Sashti Vrat----A Very Auspicious Undertaking by South Indians

Last time we saw about Thulsi Vivah which many North Indians consider auspicious and undertake a Vrat on that day and do pooja. Likewise, many South Indians undertake Vrat during Sashti of every month. Sashti is a thithi which falls on the sixth day after every Amavasya (New Moon Day) and Purnima (Full Moon Day). Sashti otherwise called as Devasena is the wife of Lord Muruga. She is considered very auspicious and prayed to for protecting children. Many married couple pray to her to ward off impotency and give them a child. She is said to protect children like a mother.

According to Devi Bagavatham:

In Devi Bagavatham one can find references to Sashti in the 9th Chapter. The story goes like this.
A person named Priyavrathan lived during the period of Svayambu Manu. He was a very devoted person. But, he denied to get married in the beginning. Later at one point of time, he got married to a lady named Malini based on the advice given by Lord Brahma. Even after many years of married life with Malini, they didn't have a child. So he performed a Yagna called "Puthra Kameshti Yagna" with the help of Sage Kashyapa, and Malini became pregnant. Naturally, a lady has to deliver a baby after 10 months of pregnancy. But, Malini delivered a son after 12 years of carrying the child in her womb.

Priyavrathan got very upset and he decided to give away his son to Lord Yama. The child died and at the same time, a beautiful lady appeared before him. She introduced herself as Devasena Devi, the daughter of Lord Brahma and wife of Lord Muruga. She also told that she is the protector of all the children in the world and she also gives the boon of a child for childless couple. She brought the child back to life and gave it back to Priyavrathan. As the child was brought back to life by the Goddess Priyvrathan accepted the child and took it back home.

Based on this story, even till today people undertake Sashti Vrath and pray for a child.