Kumar Sashti

Shasti or Sashti is observed on the Shasti tithi, 6th lunar day of Shukla Paksha of every lunar month. This day is dedicated to Lord Muruga. Lord Kartikeya is worshipped by various names like ‘Kumara’, ‘Muruga’, ‘Skanda’ and ‘Subramanya’, thus the term ‘Kumar Sashti’. After Karthigai, Shasti tithi is a major power day to worship Lord Muruga. The Shasti tithi of Margashira month is a major festival in South India.

Kumar Sashti 2023

Legend of Shasti

Skanda Purana talks volumes about Lord Muruga, events associated with His birth, childhood, His bravery in war, His penance and His kundalini yoga skills. Lord Muruga was created from the Third eye of Lord Shiva in the form of 6 fiery flames that later became six baby boys. These six babies were taken to their foster mothers or Karthigai Pengal- Celestial maidens by Lord Agni and Lord Vayu. They nurtured and cared for the six babies until their boyhood. Once they attained boyhood, Goddess Parvati, amalgamated all six boys into a single boy with six heads and named him Shanmuga- A lord with six faces. He went onto win huge battles with demons and guard Pleiadeans, unveil Kundalini techniques to the mankind.

His battle with demon Surapadma lasted for six days and Lord Muruga defeated the demon on 6th day, Shasti tithi. So, Shasti tithi that appears every month is observed as the triumph of good over evil. Shasti tithi during the Shukla Paksha (the bright fortnight of moon) in the month of ‘Margashira’ that falls in the months of November-December is celebrated as the huge festival called Skanda Shasti.

Shasti Viratham

This day is observed with sincere devotion in South India, Muruga devotees fast all day or have one meal for the whole day, perform pooja and Dhaan. All the shasti tithis of the year are observed by sincere devotees. Wake up early morning, physical purification followed by mental purification through chanting mantras prepares us for a day long fast on Shasti. Clean worship altar of your house for pooja and prayer rituals. We can chant Muruga Mantras- learn Lord Muruga mantras here. Perform hydration ceremony- abhishekam for Muruga idol at home, offer flowers and offer a sattvic dessert as an offering. Visit Lord Muruga temple in the evening. Shasti tithi on Tuesdays are considered highly auspicious due to the vara’s overlord- Mars.

Benefits

Kumar Sashti festival dates between 2019 & 2029

Other Related Festivals