Skanda Sashti Vrat February 2026: Date and Significance

When Is Skanda Sashti Vrat In February 2026

According to the Tamil lunar calendar, Skanda Sashti is observed on the sixth tithi and is dedicated to the worship of Lord Muruga, also known as Lord Skanda or Kartikeya. In Tamil Nadu and many parts of South India, this day is treated with deep devotion and disciplined observance.

In February 2026, the date of Skanda Sashti Vrat is as follows.

Detail	Date	Day
Skanda Sashti Vrat	22 February 2026	Sunday

On this day, devotees worship Lord Skanda, keep a fast and remember the six day divine battle in which he restored balance and protection for the Devas.

What Is Skanda Sashti And Who Is Lord Skanda

Skanda Sashti Vrat is directly linked to the victory of Lord Skanda, also called Kartikeya or Muruga. Lord Skanda is revered as the commander of the divine armies and the God of War. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is seen as a protector of the Devas and of dharma.

He is honoured as the force that ensures the triumph of righteousness over injustice. On Skanda Sashti, devotees remember the inner resolve that whenever negativity grows strong, divine strength arises to restore harmony.

Fasting and worship on this day are therefore understood not only as ritual acts but as a commitment to rise above fear, laziness and harmful tendencies within oneself.

The Story Of Lord Skanda And His Victory Over The Demons

Hindu scriptures describe the birth of Lord Skanda as a response to the cries of the Devas under attack from powerful demons.

Tarakasura, along with Simhamukha and Surapadma, created terror in the heavens. They built a vast army of demons and drove the Devas out of their rightful realms. Controlling these demons became almost impossible for the divine beings.

At that stage, the Devas approached Lord Shiva and prayed for help. Lord Shiva emerged from his deep Samadhi and, through the power of his third eye, brought forth Lord Skanda. Goddess Parvati and the other Devas then blessed him with various powers and weapons so that he could confront and defeat the demons.

A fierce battle followed, lasting six days. During these six days, Lord Skanda overcame Tarakasura, Simhamukha and Surapadma and freed the heavens from their grip. Skanda Sashti symbolises these six days of victory and devotees honour this through fasting and worship full of gratitude.

Why Is Skanda Sashti Vrat Observed

Skanda Sashti Vrat is regarded as very beneficial for progress, protection and inner strength.

It is believed that those who worship Lord Skanda sincerely on this day receive blessings of prosperity, recognition and happiness. Lord Skanda is said to grant his devotees the courage to face difficulties and the endurance to continue their efforts despite obstacles.

The fast is not only for outer gain. It is also a means of awakening inner steadiness and bravery. Skanda Sashti teaches a person to move from carelessness towards discipline and from confusion towards clarity.

How To Observe Skanda Sashti Vrat

The method of observing Skanda Sashti Vrat is simple but requires discipline and a sincere heart.

• Devotees wake up early, bathe and wear clean clothes
• They take a vow to fast from sunrise to sunset
• Many refrain completely from food and water, while some take only fruits or milk according to health and capacity
• They visit a temple of Lord Muruga or set up worship at home with a lamp before his image or deity form
• Throughout the day, they return again and again to prayer, mantra chanting and reading or listening to stories of Lord Skanda

The fast is typically broken after sunset with Arati, offerings and acceptance of Prasada.

Which Mantras And Hymns Are Important On Skanda Sashti

Among the devotional compositions for this observance, the “Skanda Sashti Kavacham” holds a special place.

It is a hymn dedicated to Lord Skanda, traditionally regarded as a protective and uplifting composition in Tamil. The opening lines are called Kaappu and the many following verses form the Kavacham. Practitioners recite it repeatedly during the fasting period so that the mind stays aligned with the remembrance of Lord Skanda.

Along with this, the mantra “Om Sharavana Bhava” is often chanted. Devotees may count 108 repetitions on a mala, allowing the mantra to calm the mind and deepen their devotion to Lord Muruga.

Rahu, Ketu, Kala Sarpa Dosha And Skanda Sashti

From an astrological point of view, Skanda Sashti is also considered important.

Those who are affected by challenging placements of Rahu or Ketu or who are described as having Kala Sarpa Dosha or Sarpa Shraap, are often advised to observe Skanda Sashti Vrat and worship Lord Skanda. The belief is that fasting, sincere worship and recitation of hymns on this day can soften the harsh impact of such configurations.

Devotees who keep the fast honestly, chant Skanda mantras and pay attention to their conduct may gradually feel a reduction in obstacles, a calming of fear and an increase in clarity in decision making.

Six Day Observances And The Discipline Of Skanda Sashti

Because the battle of Lord Skanda against the demons is said to have lasted six days, many traditions observe Skanda Sashti over a six day span.

• Each day begins with bathing, simple food and focused worship of Lord Skanda
• The Skanda Sashti Kavacham is recited multiple times every day
• Depending on strength and health, some devotees maintain a very simple diet throughout these six days and keep their attention on sadhana rather than on worldly distractions

Such a period of disciplined practice helps the mind to learn steadiness and to stay with one aim rather than scattering its energy.

Skanda Sashti As A Source Of Inner Courage

At its heart, Skanda Sashti speaks about courage.

The story of Lord Skanda shows that when a person aligns with the divine, the inner Tarakasura in the form of negative thoughts, addictions and fears can be brought under control. Through fasting, prayer and self control, confidence and patience grow over time.

Those who repeatedly face setbacks, discouragement or opposition can use Skanda Sashti as a moment to place their weaknesses at the feet of Lord Skanda and to step forward with a fresh resolve.

Bringing Skanda Sashti Vrat 2026 Into Daily Life

Skanda Sashti should not remain only as a single day of fasting that is soon forgotten.

It is helpful to link the observance with a commitment to face difficulties more calmly rather than running away from them. Along with worship, a person may decide to watch their anger, harsh speech and impulsive reactions and to consciously reduce them.

When Skanda Sashti becomes a foundation for daily discipline, courage and honesty, its promised blessings start to appear as real prosperity, respect and inner stability.

Common Questions

When will Skanda Sashti Vrat be observed in February 2026
Skanda Sashti Vrat in February 2026 will be observed on Sunday, 22 February. This day is kept as the special Skanda Sashti according to the Tamil calendar.

What is the main purpose of keeping the Skanda Sashti fast
The fast is kept to remember the victory of Lord Skanda and to seek courage, growth and protection in one’s own life. Devotees use the day to weaken fear and negativity through discipline, devotion and self awareness.

How is the fast typically observed on Skanda Sashti
Devotees bathe early, wear clean clothes and vow to fast from sunrise to sunset. Many avoid all food and water, while others take only fruits or milk. The day is spent in worship, temple visits, mantra chanting and listening to or reading about Lord Skanda.

Why are Skanda Sashti Kavacham and the mantra “Om Sharavana Bhava” important
Skanda Sashti Kavacham is a devotional hymn to Lord Skanda, traditionally recited for strength and protection during the observance. Repeating the mantra “Om Sharavana Bhava” 108 times helps to focus the mind and deepen connection with Lord Muruga.

For whom is Skanda Sashti Vrat especially recommended
Those with indications of Rahu, Ketu, Kala Sarpa Dosha or Sarpa Shraap are often advised to observe this Vrat. It is also supportive for people struggling with fear, low confidence, repeated obstacles or setbacks, as the discipline and worship of Skanda Sashti can nurture greater inner strength and steadiness.