History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v6.c81.2296

v6.c81.2296

*Skandasasṭhī*—6th tithi in Āś. śu is so called; worship Kumāra (Kārtikeya) on it after observing a fast the previous day; NA 49, PC 101, SmK 138. NA adds that on seeing (the idol of) Kārtikeya in Dakṣiṇāpatha on Bh. śu 6 one becomes free from even grave sins like brāhmaṇa murder, vide also KR 275-277. In Tamil lands Skandasasṭhī is important, is shown in the calendar as in (solar) Vṛścika-māsa (K śu. 6) and celebrated in temples and also in some houses, HK 622, KR 119 quote some verses from Brah. saying that Skanda was produced from Agni on amāvāsyā and appeared on Cai. Śu 6, was made Commander-in-Chief of gods and vanquished demon Tāraka, hence he was to be worshipped with lamps, garments, decoration, cocks (as a plaything) &c., or he may be worshipped on all śu. 6th tithis by those that desire health for their children. Vide TT 35 (saying that 6th of Cai. is called Skandaṣaṣṭhī), SmK 93.