Vaikasi Visakam, the birth anniversary of Lord Murugan, is celebrated with great enthusiasm by his devotees. Born from the six sparks that emerged from the third eye of Lord Shiva, Murugan is also known as Skanda. This article provides details about Vaikasi Visakam 2024, including the date and time, history, significance, and ways to celebrate.

Date and Tithi of Vaikasi Visakam 2024

Vaikasi Visakam: Thursday, May 23, 2024

Visakam Nakshathram Starts: 07:47 AM on May 22, 2024

Visakam Nakshathram Ends: 09:15 AM on May 23, 2024

The Birth of Lord Murugan

Vaikasi Visakam commemorates the birth of Lord Murugan, who was created from the energy of Lord Shiva to vanquish the demon Soorapadam. According to legend:

A demon named Soorapadam and his brothers ruled the earth, causing suffering to innocent people. After defeating the Devas and expelling them from their heavenly abode, the Devas sought Lord Shiva’s assistance. Shiva meditated, and six sparks of fire emerged from his third eye. These sparks were carried by Agni and Vayu to the Saravana pond via the Ganga River. Upon reaching the pond, the sparks transformed into six babies on six blooming lotuses.

These babies were nurtured by six celestial maidens, the Krithikas: Siva, Sambhuti, Priti, Sannati, Anasuya, and Ksama. Eventually, the six babies merged to form the six-headed Lord Karthikeya, also known as the son of the Krithikas.

Celebrating Vaikasi Visakam

Vaikasi Visakam marks the day Lord Murugan manifested to destroy dark forces, establish dharma, and grant supreme protection and wisdom. Celebrations include:

- Brahmotsavam Festival: Many Murugan temples hold a 10-day Brahmotsavam festival during Vaikasi Visagam.

- Pal Kudam and Kavadi: Devotees carry milk pots (Pal Kudam) for abhishekam (anointing) to Murugan and vow to carry kavadi (a decorated yoke) in a procession to Murugan temples.

- Temple Rituals: Special pooja, homa, aarti, and abhishekam are conducted in temples to seek Murugan’s blessings.

- Divine Wedding: The divine wedding of Murugan to Valli is performed in many temples. Witnessing or conducting this wedding is considered highly auspicious, believed to resolve marriage-related problems and confer happiness and auspiciousness.

Significance of Vaikasi Visakam Festival

Lord Murugan, the god of courage, wealth, and wisdom, is worshipped to eliminate evil forces from one’s life, such as sorrow, negativity, and grief. The festival of Vaikasi Visagam symbolizes Murugan’s power to destroy the dark forces, much like his defeat of the demon Soorapadam.

The Six Abodes of Lord Murugan in Tamil Nadu

There are six principal temples dedicated to Lord Murugan, known as Aru Padaiveedu:

1. Palani Murugan Temple
2. Swamimalai Murugan Temple
3. Thiruchendur Murugan Temple
4. Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple
5. Thiruthani Murugan Temple
6. Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple



Source / Image Credit : Samayam Tamil