Shashthi
षष्ठी • Shashthi
"Sixth"
Shashtha (six) + I (suffix) = The sixth one
Kartikeya (Skanda/Murugan)
Kartikeya is the god of war and commander of the divine army. Son of Shiva and Parvati, he represents victory, youth, and valor.
Calculation Details
| Shukla Paksha | 60° to 72° elongation of Moon from Sun |
| Krishna Paksha | 240° to 252° elongation of Moon from Sun |
| Formula | Tithi = (Moon longitude - Sun longitude) / 12 |
| Duration | Approximately 19-26 hours (varies) |
Shukla & Krishna Paksha
Shukla Paksha (Waxing)
Sixth day of waxing moon - victory and children's welfare
Excellent for competitive activities and child-related matters
Krishna Paksha (Waning)
Sixth day of waning moon - protective energy for children
Good for children's protection and health
Auspicious & Inauspicious Activities
Auspicious Activities
- Coronation and assuming leadership — Kartikeya is commander of divine army
- Meeting influential and powerful people — Victory energy supports authority
- Starting military or competitive activities — Kartikeya is the war god
- Sports competitions and athletic events — Victory-oriented energy
- Children-related activities and ceremonies — Kartikeya protects children
- Kartikeya/Murugan worship — His special tithi
- Starting training and discipline — Kartikeya represents discipline
Inauspicious Activities
- Long journeys in certain directions — Some traditions advise caution
- Peaceful negotiations requiring compromise — Victory energy not suitable for compromise
Associated Festivals
Chhath Puja
Sun worship festival; major in Bihar, UP, Jharkhand
Skanda Shashthi
Kartikeya's victory celebration
Sitala Shashthi
Goddess Sitala worship for children
Shashthi Shraddha
Shraddha for ancestors who died on Shashthi
Spiritual Significance
Represents divine youth, victory, and the power to overcome obstacles through valor
Practices
- Kartikeya/Murugan Puja
- Skanda Shashthi Vrat
- Chhath Puja (Sun worship)
- Sitala Mata worship
Health & Profession
Health
| Focus | Excellent for children's health matters |
| Advice | Good day for pediatric treatments |
| Caution | Worship Sitala Mata for protection from childhood diseases |
Profession
All competitive and leadership activities
Remedies
- Worship Lord Kartikeya/Murugan
- Offer red flowers
- Recite Skanda Shashthi Kavacham
- Visit Murugan temples
Mantras
Om Saravana Bhavaya Namah
Om Skandaya Namah
Om Shashthyai Namah
Classical References
| Brihat Samhita | Shashthi is ruled by Kartikeya; excellent for victory and children |
| Skanda Purana | Devoted to Skanda (Kartikeya); his exploits and worship |
| Muhurta Chintamani | Good tithi for competitive activities |
Regional Variations
| Bihar | Chhath Puja is the biggest festival |
| Tamilnadu | Skanda Shashthi major Murugan festival |
| Maharashtra | Sitala Shashthi for children's protection |
| Bengal | Jamai Shashthi - sons-in-law honored |
Shashthi occurs when the Moon has moved 60-72 degrees ahead of the Sun (Shukla) or 240-252 degrees (Krishna). Moon approaching first quarter phase.
