Shashtiabdapoorthi is a Hindu ceremony conducted to felicitate the 60th birthday of a man. The age of sixty represents a milestone for a man and is considered a turning point in his life. It is of great significance to the person, since it indicates he has completed all worldly formalities with regard to his family and home. It also signifies the fact that he is now ready to turn his mind toward spirituality. This occasion is celebrated by conducting various poojas and homas to guide a man on the spiritual path and nudge him toward a more meaningful existence.
Certain wedding rituals are also performed to strengthen the bond between the male and his partner and obtain divine grace for a long and healthy life. The couple then seeks the blessings of elders who have performed the ceremony and in turn bless the ones younger than them.
Ganapathy Homa - to commence the proceedings
Sankalpam - Prayers are offered for a long and healthy life.
Graha Preethi Dhana and Vaishna Sradham - conducted at this stage
Abyuthaya Sradham or Nandee Sradham - performed to seek the blessings of ancestors
Punyaham - done to sanctify the venue and purify one's body and mind
Repetition of Wedding Rituals - The couple repeat their marriage vows.
The Mrityunjayadevata Kalasa Sthapana and Pratima Sthapana, along with offering archanas, are performed. Kalasa Sthapanam and Shodasa Upachara Poojas are also performed to invoke various deities.
Worshipping Ma Durga and Lord Vishnu is a vital part of the ceremony, and this is called the “Paratpara Pooja.” Other poojas, along with chanting of Vedic hymns, are also conducted to appease various deities who confer their blessings upon the couple..
Several homas are performed to sanctify this ritual:
Ayush Homa - For health and a long life
Navagraha Homa - To appease the nine planets
Dhanvantri Homa - For good health
Maha Mruthynujaya Homa - For longevity
After performing several rituals, the Mangala Snana is conducted and followed up with Kalasa Abhisekha.
A vital feature of the Shashtiabthapoorthi ritual involves dhanam, or charity, which is performed by the couple for blessings and prosperity. Ten different types of charity, known as Dasa Dhana, are observed.
Gho Dhana - Brings about good fortune and a peaceful life
Gold Dhana - Confers freedom from sins
Bhoo Dhana - For a comfortable life
Vasthra Dhana - For prosperity and harmony
Jaggery Dhana - For wealth
Lavana Dhana - For good health
Food Dhana - For a prosperous life
Silver Dhana - To seek the blessings of ancestors
Ghee Dhana - Redemption from bad karma
Sesame Dhana - To get rid of sins
Besides Dasa Dhana, some people perform Panch Dhana to appease all Purohits and Devathas for a prosperous and happy life.
This ceremony is considered important and is usually performed after all the rituals are completed. The couple offers phala, or fruit, to all those who have taken part in the proceedings.
Bhoori Dhana is also performed to seek the blessings of elders and scholars who have been a part of the proceedings. Finally, after all the ceremonies have been completed, Maha Aashirvaadam, followed by Brahman Bhojanam and Swasthi Vachanam, is performed to mark the completion of the proceedings.
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