- By Kashish Rai
- Wed, 30 Apr 2025 12:17 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Skanda Sashti May 2025: Skanda Sashti is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to worshipping Lord Skanda, the God of war and son of Shiva and Parvati. Also referred to as Murugan, Kartikeyan and Subramanya, Lord Skanda is highly revered by Hindus across the globe. His devotees celebrate this festival on the Sashti Tithi of Shukla Paksha every month. Lord Skanda has a special reverence in Southern India, particularly among Tamil Hindus who consider him to be the younger brother of Lord Ganesha. Contrarily, northern Hindus consider him as the elder brother of Ganesha. Throughout regions, Skanda Sashti represents devotion, strength and the divine connection between the deities and their followers. The upcoming Skanda Sashti falls on 2nd May 2025, Friday.
Check all the significant details about Skanda Sashti in May 2025 below.
Skanda Sashti May 2025: Date And Time
- Skanda Sashti May 2025 Date: 2nd May 2025, Friday
- Sashti Tithi Begins: 09:14 AM, 2nd May 2025
- Sashti Tithi Ends: 07:51 AM, 3rd May 2025
Skanda Sashti May 2025: Significance
Skanda Sashti Vratham is a fortnightly festival commemorated on the sixth day of every lunar fortnight, when the devotees fast or half-fast to pay homage to Lord Muruga. Of all Sashti Vrathams, the Kanda Sashti Vratham that falls in the Tamil month of Aippasi (October-November) is the most important. This festival marks the triumph of Lord Muruga over the demon Surapadman, which is commemorated as Soorasamharam with great fervour and celebration in temples. Devotees believe that fasting, praying and following rituals during these six sacred days will invoke the blessings of Lord Muruga, who bestows protection, guidance and a better life. Others also view it as a means to purify their minds and bodies, renew their faith and intensify their spiritual bond with the divine. Through Skanda Sashti Vratham, believers try to come closer to Lord Muruga's tremendous power and benevolence, praying to attain his blessings, overcome their own problems and welcome success, good health and happiness into their lives with renewed spiritual vigour and faith.
Lord Subramanya, Kartikeyan or Skanda, is worshipped fervently on the occasion of Skanda Sashti. (Image Source: Canva)
Skanda Sashti May 2025: Rituals
Worshipers celebrate Skanda Sashti Vratam through fasting, prayer and charity. The day typically commences with a ritual bath, signifying purity and being prepared for worship. Thereafter, worshipers pray to Lord Murugan, offering flowers, fruits and other offerings at his temples in order to gain his blessings and protection. A salient component of the rituals is recitation of the Skanda Sashti Kavacham, a potent hymn that is recited to invoke the divine power of Lord Murugan and protect worshipers from injury.
Charity is significant in the practice of this vratam. The devotees donate food, clothes and money to the needy as these acts demonstrate kindness and devotion. Such a spirit of charity is in line with the teachings of Lord Murugan, which promote compassion and service to others. Some also participate in temple activities, assisting in preparations or contributing to community food and services. Devotional songs and hymns in praise of Lord Murugan are additionally recited on this day.
(Disclaimer: This content includes advice providing generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified spiritual or astrological opinion. Always consult a specialist for more information before adopting any measures.)