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<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Short description|Hindu observance}}<br />
The '''Shashthi Vrata''' ({{Langx|sa|Ṣaṣṭhīvrata}}) is a [[Hindu]] [[Vrata|fasting observance]] dedicated to [[Kartikeya]]. It is primarily observed by [[South India|South Indian]] Hindus during the month of [[Ashvin (month)|Ashvin]]. The fasting is observed for six days starting from the first day after [[Amavasya]] ([[new moon]]). It ends on the day of [[Shashthi (day)|Shashthi]] [[tithi]] with the commemoration of [[Surasamharam]]. <br />
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== Observance ==<br />
The [[Hindu]] [[vrata]] (fasting) is observed during the month of [[Ashvin (month)|Ashvin]]. The fasting is observed for six days starting from the first day after the [[Diwali]] [[Amavasya]] ([[new moon]]), and ends on the day of [[Shashthi (day)|Shashthi]] [[tithi]]. [[Surasamharam]] marks the end of the observance.<ref name="Sura">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hA5WAAAAYAAJ&q=shasthi+vrata |title=The Contributions of the Tamils to Indian Culture: Socio-cultural aspects |date=1994 |publisher=International Institute of Tamil Studies |page=153}}</ref> Shashthi Vrata is also prescribed for the worship of [[Surya]] in some texts.<ref>{{cite book |last=Raheja |first=Gloria Goodwin |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Hy-eaXmEwggC&dq=shasthi+vrata+surya&pg=PA79 |title=The Poison in the Gift: Ritual, Prestation, and the Dominant Caste in a North Indian Village |date=15 September 1988 |publisher=[[University of Chicago Press]] |isbn=978-0-226-70729-7 |page=79 }}</ref><br />
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== Mythology ==<br />
According to [[Tamil mythology]], [[Kartikeya]] is stated to have performed a [[yajna]] for six consecutive days during the month to be blessed by his father [[Shiva]] before going to war with the [[asura|demon]] [[Surapadman]], making the practice auspicious.<ref name="Sashti">{{cite web|url=https://temple.dinamalar.com/news_detail.php?id=640|title=கந்த சஷ்டி விரதம் இருப்பது எப்படி?|work=[[Dinamalar]]|access-date=8 June 2017}}</ref> Soorasamharam marks the event in which Kartikeya defeated the demon Surapadman.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hA5WAAAAYAAJ&q=shasthi+vrata |title=The Contributions of the Tamils to Indian Culture: Socio-cultural aspects |date=1994 |publisher=International Institute of Tamil Studies |page=153}}</ref><br />
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== Practices ==<br />
As per ''[[Skanda Purana|Kanda Puranam]]'', one must bathe early on all six days of this occasion, fast for six days continuously, and worship Kartikeya as prescribed.<ref name="Civaraman">{{cite book |last=Civarāman̲ |first=Akilā |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SXwDdBdMJPwC&dq=shashti+vrata&pg=PA411 |title=sri kandha puranam (english) |date=2006 |publisher=GIRI Trading |isbn=978-81-7950-397-3 |pages=411 }}</ref> Prayers are made to [[Ganesha]] to invoke his blessings before the fast.<ref name="Sashti"/> A [[Puja (Hinduism)|puja]] is performed, venerating the [[Murti|image]] of Kartikeya, a [[kalasha]], and [[Agni]]. [[Modak]]s and other offerings are presented to the deity.<ref name="Civaraman"/> Various [[mantra]]s are chanted during the observance.<ref name="Sashti"/> After the period of fasting, special pujas are prescribed, and [[Brahmin]]s are invited and fed. These practices are described as means to allow the performer to achieve a higher status.<ref name="Civaraman"/><br />
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==References==<br />
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[[Category:Kaumaram]]<br />
[[Category:Hindu holy days]]<br />
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[[Category:Hindu practices]]<br />
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