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Skanda Shashti 2024: In the Tamil month of Aippasi, Skanda Sashti, also called Kanda Sashti, occurs on the sixth day of the Shukla Paksha or brilliant half of the moon. A significant celebration in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and other regions of South India is Skanda Sashti. The event, which honours Lord Subramanya, is held in Saivite temples. Skanda Sashti is marked with the theatrical performance of Soora Samhaaram, which honours Lord Kartikeya, son of Shiva, for his eradication of evil. The 'Padai Veedu' shrines of Murugan, located at Tirupparankunram, Tiruchendur, are the site of the grand festivities. Skanda Shashti is being observed on 11th July 2024.

Skanda Shashti 2024: Date And Time

- Skanda Shashti 2024 - July 11, 2024, Thursday

- Tithi Begins - 10:03 AM, July 11, 2024

- Tithi Ends - 12:32 PM, July 12, 2024

Skanda Shashti 2024: Significance Of This Sacred Day

On the day of Sashti, Lord Skanda slew the demon Soorapadman. The gods, unable to stand Soorapadam's terrible deeds, came to Lord Shiva and Parvati for help. Before Lord Skanda defeated Soorapadman, the two battled for six days. He divided Soorapadam in half by hurling the weapon at him. He adopted the first part as his horse, which turned into a peacock. The other was changed into his flag and turned into a rooster. The gods exulted and gave thanks to the Lord. During this time, devotees tell the Skanda Sashti Kavacham story. During the six days of Skanda Sashti, it is believed that everyone who fasts and prays to Lord Muruga would get his blessings.

Skanda Shashti 2024: Rituals Associated With This Day

Fasting, prayer, and adoration of Lord Muruga are performed by devotees. Over the course of the six days, many devotees remain at the temples. Things happen in Tiruchendur and Tiruparankundram that lead to the Asuras' triumph. Offering Kavadi on Skanda Sashti is a religious practice. Skanda Shashti is observed without a specific rite, however there are certain general rules about fasting. Followers refrain from all food types. A number of followers fast by eating unsalted meals and fruits. They recite the Om Sharavana Bhava mantra and the six-part Skanda Sashti Kavacham prayer to appease the Almighty and ask Lord Murugan for protection and blessings.

Skanda Shasti is celebrated to commemorate Lord Kartikeya's triumph over the demon Surapadman. Numerous additional names for Lord Kartikeya include Subramanya, Muruga, Skanda, and so forth. (Image Source: Canva)

Skanda Shashti 2024: Legend Associated With This Day

The Skanda Skanda's birth tale is revealed in the Shashti Vrata. The devas sought solace from the demon Tarakasura by going to the Brahma. He advised enlisting the aid of Kama, the deity of love, and Parvati. Parvathi consented to assist and underwent intense penance to get Lord Shiva's attention while he was in a profound state of concentration. When Shiva finally became agitated, Kamadev shot him love darts, and the fire of his third eye's wrath reduced Kamadeva to ashes.

Parvathi's penance and Kama's sacrifice were successful. From his samadhi, Lord Shiva was startled. But none could withstand the burning seed fragments that dropped into Agni's mouth, where they were subsequently picked up by the Ganges and thrown into Sara Forest. Skanda: By penance, Shiva's chaste strength was maintained. Krithikai was Skanda's mother. Karthikeya split up into six newborns, each to be cared for by six different moms. Subsequently, he took on the form of Shanmukha, the one with six faces on one body.

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Shanmukha transformed into the strong teenager Kumara. He became the God's army's Deva Senapathi. Skanda's mother gave him a strong Vel (lance). On the day of Sashti, he defeated the forces of Tarakasura, Surapadman, and Simhamukha. Skandha Sashti is observed on the sixth day (Sashti) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashada.

 

 


(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert from the relevant field.)