As 2020 is coming to an end, Hindu devotees all over India are bracing to celebrate the last Hindu festival of the year, Champa Shashthi 2020. The six-day festival is meant for worshipping Lord Shiva, who is also known as Mahadeva and Adiyogi. Devotees celebrate Champa Shashti 2020 today i.e., on December 20.
The day of Champa Shashthi is basically celebrated for offering prayers to Khanderao or Khandoba who considered as an incarnation of Lord Shiva. This festival is celebrated on the sixth day in the Margashirsha month during the Shukla Paksha.
This deity is also hailed as Malhar or Malhari. Jejuri in Maharashtra, a place that has a shrine dedicated to Lord Khandoba is known for an annual festival that lasts for six days.
The concurrence of the Shashti Tithi with the Shatabhisha Nakshatra and the Vaidhriti Yoga on a Raviwar (Sunday) or a Mangalwar (Tuesday) is considered even more auspicious. Interestingly, today is one such significant day. The Shashti Tithi has concurred with the Shatbhisha Nakshatra. And today is a Raviwar (Sunday).
When is Champa Shashthi 2020:
Shashti Tithi Begins at 02:14 PM on Dec 19, 2020
Shashthi Tithi Ends – 02:52 PM on Dec 20, 2020
Shatabhisha Nakshatra starts at 07:40 PM on Dec 19, 2020
Shatabhisha Nakshatra Ends at 09:01 PM on Dec 20, 2020
Vaidhriti Yoga Begins at 02:52 PM on Dec 31, 2020
Vaidhriti Yoga Ends at 01:38 PM on Jan 01, 2021
Champa Shashti Katha
Two demons named Malla and Mani performed intense penance to please Lord Brahma, who in turn, blessed them with several powers. Subsequently, after being bestowed with Brahma’s blessings, the two demons believed that they were invincible. They grew arrogant and went about causing massive destruction on the Earth as well as the Deva Loka. Petrified by their growing strength, the Devas urged Lord Shiva to intervene and stop the demons from causing further destruction. Hence, Lord Shiva took the form of Martanda Bhairava and fought a fierce battle with the duo. The war ended on the sixth day with the killing of the two demons. It is said that the battle concluded on the Shashti Tithi of the Margashirsha month, Shukla Paksha. Hence, people celebrate Champa Shashti to celebrate the victory of Martanda Bhairava, who self-manifested himself as Khandoba.
Champa Shashthi significance:
Devotees beleive that, by observing the rituals of Champa Shashti, the observer is blessed with positive energy and prosperous and happy life. It is believed that all the sins get washed away by observing this festival with devotion. On this day devotees often visit nearby Khandoba temples and offer vegetables, fruits, wood, apple leaves and turmeric powder to worship Lord Khandoba.
