Subrahmanya Sashti 2026 – Triumph of Lord Subrahmanya (Murugan) over Demons

Full Date

14 December 2026 7:15 PM (Tithi begins) – 15 December 2026 9:19 PM (Tithi ends)

Muhurat Timings in India

• Soorasamharam – Epic Victory Reenactment

  At many Murugan temples, the six-day Kanda Shashti fast culminates in the Soorasamharam ritual where devotees witness the dramatic defeat of the demon by Lord Murugan.

  15 December 2026 Evening (approx) – 15 December 2026 Night (approx)

Introduction

Subrahmanya Sashti is a prominent Hindu festival celebrated on the sixth lunar day (Shashti) of the bright fortnight of the month of Margashirsha (or Kartika/Margasirsha) in the lunar calendar. It honours Lord Murugan (also called Subrahmanya, Skanda, Kartikeya) and commemorates his triumph over the demon Tarakasura. This day is marked by fasting, temple visits and special pujas, especially in South India.

Other Names

Skanda Sashti, Kanda Sashti, Murugan Sashti, Kukke Subramanya Sashti

Pooja Vidhi

• Clean the shrine area and place a picture or idol of Lord Murugan.
• Light a lamp and offer fresh flowers and fruit before the deity.
• Offer abhisheka: pour milk, honey and water over the idol while chanting Murugan mantras.
• Offer a small spear (vel) or symbolic representation and garland the deity.
• End the ritual with aarti, distribution of prasadam and mentally dedicate one’s vow to Murugan’s protection.

Rituals

• Devotees often observe a fast from sunrise till evening or the entire day.
• Visit Murugan temples and participate in special pujas and abhishekams (ritual bathing of the deity).
• Offerings such as flowers, fruits, milk, honey and vel (spear) symbol to Lord Murugan.
• Some perform Soorasamharam reenactments — the dramatic victory over the demon.
• Chanting of ‘Skanda Shasti Kavacham’ and recitation of hymns in praise of Lord Murugan.

Regional Highlights

• In Tamil Nadu, the six abodes of Murugan (Arupadai Veedu) see large crowds during this festival, especially in temples like Palani, Thiruthani and Tiruchendur. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• At the Kukke Subramanya Temple in Karnataka the festival is called Kukke Subramanya Sashti and attracts devotees from across Southern India. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• In Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, Murugan devotees also observe this day with special vows, temple processions and abhishekams.

History

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Murugan was born to destroy the demon Tarakasura and restore cosmic order. He led the divine army of the gods (Devas) and after defeating the demon, his victory is celebrated each year on Sashti day. Temples dedicated to Murugan such as the six abodes (Arupadai Veedu) in Tamil Nadu observe this festival with great fervour. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Additional Information

• The term ‘Sashti’ refers to the sixth lunar day when Lord Murugan vanquished the demon Tarakasura.
• Fasting on Sashti and performing Murugan’s worship on this day is believed to remove sins, obstacles and grant courage and wisdom to devotees. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• While many festival dates vary by region and lunar calendar nuance, December 15 2026 is observed in many parts of India for Subrahmanya Sashti. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}