when Murugan's destruction of the demon Soorapadman is enacted. Tiruchendur's is the famous one. The detail people remember is that the demon becomes Murugan's peacock and his rooster banner rather than simply being killed.

Soora Samharam

Tamil

सूर संहारम · સૂર સંહારમ

2026

15 November 2026

Sunday · Shukla Shashthi

Tithi begins11:24 PM · 14 Nov

Tithi ends02:01 AM · 16 Nov

Full panchang for this day

About

Dramatic re-enactment of Lord Murugan slaying the demon Soorapadman. Grand festival at Tiruchendur temple.

Falls on: Sashti tithi in Aippasi or Kartikai, October or November, closing a six-day fast

What it is

Murugan's destruction of Soorapadman. In the account, the demon takes the form of a mango tree; Murugan splits it, and the two halves become his peacock mount and his rooster banner, an enemy transformed rather than destroyed. Enacted at Tiruchendur before enormous crowds on the sixth day.

Food

A six-day fast, often on one meal a day; broken with sundal and payasam.

Common questions

Are Skanda Sashti and Soora Samharam different?: Skanda Sashti is the six-day observance; Soora Samharam is the event on the final day, when Murugan's destruction of the demon Soorapadman is enacted. Tiruchendur's is the famous one. The detail people remember is that the demon becomes Murugan's peacock and his rooster banner rather than simply being killed.

Soora Samharam date in 2025 Soora Samharam date in 2027