7 Days Sashti Viratham 2023 Dates Timings Tamil Calendar Process
Published September 23, 2024 · Last updated
Sashti Viratham is a significant 7-day festival dedicated to Lord Murugan, celebrated annually according to the Tamil calendar. This sacred observance attracts thousands of devotees who observe fasts and perform special prayers to seek the blessings of the deity. Understanding the dates, timings, procedures, and guidelines for Sashti Viratham helps devotees participate meaningfully in this important Hindu celebration.
Overview of Sashti Viratham
Sashti refers to the sixth day in the Tamil lunar calendar and is traditionally dedicated to Lord Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. While Sashti occurs monthly, the 7 Days Sashti Viratham is a special annual celebration that holds immense spiritual significance for devotees across Tamil Nadu and other regions. This festival commemorates Lord Murugan’s victory over the demon Surapadman, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The Sashti Viratham typically falls in the Tamil month of Karthigai (November-December) and spans seven consecutive days, each with its own ritualistic importance. Devotees observe fasts, visit temples, and participate in religious ceremonies to demonstrate their devotion and seek divine grace.
Sashti Viratham 2023 Dates and Schedule
The 7 Days Sashti Viratham in 2023 is observed from November 13 to November 19, 2023, according to the Tamil calendar. The festival schedule is as follows:
- Day 1 (November 13, 2023 – Monday): Kanda Sashti Festival Begins
- Days 2-5 (November 14-17, 2023 – Tuesday to Friday): Main observance days with regular pooja and prayers
- Day 6 (November 18, 2023 – Saturday): Surasamharam – commemorating Lord Murugan’s victory over Surapadman
- Day 7 (November 19, 2023 – Sunday): Thirukalyanam – the concluding day marking Lord Murugan’s celestial wedding
The festival typically begins in the evening, with temple rituals commencing from 6:00 PM onwards. These timings may vary slightly depending on the specific temple and local traditions. Devotees are advised to check with their local Murugan temple for exact pooja times and special event schedules during the festival period.
Procedure for Observing Sashti Viratham
Sashti Viratham can be observed either at home or at the temple, depending on individual preference and convenience. Both approaches hold equal spiritual merit when performed with sincere devotion.
At Home: Devotees who choose to observe the fast at home should establish a dedicated prayer space. Begin each day with a ritual bath and wear clean, preferably white or yellow clothes. Place an idol or image of Lord Murugan in the prayer area and decorate it with flowers. Offer prayers in the evening around 6:00 PM with oil lamps and incense. Prepare simple vegetarian offerings such as fruits, flowers, and cooked vegetarian dishes. Many devotees prepare traditional prasadam like rice, jaggery, and ghee-based preparations. Complete the daily ritual with arati (waving of lights) and distribute prasadam among family members.
At the Temple: Visiting a Murugan temple during Sashti Viratham offers a more immersive spiritual experience. Devotees can participate in special pujas organized by the temple, witness elaborate rituals performed by priests, and join other devotees in communal worship. Most temples conduct evening pujas that include abhisheka (ritual bathing of the deity), harathi, and distribution of temple prasadam. Attending on the 6th and 7th days is particularly important as these mark significant events in Lord Murugan’s mythology.
Fasting Guidelines and Dietary Practices
Fasting during Sashti Viratham is a key aspect of the observance, though the intensity varies among devotees. Some follow a complete fast, consuming only water and milk, while others observe a partial fast by avoiding non-vegetarian food and consuming simple vegetarian meals. The fast traditionally breaks in the evening after performing the pooja and arati. Common food items consumed during fasting include fruits, milk products, vegetables like potato and cucumber, and preparations made from rock salt. Many devotees prefer light meals such as upma, idli, or rice porridge. It is important to maintain physical well-being during the fast, so those with health conditions should consult a physician before undertaking strict fasting practices.
