Skanda Sashti Dates 2026

Skanda Sashti is the monthly vratham dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya Swamy (Skanda, Kartikeya, Kumaraswamy), observed on Shukla Paksha Shashti every month. Among these monthly Shashtis, Subrahmanya Sashti on Margashira Shukla Shashti is the most important one in the Telugu states.

The Birth of Skanda

The demon Tarakasura obtained a boon that only a son of Shiva could kill him, and began tormenting the devas. In answer to their prayers, Skanda was born from Shiva's radiance. Raised by the six Krittikas, he came to be called Kartikeya, and with his six faces, Shanmukha. As commander of the divine army he destroyed Tarakasura. In Tamil Nadu a six-day Skanda Sashti festival in the Kartika season ends with Soorasamharam on Shashti; for Telugu devotees, Margashira Subrahmanya Sashti is the main celebration.

Puja Steps

• Bathe in the morning, wear red or yellow clothes and take sankalpam.
• Perform milk abhishekam to an image or idol of Subrahmanya Swamy.
• Offer red flowers, sampangi flowers and kumkum archana.
• Chant the Shadakshari mantra "Om Sharavanabhava", Subrahmanya Ashtakam or Skanda Sashti Kavacham.
• Offer naivedyam such as chalimidi, vadapappu, panakam or payasam.
• Some devotees pour milk at snake anthills, worshipping the Lord in his serpent form.

Vratham Rules

Most devotees fast until the puja is complete and then take one sattvic meal. Some begin the observance on Panchami night itself. Onion, garlic and non-vegetarian food are avoided. Milk and fruit may be taken depending on one's health.

Subrahmanya Temples in Telugu Lands

The Subrahmanyeshwara Swamy temple at Mopidevi in Krishna district is the best known Subrahmanya kshetram in the Telugu states, where the Lord is worshipped as a serpent in an anthill. Many Subrahmanya temples across the region hold abhishekams and kalyanam on Shashti every month.

Benefits

Devotees believe Skanda Sashti vratham helps those praying for children, relieves naga dosha, removes fear of enemies and protects children's health. People facing Kuja (Mars) related obstacles also observe this vratham.

May the grace of Shanmukha keep every family happy and protected.