Shashṭhī Vratas
Shashṭhī Vrata, simply known as Shashthi Vratas, Sanskrit: षष्ठी व्रत, Telugu: షష్ఠి వ్రతాలు, Hindi: षष्ठी व्रत.
Shashṭhī is the sixth lunar day (tithi) of each fortnight. The presiding deva of Shashṭhī is Kārttikeya, who is also called Shaṇmukha and Skanda. Sanātana Maharshi teaches the Shashṭhī vratas of the twelve months in the Nārada Mahā Purāṇa, Pūrvārdha, chapter 115.
Keeping these vratas by the right procedure gives long life and the fulfilment of all that one desires. In the end it gives Kārttikeya-loka, the world of Kārttikeya.
Caitra Śukla Shashṭhī: the Kumāra vrata
On Caitra Śukla Shashṭhī the Kumāra-vrata is kept. It is also called the Shaṇmukha-vrata. The devotee offers pūjā to Shaṇmukha Deva with various pūjā-vidhānas (pūjā procedures) and offers a special patra (leaf).
Phala: dīrghāyushya (long life) and all desired objects.
Vaiśākha Śukla Shashṭhī and the months that follow
On Vaiśākha Śukla Shashṭhī, and on through the following months, Kārttikeya is worshipped in his various aspects. The offerings are gandha (sandal paste), pushpa (flowers), dhūpa (incense), dīpa (lamp) and naivedya (food offering).
Phala: Kārttikeya grants the devotee all that he desires (sarvābhīshṭa), and in the end Kārttikeya-loka.
Sources
- Nārada Mahā Purāṇa, Pūrvārdha, chapter 115