Sasthi

Sasthi is an auspicious day for Hindus belonging to the Tamil community. This day is dedicated to worshipping Lord Murugan. On this day Muruga devotees observe fasting to please their lord and invoke His blessings for a happy and prosperous life.

Shasti is observed on the sixth day of each lunar fortnight, that is, Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of moon) and Krishna Paksha (the period of the waning phase of moon) of every lunar month in the traditional Hindu calendar. Thus there are two occurrences of Shasti every month. However, Shasti that falls during the Krishna Paksha is associated with Lord Subrahmanya or Lord Murugan.

Fasting is the most important ritual of the day. On Shasti, devotees keep partial or full fasting to appease Lord Murugan. The Shasti vrat begins at the time of sunrise and comes to an end on the following day after offering prayers to the Sun God.

Those who keep strict vrat do not eat food to complete 24 hours of fasting. Partial fasting can be done by eating fruits. People who have health problems can even keep Shasti fasting by eating s single meal during the day.

The observer of the Shasti vrat is restricted from eating certain spices on the day. Eating non-vegetarian food and consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited.

On Shasti, Murugan devotees also read ‘Skanda Purana’ and recite the ‘Skanda Shasti Kavacham’. On this day it is considered very auspicious to visit the temples of Lord Murugan in the evening.

Shashthi Tithi Timing : Nov 19, 9:59 PM – Nov 20, 9:30 PM