Skanda Shashti – Vratham Guidelines

• Skanda Shashti (also called Kanda Sashti, Subrahmanya Sashti) celebrates Lord Muruga / Subrahmanya’s victory over the demon Surapadma, symbolizing the victory of Consciousness over Ignorance.
• Through disciplined vow (vratham), fasting, meditation, puja, and inner surrender, one aligns with Shakti + Shiva’s energy for transformation, courage, inner power, and removal of obstacles.
• In line with teachings of SPH, every external ritual is a mirror of internal transformation: the Vratham is not just external abstinence, but an inner tapas (discipline) and purification of body, mind, and consciousness.

🗓️ Duration & Timing

• The Vratham is typically observed for six days, starting from Prathama (1st lunar day after new moon) up to Shashti (6th lunar day of the waxing phase) in the month of Skanda Shashti (in Tamil month Aippasi / October–November) The Times of India

   

• The main highlight day is Shashti (6th day), the day of the demon’s defeat (Sura Samhara).
• On that day, people often recite Skanda Shashti Kavacham, perform homam / special pujas, and celebrate Soorasamharam (ritual enactment of demon’s destruction) followed by Kalyanam (divine wedding of Muruga) in many traditions. SVS Temple+1

   

• Ideally, observe the Vratham from sunrise to next sunrise, or as prescribed in your tradition.

🧘 Preparatory Practices (Before Vratham begins)

1. Purification (Shuddhi):

    

   • Bathe early, wear clean and simple clothes (preferably white or saffron).
   • Cleanse your puja space, altar, and tools.
   • Inner purification: resolve to drop negative emotions, gossip, anger, pride.
2. Pranayama / Meditation:

    

   • Begin each day with a short breathing practice or meditation to stabilize the mind.
   • Chant the Mahavakya (if you have it) or a sacred mantra given by your Guru in silence.
3. Invocation / Sankalpa:

    

   • On first day, take the sankalpa (vow) mentally or aloud: “I observe Skanda Shashti Vratham for _____ (purposes), with devotion, integrity, no interruptions, till Shashti.”
4. Vegetarian / Satvic Diet:

    

   • Avoid non‑vegetarian food, onion, garlic (if your tradition demands). The Times of India

      

   • Many choose to eat only one meal a day or subsist on fruits, coconut water, juices. The Times of India

      

   • Keep fast simple, clean, sattvic.
5. Restrict Negative Speech & Actions:

    

   • No lying, gossiping, criticizing.
   • Be kind, silent when possible, and maintain mental discipline.

🛐 Daily Ritual Structure (for Each Day 1 to 6)

Below is a sample template for each day. You may extend or enrich it with additional pujas, homas, or meditations recommended by your Guru.