Know the details about the Skanda Sashti Pooja Procedure Items List Prasadam Recipe, Skanda Sashti Pooja Procedure Step By Step Vidhia
Skanda Sashti Pooja: A Detailed Guide
Skanda Sashti, dedicated to Lord Murugan (also known as Kartikeya), is an auspicious day observed to seek his blessings for courage, strength, and protection from negative forces. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the Skanda Sashti pooja procedure, required items, prasadam recipe, and other essential details.
Skanda Sashti Pooja Procedure Items List Prasadam Recipe
About Skanda Sashti
Skanda Sashti is observed on the sixth day (Sashti) of the waxing moon phase (Shukla Paksha) each month. This day celebrates the victory of Lord Murugan over the demon Surapadman, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Devotees believe that worshipping Lord Murugan on this day brings immense spiritual benefits and fulfills their desires.
Required Items for Pooja
Before starting the pooja, gather the following items:
- Idol or Picture of Lord Murugan: For worship.
- Gangajal (Holy Water): For purification.
- Flowers: Preferably red flowers like hibiscus and lotus.
- Incense sticks and Dhoop: For fragrance.
- Lamp (Diya): Filled with ghee or oil.
- Camphor (Kapoor): For aarti.
- Kumkum (Vermilion) and Turmeric Powder: For tilak and offerings.
- Fruits and Sweets: As naivedyam or offering.
- Betel Leaves and Nuts: For offering.
- Panchamrit: A mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar.
- Rice and Sandalwood Paste: For tilak and offerings.
- Coconut: For breaking during the pooja.
- New Clothes or Red Cloth: To drape the idol or picture.
Step-by-Step Pooja Procedure
- Purification: Clean the pooja area and take a bath to purify yourself.
- Setup: Place the idol or picture of Lord Murugan on a clean red cloth.
- Invocation: Light the lamp and incense sticks. Offer flowers to Lord Murugan while chanting mantras.
- Kalash Setup: Fill a copper vessel (Kalash) with Gangajal, place a coconut on top, and decorate it with mango leaves.
- Tilak and Offering: Apply kumkum and turmeric powder as tilak to the idol and the Kalash. Offer betel leaves and nuts.
- Abhishekam: Perform Abhishekam by bathing the idol with Panchamrit and then with water.
- Decoration: Adorn the idol with fresh flowers, sandalwood paste, and kumkum.
- Offerings: Offer fruits, sweets, and other naivedyam to Lord Murugan.
- Chanting: Recite Kanda Sashti Kavacham, Subramanya Bhujangam, or any favorite Murugan mantra.
- Prayers: Pray with sincerity, seeking blessings for courage, strength, and protection.
- Aarti: Perform aarti with camphor while ringing the bell.
- Prasadam: Conclude the pooja by distributing the prasadam among family members.
Prasadam Recipe: Panchamrit
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons curd
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon ghee
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Preparation
- Mix all the ingredients in a clean bowl.
- Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Offer the Panchamrit as prasadam to Lord Murugan during the pooja.
- Distribute the prasadam among family members after the pooja.
Things to Know
- Fasting: Many devotees observe a fast on Skanda Sashti, consuming only fruits and milk.
- Mantras: Reciting “Om Saravanabhava” and other Murugan mantras throughout the day is considered auspicious.
- Charity: Donating food, clothes, or money to the needy is believed to bring good karma.
- Timings: Performing the pooja during Brahma Muhurta (early morning) is considered most beneficial.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the significance of Skanda Sashti? A: Skanda Sashti celebrates the victory of Lord Murugan over the demon Surapadman. Observing this day is believed to bring courage, strength, and protection from negative forces.
Q: Can women participate in Skanda Sashti pooja? A: Yes, women can participate and observe the pooja with devotion.
Q: What should I eat during the fast? A: Devotees usually consume fruits, milk, and water. Some also have one meal of satvik food.
Q: Is it necessary to perform the pooja at a specific time? A: While performing the pooja during Brahma Muhurta is considered most beneficial, you can perform it at any time during the day.
Q: Can I perform the pooja at home? A: Yes, you can perform the pooja at home by following the proper procedure and maintaining cleanliness and sanctity.
Observing Skanda Sashti with devotion and sincerity brings immense spiritual benefits. This guide aims to help you perform the pooja correctly and seek the blessings of Lord Murugan for a prosperous and protected life.