Kumara Sashti 2024: Date, Puja Timings, Pooja Procedure, and Significance

Kumara Sashti, also known as Skanda Sashti, is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Murugan (also called Kartikeya), the warrior deity and son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Traditionally celebrated by Tamil Hindus, it is observed on the sixth day (Shashti) of the bright lunar fortnight (Waxing Moon) in the Hindu month of Aippasi (October-November). See below for the 2024 Kumara Sashti Date Puja Timings  in detail.

2024 Kumara Sashti Date Puja Timings

Date:

• June 11, 2024

Puja Timings:

The exact timing for performing the Kumara Sashti puja can vary slightly depending on local customs and sunrise/sunset times. However, the general auspicious period (Muhurta) for conducting the puja rituals is during the Shashti Tithi.

• Shashti Tithi Begins: 10:30 AM on June 10, 2024
• Shashti Tithi Ends: 12:45 PM on June 11, 2024

It’s ideal to perform the main rituals during the daytime while the Shashti Tithi is active.

Significance of Kumara Sashti

Kumara Sashti holds immense religious importance as it commemorates the victory of Lord Murugan over the demon Soorapadman. According to Hindu mythology, this victory symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. Devotees believe that observing fasts and performing pujas on this day can cleanse them of sins, remove obstacles, and grant them courage and strength.

Lord Murugan is revered for his valor and wisdom, and worshiping him during Kumara Sashti is believed to bestow these qualities upon devotees. The festival is also an expression of gratitude towards the deity for his protection and blessings.

How to Do Kumara Sashti Pooja at Home

Performing the Kumara Sashti puja at home involves several steps, which should be conducted with devotion and reverence towards Lord Murugan. Here is a detailed guide:

Preparation:

1. Clean the House and Puja Area: Ensure that the house and the area where the puja will be performed are thoroughly cleaned. This represents purity and respect for the deity.
2. Set up the Altar: Place an idol or picture of Lord Murugan on a decorated altar. You can use flowers, lamps, and other decorative items.
3. Gather Puja Items: Ensure you have all necessary items such as turmeric, sandalwood paste, kumkum (vermilion), incense sticks, diyas (lamps), camphor, fresh fruits, coconut, betel leaves, and nuts.

Fasting:

Many devotees observe a fast on Kumara Sashti, refraining from consuming food until the puja is completed. If fasting strictly isn’t possible, one may opt for a partial fast by consuming fruits and milk.

Performing the Puja:

1. Invoke Lord Murugan: Begin by lighting the lamp and incense sticks. Offer prayers to Lord Ganesha to remove any obstacles.
2. Offerings (Naivedyam): Prepare and offer prasadam (food offerings) like fruits, sweets, and coconut. Traditional dishes like payasam (sweet pudding) and appam (sweet pancakes) are common.
3. Chant Mantras and Slokas: Recite hymns and mantras dedicated to Lord Murugan, such as the “Skanda Shasti Kavacham” or “Subramanya Bhujangam.”
4. Perform Abhishekam: Bathe the idol with water, milk, honey, and other sacred items. Wipe the idol clean and dress it in new clothes.
5. Aarti: Perform the aarti by waving camphor or a lit lamp in circular motions in front of the deity while singing devotional songs.
6. Conclude the Puja: End the puja by distributing the prasadam among family members and other devotees.

Prasadam Items List

Prasadam, or the food offerings made to the deity, holds a special significance in Hindu rituals. For Kumara Sashti, the following items are commonly prepared:

1. Pongal: A sweet rice dish made with jaggery or a savory version made with lentils and spices.
2. Payasam: A traditional sweet pudding made with rice, milk, and sugar or jaggery.
3. Appam: Sweet pancakes made from rice flour, jaggery, and coconut.
4. Fruits: Fresh fruits like bananas, apples, and oranges.
5. Coconut: Whole coconuts are offered and later distributed as prasadam.
6. Sweets and Savories: Various homemade sweets and savories, such as laddus and murukkus.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Kumara Sashti?

Kumara Sashti is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Murugan, celebrated on the sixth day of the bright lunar fortnight in the month of Aippasi.

2. When is Kumara Sashti in 2024?

Kumara Sashti will be observed on June 11, 2024.

3. What is the significance of Kumara Sashti?

The festival marks the victory of Lord Murugan over the demon Soorapadman, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. It is believed to cleanse sins and grant strength and courage to devotees.

4. How is Kumara Sashti celebrated?

Devotees observe fasts, perform elaborate pujas, recite hymns, and offer prasadam to Lord Murugan. Temples dedicated to Murugan often hold special ceremonies and processions.

5. Can Kumara Sashti puja be performed at home?

Yes, the puja can be performed at home with proper preparation and devotion. An altar is set up, and various rituals, including abhishekam and aarti, are performed.

6. What are the common prasadam items for Kumara Sashti?

Common prasadam items include pongal, payasam, appam, fresh fruits, coconut, and various homemade sweets and savories.

Kumara Sashti is a vibrant and meaningful festival that strengthens the bond between devotees and Lord Murugan. By observing the rituals and engaging in the celebration with fervor, one can seek the blessings and protection of the divine warrior deity. This is the brief information about the 2024 Kumara Sashti Date Puja Timings  in detail.

Click here for the 2024 Kumara Sashti Date Puja Timings 

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