Champa Shashthi, also known as Margashirsha Shukla Paksha Shashthi, is an important Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, Maa Parvati, Lord Kartikeya, and Khandoba Baba. Khandoba Baba is worshipped as a manifestation of Lord Shiva, and this festival holds significance in his honour. Champa Shashthi is celebrated on the sixth day of the bright fortnight of the Margashirsha month.

Champa Shashthi holds great importance in Maharashtra, especially when it coincides with the Shatabhisha Nakshatra and Vaidhriti Yoga, occurring either on a Sunday (Raviwar) or Tuesday (Mangalwar). Such a convergence is considered exceptionally auspicious.

The celebration of Champa Shashthi involves special prayers and rituals dedicated to these deities. The festival is particularly observed in the state of Maharashtra, India. Champa Shashthi in 2023 will be celebrated on December 18.

Also, find out more about the Date, Rituals and Significance of Champa Shashti 2023.

Champa Shashti 2023: Date and Timings

This year, Champa Shashti falls on Monday, December 18, 2023

Shashthi Tithi Starts: 5:33 p.m on December 17, 2023
Shashthi Tithi Ends: 3:13 p.m on December 18, 2023

Significance of Champa Shashti 2023

During the Shukla Paksha of Margashirsha, this festival is Champa Shashti or Chhath. As part of the celebration, brinjal or millet is offered to the Shiva Linga. In Maharashtra, the festival is characterized by its grandeur, with a focus on worshipping Markandeya in the form of Lord Shiva. Devotees of Shiva wake up during the Brahma Muhurta, perform their daily rituals, and take a bath. Following this, Lord Shiva is meditated upon, and the Shivling is worshipped in the temple. To anoint the Shivling, devotees use milk or Ganga Jal, and offerings such as Desi Khand, flowers, abir, and bel leaves are presented.

Additionally, Lord Kartikeya is also revered on this day. Devotees wake up early, take a bath, and commit to fasting and worship in honour of Lord Shiva’s son, Kartikeya. Lord Kartikeya is worshipped facing south, and offerings of ghee, curd, and water (Arghya) are made. Fresh and fragrant flowers are then offered to Lord Kartikeya.

Notably, offering Champa flowers to Lord Kartikeya on this day is considered highly beneficial. It is advised for the devotee to sleep on the ground at night, which is believed to bestow blessings from Lord Kartikeya. Moreover, practitioners should refrain from consuming oil on the day of Champa Shashthi and maintain celibacy until the following day.

Mythological Legends Behind Shashti 2023

Champa Shashti is commemorated through various mythological narratives, two of which stand out prominently in the lore.

In one myth, Kartikeya, in a fit of anger towards his parents, Lord Shankarji and Mata Parvati, as well as his younger brother Ganesh, departed from Mount Kailash to Mallikarjuna, the abode of Lord Shiva’s Jyotirlinga. There, on the sixth day of the bright half of Margashirsha, Kartikeya vanquished the demon Tarakasur and assumed the role of the commander of the gods’ army. Champa Shashti is celebrated on this significant day, as Kartikeya holds a special affinity for the Champa flower, giving rise to the name Champa Shashthi.

Another legend tells the tale of the demon brothers Mani and Malha. In an ancient conflict lasting six days at Khandoba, the incarnation of Lord Shiva, mankind was liberated from their malevolence. During this battle, Lord Shiva manifested in the form of a Shivling, while Lord Shiva and Parvati took on the forms of Bhairav and Shakti to vanquish the demons. In Maharashtra, the Rudravatar Bhairav is revered as Martand-Malhari, Khandoba, Khanderaya, and other names derived from this event. Champa Shashthi commemorates the triumph over demons Mani and Malha on this particular day.

Champa Shashthi is considered an auspicious occasion for worshipping Lord Shiva and Kartikeya. According to legend, sincere devotion on this day is believed to absolve one of sins, resolve problems, and bring happiness, peace, and salvation. Fasting on Champa Shashti is said to cleanse one of the sins from past lives. As Lord Kartikeya is associated with Mars, worshipping him is believed to enhance the influence of Mars in one’s zodiac sign and life.

Champa Shashti Religious Rituals

Certain rituals and remedies are to be followed on Champa Shashtii to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings and attract health, wealth and happiness.

Cleanse the worship area and decorate it with flowers and rangoli.
Arrange the necessary puja items, including a Shivling or image of Lord Shiva and Kartikeya.
Begin the puja by taking a solemn vow or Sankalp to observe Champa Shashti with devotion and sincerity.
Take a purifying bath during the Brahma Muhurta (early morning).
Dress in clean and traditional attire suitable for the occasion.
Offer milk or Ganga Jal for Abhishek (ritual bathing) of the Shivling.
Use items like Desi Khand, flowers, abir, and bel leaves for the puja.
Specifically, offer Champa flowers to Lord Kartikeya, which is considered highly auspicious.
Devotees wake up early, take a bath, and observe fasting.
Face south while performing puja for Lord Kartikeya.
Offer ghee, curd, and water (Arghya) to Lord Kartikeya.
Present fresh and fragrant flowers as offerings.
Chant relevant mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva and Kartikeya.
Recite prayers and hymns that hold significance during Champa Shashti.
Maintain celibacy from the day of Champa Shashti until the next day.
Avoid the consumption of oil throughout the day.
Sleep on the ground at night to seek blessings from Lord Kartikeya.
Conclude the puja with prayers for the well-being of the family, the removal of obstacles, and the blessings of Lord Shiva and Kartikeya.