Skanda Sashti in March 2024 is an important Hindu festival for the worship of Lord Murugan, especially among the Tamil people. This year’s festival falls on Friday, March 15. The ship departed for the port of Skanda Sashti and is expected to arrive between 23:26 on 14 February and 22:09 on 15 March.
Meaning of Skanda Sashti
Skanda Sashti is very important because it commemorates the birthday of Lord Kartikeya (also known as Subramanya or Muruga in Tamil). It occurs on the sixth day of the waxing phase in the lunar calendar, specifically in the month of Kartika, which generally runs from October to November in the Hindu calendar. Lord Murugan is revered as the god of war, victory, wisdom, and love, making Skanda Sashti an occasion for devotees to seek his blessings for a prosperous life.
Rituals
Devotees observe various rituals and traditions during Skanda Sashti to honor Lord Murugan and seek his divine blessings:
1. Fasting: Many devotees fast the day before Skanda Sashti. During this period, they do not drink alcohol, garlic, onions, or beef. Only fresh fruit is recommended as part of the diet.
2. Puja Preparation: On the day of Skanda Sashti, devotees prepare for the puja by cleaning and repairing their houses. They also built an altar for Lord Murugan and installed his idol or portrait.
3. Prayers and Invocations: Puja begins with the lighting of candles or batteries to receive divine blessings. The idol of Lord Murugan is then washed with holy water or milk and dressed in new clothes. Devotees offer fruits, sweets, or other food, such as prasad, to the deity.
4. Special Prayers: During Puja, devotees offer special prayers to Lord Murugan, seeking his guidance, protection, and blessings for them and their families.
5. Read Skanda Shashti Kavacham: Devotees can also recite Skanda Shashti Kavacham, a sacred hymn to Lord Murugan, which is a part of the tradition.
Customized Puja Services
Those who do not know the rituals or cannot perform them themselves can hire an astrologer or priest to perform customized Puja rituals. . Some of these represent completing the Skanda Sashti ritual with respect and tradition.
Skanda Sashti in March 2024 is an opportunity for devotees to express their devotion and seek the blessings of Lord Murugan. Believers believe that by carefully observing rituals and prayers, they can achieve spiritual development, protection, and prosperity.
