Subramanya Shasti or Skanda Shasti
Lord Subramanya Swamy is considered to be the universal Lord who blesses human beings and helps them get rid of their sins. The natives who are suffering from financial crisis, delay in marriages and those who are prone to frequent accidents are advised to offer prayers to Lord Subramanya Swamy on this auspicious day by performing abhishekam to Lord Subramanya Swamy.
Shasti Vratam or Upvaas is an important fast dedicated to Lord Muruga or Kartikeya. There are two Shastis in a Hindu lunar month. One Shasthi after Amavasya and another after Purnima (Pournami). The Shasti coming after Amavasya (new moon night) is the one meant for fasting. In simple terms, the Shasti coming during the increasing or growing phase of the moon. Lord Muruga is also known as Subramanian or Skanda or Kanda.
1. How to Observe Shasti Vratam?
The Shasti fasting begins with a sunrise. The fast is broken the next morning after praying to Lord Surya (Sun God).
Most people observing the fast make it a point to visit Murugan Temple on this day.
It is a complete fast in many places. But this might not be entirely possible for many people due to the job, health and other reasons. So many people take some vegetarian food on this day – this is usually a single meal in the afternoon or night.
Many people opt for a fruit diet on the day. Some avoid solid food.
The method of fasting differs from region to region. But all non-vegetarian food is avoided on the day.
Devotees listen to stories related to Skanda and reading of Skanda Purana. Another activity during the day is the reciting of Kanta Shasti Kavasam.
Fasting is not just abstaining from food but it also an attempt to instill positive thoughts.
