Skanda is another name for Subrahmanya Shasthi. For Hindus, Subrahmanya Shasthi is a significant festival dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya (Skanda). According to the Hindu calendar, it is observed on the ‘Shasthi’ (6th day) tithi during the Shukla Paksha (the bright fortnight of the moon) in the month of ‘Margashira.’

Subrahmanya Sashti Date 2023

Monday, 18 December 2023

In houses, Subrahmanya Sashti puja is performed with tremendous devotion. The puja usually lasts six days, beginning on the Prathama Thith (the next day after Amavasya, or no moon day) and ending on the Sashti Thithi (the sixth day of the lunar month during the waxing phase).

Early in the morning, take a holy bath and prepare the altar with Lord Ganesh and Subrahmanya’s pictures or idols. The divine weapon of Muruga, the spear or Vel, is mounted on a pedestal in some homes, signifying Lord Subrahmanya himself, and the puja is performed. Flowers, incense, sandal paste, vermilion, turmeric powder, and Prasad of the devotee’s choice are offered during the puja, which is followed by the chanting of Skanda Shashti kavacham, Subrahmanya Bhujangam, or the reading of Skanda Purana or legends about Lord Muruga.

Subrahmanya Sashti Fasting Rules

• The devotee can fast for six days or one day, according to on his or her convenience.

• On certain days, non-vegetarian eating is strictly prohibited. Garlic and onions are even avoided by some people.

• During the vrat, devotees visit as many subrahmanya temples as they can.

• On days off, devotees eat only one meal, which might be either lunch or dinner.

• Some adherents only consume fruits, coconut water, and juices.

• The fundamental core of vrat is not telling lies or getting angry.

Subrahmanya Sashti Benefits

The Subrahmanya Sashti Vrat is claimed to be highly efficacious in gaining Lord Subrahmanya’s blessings and bestowing all wealth on worshippers. Tamil Nadu and Kerala are well-known for this. According to mythology, a Puranic king named Muchukunda observed this vrat at the request of sage Vasishta and gained an immortal reputation as well as a large kingdom spanning all three planets.