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
- 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
13 comments:
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
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
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.
Hi Abhi,
Happy to get the information I was looking for. Thanks for your note.
May God bless you.
Loving sister,
Suja
hi abhi,
thanks for provider such an informative information.
god bless u!!!!!!
Thank you for your website and the great service.
It helps us all practice and enjoy hinduism and understand the meaning behind the festivals and vrathams.
with best wishes and prayers,
Anu Raj
Thanks much.
The explanation of vow and its relevance to fasting enlightened me.
Your Page is so precious. Indeed it also helps some devotees who are now living outside India who feel like fasting for God but don't know how to do it. From your Website, they can really learn how to do the prayers and to observe the vrat. God bless. Keep it up!
Hi abhilash, thank u verymuch, hesitantly I'have started searching ur site. seeing the Mine I am baffled.I Pray Lord Muruga give healthy long life to you to do this pious and virtuous duty in the long run. PRAKASHNI
nice ....hope all vl fine this as informative and all vl follow
I have a doubt to clear. Can I offer LEMON Garland to Lord Muruga on Shasti Days? If yes how many lemons?
ACTUALLY SHSTI PUJA CAN BE DONE HOW MAY TIMES . I MEAN TO ASK IS THERE ANY NUMBER DAYS . 5 ,11 ETC PLEASE LET ME KNOW
yes. you can take any number of sashti vritams. normally it is 24. but this number varies to fulfill different kinds of wishes. for example for educational uplifts you have to take only 7 sashtis... taking 108 sashtis is the best(9 years!)
you have to take 6days vrita for skanda shasti but for others only 2days are enough.
usually people starts sashti vritam in the month of thulam(libra). this year it's on october 20th .
Post a Comment
All comments are moderated and will appear only after approval. If you like to contact me - hindublog@gmail.com.