Sashti Tithi 2026

Sashti Tithi 2026

What is Sashti: Understanding Its Significance?

Sashti, also known as Shashthi, is the sixth day of the lunar fortnight observed during both Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) and Krishna Paksha (waning phase) of the moon. It holds deep spiritual significance, especially in South Indian traditions, where the day is revered for Lord Murugan (Kartikeya), the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is the commander of the divine forces and symbolizes courage, discipline, and the victory of dharma over adharma.

The most prominent observance is Skanda Sashti, celebrated on the sixth day of the waxing moon in the Tamil month of Aippasi (October–November). Devotees commemorate Lord Murugan’s triumph over the demon Surapadman, marking it as a day of spiritual victory, purification, and protection from evil influences.

Sashti is also associated with Goddess Shashthi, worshipped in North India as the guardian of children and childbirth. In this context, the tithi becomes significant for maternal blessings, fertility, and protection of infants.

Fasting, mantra chanting, and temple visits are commonly observed on this day. Sashti is believed to purify one’s karmas, strengthen spiritual resolve, and bring inner balance. It is a tithi of discipline, devotion, and divine grace, especially for those seeking strength to overcome life’s internal and external battles.

Mantras to Chant During Sashti

Sashti is a sacred day primarily dedicated to Lord Murugan (Kartikeya or Subramanya), the divine warrior and protector. It is also spiritually significant for Goddess Shashthi, the nurturer and guardian of children in North Indian traditions. Chanting specific mantras during this tithi helps invoke divine energy, overcome obstacles, and strengthen inner discipline and protection. Below are key mantras to recite during Sashti:

1. Subramanya Gayatri Mantra

“Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahasenaya Dhimahi Tanno Shanmukha Prachodayat”
Meaning: I meditate on the supreme warrior, Lord Mahasena (Murugan). May Lord Shanmukha guide and inspire my intellect.
Purpose: Enhances courage, clarity, and protection. Ideal for devotees seeking strength and spiritual energy.

2. Kanda Sashti Kavacham (Opening Lines)

“Siru thondar manam kulira, Arul purindha Deva!”
Meaning: O Lord who blesses humble devotees, shower your grace.
Purpose: Reciting verses from this powerful Tamil hymn invokes protection, especially against negative forces, diseases, and inner weaknesses.

3. Skanda Mantra

“Om Skandaya Namah”
Meaning: I bow to Lord Skanda (Murugan).
Purpose: A simple yet potent mantra that builds connection with the deity and invokes divine help in defeating ego and inner enemies.

4. Shashthi Devi Mantra (For Child Protection and Fertility)

“Om Shashthi Devyai Namah”
Meaning: Salutations to Goddess Shashthi, the nurturer of children.
Purpose: Ideal for mothers and families seeking blessings for childbearing, safe childbirth, or protection of young ones.

Chanting these mantras with sincerity and focus during Sashti tithi multiplies their spiritual potency.

Sashti (Shashthi) Tithi 2026 – Chennai Time

Month	Paksha	Sashti Timing (Start – End)
January	Krishna Paksha	Jan 08, 6:34 am – Jan 09, 7:05 am
February	Krishna Paksha	Feb 07, 1:19 am – Feb 08, 2:54 am
February	Shukla Paksha	Feb 22, 11:10 am – Feb 23, 9:09 am
March	Krishna Paksha	Mar 08, 9:11 pm – Mar 09, 11:27 pm
March	Shukla Paksha	Mar 23, 6:38 pm – Mar 24, 4:08 pm
April	Krishna Paksha	Apr 07, 4:35 pm – Apr 08, 7:02 pm
April	Shukla Paksha	Apr 22, 1:20 am – Apr 22, 10:50 pm
May	Krishna Paksha	May 07, 10:14 am – May 08, 12:22 pm
May	Shukla Paksha	May 21, 8:27 am – May 22, 6:25 am
June	Krishna Paksha	Jun 06, 1:20 am – Jun 07, 2:41 am
June	Shukla Paksha	Jun 19, 5:00 pm – Jun 20, 3:47 pm
July	Krishna Paksha	Jul 05, 1:31 pm – Jul 06, 1:47 pm
July	Shukla Paksha	Jul 19, 3:43 am – Jul 20, 3:30 am
August	Krishna Paksha	Aug 03, 10:54 pm – Aug 04, 10:03 pm
August	Shukla Paksha	Aug 17, 5:00 pm – Aug 18, 5:51 pm
September	Krishna Paksha	Sep 02, 6:13 am – Sep 03, 4:26 am
September	Shukla Paksha	Sep 16, 8:59 am – Sep 17, 10:48 am
October	Krishna Paksha	Oct 01, 12:35 pm – Oct 02, 10:15 am
October	Shukla Paksha	Oct 16, 3:25 am – Oct 17, 5:54 am
October	Krishna Paksha	Oct 30, 7:25 pm – Oct 31, 4:57 pm
November	Shukla Paksha	Nov 14, 11:24 pm – Nov 16, 2:01 am
November	Krishna Paksha	Nov 29, 3:57 am – Nov 30, 1:47 am
December	Shukla Paksha	Dec 14, 7:16 pm – Dec 15, 9:19 pm
December	Krishna Paksha	Dec 28, 2:58 pm – Dec 29, 1:25 pm

