Shasti
சஷ்டி
Shasti is the 6th lunar phase, profoundly dedicated to Lord Murugan. It is marked by rigorous fasting and the powerful chanting of Skanda Sashti Kavacham.
Observance Dates & Timeline
2024 Occurrences
Times and tithi lines follow the site Panchangam engine for that civil day when data exists.
Spiritual Festival Sequence
Tamil Nadu Spiritual Experience
What is Shasti?
In the traditional Hindu lunar calendar, Shasti (also spelled Sashti) is the highly auspicious sixth day of both the waxing phase (Shukla Paksha) and the waning phase (Krishna Paksha) of the moon. This specific lunar day holds immense spiritual significance, primarily because it is entirely dedicated to the worship of Lord Murugan (also known as Skanda or Karthikeya), the Tamil God of War, Wisdom, and Victory.
According to astrology, Lord Murugan is the presiding deity of the fiery planet Mars (Chevvai). Praying to him on Shasti is strongly believed to infuse a devotee's mind with unparalleled courage, self-confidence, and the tactical wisdom needed to decisively overcome life's toughest obstacles and professional challenges.
The Legend of Soorasamharam
The absolute spiritual climax of Shasti worship culminates in the grand festival of 'Skanda Sashti', which occurs in the Tamil month of Aippasi (October–November). According to ancient Puranas, a powerful and arrogant demon named Soorapadman relentlessly tormented the celestial beings (Devas). In response, Lord Shiva created Lord Murugan specifically to destroy this evil.
After a fierce battle that lasted for exactly six days, Lord Murugan finally vanquished Soorapadman using his divine spear (Vel) on the day of Shasti. Instead of killing the demon, the Lord compassionately transformed him into a peacock (his mount) and a rooster (his flag). This epic battle beautifully symbolizes the ultimate victory of divine wisdom over the demonic forces of human ego, illusion, and negative karma.
The Power of Shasti Vratam (Fasting)
Observing a rigorous fast (Vratam) on Shasti days is a very common and deeply respected tradition, particularly in Tamil Nadu. There is a famous, centuries-old Tamil proverb stating that fasting on Shasti guarantees the blessing of a child in the womb for childless couples.
Devotees usually wake up before sunrise, take a purifying bath, and strictly abstain from eating any solid food throughout the day. Some choose to consume only a single meal of milk and fruits. The fast is ceremoniously broken only after visiting a Murugan temple in the evening, witnessing the 'Deeparadhana' (light offering), and receiving the Lord's sacred blessings.
Valarpirai vs Theipirai Shasti
Valarpirai Shasti: The waxing phase (Valarpirai) Shasti is the primary and most significant day for observing a fast dedicated to Lord Murugan. Devotees observe a monthly fast on this day seeking blessings for children, success in their ventures, and overall well-being. (The grand 'Kanda Shasti' Soorasamharam falls on the Valarpirai Shasti of the Aippasi month).
Theipirai Shasti: The waning phase Shasti is generally not observed as a major day for formal fasting or large-scale temple festivals.