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Skanda Sashti and Soorasamharam at Tiruchendur, 2026
Skanda Sashti is a six-day fast for Murugan that ends with Soorasamharam, the re-enactment of his victory over the demon Surapadman. Tiruchendur stages it on its beach, and lakhs of devotees gather to watch.
What happens
- Devotees keep a fast for the six days, often one simple vegetarian meal a day or only fruit and milk, avoiding onion, garlic, meat and eggs. Customs vary by family.
- The temple holds special pujas and abhishekam before the enactment of Soorasamharam.
- On the sixth evening the deity is taken in procession from the temple to the beach, where Murugan's victory is enacted before the crowd.
- After watching Soorasamharam, many devotees take a dip in the sea to end their fast.
- The festival closes with Thirukalyanam, the wedding of Murugan with Valli and Deivanai, which at Tiruchendur has been held the day after Soorasamharam.
Sources: hindutone.com, en.wikipedia.org, dtnext.in · checked 30 Oct 2026
Where families go
- Timings and guide
Tiruchendur Murugan Temple
Tiruchendur
The seaside Murugan temple stages Soorasamharam on its own shore, the biggest event of its year.
Timings and guideArulmigu Palani Murugan Temple
Palani
Palani also keeps a ten-day Kandhar Sashti festival, listed among its festival days on the temple's official site.
When to go
The fast runs for six days in the Tamil month of Aippasi and ends on Sashti, the sixth lunar day. Soorasamharam evening is the busiest moment.
| Date | What | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Nov 2026Tue | Skanda Sashti fast begins | The six-day fast begins on Tuesday 10 Nov 2026. |
| 15 Nov 2026Sun | Soorasamharam 2026 | Soorasamharam falls on Sunday 15 Nov 2026, in the evening on the Tiruchendur beach. |
| 16 Nov 2026Mon | Thirukalyanam 2026 | The wedding festival is expected on Monday 16 Nov 2026, the day after Soorasamharam. Not confirmed by the temple. |
Sources: drikpanchang.com, hindutone.com · checked 30 Oct 2026
Before you go
- SafetyLakhs of people pack the beach on Soorasamharam evening and barricades line the shore. Arrive early, keep elders and children close and agree a meeting point.
- SafetyStay off the rocks the sea exposes at low tide and follow police and temple beach staff. They warned visitors off the slippery rocks in June 2026.
- Good to knowExpect traffic diversions. In 2025 police barred goods vehicles from Tiruchendur on Soorasamharam and Thirukalyanam days and diverted traffic from Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli.
- Good to knowThe temple opens earlier than usual on the first and sixth festival days. Check the temple page and the temple's official site for the times.
Rituals, fees and timings are set by each temple. Where the temple sells a seva or ticket, book it only on its official channel.
Sources: dtnext.in, dtnext.in, dtnext.in, tiruchendurmurugan.hrce.tn.gov.in · checked 30 Oct 2026
Questions Families Ask
When is Skanda Sashti at Tiruchendur in 2026?
The six-day fast begins on 10 Nov 2026 and Soorasamharam falls on Sunday 15 Nov 2026, as reported by drikpanchang. The temple had not published its schedule by 30 Oct 2026.
What happens at the Tiruchendur temple festival of Soorasamharam?
On the sixth evening the deity goes in procession to the beach, where Murugan's victory over Surapadman is enacted. Many devotees then take a dip in the sea to end their fast.
When is the Thirukalyanam?
At Tiruchendur it has been held the day after Soorasamharam, which would be Monday 16 Nov 2026. The temple has not confirmed the 2026 date.
Plan your trip for Skanda Sashti at Tiruchendur
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