The Sanskrit term Ṣaṣṭakāla can be transliterated into English as Sastakala or Shashtakala, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Hinduism

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation

Ṣaṣṭakāla (षष्टकाल) refers to a period of 4 hours, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.2.5. Accordingly, as Nārada instructed Sandhyā in the performance of penance:—“[...] the whole penance begins with silence. I shall explain it. Listen. The ceremonial bath shall be taken silently. The worship of Śiva shall be performed silently. The food taken in shall solely consist of water in the first and second Ṣaṣṭakālas (a period ⅙ of the day=4 hrs.) On the third Ṣaṣṭhakāla you shall observe complete fast [without even taking water]. This shall continue till the conclusion of the penance. The rites shall be performed at the end of each Ṣaṣṭhakāla. This is called the penance of silence. It yields all the benefits of celibate life. O lady, it confers all cherished desires. True, it is certainly true”.

context information

The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Shasta, Kala.

Full-text: Maunatapasya.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Shashtakala, Ṣaṣṭakāla, Shashta-kala, Ṣaṣṭa-kāla, Sasta-kala, Sastakala; (plurals include: Shashtakalas, Ṣaṣṭakālas, kalas, kālas, Sastakalas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

The Shiva Purana (by J. L. Shastri)

Chapter 5 - The story of Sandhyā < [Section 2.2 - Rudra-saṃhitā (2): Satī-khaṇḍa]

show preview