How to observe Skanda Shasti Vratam or Fasting?

Skanda Shasti or Kanda Shasthi Vratam is an important observance dedicated to Lord Muruga. It is observed in the Tamil month of Aippasi and most devotees fast during the 6-day period.

There is no common method of Skanda Shasti fasting. Different devotees observe it differently. But there are some basic rules followed by all the devotees.

  • Non-vegetarian food is completely avoided during the period.
  • Some people also avoid garlic and onions.
  • Those who are observing the fast make it a point to read scriptures related to Lord Muruga or recite the Kanta Shasti Kavasam or Subramaniya Bhujangam.
  • Most devotees also visit Skanda temples during the period.

  • When it comes to Kanda Shasti fasting, some devotees only take a single meal a day.
  • Some take the meal at noon and others at night.
  • Some devotees confine to fruits and juices during the 6-day period.

There are several Skanda devotees who see the Vratam as an opportunity to clean the body and get rid of unwanted toxic elements. Such devotees confine to water, coconut water and other fruit juices.

The fasting ends on the Sixth day.

It must be noted that ‘Vrat’ or ‘Vratam’ in Sanskrit means ‘vow.’ Vratam should not be misunderstood as mere fasting. By observing a Vratam a person is trying to purify his mind through meditation, worship and by sticking to some ‘vow’ that he/she has taken. Now, this vow can include fasting, not telling lies, not getting anger etc. A vratam should be seen as a deliberate attempt on your part to bring back discipline into your life.

Fasting should be voluntary and it should not be done unwillingly. If you are taking medicines, do not observe intense fasting and stick to the routine suggested by your doctor.

Related

How to perform Skanda Shasti Puja at home?

Origin of Skanda Shasti Festival

5 comments:

Vidhya said...

Hi Abhi,

Excellent information for beginners like me for fasting. May God bless you and wish you all success in all your endeavors.

Thanks very much,
Vidhya Kamalesh

Nivedita said...

Hi Abhi,

Your site is excellent and very informative for a novice like me. It provides a lot of information about the Hindu religion in general.

Now I sound very informed when I speak to my mother inlaw:)

Take care,

Nivedita

rraemv said...

Nice information.Actually I am asking my mother about all these details,she cant able to tell correctly.But ur information very informative and helpful hope my prayers comes true.

Anonymous said...

Hi Abhi,
Happy to get the information I was looking for. Thanks for your note.
May God bless you.
Loving sister,
Suja

Anonymous said...

hi abhi,

thanks for provider such an informative information.

god bless u!!!!!!

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