Sashti

Shasti: A Sacred Observance in Hinduism

Shasti, meaning "sixth," is a Hindu observance dedicated to worshipping Lord Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is also known as Kartikeya, Subramaniya, Skanda, Kumara Swami, and Kumaran. He is the Hindu god of war, wisdom, and success and the commander-in-chief of the gods' army. On Shasti, Murugan devotees observe fasting and prayers to please their lord and invoke his blessings for a happy and prosperous life.

Significance of Shasti

Shasti means "the sixth" or "the one beyond five." It implies that this day transcends the five elements of nature (earth, water, fire, air, and ether) and the five senses of perception (sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch). It represents the sixth sense or intuition, the source of divine knowledge and guidance.

Shasti is also significant because it is related to the birth and victory of Lord Murugan. According to Hindu legends, Lord Murugan was born on Shasti of Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of the moon) of Bhadrapada month (August-September). Lord Shiva created him from his third eye to destroy the demon Tarakasura, who had obtained a boon that he could be killed only by a son of Shiva. Lord Murugan then led the gods' army against Tarakasura and his brothers on Shasti of Krishna Paksha (the waning moon phase) of Margashira month (November-December) and defeated them in a fierce battle.

Legends of Shasti

Shasti is associated with various legends and stories in Hindu mythology. Some of them are:

The birth of Murugan: When Tarakasura became invincible by his boon, he started to oppress the gods and the sages. The gods then approached Lord Brahma, the creator god, for help. Brahma told them that only a son of Lord Shiva could kill Tarakasura. However, Lord Shiva was in deep meditation and had no interest in worldly affairs. The gods then requested Goddess Parvati, his consort, to persuade him to marry her. Parvati agreed and performed severe penance to win his heart. After many years, Lord Shiva finally opened his eyes and decided to marry Parvati. However, even after their marriage, he did not consummate their union. The gods then sent Kama, the god of love, to arouse his desire. Kama shot his arrow at Lord Shiva but became angry and burned him to ashes with his third eye.

Parvati was disappointed and asked Lord Shiva to revive Kama. Lord Shiva agreed that she would bear him a son who would kill Tarakasura. Parvati consented, and Lord Shiva emitted six sparks from his third eye. These sparks were carried by Agni, the god of fire, to the Ganges river, where they were received by six stars called Krittikas. The sparks turned into six babies whom the Krittikas nursed. When Parvati came to see her sons, she embraced them all together, and they merged into one child with six heads and twelve arms. This child was named Shanmukha or Kartikeya by Lord Shiva and Parvati. He was born on Shasti of Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month.

• The victory of Murugan: When Kartikeya grew up, he was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the gods' army by Lord Indra, the king of gods. He then prepared for the war against Tarakasura and his brothers Simhamukha and Surapadma. He received various weapons from various gods, such as a spear (vel) from his mother Parvati, a peacock (Mayura) as his mount from his father Shiva, a cock (Seval) as his banner from Vinayaka, a bow (Dhanus) from Lord Vishnu, a sword (Khadga) from Lord Brahma, and a shield (Kavacha) from Agni. He also had six generals (Senapatis) to assist him in the war: Veerabahu, Dheerabahu, Veerakesari, Mahasena, Valli, and Devasena. He led his army to the abode of Tarakasura, which was guarded by six forts (Shadpuras). He fought bravely and destroyed each fort one by one. He finally reached the seventh fort, where Tarakasura was hiding. He challenged him to a duel and killed him with his spear. He then liberated the gods and the sages from his tyranny and restored peace and order in the universe. He also married Valli and Devasena, who were the daughters of a tribal chief and Indra, respectively. He was victorious on Shasti of Krishna Paksha of Margashira month.
• The boon of Murugan: After defeating Tarakasura, Kartikeya returned to his parents' abode on Mount Kailash. There, he was welcomed by Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who were proud of their son's achievements. They also praised him for his courage, wisdom, and devotion. They asked him to choose a boon from them to reward his victory. Kartikeya thought for a while and then said he wanted to be worshipped by his devotees on Shasti of every month. He said he would bless those who fast and pray to him on this day with health, wealth, happiness, and success. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati agreed to grant him this boon and declared that Shasti would be dedicated to their son Murugan.

Benefits of Observing Shasti

Although Shasti days are generally avoided for any auspicious activities, they are also believed to have some spiritual benefits for those who observe certain rituals and practices on these days. Some of them are:

• Fasting: Fasting on Shasti days is said to purify the body and mind and increase the devotion and faith in Lord Murugan. It also helps to overcome the enemies and obstacles in life and attain success and prosperity. Fasting can be done by abstaining from food and water entirely or consuming only fruits, milk, or water.
• Chanting: Chanting the names or mantras of Lord Murugan or other deities on Shasti days is said to invoke their blessings and protection and ward off any evil influences. It also helps to calm the mind and increase concentration and wisdom. Chanting can be done using a rosary, a book, or a digital device.
• Meditation: Meditation on Shasti days is said to enhance spiritual awareness and bliss and connect with the inner and supreme selves. It also helps balance the body's energy centers or chakras and harmonize the physical, mental, and emotional aspects. Meditation can be done by sitting comfortably, closing the eyes, and focusing on the breath, a sound, an image, or a thought.
• Charity: Charity on Shasti days is said to earn merit and goodwill and reduce negative karma or sins. It also helps to cultivate compassion and generosity and share the joy and happiness with others. Charity can be done by donating money, food, clothes, books, or any other useful items to the needy or deserving people or organizations.

Astrological Significance of Shasti

Shasti days also have some astrological significance, as they are based on the moon's movement in relation to the Earth. The moon is considered the queen of planets in astrology, representing a person's mind, emotions, imagination, and intuition. The position of the moon in a person's birth chart indicates their personality traits, feelings and moods, creativity and intuition, and potential for happiness and peace.

On Shasti days, the moon is said to be in its peak position or exaltation point in certain zodiac signs. These signs are Taurus (Vrishabha), Cancer (Karka), Scorpio (Vrishchika), and Pisces (Meena). People who are born under these signs or have these signs as their ascendant or moon sign are said to be more influenced by Shasti days than others. They may experience more peace, happiness, creativity, intuition, and imagination on these days. However, they may also face more fluctuations, sensitivity, confusion, illusion, and deception.

Therefore, such people should be cautious on Shasti days and avoid any emotional or impulsive decisions or actions. They should also balance their positive and negative traits and use their imagination and intuition for good causes. They should also worship Lord Murugan or other deities on these days to seek their guidance and grace.

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