108 Sashti fasting is a nine-year Muruga Sashti Fasting. The
fasting is observed on 108 Sashti (sixth day during the waxing phase of moon)
days. The fasting begins on the Sashti day in Karthigai or Aippasi Masam in
Tamil Calendars. This is the famous Skanda Sashti after Deepavali.
108 Sashti fasting should be observed without a break. It
can be observed during monthly periods – women avoid performing puja during
this period.
The offerings that are made in each year vary from region to
region.
In some regions milk payasam (milk kheer) is offered in the
first year, jaggery payasam in second year, third year it is white rice, fourth
year it is appam, fifth year it is kozhukattai or modakam, sixth year it is cow
milk, seventh year it is coconut water, eighth year it is Panakam or sweet
drink and ninth year it is pepper that is offered.
It is believed that observing 108 Sashti fasting will help
in attaining peace and prosperity. It is also widely observed by those people
having Chowa Dosham and other marriage problems.
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