Remedies for Sashti

• Visit a Murugan temple on Sashti and offer sandalwood paste, red flowers, and a lamp to Lord Murugan, praying for victory over internal and external struggles.
• Observe a fast from sunrise to sunset with only fruits or water, dedicating your prayers to the removal of ego, anger, and karmic burdens.
• Book the Skanda Sashti Homa from the AstroBhava website to gain spiritual courage, cleanse subtle blockages, and overcome competitive or legal challenges.
• Perform the Kumara Homa via AstroBhava to invoke Lord Murugan’s blessings for wisdom, protection, and the successful pursuit of one’s life goals.
• Schedule the Murugan Abhishekam with Six Sacred Substances offered through AstroBhava to energize your aura and seek divine grace for success and clarity.
• Opt for the Sashti Special Puja for Career Obstacles from AstroBhava to remove delays and stagnation in professional growth through focused divine intervention.
• Avoid arguments and negative speech throughout the day, especially within the family, as disharmony on Sashti tithi disrupts the energetic benefits of the observance.
• Do not neglect your daily spiritual practice—chanting even a simple “Om Saravanabhavaya Namah” during this tithi draws immense vibrational strength and divine support.

Do’s During Sashti

• Wake up early, ideally during Brahma Muhurta (around 4:00–6:00 am), to align your energy with the divine vibrations of the day.
• Take a purifying bath using tulsi or neem-infused water to cleanse physical and subtle impurities before beginning any rituals.
• Observe a vrat (fast) according to your capacity—either nirjala (without water), phalahar (fruits), or sattvic foods—to purify body and mind.
• Chant Lord Murugan’s mantras, such as “Om Saravanabhavaya Namah” or the Skanda Gayatri, to invoke divine guidance and spiritual strength.
• Visit a nearby Murugan temple and offer red flowers, incense, sandalwood paste, and a ghee lamp as a symbol of devotion and surrender.
• Participate in or arrange for a Skanda Sashti Puja or Abhishekam to honor Lord Murugan’s triumph over negative forces and inner vices.
• Meditate with focused intention on personal growth, mental clarity, and removal of karmic blockages under the deity’s protective grace.
• Offer prayers for the well-being of siblings, as Lord Murugan is symbolically linked to the bond between brothers and sisters.
• Practice silence or mindful speech throughout the day to maintain spiritual energy and avoid unnecessary disturbances or gossip.
• Read scriptures or listen to stories related to Murugan, such as the “Kanda Puranam,” which spiritually enriches the observance.
• Light a lamp at home altar in the morning and evening and recite protective verses like “Kanda Sashti Kavacham.”
• Donate food, clothes, or money to the needy as a gesture of compassion, one of Murugan’s highest ideals.
• Offer milk or turmeric water to serpent mounds or ant hills if honoring the tithi’s Naga energy aspect.
• Engage in introspection or journaling to identify fears, ego patterns, or blocks that you’re ready to overcome.
• Support or serve your parents and elders with respect—it is believed to enhance blessings received on this day.
• Keep your surroundings clean and spiritually uplifting by burning camphor or using natural incense.
• Offer prayers to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva as well, recognizing Murugan as their divine son.
• Listen to devotional music dedicated to Murugan throughout the day to keep your inner atmosphere spiritually charged.
• Keep physical activities moderate and avoid lethargy—engage in conscious movement or seva as a form of worship.
• Use the day to affirm your spiritual goals, set intentions, or start new habits under divine guidance.

