Theipirai Sashti
தேய்பிறை சஷ்டி
Theipirai Sashti is the auspicious sixth lunar day of the waning moon. It is powerfully dedicated to Lord Murugan for destroying negativities, eliminating obstacles, and overcoming enmities.
Observance Dates & Timeline
2017 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 Theipirai Sashti?
According to the traditional Hindu lunar calendar, the sixth day following the full moon (Pournami) is known as 'Theipirai Sashti' or the Krishna Paksha Sashti. While the word 'Sashti' itself is deeply synonymous with the worship of Lord Murugan, the waning phase signifies the gradual reduction and ultimate destruction of worldly sorrows, negative energies, and bad karmas.
Devotees firmly believe that observing a fast and offering sincere prayers to Lord Murugan on this specific day will significantly reduce the intensity of life's hardships. It is also considered a highly potent day to pacify the negative astrological effects caused by the planet Mars (Chevvai/Mangal), as Lord Murugan is the presiding deity of Mars.
Spiritual Significance and Philosophy
In Hindu philosophy, the most dangerous enemies a person faces are not external, but internal—namely lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride, and jealousy (the Arishadvargas). Theipirai Sashti provides a powerful spiritual opportunity to focus one's mind and invoke Lord Murugan's divine spear of wisdom (the Vel) to pierce through and destroy these six internal demons.
By meditating upon the valor and supreme power of Lord Murugan, who effortlessly annihilated mighty asuras (demons) like Soorapadman, a devotee can acquire immense mental strength, unbreakable courage, and the sharp intellect required to tackle severe oppositions in business, career, and personal life.
Fasting Procedure (Vratam) and Benefits
Observing the Theipirai Sashti fast requires waking up early before dawn, taking a purifying bath, and adorning the image or idol of Lord Murugan with red oleander flowers. Devotees are encouraged to maintain a strict fast throughout the day, constantly chanting the Lord's holy names. Those who cannot observe a complete fast may consume a simple diet of milk and fruits. Reciting the powerful 'Skanda Sashti Kavacham' both in the morning and evening is highly recommended.
In the evening, one should visit a nearby Murugan temple, participate in the abhishekam (sacred bathing of the deity), and light ghee lamps. The dedicated observance of this fast is profoundly believed to cure chronic illnesses, resolve long-pending litigations, completely eliminate threats from hidden enemies, and transform continuous failures into massive victories.
Difference Between Valarpirai and Theipirai Sashti
Valarpirai Sashti (the waxing phase) is primarily associated with growth, prosperity, and the initiation of new auspicious events. It is most famous among childless couples who fast with the immense hope of being blessed with a child, as the waxing moon symbolizes the blossoming of life and fulfillment of desires.
In stark contrast, Theipirai Sashti is the designated day for 'destruction'—not in a negative sense, but the positive destruction of debts, diseases, evil eyes, and black magic. As the moon wanes, it is believed that the devotee's troubles also wane and disappear. Both Sashti days are equally divine, offering different types of profound blessings from Lord Murugan.