Subrahmanya Shasthi – The Day Lord Murugan Grants Peace, Power, and Purity

Subrahmanya Shasthi, also known as Skanda Shasthi or Kartikeya Shasthi, is a sacred Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya (also known as Skanda, Murugan, Velan Kumaran, and Tamil Kadavul). It is observed on the Shukla Paksha Shasthi tithi (6th day of the waxing moon) in the month of Margashira (November–December).

In 2025, Subrahmanya Shasthi falls on Wednesday, November 26.

Significance

The festival commemorates Lord Subrahmanya’s victory over the demon Tarakasura, symbolizing the triumph of divine wisdom over ignorance.
He is worshipped in the form of a five-headed serpent, believed to relieve devotees from Sarpa Dosha (afflictions caused by snake planets).
When the Shasthi falls on a Sunday, it is celebrated as Subrahmanya Champa Shasthi, with even greater spiritual intensity.

Rituals and Observances

Sacred Bath: Devotees wake at sunrise and bathe in holy rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, or Narmada.
Puja Offerings: Milk is poured over the snake mound form of the deity. Special naivedyam made from urad dal is offered.
Fasting: Many observe a vrat, consuming only one meal and avoiding onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food.
Bhajans and Kirtans: Devotees sing praises and read stories of Lord Murugan.
Temple Celebrations: Grand rituals are held at major shrines like Palani (Tamil Nadu) and Kukke Subrahmanya (Karnataka).
Charity: Donating food, clothes, and essentials to the needy is considered highly meritorious.

Spiritual Benefits

Worship on this day is believed to remove Sarpa Dosha, bring peace and prosperity, and purify sins, even those as grave as Brahma Hatya.
Lord Subrahmanya, the Commander of the Deva army, is revered for his sharp intellect and divine strength.

Scriptural References

Skanda Purana: This is the primary source detailing the birth, valor, and divine missions of Lord Subrahmanya (Skanda). It narrates the battle against Tarakasura, the Sura Samharam, and the significance of Shasthi tithi as the day of victory and divine grace.
Subrahmanya Bhujangam by Adi Shankaracharya: A revered hymn that praises Lord Subrahmanya’s divine qualities and is often recited during Shasthi vratam.
Skanda Shashti Kavacham: A Tamil devotional hymn that acts as a spiritual armor, widely recited during the six-day observance leading to Shasthi.
The Sarpa Dosha Nivarana aspect is rooted in Puranic beliefs where Lord Subrahmanya is worshipped in serpent form to relieve afflictions caused by snake planets, as seen in rituals like Sarpa Samskara.

Temples to Visit

Kukke Subrahmanya Temple – Karnataka

Located in the Western Ghats, this temple is famous for Sarpa Samskara and Ashlesha Bali rituals.
Lord Subrahmanya is worshipped alongside Vasuki, the serpent deity.

Palani Murugan Temple – Tamil Nadu

One of the Arupadai Veedu (six abodes of Murugan), Palani is a major pilgrimage site.
Celebrations include Abhishekam, Vel puja, and processions.

Thiruchendur Murugan Temple – Tamil Nadu

Located on the seashore, this temple is associated with Sura Samharam.
The Skanda Shashti festival here reenacts the battle against Tarakasura.

Ghati Subrahmanya Temple – Karnataka

Known for its dual deity idol of Lord Subrahmanya and Lord Lakshmi Narasimha.
The temple is surrounded by lush greenery and is ideal for spiritual retreat.

Thirupparankundram, Swamimalai, and Pazhamudircholai – Tamil Nadu