Don’ts During Sashti

• Do not consume non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic, or processed items on this tithi, as they lower the sattvic (pure) energy required for spiritual practice.
• Avoid sleeping during the day while observing a vrat (fast), as it reduces the spiritual potency of your observance and leads to lethargy.
• Refrain from indulging in gossip, idle talk, or arguments—negative speech is considered a major barrier to receiving divine blessings on Sashti.
• Do not disrespect elders, teachers, or spiritual authorities; humility and reverence are essential qualities encouraged by Lord Murugan’s path.
• Avoid skipping your spiritual practices such as mantra chanting, meditation, or prayer—even a short session is more effective than none.
• Do not engage in activities that disturb the earth, such as digging soil, removing anthills, or harming serpents, which may anger Naga energies associated with the day.
• Refrain from wearing black or overly flashy clothing for rituals—opt for clean, light-colored attire to maintain a sacred vibration during your observances.
• Do not break your fast abruptly or without gratitude and prayer, as it disrupts the spiritual cycle of purification and discipline.
• Avoid alcohol, smoking, and other tamasic (impure) habits, especially during the fasting period, as they pollute both body and aura.
• Do not participate in excessive sensory distractions such as binge-watching TV or overusing mobile devices—these dilute your spiritual focus.
• Refrain from showing anger, jealousy, or harsh behavior toward others; the goal of Sashti is inner purification and transformation.
• Avoid criticizing or comparing spiritual paths; the day honors divine grace in all its forms, and judgment blocks its flow.
• Don’t ignore the deeper meaning of rituals—perform them with intention and sincerity rather than mechanical routine.
• Avoid selfishness in thoughts or deeds—Sashti encourages service, surrender, and alignment with higher dharma.
• Do not delay offerings or rituals beyond the tithi window, especially on important observances like Skanda Sashti.
• Avoid laziness or procrastination; use the day for focused effort toward your goals, supported by divine blessings.
• Refrain from polluting your environment—don’t litter or waste food, as ecological respect is part of Murugan’s path.
• Do not overeat during the breaking of the fast—consume light, nutritious food mindfully and offer the first portion in prayer.
• Avoid ignoring intuitive signals or emotional insights that arise—Sashti is a powerful time for inner clarity and healing.
• Do not let the day pass without reflection. Even if you miss rituals, spend time in silence or prayer to honor the energy.
• Avoid sarcasm or ridiculing others’ beliefs or rituals—respect is vital for receiving the full spiritual merit of Sashti.

Benefits of Sashti Fasting

1. Deep Cleansing of Mind and Body

Fasting on Sashti allows the digestive system to rest, which supports physical detoxification. Simultaneously, refraining from indulgent food and activities reduces mental clutter. This dual cleansing effect creates a heightened state of awareness and inner purity, which is necessary for deeper spiritual practices and emotional balance. Over time, this leads to better concentration, lighter energy, and overall well-being.

2. Powerful Removal of Negative Energies

Sashti is associated with the victory of Lord Murugan over demonic forces. Fasting on this day invokes his energy to help eliminate internal and external negativities. People experiencing chronic setbacks, spiritual blockages, or emotional turbulence may notice a shift in their circumstances with regular Sashti observance. This fasting creates a protective aura around the practitioner.

3. Enhances Willpower and Self-Control

Voluntarily abstaining from food or comfort on Sashti strengthens discipline and willpower. This enhanced self-control spills over into other aspects of life, helping you make better decisions, avoid unhealthy habits, and pursue long-term goals. It becomes a training ground for mastering your mind and overcoming tendencies like procrastination, anger, or doubt.

4. Accelerates Spiritual Progress

The tithi of Sashti holds high spiritual vibrations. Fasting aligns your frequency to those divine energies, allowing for better absorption of mantras, deeper meditation, and intuitive insights. With regular practice, seekers often find greater alignment with their spiritual path, fewer distractions, and increased inner peace.

5. Strengthens Connection with Lord Murugan

Sashti fasting is a direct offering to Lord Murugan. Devotees experience a stronger personal relationship with the deity, feeling guided, protected, and supported in their challenges. This divine connection brings emotional stability, courage in adversity, and spiritual clarity to navigate complex situations in life.

6. Neutralizes Ancestral and Karmic Debts

Many issues in life are deeply rooted in ancestral karma. Sashti fasting, especially when observed with intention and mantra chanting, purifies subtle layers of karma. It opens the path for ancestral blessings and brings peace to past influences that may be affecting health, relationships, or financial flow.

7. Balances the Energy of Mars

Lord Murugan is associated with Mars (Kuja), the planet of strength, courage, and action. Those facing Mars-related doshas or aggression imbalances in their chart benefit from fasting on Sashti. It reduces conflicts, tempers emotional volatility, and channels Martian energy toward constructive goals.

8. Improves Physical Vitality and Stamina

Fasting, when done correctly, helps regulate metabolism and rejuvenate cells. Devotees often report increased energy, sharper focus, and improved immunity. This physical uplift supports the Murugan principle of being a warrior of light—strong in body, mind, and spirit.

9. Purifies the Subtle Energy Channels (Nadis)

Sashti is an auspicious time for energy purification. Fasting clears blockages in the nadis (energy channels), especially the ida and pingala, allowing prana to flow freely. This fosters greater emotional regulation, mental clarity, and deep spiritual experiences.

10. Resolves Internal Conflicts and Doubts

By stepping away from distractions and entering a state of sacred discipline, devotees experience inner alignment. Sashti fasting quiets the noise of conflicting thoughts and brings forth intuitive clarity. Decisions made during or after fasting periods are often more aligned with truth.

