In Hinduism, the Skanda Sashti festival is observed on the Shukla Paksha Sashti Tithi (sixth day of the waxing moon) every month. This day is considered highly auspicious for worshipping Lord Kartikeya, the elder son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to religious beliefs, worshipping Lord Kartikeya on this day removes life’s troubles and brings prosperity and happiness to the household.
Here’s everything you need to know about Skanda Sashti in January 2025, including the date, auspicious timings, and the proper way to perform the puja.
Skanda Sashti: Date and Auspicious Yogas
When is Skanda Sashti?
As per the Hindu calendar, the Shukla Paksha Sashti Tithi of the month of Paush will begin at 10:00 PM on January 4, 2025, and will end at 8:15 PM on January 5, 2025. According to the sunrise time, Skanda Sashti will be observed on January 5, 2025.
This day is further sanctified by the occurrence of three auspicious yogas: Tripushkar Yoga, Ravi Yoga, and Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga.
Auspicious Timings
- Brahma Muhurta: 5:26 AM to 6:20 AM
- Abhijit Muhurta: 12:06 PM to 12:47 PM
- Vijay Muhurta: 2:11 PM to 2:52 PM
- Tripushkar Yoga: 8:15 PM to 8:18 PM
- Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga: 8:18 PM (January 5) to 7:15 AM (January 6)
Puja Rituals for Skanda Sashti
- Preparation and Cleansing
- Begin the day with a holy bath and wear clean clothes.
- Clean your home temple thoroughly, removing any stale flowers or offerings.
- Establishing the Idol
- Place an idol or picture of Lord Kartikeya on a clean platform.
- Offer fruits, flowers, incense, lamps, sandalwood paste, and rice grains to the deity.
- Worship and Aarti
- Light a lamp in front of Lord Kartikeya and perform the puja with devotion.
- Sing the aarti and chant mantras dedicated to Lord Kartikeya.
- Chanting of Mantras
- Om Skandadevaya Namah
- Om Kumaraya Namah
- Om Shadananaya Namah
- Reading the Vrat Katha
- Recite the Skanda Sashti Vrat Katha to conclude the worship.
Significance of Skanda Sashti
Lord Kartikeya, known as the commander of the gods, is a symbol of courage, strength, and wisdom. Worshipping him on Skanda Sashti is believed to grant desired wishes, eliminate troubles, and fill life with peace and prosperity.
Celebrate this Skanda Sashti with dedication and receive the blessings of Lord Kartikeya for a happy and prosperous life.