Skanda Sashti Vratham 2024: Date, Rituals, History and Significance

Celebrate Skanda Sashti 2024 with Lord Murugan: Victory, devotion, and divine blessings. [Image: Canva]

Skanda Sashti, also known as Kanda Shashti, is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Skanda, also known as Kartikeya or Murugan. It will be celebrated on Thursday, July 10, 2024.

This festival is particularly popular in South India, especially in Tamil Nadu, where devotees celebrate the victory of good over evil. Skanda Sashti promises to be a spiritually enriching event, attracting devotees from across the globe.

Skanda Sashti 2024 Date and Timings

Skanda Sashti holds immense significance for devotees of Lord Murugan. It commemorates the day when Lord Murugan defeated the demon Surapadman, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. This victory is celebrated with great fervor and devotion, highlighting the divine intervention in restoring peace and righteousness.

Lord Murugan is revered as the deity of war and victory, and he is considered the commander-in-chief of the celestial army. His devotees believe that worshipping him during Skanda Sashti brings courage, removes obstacles, and grants victory in personal and professional endeavors.

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Skanda Sashti Rituals

The rituals associated with Skanda Sashti are profound and spiritually uplifting. Here are some of the key rituals observed during this festival:

• Fasting: Devotees observe a rigorous fast during the six days of Skanda Sashti. Some opt for a complete fast, consuming only water, while others may take a single meal of fruits and milk. The fast is broken on the final day after the rituals are completed.
• Special Poojas and Abhishekams: Temples dedicated to Lord Murugan, especially the six abodes known as Arupadai Veedu, conduct special poojas and abhishekams (ritual bathing of the deity) throughout the six days. Devotees participate in these ceremonies with great devotion.
• Recitation of Skanda Sashti Kavacham: The Skanda Sashti Kavacham, a hymn in praise of Lord Murugan, is recited by devotees. This powerful hymn is believed to offer protection and blessings from the deity.
• Murugan Kavadi Attam: In some regions, devotees carry kavadis, which are ornamental structures carried on the shoulders, to the temple as an act of penance and devotion. The Kavadi Attam, a dance performed while carrying the kavadi, is a striking aspect of the festival.
• Soorasamharam: The climax of Skanda Sashti is the enactment of Soorasamharam, the battle between Lord Murugan and the demon Surapadman. This dramatic event is staged in many temples, drawing large crowds of devotees.

Skanda Sashti History

The origins of Skanda Sashti are rooted in ancient Hindu mythology. According to the Skanda Purana, a revered Hindu text, the demon Surapadman and his brothers terrorized the celestial beings and created chaos in the universe. Unable to withstand the tyranny, the gods sought the help of Lord Shiva, who created Lord Murugan from his divine energies.

Armed with the divine Vel (spear) given by his mother, Goddess Parvati, Lord Murugan waged a fierce battle against Surapadman and his forces. After several days of intense combat, Lord Murugan vanquished the demon on the sixth day, bringing peace and harmony to the universe. This event is commemorated as Skanda Sashti, symbolizing the eternal struggle between good and evil.

Want to experience the cultural richness of July? Check Complete List of Festival in July 2024.