Masik Skanda Sashti
Also called: Monthly Kanda Sashti, Shukla Shashthi
A monthly day of discipline and prayer dedicated to Lord Murugan, encouraging devotees to cultivate courage, good health, and focus in daily life.
Key facts
- Paksha
- Shukla Paksha
- Lunar month
- Occurs throughout all 12 lunar months
- Deities
- Lord Murugan, Lord Kartikeya
The story
Scriptural lore narrates that continuous remembrance of Murugan shields devotees from planetary afflictions, enmity, and lack of self-confidence.
Practices
- Applying sacred ash (Vibhuti) and reciting the Skanda Shasti Kavacham
- Abhisheka of Vel with milk, rose water, and sandalwood
- Fasting on fruit or a single vegetarian meal
Regional variations
- Observed in Murugan temples and Tamil households worldwide on every Shukla Shashthi
Common questions
- Can women observe Skanda Sashti?
- Yes. Devotees of all backgrounds observe Skanda Sashti, frequently praying for the health and well-being of their children.
Types of Skanda Sashti
- Masik Skanda SashtiOccurs throughout all 12 lunar months
- SoorasamharamAippasi (Tamil calendar, Oct-Nov); Kartika (North India)