Skanda Sashti 2025: Festival of Lord Murugan’s Divine Victory

Skanda Sashti is an important Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Murugan, also known as Kartikeya or Subrahmanya, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This festival celebrates Lord Murugan’s victory over the demon Surapadman, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. It is especially celebrated with great devotion in Tamil Nadu, other parts of South India, and by Tamil communities worldwide.

Dates and Timings

In 2025, Skanda Sashti will be observed on October 27. The festival typically begins on the sixth day (Shashti Tithi) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the Kartika month. The celebrations culminate in the Soorasamharam event, which reenacts the divine battle and victory of Lord Murugan over Surapadman.

Significance

Skanda Sashti epitomizes the spiritual victory of courage, righteousness, and virtue over evil forces. Lord Murugan represents bravery, wisdom, and divine protection. Devotees believe that observing Skanda Sashti clears negative energies, removes obstacles, and fills the devotee’s life with peace and prosperity.

Rituals and Observances

• Fasting: Devotees undertake a strict fast from sunrise to sunset, often consuming only fruits or milk, or maintaining a complete fast.

• Puja and Chanting: The day involves elaborate pujas at Murugan temples, offering flowers, fruits, and incense. Devotional hymns such as the Skanda Sashti Kavacham are chanted to invoke blessings.

• Soorasamharam: The grand highlight of the festival is the Soorasamharam ceremony held in the evening, dramatizing the victory over the demon Surapadman with a symbolic battle involving spectacular rituals and music.

• Community Participation: Many devotees participate in temple processions, devotional singing, and cultural programs.

Spiritual Benefits

Observing the Skanda Sashti vrat purifies the mind and body, strengthens willpower, and instills courage. It encourages devotees to overcome internal fears and worldly challenges with Lord Murugan’s grace.