Why Shashtipoorthi ?

[Guest guest]

I desire to discuss with you all about the IMPORTANCE OF SHASHTI POORTHI and

WHY IT HAS TO BE PERFORMED.

 

Incidentally I may have to mention, that the procedural aspect of this ritual

is not easily available due to many reasons. Only a select few desire to

observe this Vrat ( it is a Vrat like Shri Satyanarayana Vrat Etc). Children,

due to several reasons are preferring to remain away from their parents; most of

the parents do not live up to the age of 60; even if circumstances permit

either side, people do not prefer doing this since it is a little costly on

account of Daanaas involved in this and rarely we get people to sincerely

dedicate themselves to perform the required number of Japam for the Navagrahaas

etc. As a result of these factors, gradually this ritual is disappearing from

the screen.

 

Shashti Poorthi, literally means completion of 60 years. The longevity of a

human being is normally assessed as 60 years and astrologically it is half a

cycle of the total span of cycle of nine planets. According to the Government,

the age for retirement in services is fixed at 60 years. The later part of the

life is treated as a RETIRED LIFE. In other words, after completion of 60 years

one enters into the Vardhkya Dasa and thus leading to Vaanaprasta Ashram.

Having spent a large part of life in material world, this part of life becomes a

resting period quite aloof from material aspect of matters and dedicating for

spiritual life. To simplify, it is a path of life for DETACHMENT. At this point

of time, the children take lead to pray Lord for granting of further length of

life to their parents free from all likely ailments. The years are named and

they are sixty in number. The Shashti Poorti means one has completed the entire

cycle of sixty years – the sixty named years. The Sixty years, twenty seven

stars, two ayanaas, nine planets with sub planets, sapta rishis, etc are invoked

and prayers are offered in the form of Japas, Tarpanas, Homam etc for the safety

of the parents who have completed 60 years. Sacrifices – Daanas are got given

by the parents towards this procedural aspect. All Vrataas are performed by the

Karta or Yajamaani where as this Vrat is not done by the Yajamani Himself. It

is got done by the next generation and this is the point of time where the next

generation takes lead of the family to carry the family responsibilities. This

function may take place any time after completion of 60 years but before

entering into 61 years.

 

Daanas are got given with a view that nothing belongs to or remains with the

Senior Citizen in the material world and it is a signal-giving-time, that the

senior citizen should henceforth remain free from material discomfort and

strain. It is the point of time, the senior citizen recognizes his position

for detachment and the property or belongings are distributed to the next

generation for further course of action. The Word Daana – Sacrifice starts

right at that point of time and therefore, the senior citizen sacrifices land

(Bhoodaan), Gold (Suvarnaa Daan), Godaan ( Cow Daan), Gaj Daan (Elephant Daan)

and similar other ten plus sixteen daanaas as described in the Procedure.

Daanaas, Japaas, Homam for untimely death (Apa Mrutyu) are also performed and

this is as per Vedic Order of Life and as suggested by the Great Sages of Indian

Origin.

 

On many occasions, I observe, that a great number of children do not discharge

their duty towards their parents. They do not at least think that they should

discharge their debts towards their unpaid servants – Parents. This Shashti

Poorthi land mark is nothing but creating an opportunity for all children for

their self realization and take corrective steps. If children miss this unique

opportunity for any reason, perhaps they may not have any such opportunities in

their life time. Error is human, but realizing the errors and taking a correct

path represents the culture of children. Let all Children worldwide realize

this and celebrate the Holy Event for their respective parents amidst all

cheerful atmospheres which shall remain a true strength for the longevity of

their parents. This shall be a better tonic than the Japaas, Daanaas and Homams

literally.

 

Our Son Chiranjeevi Maruti Rama Raghav and others desire to invite you all for

our Shashti Poorti which is taking place on 12th and 13th of July at our

residence in Hyderabad. Since most of you are on my mailing list, I am writing

this letter and the invitation from family and friends are attached.

 

Yours affly

HARA HARA MAHADEVA DR P V SESHA SAI ASWAMEDHAYAAJI

 

Dr P V Sesha Sai Aswamedhayaaji

Tele fax 040 27541613, Landline 65581368, Cells 9440422613, 9908570347, USA

direct number 812 961 3700

14th June 2008

My dear friends and like minded persons