Aippasi Karthigai : Mantras, Offerings and Rituals to Follow on This Auspicious Day

Karthigai, one of the auspicious stars associated with Lord Murugan, holds a special place in Hindu tradition. Although Lord Murugan is believed to have incarnated under the Visakam star, Karthigai is celebrated in honour of the six Karthigai maidens who cared for and raised him. Observing a fast and worshipping Lord Murugan on Karthigai star days is believed to bring his divine blessings.

Devotees observe Karthigai Viratham every month with the belief that sincere prayers can bring wisdom, lasting prosperity, longevity, a loving and understanding life partner, and virtuous children. The observance is also regarded as an opportunity to strengthen one's faith and seek the Lord's guidance in overcoming life's challenges.

Reciting Murugan's sacred mantras and reading spiritual works such as the Kanda Puranam, Thiruppugazh and Kandar Kalivenba are also considered meaningful ways to observe the viratham.

Devotees should follow a fasting practice that suits their health and physical needs while maintaining a spirit of devotion and discipline throughout the day.

Offering Sevvarali flowers to Lord Murugan is considered auspicious on Karthigai days. Devotees may also offer jasmine flowers and adorn the deity with flower garlands as part of their prayers.

For the day's neivedhyam, devotees can prepare sweet pongal, kesari, lemon rice or milk payasam. Some may also offer raisins and fresh fruits.

According to religious belief, worshipping Lord Murugan with sincerity and devotion can bring blessings, help devotees overcome obstacles and guide them towards success in their endeavours.

Chanting the Karthigai Gayatri Mantra while remembering Lord Murugan is another devotional practice associated with this auspicious day.

The mantra is:

“Om Vannidehaayai Vidmahe

Maha Thapaayai Dheemahi

Thanno Kruthikah Prachodayat”

Devotees may visit a Murugan temple in the morning or evening and chant the mantra nine or 27 times during the deeparathanai, or the offering of light to the deity.

Circumambulating the temple nine times is also mentioned as part of this observance. Following this practice every month on Karthigai star day is believed to invite Lord Murugan's blessings and bring auspiciousness to one's life.

The Significance of Aippasi Karthigai Viratham

Karthigai Viratham is observed to seek the blessings of Lord Murugan, who is also known as Karthikeyan, a name associated with the Karthigai maidens who nurtured him.

Those observing the viratham during the Tamil month of Aippasi are traditionally encouraged to wake up early, bathe and worship the Lord.

Devotees may spend the day in prayer, chant Murugan's mantras and read sacred texts dedicated to him. Offering food to others, particularly through annadhanam (the donation of food), is also considered a meritorious act on this day.

According to devotional belief, observing the viratham and worshipping Lord Murugan can bring blessings for good health, prosperity, longevity and the fulfilment of family aspirations.

When Tuesday, considered an auspicious day for Lord Murugan, coincides with the Karthigai star, the occasion is regarded by devotees as particularly auspicious and is sometimes referred to as Mangala Sevvai Karthigai.

Source / Image Credit : Tamil Samayam , tamil.webdunia