Vaikasi Visakam, a Hindu festival that honors Lord Muruga, will be celebrated on May 22, 2024. It celebrates the birth anniversary of Muruga.
The warrior god, Muruga, is the son of Lord Shiva and his consort, Parvati. He is also the brother of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity. He is the patron god of Tamil Nadu, so this is a major festival in this south Indian state.
The festival falls on the day the full moon, or Purnima, coincides with Visakam Nakshatra in the month of Vaikasi (May-June). Vishaka Nakshatra is actually a cluster of 3 bright stars. Of the 27 Nakshatras, it is the 16th. Hindus believe that Muruga appeared on this day to annihilate evil forces and establish Dharma on earth. As part of the celebrations, on this day, many temples conduct the divine wedding ceremony of Muruga and Valli (one of his 2 consorts).
Significance of Vaikasi Visakam
In Muruga temples, this is also the time when the 10-day Brahmotsavam festival is held. It is the custom for devotees to carry Pal Kudam (milk pots) and Kavadi ( a decorated yoke) on the shoulders as they make their way in procession to the temple. There are special Poojas, Homas, Aarti, and Abishekam to gain Muruga’s blessings on this occasion. It is also believed to be very auspicious to participate in the wedding ceremony of Muruga and Valli. It can supposedly eliminate all problems related to marriage and restore happiness and harmony in life.
In astrology, Planet Mars can influence marital happiness. People who have Kuja/Mangalik (Mars) Dosha tend to have unhappy marriages. It can cause arguments and discord in married life, which often leads to separation or divorce. Muruga is the deity who rules Mars. Hence, people worship Murugan to overcome Mars-related problems. Afflicted Mars can also cause financial problems like debts.
Legend of Vaikasi Visakam
Legends claim that Muruga took birth to kill a trio of demons who were also brothers. They were Surapadma, Tarakasura, and Singamugha. They had gained a boon whereby only a son of Shiva could kill them. After his wife, Sati’s death, Shiva had withdrawn from the world and gone into a deep meditation. Hence, the demons thought there was no chance of Shiva getting married or having a son. They began to harass the gods and drove them from heaven. Lord Vishnu told the beleaguered gods to seek Shiva’s help as he, too, was helpless.
Shiva was known for his temper, so the gods were afraid of disturbing him. But they hatched a plan with the help of Lord Kamadeva, the god of love. Parvati, the reincarnation of Sati, wished to unite with Shiva. It was decided that Kama would awaken Shiva from his meditation, and Shiva would marry Parvati.
But, when Kama’s flower-tipped arrow struck Shiva, he opened his third eye and reduced Kama to ashes. The other gods asked him to revive Kama as he had only tried to help them. When Shiva heard the entire story, he relented and revived Kama. He also agreed to help the gods. Six sparks of fire came out of his third eye. They were so hot that Agni (Fire god) and Vayu (Wind god) carried them to the Ganges river, which carried them to Saravana Poigai, a pond which was covered by water reeds. The sparks turned into 6 babies on 6 lotuses. They were raised by the 6 Karthikai Pengal (Pleiades). Later, Parvati embraced the six babies so that they became one baby with 6 heads and 12 hands. He got the name Shanmuga for this reason. His 6 faces represent creation, preservation, destruction, involution, grace, and wisdom. He rules all knowledge and even taught the meaning of the Pranava Mantra, “OM,” to his father, Shiva.
Shiva gave the 11 weapons of the 11 Rudras to Murugan. Parvati gave him the Vel (spear). As commander of the gods, Murugan waged a 10-day battle and defeated Soorapadman and his siblings. Soorapadman turned into a mango tree. But Muruga's Vel cut the tree into 2 parts. One part became a peacock, and another, a cock. Muruga made the peacock his mount and the cock his flag.
Rituals of Vaikasi Visakam
Muruga embodies knowledge and power. Worshipping him on Vaikasi Visakam is believed to relieve one’s sins.
Many people observe a fast on this day. It is also the practice to carry Pal Kudams and Kavadis (decorated arches) to Muruga temples. Often, people walk long distances, carrying these offerings, from their homes to the temple. Sweet Pongal is made and offered to the deity as well. Some offer coral and yellow sapphire gemstones to the deity.
Devotees also recite hymns like Subramanya Bhujangam, Thirupughazh, etc., praising him. Red oleander flowers and 6 Nagalinga flowers are among the other offerings to Muruga.
People also donate food to the poor on this day.
In many Muruga temples, a 10-day Brahmotsavam is held on this occasion. The wedding ceremony of Murugan and Valli, his tribal wife, is also performed. Taking part in this ritual is believed to put an end to marital discord and restore harmony and happiness.
People with no progeny also worship Muruga on this day to gain progeny blessings.
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