When Lord Skanda, the Hindu god of war, celebrates his Skanda ShashthiIndia on Sunday, October 12, 2025, millions of devotees turn to the Hindu Panchang for exact timing. The day falls on the sixth tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the Kartik month, and the panchang says the Shashthi tithi will hold until 2:16 p.m. local time, after which the Saptami begins. Why does that matter? Because the window determines when the most auspicious rituals, especially the Abhijit Muhurat, can be performed for maximum benefit.
The national calendar lists the day as Ashwin 20, corresponding to Shaka 1947 and Vikram 2082. The solar month of Ashwin is on its 27th day, and we are firmly in the autumn‑seasonal transition of the southward‑moving sun (Dakshin Ayana). The lunar position is in the Mrigshira nakshatra until 1:36 p.m., after which Ardra takes over. With the Moon transiting Gemini, its lord Mercury lends a communicative, trade‑friendly flavor to the day.
Meanwhile, the Sun sits in Virgo, a sign ruled by Mercury as well, reinforcing clarity and analytical thinking. This double Mercury influence makes the window between 11:41 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. especially powerful for any activity that needs sharp intellect—think signing contracts, launching a new venture, or starting a study plan.
According to the panchang, the most favorable period, known as the Abhijit Muhurat, begins at 11:41 a.m. and runs until roughly 12:30 p.m. (some regional tables extend it to 12:26 p.m.). This 45‑minute slot is earmarked for all "shubh" work: puja, house‑warming, or even a decisive business meeting.
The dreaded Rahu Kaal appears twice, depending on the calculation method: 9:11 a.m.–10:38 a.m. (morning) and 4:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m. (evening). Anything launched during these periods is traditionally believed to encounter hidden obstacles.
Direction Shool points to the West today, a subtle warning that travel or major undertakings heading westward could meet resistance.
Skanda Shashthi is more than a calendar entry; it’s a day-long fast (vrata) dedicated to the son of Shiva and Parvati. Priests in Varanasi often say, "Observing this fast while offering Surya dev a sincere sunrise prayer brings health, wealth, and a swift resolution to lingering conflicts." The belief hinges on the principle that Skanda, as the commander of celestial armies, bestows protective energy when invoked at his apex.
Because the Moon is in Gemini, the day also supports activities related to communication, education, and commerce. A common practice is to recite the Skanda Stava after sunset, a chant that, according to traditional lore, amplifies the benefic effects of the day’s planetary setup.
If you’re planning a wedding, house‑entry, or a new business launch, aim to start between 11:45 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. The window aligns with the Abhijit Muhurat and the Mercury‑rich sky, increasing the odds of a smooth inauguration.
Avoid starting any major venture during the Rahu Kaal periods. If you cannot shift the timing, counter‑balance by performing a small, sincere puja to Surya dev before the inauspicious slot begins.
For those observing the Skanda vrata, the recommended time to break the fast is at sunset, preferably after the appearance of the Pallava (the first star of the evening), which this day is believed to be in the Aries sector, further reinforcing vigor and new beginnings.
The panchang—sometimes called the Vedic calendar—breaks each day into five pillars: tithi (lunar day), nakshatra (star), vara (weekday), yoga, and karana. These elements together create a nuanced picture of auspiciousness that has guided Indian society for millennia. The Kartik month, especially its dark‑lunar fortnight, has long been associated with devotional intensity; festivals like Diwali and Dev Deep also fall within this period.
The worship of Skanda on the sixth tithi traces back to ancient Shaiva texts that describe him as the destroyer of demons and the protector of righteousness. Modern devotees often link the fast to personal goals—career advancement, family harmony, or overcoming illness—mirroring the ancient narrative of battling inner and outer adversaries.
The Abhijit Muhurat falls during a Mercury‑friendly window, which astrology associates with clear communication and successful contracts. Starting a venture in this period is believed to reduce misunderstandings and enhance the chances of a smooth start, especially for enterprises that rely on negotiations or public speaking.
Rahu Kaal is traditionally viewed as an inauspicious time for initiating new projects, signing legal documents, or undertaking travel. On October 12, it occurs twice—early morning and late afternoon—so it’s safest to postpone any major activity until after 10:38 a.m. or before 4:30 p.m.
Gemini, ruled by Mercury, emphasizes intellect, networking, and trade. When the Moon occupies this sign, the day supports activities that require keen thinking, swift decision‑making, and clear communication—qualities that complement the aggressive, protective energy of Lord Skanda.
Observing the Skanda vrata links the devotee to an ancient tradition of seeking the deity’s protection against obstacles. The fast, combined with sunrise worship of Surya dev, is believed to bring physical health, financial stability, and success in endeavors that demand courage—mirroring Skanda’s role as the divine warrior.
With the Shool pointing West, astrologers advise avoiding westward journeys or postponing major decisions that involve that direction. If travel is unavoidable, performing a short puja to appease the Shool before departure is a common precaution.
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