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The procedure to observe Sashti Viradham and the effects

Posted on: 10/Jan/2019 4:47:06 PM
The festival Kandha Sashti is celebrated in the Hindu religious following with the Saivites honouring the occasion when Lord Muruga vanquished the demon Soorapadman. The term sashti means 6. The occasion of the Kandha Sashti Viradham commences on the 1st day immediately after the Deepavali festival and is celebrated for 6 days from then.

The 5 days of Kandhasashti Viradham are observed as per the Hindu Almanac during the Tamil calendar month of Ippasi commencing on the day of Suklapaksha Pradhamai till the Sashti day. The Saivites observe these 6 days as Viratham days (penance days).

The saying Vinai theerppan Velappen (Lord Muruga will remove all the evils and worries) is not a mere saying! It is indeed the real expressions of the devotees who had undergone the miraculous experience of getting rid of their evils and sins through the blessings of Lord Muruga.

So, the day of Sashti is an important occasion for the devotees of Lord Muruga. Out of the Sashtis, the Sashti falling in the Tamil calendar month of Karthigai is considered special and more sacred. However, it may be noted that all Sashtis are special.

So, after knowing the significance of Sashti, here is the procedure for observing Sashti Viradham in order to seek the blessings of Lord Muruga and the benefits:

The procedure to undertake Sashti Viradham

On the Sashti day, get up early and take the morning bath. Clean either the house or at least the Pooja section/room of the house. Then, light an earthenware lamp in front of the deity or picture of the Lord Muruga, perform deep Arathi and then offer the Naivedyam of milk and fruits.

Observing fast (not taking any food) from the morning, chant the Kandha Sashti Kavacham throughout the day or to the maximum extent possible. Those who need to attend external work can commence doing the work while chanting the mantra with the mind and praying. If possible, observe fast throughout the day, or if not, restrict to 1 or 2 eating sessions only. However, the senior citizens and pregnant women can take the 3 sessions of food and observe the penance.

The benefits of observing Kandha Sashti Viradham

There is a saying Sashtiyil irundhal agappaiyil varum (If you observe the penance during Sashti, riches will reach you automatically). Another interpretation is that the mothers without children observing this fast will get the defects in their body system curd and conceive in their womb (agappai). However, this saying got changed into another form Chattiyil irundhal agappaiyil varum changing the connotation altogether!

By observing the Sashti Viradham every month, the health of the long-suffering patients will improve and their complaints will get gradually removed.

The devotees observing Sashti Viratam will be blessed with prosperity and success in all their endeavours!