Skanda Shatkam (Skanda Shashthi Stotram) — Benefits & How to Chant
स्कन्द षट्कम् (स्कन्द षष्ठी स्तोत्रम्)
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting Skanda Shatkam (Skanda Shashthi Stotram)
A short, easily memorised six-verse hymn that gives a complete adoration of Lord Murugan (Skanda / Kartikeya)
Each verse ends with 'Skandam vande Shivatmajam', fixing the mind on Skanda as the son of Shiva
Its phala-shruti promises that the reciter quickly attains his desires (vanchitan labhate sadyah)
Traditionally recited during Skanda Shashthi, on Tuesdays and on Krittika nakshatra days
Invokes Murugan as slayer of Taraka and Krauncha
a prayer for victory over inner and outer enemies
Said to lead the devotee finally to Skandaloka, the abode of Skanda
How to Chant Skanda Shatkam (Skanda Shashthi Stotram)
Instructions
Bathe and sit facing east before an image of Lord Murugan with his Vel and peacock. Recite all six verses with devotion, dwelling on the refrain 'Skandam vande Shivatmajam' at the close of each, then the seventh phala-shruti verse. Because it is short, it is well suited to daily recitation and is chanted especially over the six days of Skanda Shashthi.
Spiritual Significance
Devotees hold that this small hymn carries the full power of Skanda's name: its closing verse declares that the one who but reads or hears it swiftly gains his heart's desires and is finally led to Skandaloka, the very abode of the Lord.
Origin & History
Source: Traditional Sanskrit hymn to Lord Skanda (Subrahmanya)
Author: Traditional
The Skanda Shatkam is a much-loved short Sanskrit stotram to Lord Skanda (Murugan), the warrior-son of Shiva and Parvati who was born to destroy the demon Taraka and who leads the army of the gods. In six tightly woven verses it gathers his great names and deeds — Shanmukha, the crusher of Krauncha, slayer of Taraka, rider of the peacock, bearer of the Vel, beloved of Valli — each sealed with the refrain 'I bow to Skanda, the son of Shiva.' Its brevity and completeness have made it a popular daily prayer and a favourite during the Skanda Shashthi observance.