2018 Skanda Sashti, Kanda Sashti dates: Skanda Sashti the Festival of Lord Subramanya
22 Monday Skanda Sashti
6th days, devotees recite inspiring hymns, read stories of Subramanya, and enact the exploits of the Lord on stage. Thousands of people gather for feasts, and massive amounts of camphor are burnt.
Om Sharavana Bhava
Skanda Sashti Celebrations
Corresponding to the six days of the war over the evil forces, devotees undertake fasts, prayers and devotional singing to Lord Muruga. Most of the devotees stay in the temples during these six days. In Tiruchendur and Tiruparankundram events leading to the conquest of the Asuras are dramatized and enacted. The offering of Kavadi on Skanda Sashti is a form of popular worship.
According to Swami Sivananda, ” the Lord spent His childhood in Tiruchendur and took Mahasamadhi at Kathirgamam. If anyone goes to Kathirgamam (Sri Lanka) with faith, devotion, and piety, and stays in the temple for two or three days, the Lord Himself grants His vision to the devotee.
Rituals/ Celebrations
Devotees undertake fasts, prayers, and worship to Lord Muruga. Many devotees stay in the temples during the six days. At Tiruchendur and Tiruparankundram, events leading to the conquest of the Asuras are enacted. The offering of Kavadi on Skanda Sashti is a form of worship. There is no particular ritual to observe Skanda Shashti, but there are basic guidelines of fasting. Several devotees keep fast by consuming fruits and unsalted foods. They chant Skanda Sashti Kavacham, a six-part prayer for protection and blessings from Lord Murugan and ‘Om Sharavana Bhava’ mantra to please the Almighty.
