Today is Kumara Sashti, 6 July 2011. Kumara Sashti is an auspicious vrat dedicated to Lord Muruga (Subramanya swamy). This is a popular festival in Nepal and South Indian states – Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. It falls in Shukla Paksha Sashti in Ashada month.
The three days – Shukla Paksha Chaturthi, Panchami, and Sashti are three important and auspicious days dedicated to Subramanya swamy. Kuja graha shanti puja, and shanti homas are observed during these days.
Sashti Viratham is observed on the sixth day during the Shukla Paksha or bright phase of moon as per a traditional Hindu calendar and is dedicated to Lord Muruga or Kartik or Kumara. Sashti Viratham July 2011 date is July 6. Muruga devotees observe a fast on the day. Special pujas and rituals are also held on the day in Muruga Temples.
There are two Sashti fasting dates in a month one each during the waxing phase of moon and another during the waning phase of moon. Most devotees fast during the Sashti falling during waxing phase of moon.
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 South India, Singapore, Malaysia and Sri Lanka especially by Tamilians. In North India, Lord Muruga is known as Kartik or Kartikeya.
There are two Sashti fasting dates in a month one each during the waxing phase of moon and another during the waning phase of moon. Most devotees fast during the Sashti falling during waxing phase of moon.
Sashti Viratham is a monthly fasting dedicated to Hindu god Muruga (known as Kartik in North and western parts of India). Sashti Viratham August 2011 date is August 5. It is observed on the sixth day during the Shukla Paksha or bright phase of moon as per a traditional Hindu calendar. Special pujas and rituals are also held on the day in Muruga Temples.
There are two Sashti fasting dates in a month one each during the waxing phase of moon and another during the waning phase of moon. Most devotees fast during the Sashti falling during waxing phase of moon.Fasting on Sashti is considered highly beneficial and some devotees observe a complete fast for 24 hours.
Muruga, also known as Shanmukha and Subramanian, is widely worshipped in South India, Singapore, Malaysia and Sri Lanka especially by Tamilians. In North India, Lord Muruga is known as Kartik or Kartikeya.