Skanda Sashti March 2025: Date, Time, Puja Rituals and Significance

Skanda Sashti is a deeply significant Hindu festival celebrated by devotees of Lord Murugan. It is a time when people come together to honor Lord Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and commemorate his legendary victory over the demon Surapadma. The festival falls on the sixth day of Phalguna this year it is being celebrated on March 4. It is widely observed in Tamil Nadu and other South Indian regions, where Lord Murugan is revered as a protector, warrior, and embodiment of courage.
Skanda Sashti 2025: Date and Time
Sashti Tithi Begins - March 4, 2025 - 3:16 PM
Sashti Tithi Ends - March 5, 2025: 12:51 PM
Skanda Sashti 2025: Significance
The primary significance of Skanda Sashti lies in the victory of Lord Murugan over Surapadma, a demon who created havoc in the celestial realms and threatened the peace of the universe. In this legendary battle, Lord Murugan, with his divine weapon, the Vel fought and defeated Surapadma, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. This event is seen as a reminder of the triumph of righteousness, strength, and divine intervention over destructive forces. Skanda Sashti is considered not only a celebration of Lord Murugan's victory but also an opportunity for devotees to seek his blessings for protection, prosperity, and happiness. It is believed that by observing the festival with sincere devotion, people can gain the courage to overcome their own personal obstacles and challenges, much like Lord Murugan did with Surapadma.
The history of Skanda Sashti is rooted in ancient Hinduism, particularly in the Skanda Purana, a key text that narrates the birth, life, and adventures of Lord Murugan. Lord Murugan's birth itself is considered a divine event, and his victory over Surapadma signifies the triumph of divine energy, courage, and righteousness.

Fasting and Self-Discipline
One of the most prominent aspects of Skanda Sashti is fasting. Devotees from Shashti day to Saptami. The fast is done in honor of Lord Murugan's penance and victory. During the fasting period, devotees consume only vegetarian food, avoiding non-vegetarian dishes, alcohol, and any indulgences that might distract from the spiritual goals of the festival.
Prayer and Temple Visits
The temples become vibrant centers of worship during Skanda Sashti, with rituals like the Abhishekam and archanai. Special poojas are conducted in the temples to honor Lord Murugan and to seek his blessings for spiritual and material well-being.
Kavadi Attam
Devotees carry Kavadis decorated structures that symbolize the burden or offering to Lord Murugan. These Kavadis are often made from bamboo and covered in flowers, and they represent the devotee’s devotion and penance. The processions are accompanied by music, dancing, and chanting, creating a highly devotional atmosphere.
Skanda Sashti 2025: Rituals and Practices
This involves five offerings to Lord Murugan incense, lights, flowers, fruit, and water. These offerings symbolize the devotee's respect and devotion to the deity, it often involves walking long distances to the Murugan temple, sometimes barefoot, as an act of penance and humility. Devotees observe a rigorous six-day fast, refraining from eating anything except vegetarian foods. Some also keep a strict fast by consuming only water or fruits. Lord Murugan is not only the god of war but also the god of wisdom, and he is deeply associated with the Tamil culture and language, his victory over Surapadma represents the triumph of good over evil.