11. Promotes Harmony in Relationships

As inner agitation reduces through fasting, communication improves. Offering the fast to Lord Murugan can also help resolve family or sibling-related karmas, especially because he symbolizes unity among divine forces. Many notice softened relationships after consistent Sashti observance.

12. Assists in Overcoming Addictions

The energy of Sashti supports breaking patterns of dependency—whether related to food, emotional behavior, or substances. Fasting creates space to face root causes and develop resilience. With Murugan’s blessings, many devotees have successfully taken first steps toward long-term recovery.

13. Enhances Intuition and Inner Wisdom

As the body is light and the mind calm during fasting, inner guidance becomes clearer. Many devotees receive dreams, signs, or sudden intuitive insights. Sashti helps open the third eye (ajna chakra), linking you to higher consciousness and deeper self-understanding.

14. Stabilizes Emotional Fluctuations

By refraining from overindulgence and honoring discipline, emotions are naturally steadied. The act of fasting itself builds emotional maturity—moving from reactivity to conscious presence. This is especially helpful for those prone to anxiety, frustration, or mood swings.

15. Supports Manifestation of Higher Goals

Setting intentions during Sashti, especially when combined with fasting and prayer, magnifies manifestation power. The focused mind, purified body, and aligned energy field create a conducive environment for material and spiritual desires to unfold with divine support.

16. Fosters Inner Courage and Devotion

Facing discomfort willingly builds inner strength. Sashti fasting becomes a sacred offering that deepens devotion, not out of fear, but out of love for the divine. This nurtures courage, trust, and surrender—essential qualities for any seeker or householder.

17. Improves Digestive and Hormonal Balance

Periodic fasting supports healthy digestion and balances hormones, especially insulin and cortisol. For women, it may regulate cycles. For men, it boosts energy levels. These health benefits make fasting not just spiritual but physically rejuvenating too.

18. Reduces Tamas (Inertia) and Increases Sattva (Purity)

The fasting discipline eliminates tamasic qualities like laziness, confusion, and overindulgence. In its place, sattvic qualities emerge—such as calmness, clarity, patience, and joy. Sashti becomes a spiritual reset button when observed with sincerity.

19. Builds a Vibrational Shield Against Negativity

As your vibration increases through fasting, mantra, and ritual, you become less affected by external negativity, gossip, or emotional toxicity. Lord Murugan’s energy acts as a spiritual armor, protecting you in visible and invisible ways.

20. Establishes a Lifelong Practice of Self-Mastery

Fasting on Sashti each month instills rhythm, consistency, and sacred discipline. Over time, this monthly observance becomes a cornerstone of spiritual growth. It develops self-mastery—where your mind, desires, and energy come under conscious control.

FAQs Related to Sashti

1. What is Sashti and why is it spiritually significant?

Sashti is the sixth lunar day of each fortnight in the Hindu calendar. It is especially sacred to Lord Murugan (Skanda/Kartikeya), the divine warrior who symbolizes courage, dharma, and victory over negative forces. Sashti is a day to invoke his energy for protection, discipline, and inner strength.

2. Who should observe Sashti fasting?

Anyone seeking spiritual growth, mental clarity, physical purification, or relief from planetary doshas like Kuja (Mars) dosha can benefit. It’s especially ideal for devotees of Lord Murugan, those facing inner conflicts, or pursuing success in legal, competitive, or personal struggles.

3. How is Sashti typically observed?

Devotees observe fasting (nirjala, fruit-only, or light sattvic meals), chant Murugan mantras, visit temples, and recite scriptures like Kanda Sashti Kavacham. Many also offer abhishekam, perform homas, or engage in charitable acts.

4. What happens if I miss observing Sashti?

There’s no negative consequence. If missed, you can observe the next Sashti or fast on a spiritually significant day like Skanda Sashti. Consistent intention and devotion matter more than strict perfection.

5. Can women observe Sashti vrat during menstruation?

Traditionally, women may refrain from temple visits or pujas during menstruation, but they can still mentally offer the vrat, chant mantras, and observe fasting in a simplified way.

6. Is Sashti only for South Indians or Murugan devotees?

No. While Lord Murugan is widely worshipped in South India, his energy of divine protection and spiritual valor is universal. Anyone, regardless of region, can connect to this powerful tithi.

7. What benefits can I expect from regular Sashti observance?

Regular fasting and rituals on Sashti promote self-discipline, protection, courage, emotional clarity, and karmic relief. Over time, it enhances spiritual insight and purifies inner patterns that obstruct growth.

8. Are there specific temples associated with Sashti observance?

Yes, temples like Thiruchendur, Palani, Swamimalai, and Marudhamalai in Tamil Nadu are highly revered. However, Murugan’s blessings can be invoked at any temple or home altar with devotion.