Sashti Vridham: What all you should know

Sashti Vridham is done to seek the blessings of Lord Muruga, the Vridham mostly falls on Tamil month Aippasi.

One that gets the special benefits of ‘Sashti Vridham’ are women who are trying to conceive. Following this Vridham as a couple will yield them more benefits and the couple will definitely get a baby soon.

There is a Tamil saying, "சஷ்டியில் இருந்தால் அகப்பையில் வரும்." (Sashtiyil irundhaal agappaiyil varum). This means fasting during the Sashti period will produce embryos in womb of the mother.

It is not compulsory to observe Sashti Vridham only for the sake of giving birth to a child. The Vridham can also be followed for acquiring peace, wealth, unity and all other comforts in the family. The Vridham is done through fasting, which is usually observed for 6 days. On the seventh day, the auspicious marriage ceremony of Lord Muruga will take place in the temple. Those who cannot fast for these six days can at least fast on the last day by consuming only one meal in the morning. On the fasting days, the devotees should read ‘Kandha Sashti Kavasam’ twice a day- morning and evening.

Unmarried people will be blessed with the marriage boon if they attend the auspicious wedding of Lord Muruga.

In the early days, fasting was strictly practiced. Some people followed the Vridham by only breathing  and some even avoided swallowing saliva. Some fast by drinking only water. Some devotees eat one pepper on the first day of fasting, two peppers on the second day, and three peppers on the third day for up to six days. The stomach is naturally empty while fasting. It is believed that this results in cleansing of stomach as there are no toxic substances secreted inside the stomach. The Virdham is also said to benefit the devotees biologically apart from its spiritual advantages.