Understanding the 48 Days Shasti Vrata Fasting for Lord Murugan: A Path to Blessings
The 48 days Shasti Vrata, also known as the 60-day Subramanyaswami vrata, is a traditional Hindu practice undertaken by couples to seek blessings for fertile offspring. This detailed procedure involves sacred rituals, prayers, and offerings which are said to enhance one's devotion and increase the chances of having a child. Here, we explore the step-by-step procedures and the significance of this religious observance.
Finding the Sixth Day of the Waxing Moon
The journey begins with the choice of the correct day for initiation, which is the sixth day of the waxing moon. This day is known as Shukla Shasti and holds immense spiritual importance in Hindu tradition. It is believed that on this day, the chances of blessings from Lord Murugan are heightened, making it an ideal time to commence this sacred vrata.
Preparation for the Fasting
The preparation involves a series of personal and environmental rituals to create a holistic connection with the divine. The couple should start by taking a sacred bath known as ‘snana’ and then fasting on an empty stomach. Another crucial element of this practice is the installation of a Subramanyaswami idol or photograph in a prominent place at home. This idol serves as a symbol of Lord Murugan, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere.
Prayer and Offering to Kul Devi
The next step involves the couple praying to their family deity, also known as Kul Devi. It is essential for them to invoke the blessings of their protective deities to guide and support their journey. After seeking blessings from the family deity, the couple should then proceed to chant the Subramanyaswami Ashtothram, which consists of 108 mantras dedicated to Lord Murugan.
Special Offerings and Fasting
On the day of Shukla Shasti, specific offerings and fasting rituals are performed. Offerings such as Milk Payasam (a sweet dessert made with milk, sugar, and poured over the idol) or Pongal (sweetened rice pudding) are made as Naivedyam to the Lord. Alternatively, dry fruits with a teaspoon of honey are also appropriate. It is important to remember that the couple should strictly follow the complete fasting rule on the day of Shukla Shasti. However, the night before and after Shukla Shasti, the couple is allowed to consume fruits.
Daily Practices and Visit to Temple
This vrata must be performed for 45 days consecutively, on every Shukla and Krishna Shasti (waxing and waning moon periods). The couple should maintain regularity in their prayers and offerings. Some suggest that if possible, visiting a Lord Murugan temple from His six abodes before starting the vrata can enhance its effectiveness. This visit symbolizes the couple's dedication and devotion to Lord Murugan.
Closing the Vrata with An Offering
Once the couple is blessed with a child, it is customary to visit a Lord Murugan temple and offer the sacred coins they kept at home before starting the vrata. This act not only signifies gratitude but also completion of the vrata.
Conclusion
The 48 days Shasti Vrata is a deeply spiritual and traditional practice that seeks divine intervention for childbirth. By following the prescribed procedures with sincerity and devotion, couples can enhance their chances of becoming blessed with a child. The vrata is not just a religious ritual but a dedication to a higher power, a commitment that fosters hope, faith, and love.