Shasthi Mata or Shashti is a Hindu Goddess worshiped as Guardina and Protector of children. Goddess Shasthi is Worshiped on the sixth day after childbirth or the 12th or 21st day after childbirth. Shasthi is also prescribed to be worshiped the sixth day of each of the two lunar fortnights occurring each month. Shasthi Brata, the worship occurring on the bright fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada.
Shasthi Puja Brata Bidhi
- Goddess Durga or the sixth form of Supreme Nature is the Goddess Shasthi. Devsena is the another name of this goddess.
- Six type of flowers, Six tree branches, Six fruits, Six types Vegetable leaves) are used in this puja.
- Six flowers are Mandara, Aprajita, Rangani, Tagara, Kaniara, Dudura.
- Six Vegetables Leaves are Khada, Koshala, Kanasiri, Bana Chakunda, Purunimundi, Saru.
- Six Tree Branches are Saru, Jui, Dhana, Barakoli, Apamaranga Bajaramuli / peri perika, apmaranga , saru gacha, bausna.
- Six fruits are Dudura, Kaniari, Chaulia, Nadia Gotoma, Janhi, Kakudi.
- Puja Prasad like different types of rice cake, rice, curry and saag are offered.
- No need of Brahman or mantra during the Puja of Sasthi.
- Rituals of hitting “Bajaramuli badia” iconic of Godess Sasthi branches of 6 pious trees to children for their betterment. Mothers hit small kids softly by the six branches .
- By tying branches like lightning, bamboo, saru tree and other branches together and placing them near the worship place of Goddess Sakthi, the offering of the goddess is done and with the help of that stick, the mothers gently beat the children. It is believed that it brings all good to the children. It is prepared and offered to the goddess in every house.
Significance of Shasthi Mata Osha
- Mothers pray Maa Sasthi for the betterment and longevity for children. It is believed a childless woman may gain offspring, while a mother may secure the longevity and welfare of her child by the grace of the goddess.
- At Jagannath Temple, Puri there is Sasthi Mata statue inside Bhubneswari Temple. Goddess Sasthi is being worshiped for the long life of children on their birth day.
- The guardian and protector of all the children of the world. It is said that Goddess Sakthi always watches over babies, laughing or crying while the baby sleeps.
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