According to Hindu Panchang, the Shashti Tithi of Shukla Paksha in Chaitra month is celebrated as Skanda Shashti Vrat. This year Skanda Shashthi festival will be celebrated on Saturday, 13 April  2024. God Skanda is known by different names - Kartikeya, Murugan and Subramaniam. This festival is celebrated mainly in Southern India.

In South India, special Puja and rallies are organised to celebrate this festival. Lord Skanda is considered the son of Goddess Parvati and God Shiva. Lord Skanda is known as the commander of all the Gods.

Shashti Tithi is dedicated to God Skanda. It is believed that he was born on this date, that’s why this day is celebrated as his birthday also. On Shashti Tithi, devotees perform Puja and observe fast.

When is Skanda Shashti Vrat observed?

There are many facts associated with Skanda Shashti Vrat and Puja. According to Dharma Sindhu and Nirnaya Sindhu texts, if the Panchami Tithi ends or Shashti Tithi starts during the time between sunrise and sunset when these two dates coincide, then this day is considered auspicious for observing this fast.

The union of Shashti Tithi with Panchami Tithi is considered auspicious for Skanda Shashti Vrat. It has been prescribed to observe this fast on this day. Sometimes Skanda Shashti Vrat is also observed on Panchami Tithi.

Skanda Shashti Katha

The story behind Lord Skanda is as follows:- Tarkasur, a devil was blessed with a boon that nobody can kill him, only the son of Lord Shiva can kill him. Taking advantage of this boon, he started torturing everyone. Tarakasura’s power keeps growing. He decides to use his power to defeat all Devtas and take the place of Indra. When the Devtas come to know of Tarkasura’s plan, they seek protection from Tridev.

Lord Vishnu assures them of help. He gets God Shiva married to Goddess Parvati. Both of them use their energy and create a Punj. This Punj is taken away by Agnidev, but he was not able to tolerate the heat and throws it in the Ganga. The Ganga too is not able to tolerate its heat. She takes the Punj and places it in the Shravan Van. This leads to the birth of a very beautiful child from that Punj. Six Kritikas spot that child and adopt him. The child is thus named Kartikeya.

Kartikeya is made the commander of Gods. He then attacks Tarkasur and defeats him. The death of Tarkasura brings peace again. The Devtas are relieved too.

Relation of God Skanda with South

Though God Skanda is worshipped across India, he holds great importance in the South of India. He is worshipped with different names in South India, and there are many temples dedicated to him. There is a very popular story that describes his relationship with South India.

According to this story, once God Kartikeya got angry with his mother Goddess Parvati, father God Shiva and brother Lord Ganesha. He then relocated to Mallikarjun. Due to this, South India became his native place. As per Vastu, the south direction is governed by Lord Skanda (Kartikeya).

How to perform Skanda Shashti Puja?

Kumar Kartikeya is worshipped on Skanda Shashti. His entire family is worshipped in this Puja. All problems of a person are sorted on performing this Puja as required. Conflicts or victory over enemies can be achieved by worshiping Lord Skanda on this day. This Puja brings success to a person in all walks of life.

God Skanda is a young boy, hence worshipping him increases the probability of bearing a child. Skanda Shashti Puja is also considered highly favourable to protect children and prevent them from falling prey to any diseases.

Skanda Shashti Puja Vidhi

On the day of Skanda Shashti, take a bath, wear clean clothes and chant the name of Skanda Kumar (Kartikeya).

• The idol or image of God Kartikeya as well as his other family members ie. Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and God Ganesha should be kept at the place of worship.
• Akshat, Haldi and Chandan Tilak should be applied to all the Gods.
• A Kalash filled with water and coconut on top should be placed in front of the Gods.
• Panchamrit, fruits, dry fruits, flowers, Itra, garlands, etc. should be offered.
• Cow Ghee Deepak should be lit.
• Skanda Shashti Mahatamaya should be recited.
• Skanda Bhagwan Aarti should be recited and Bhoga should be offered.
• The Bhoga should be distributed amongst everyone.

Worshiping Lord Skanda Kumar Karthikeya by following the correct procedure helps in sorting out troubles. Happiness and prosperity prevail in the family.

Importance of Skanda Shashti and work that can be done during this time

As per religious scriptures, Skanda Shashti is very auspicious for childbearing. Those who desire a child should worship Lord Kartikeya. It is believed by doing so couples are blessed with children. According to astrology, if Mars is placed inauspiciously in a horoscope, then worshiping Lord Kartikeya helps in reducing the negative impact of Mars. A devotee is relieved from untimely death if he/she worships Lord Kartikeya.