Muruga Shasti September 2011 – Sashti Fasting

Muruga Shasti, or Sashti fasting, is a monthly Hindu fasting dedicated to Lord Muruga or Kartik. Sashti is the sixth day after Amavasi (no moon) and Poornima (full moon) in a traditional Hindu calendar. The Shashti after Amavasai is considered highly auspicious by Muruga devotees and a fast is observed on the day. In 2011 September, the date of Shasti fasting is September 3.

Fasting on Sashti is considered highly beneficial and some devotees observe a complete fast for 24 hours. Lord Muruga, also known as Shanmukha and Subramanian, is widely worshipped in Malaysia, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Singapore and South India, especially by Tamilians. In North India, Lord Muruga is known as Kartik or Kartikeya.

Many devotees make it a point to visit Lord Muruga temple on Sashti day. Some people only eat the Prasadam given from the temple on the day.

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