Temple Visits and Offerings
Major Murugan temples across Tamil Nadu organize special events during the 7 Days Sashti Viratham. The most famous temples include the Arupadai Veedu (Six Abodes of Murugan), particularly the Palani Murugan Temple and Tirupparankundram Temple. Devotees can make offerings of flowers, fruits, coconuts, and incense to the deity. Many temples also accept monetary contributions for special pujas. It is advisable to arrive early during the festival period to avoid crowds and have a more peaceful darshan experience. Some temples conduct additional pujas on the 6th day (Surasamharam) and 7th day (Thirukalyanam), which are particularly auspicious occasions for worship.
Tips for a Meaningful Observance
To make the most of Sashti Viratham, maintain focus on the spiritual aspects of the festival rather than viewing it merely as a ritual. Begin and end each day with sincere prayers, expressing your devotion and seeking blessings for good health and prosperity. Avoid negative thoughts and behaviors during the fasting period, as the festival is meant to purify the mind and body. If visiting temples, dress modestly and respectfully. Participate in community activities if available, as collective worship amplifies the spiritual energy. Recite or listen to hymns dedicated to Lord Murugan, such as the Kanda Sashti Kavacham, which is believed to provide protection and divine blessings. Practice meditation and self-reflection during the festival to deepen your spiritual connection.
Location and Nearby Temples
Tamil Nadu is home to numerous ancient Murugan temples where Sashti Viratham is celebrated with great pomp and significance. The Arupadai Veedu temples, located in Thirupparankundram, Palani, Swamimalai, Tirupavai, Alagar Koil, and Pazhayanur, are the most significant pilgrimage sites. The Kapaleeshwarar Temple and Parthasarathy Temple in Chennai, though primarily dedicated to other deities, also have prominent Murugan shrines. Devotees in North India can visit temples in Delhi, Varanasi, and other major cities that have dedicated Murugan sections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the 6th day (Surasamharam) during Sashti Viratham?
Surasamharam commemorates Lord Murugan’s victory over the demon Surapadman, who had terrorized the gods and devotees. This day is considered highly auspicious, and many temples conduct special abhisheka and extensive rituals. Devotees believe that prayers on this day are particularly powerful and grant protection from evil forces.
Can pregnant women and individuals with health conditions observe Sashti Viratham?
Pregnant women and those with medical conditions should observe modified fasting practices or seek guidance from religious elders and physicians. The intention and devotion behind the observance matter more than strict adherence to fasting rules. Many choose to offer prayers without fasting or consume nutritious meals during the festival period.
What should be included in the offerings to Lord Murugan during Sashti Viratham?
Traditional offerings include flowers (particularly yellow flowers), banana, coconut, jaggery, and prepared vegetarian dishes. Many devotees also offer sugarcane, which is associated with Lord Murugan. Monetary donations to temples and charitable causes are also considered meaningful offerings that align with the festival’s spiritual principles.
Is there a specific order for visiting the Arupadai Veedu temples during Sashti Viratham?
While there is no mandatory order, many devotees follow a traditional circuit of the six temples. Thirupparankundram is typically visited first, followed by Palani, Swamimalai, Tirupavai, Alagar Koil, and Pazhayanur. However, devotees can visit whichever temples are accessible to them during the festival period.
What is the importance of the 7th day (Thirukalyanam)?
The 7th day marks Lord Murugan’s celestial wedding (Thirukalyanam), symbolizing his divine union and the completion of the festival. This day is celebrated with elaborate rituals and is considered an ideal time for new beginnings, marriages, and auspicious endeavors in devotees’ lives.
Can children participate in Sashti Viratham?
Yes, children can participate according to their capacity. They can accompany parents to temples, offer prayers, and consume light meals or fruits. Complete fasting is not recommended for young children, but teaching them about the festival’s significance builds religious awareness and family traditions.
Conclusion
The 7 Days Sashti Viratham is a sacred opportunity for devotees to strengthen their spiritual connection with Lord Murugan through fasting, prayer, and ritualistic observances. By understanding the dates, procedures, and guidelines for this important festival, devotees can participate with greater awareness and derive maximum spiritual benefits from the celebration.
