Skanda Sashti, a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Murugan, is a time for devotees to seek blessings and express their devotion through fasting, prayers, and rituals. Observed primarily by Tamil Hindus, Skanda Sashti holds great spiritual significance, particularly in southern India. In this article, we will explore the dates, timings, rituals, and spiritual significance of Skanda Sashti Vrat in 2025.
Skanda Sashti Dates and Timings
| Month (Lunar) | Day & Date | Begins | Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pausha, Shukla Shashthi | Sunday, January 5, 2025 | 10:00 PM, Jan 4 | 08:15 PM, Jan 5 |
| Magha, Shukla Shashthi | Monday, February 3, 2025 | 06:52 AM, Feb 3 | 04:37 AM, Feb 4 |
| Phalguna, Shukla Shashthi | Tuesday, March 4, 2025 | 03:16 PM, Mar 4 | 12:51 PM, Mar 5 |
| Chaitra, Shukla Shashthi | Thursday, April 3, 2025 | 11:49 PM, Apr 2 | 09:41 PM, Apr 3 |
| Vaishakha, Shukla Shashthi | Friday, May 2, 2025 | 09:14 AM, May 2 | 07:51 AM, May 3 |
| Jyeshtha, Shukla Shashthi | Sunday, June 1, 2025 | 08:15 PM, May 31 | 07:59 PM, Jun 1 |
| Ashadha, Shukla Shashthi | Monday, June 30, 2025 | 09:23 AM, Jun 30 | 10:20 AM, Jul 1 |
| Shravana, Shukla Shashthi | Wednesday, July 30, 2025 | 12:46 AM, Jul 30 | 02:41 AM, Jul 31 |
| Bhadrapada, Shukla Shashthi | Thursday, August 28, 2025 | 05:56 PM, Aug 28 | 08:21 PM, Aug 29 |
| Ashwina, Shukla Shashthi | Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 12:03 PM, Sep 27 | 02:27 PM, Sep 28 |
| Kartika, Shukla Shashthi | Monday, October 27, 2025 | 06:04 AM, Oct 27 | 07:59 AM, Oct 28 |
| Margashirsha, Shukla Shashthi | Wednesday, November 26, 2025 | 10:56 PM, Nov 25 | 12:01 AM, Nov 27 |
| Pausha, Shukla Shashthi | Thursday, December 25, 2025 | 01:42 PM, Dec 25 | 01:43 PM, Dec 26 |
Skanda Sashti falls on the sixth day (Sashti Tithi) of the waxing phase of the moon (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Kartika, which corresponds to the solar month of Aippasi or Karthikai. In 2025, Skanda Sashti will be observed on November 13.
The Sashti Tithi is specifically dedicated to Lord Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is a day when devotees fast and pray to invoke the blessings of Murugan.
In certain cases, the day when the Panchami Tithi (fifth day of the lunar phase) overlaps with Sashti Tithi is considered ideal for performing the Skanda Sashti Vrat. When Sashti Tithi begins after sunrise and ends before sunset, it is believed that the energy of both Panchami and Sashti Tithis combine, creating a spiritually powerful day. This combination is a key aspect of determining the exact day for the observance of Skanda Sashti.
The day before Skanda Sashti is often celebrated as Soorasamharam, a special event where Lord Murugan is believed to have vanquished the demon Soorapadman. The following day is celebrated as Tiru Kalyanam, the divine wedding of Lord Murugan and Deivayanai.
Skanda Sashti Vrat 2025: Rituals
The observance of Skanda Sashti involves several key rituals that help devotees connect spiritually with Lord Murugan. Here is a brief overview of the main practices:
- Fasting and Prayer: Devotees observe a fast for six days leading up to Skanda Sashti, refraining from consuming grains and certain foods. They engage in prayer and meditation, focusing on Lord Murugan and reciting his mantras.
- Soorasamharam Ritual: The Soorasamharam ritual is an important part of the Skanda Sashti Vrat. On this day, devotees commemorate the victory of Lord Murugan over the demon Soorapadman, often through grand processions and rituals at Murugan temples. In some temples, devotees recreate the battle between Lord Murugan and the demon, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.
- Tiru Kalyanam: After the Soorasamharam, the next day is celebrated as the divine wedding of Lord Murugan and his consort Deivayanai, known as Tiru Kalyanam. This event is marked by elaborate rituals, prayers, and temple processions.
- Visiting Murugan Temples: Many devotees visit famous Murugan temples, such as the Sri Subrahmanya Swami Devasthanam in Tiruchendur or Palani Murugan Temple to offer their prayers and participate in the festive rituals.
The spiritual significance of Skanda Sashti lies in the belief that Lord Murugan is a protector and saviour, who removes obstacles and brings peace to the lives of his devotees. Skanda, also known as Kartikeya, Subramanya, and Murugan, is revered for his wisdom, courage, and compassion.
Devotees observe Skanda Sashti Vrat with the hope of receiving divine blessings for spiritual growth, success in endeavours, and relief from difficulties. The fast and rituals are seen as a means to purify the mind, body, and soul, leading to spiritual advancement and inner peace.
Temples Dedicated to Lord Murugan
Lord Murugan is worshipped in several temples across India, especially in Tamil Nadu, where the festival of Skanda Sashti is celebrated with great fervour. Some of the most important Murugan temples, known as the Arupadaiveedu, are located in Tamil Nadu and are integral to the Skanda Sashti observance:
- Palani Murugan Temple (100 km southeast of Coimbatore)
- Swamimalai Murugan Temple (Near Kumbakonam)
- Thiruthani Murugan Temple (84 km from Chennai)
- Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple (10 km north of Madurai)
- Sri Subrahmanya Swami Devasthanam, Tiruchendur (40 km south of Thoothukudi)
- Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple (10 km south of Madurai)
In addition to these, the Kukke Subramanya Temple in Karnataka, although not part of the six abodes, is also an important shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan.
Skanda Sashti Vrat is a deeply spiritual and transformative event for Hindus, especially among those who worship Lord Murugan. In 2025, the festival will be observed on November 13, providing an opportunity for devotees to engage in fasting, prayers, and temple rituals in reverence to Lord Murugan. Through devotion, fasting, and rituals, devotees believe they can receive divine blessings for peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Whether in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, or elsewhere, the celebration of Skanda Sashti remains a powerful occasion for invoking the grace of Lord Murugan.
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