Sashtiapthapoorthi, also known as Ayul Shanthi Homam, is a significant Hindu ceremony celebrated when a person completes their 60th year and enters their 61st year. This ritual marks a pivotal moment in one’s life, acknowledging the successful completion of familial and societal duties and focusing on spiritual growth. The ceremony is traditionally organized by family members and involves a series of sacred rites performed to seek divine blessings for longevity, health, and spiritual advancement.

The Sashtiapthapoorthi celebration typically takes place in a function hall, temple, or at the family home. The event features several key rituals:

FAMILY DEITY POOJA: An initial worship of the family deity to invoke blessings.

HOMAMS: Nine sacred fire rituals are conducted, including Ganapathy, Lakshmi, Amurtha Mrityunjeyar, Ayush, Danvantri, and Kalasabhisheka. These rituals are performed to seek divine favor and improve the couple’s health and longevity.

MANGALYADHARANA: Following the homams, there may be a ceremonial re-tieing of the marital knot, depending on family traditions.
Timing of the Ceremony

Sashtiapthapoorthi is performed on the Nakshatra birthday corresponding to the Tamil birth month, marking the transition from the 60th to the 61st year of life.