When Panchami Tithi ends or Sashti Tithi starts between sunrise and sunset then both Panchami and Sashti are conjugated and this day is chosen for Skanda Sashti Vratam. This rule has been mentioned in
Dharmasindhu and
Nirnayasindhu. Many Murugan temples in Tamil Nadu, including famous
Sri Subrahmanya Swami Devasthanam in Tiruchendur, follow the same rule and
Soorasamharam day is observed one day before Sashti Tithi if on previous day Sashti Tithi is combined with Panchami Tithi.
Although all Sashti(s) are dedicated to Lord Murugan but Shukla Paksha Sashti during lunar month
Kartika (which is during Solar month
Aippasi or Karthikai) is the most significant one. Devotees observe six days fast which lasts on Soorasamharam day. Next day after Soorasamharam is known as
Tiru Kalyanam.
Next Skanda Sashti after Soorasamharam is known as
Subramanya Sashti which is also known as
Kukke Subramanya Sashti and falls during lunar month
Margashirsha.
Temples Dedicated to Lord Murugan
Following six abodes, which are known as
Arupadaiveedu, are the most important shrines for Murugan devotees in Tamilnadu, India.
1. Palani Murugan Temple (100 km south east of Coimbatore)
2. Swamimalai Murugan Temple (Near Kumbakonam)
3. Thiruthani Murugan Temple (84 km from Chennai)
4. Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple (10 km north of Madurai)
5. Sri Subrahmanya Swami Devasthanam, Tiruchendur (40 km south of Thoothukudi)
6. Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple (10 km south of Madurai)
Marudamalai Murugan Temple (a suburb of Coimbatore) is another important shrine.
Kukke Subramanya Temple, near Mangalore, Karnataka, India is also very famous shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan but it is not part of six abodes of Lord Murugan which are located in Tamil Nadu.
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