Skanda sashti vratam/Pooja

Skanda Sashti, the sixth day in the bright half of the month of Aippasi, is celebrated in Saivite temples all over Tamilnadu, and with an extra measure of grandeur in temples dedicated to Subramanya.

Skanda Sashti commemorates the destruction of evil by the Supreme General Kartikeya, son of Shiva, and is celebrated with the dramatic enactment of Soora Samhaaram. Mention must be made of the grand celebrations at Tirupparankunram, Tiruchendur and the remaining 'Aaru Padai Veedu' temples of Murugan.In 2010 Begins On November 7th And Ends On 13th November Shasti, the sixth day in a month of Hindu lunar calendar, is generally dedicated to Lord Muruga, also known as Subramanian.
The fasting of Skanda Shasti begins on the first Thithi after Deepavali. Legend has it that the battle between Lord Skanda and demon Surapadma continued for six days. Soorasamharam (killing of the demon) took place on the sixth day of the battle and Muruga killed the demon with his ‘Vel’ or lance.
During the fasting period, devotees confine to a single meal. Some people only fast on the Soorasamharam day. The fasting ends with the Tirukalyanam on the next day.
How to observe Skanda Shasti Vratam or Fasting?
Skanda Shasti or Kanda Shasthi Vratam is an important observance dedicated to Lord Muruga. It is observed in the Tamil month of Aippasi and most devotees fast during the 6-day period.
There is no common method of Skanda Shasti fasting. Different devotees observe it differently. But there are some basic rules followed by all the devotees.
• Non-vegetarian food is completely avoided during the period.
• Some people also avoid garlic and onions.
• Those who are observing the fast make it a point to read scriptures related to Lord Muruga or recite the Kanta Shasti Kavasam or Subramaniya Bhujangam.
• Most devotees also visit Skanda temples during the period.
• When it comes to Kanda Shasti fasting, some devotees only take a single meal a day.
• Some take the meal at noon and others at night.
• Some devotees confine to fruits and juices during the 6-day period.
There are several Skanda devotees who see the Vratam as an opportunity to clean the body and get rid of unwanted toxic elements. Such devotees confine to water, coconut water and other fruit juices.
The fasting ends on the Sixth day.
It must be noted that ‘Vrat’ or ‘Vratam’ in Sanskrit means ‘vow.’ Vratam should not be misunderstood as mere fasting. By observing a Vratam a person is trying to purify his mind through meditation, worship and by sticking to some ‘vow’ that he/she has taken. Now, this vow can include fasting, not telling lies, not getting anger etc. A vratam should be seen as a deliberate attempt on your part to bring back discipline into your life.
Fasting should be voluntary and it should not be done unwillingly. If you are taking medicines, do not observe intense fasting and stick to the routine suggested by your doctor.
How to perform Skanda Shasti Puja at home?
Here is a simple method to perform Skanda Shasti Puja at home. You can do this Puja on all six days of the Skanda Shasti Vratam or on the Soorasamharam day.

How to do pooja:
• Small idol or picture of Ganesha
• A vel or picture of Lord Subrahmanya
• Sandal Paste, water, turmeric, kumkum, flowers and usual puja items
After bath, clean the puja area.
• First pray to Lord Ganesha for removing all obstacles.
Now the main Puja begins
• First meditate on Lord Muruga – You can do this silently or by chanting Om vali devasena samedha Shri Subrahmanya Swaamine namaha dhyaayaamii
• Now invoke Lord Muruga – Take the idol or picture or Vel and keep it near you or hold it in your hands. You can silently pray to Muruga or chant Om Vali devasena… swaamine namaha aavaahayaamii
• Now you can place the idol in the appropriate place chosen by you in the puja area – you can chant – Om aasanam samarpayaamii
• Now you can sprinkle some water – Om…namaha arghyam
• Now you can pour some water on the feet or near the Vel –Om… namaha paadhyam
• Sprinkle some water again – Om… namaha aachamaniyam
• Now you can sprinkle rose water or usual water – Om… oupachaarika snaanam
• Sprinkle some water again as final purification –Om…snaanaanandharam aachamaniyam
• Now you can offer turmeric paste or if you have special dress for idol you can offer it –Om… vastraartham akshadaam
• Now you can offer Sandal Paste to the Vel or idol – Omgandhaan dhaarayaami
• Now you can do decorations with flowers or garlands –Om…gandhsyopari alankaaranaartham akshadaam
• Now you can offer kum kum – Om…haridraa kumkumam
• Finally, you can offer some flowers – Om…pshpaih poojayaami

Now you can light the lamp and chant Skanda shashti kavacham, Subrahmanya Bhujangam or read Skanda Purana or any tale related to Lord Muruga.
You can also perform archana after lighting the lamp or your usual method of daily puja with camphor and agarbathis.
If you have prepared any food (navediyam) you can offer it to the lord and perform Arathi.
At the end of the Puja you can thank Lord Ganesha for helping in successfully conducting the pooja.