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Festival Profile

Skanda Sashti

Sixth day devoted to Lord Murugan (Kartikeya), celebrating his victory over evil.

All festivals

Skanda Sashti is a day devoted to Lord Murugan (Kartikeya), celebrating his victory over the demon Surapadman.

Stories behind the festival

Victory over Surapadman

The demon Surapadman terrorised the heavens and earth. Lord Murugan, born to destroy evil, fought and defeated him on Skanda Sashti, establishing righteousness. The Soorasamharam festival commemorates this.
Skanda Purana

Why we celebrate

Skanda Sashti is a day devoted to Lord Murugan (Kartikeya), celebrating his victory over the demon Surapadman.
Skanda Purana; Tamil tradition

When

Skanda Sashti falls on the sixth day (Shashthi) of the bright fortnight of Kartik (October-November), and in the Tamil month of Aippasi.

Since when it is followed

The Murugan worship is ancient in South India, tied to the Skanda Purana.
Tamil tradition

Who celebrates / for whom

Celebrated by devotees of Lord Murugan, especially in Tamil Nadu.

Origin

The origin is the victory of Lord Murugan over the demon Surapadman, as told in the Skanda Purana.
Skanda Purana

Key deities

Lord Murugan (Kartikeya) and his consorts Valli and Deivanai.

How to celebrate

Visit Murugan temples, perform the abhishek and puja, and in the grand Soorasamharam re-enact the demon's defeat.

Rituals & offerings

Abhishek, puja, and the Soorasamharam celebration of Murugan's victory.

Key facts

The Soorasamharam is enacted at Tiruchendur with great devotion.
Tamil tradition