Vaikasi Visakam

According to the Tamil calendar, during the month of Vaikasi (Vaishakh), when the Vishakham Nakshatra is present, this auspicious day is celebrated in honor of Lord Murugan's birth. On this day, Tamil devotees perform special worship and rituals for Lord Murugan, who is the son of Shiva and Parvati, known as Kartikeya. Tamilians revere him as the destroyer of enemies and the commander of the celestial forces. Lord Kartikeya is considered one of the most ancient deities among Tamil people. Lord Murugan was born on the full moon day of the Vaishakh month under the Vishakha Nakshatra, making this an auspicious and grandly celebrated day among Tamil devotees.

Who is Lord Murugan? What is His Story?

According to the Skanda Purana, there was a demon named Tarakasura, who performed intense penance to please Lord Brahma. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Brahma appeared before him and offered a boon. Tarakasura requested to be invincible and immortal. In response, Lord Brahma explained that no one in creation can be invincible and immortal, and Tarakasura must specify a cause for his potential death. Hearing this, Tarakasura declared that his death could only come at the hands of Lord Shiva’s son, believing that Lord Shiva, as a renunciant, would never marry or have a child. Thus, he assumed he would remain forever invincible. After granting the boon, Lord Brahma departed.

Following this, Tarakasura conquered the three worlds, becoming their self-declared ruler and spreading terror everywhere. Terrified, the deities sought the help of Lord Vishnu, and together with Lord Brahma, they convinced Lord Shiva to marry. Eventually, Lord Shiva wed Goddess Parvati, and from their meditation emerged a powerful energy that took the form of a six-faced child. Raised by the Krittikas, this child was named ‘Kartikeya.’ Kartikeya then defeated Tarakasura, eliminating all negative forces with his victory. The gods appointed him as the commander of the celestial army. He is depicted with six faces, holding a mighty spear in his hand, riding a peacock, and symbolizes courage and fearlessness.

What Do People Do on the Auspicious Day of Vaikasi Visakam?

In Tamil Nadu, the full moon day of Vaikasi month (Vaishakh) in the Shukla Paksha, when it coincides with the Vishakham Nakshatra, is celebrated as Murugan Jayanti. On this day, devotees carry milk to Lord Murugan's temples and perform an abhishekam (ceremonial bath) using the milk. Sweets, fruits, and other offerings are presented as Naivedyam, along with bhajans, rituals, havan (fire offerings), yagna, and chanting of Lord Murugan’s mantras. A grand aarti is performed, and devotees pray for the fulfillment of their wishes. The full moon day of Vaishakh with Vishakha Nakshatra is considered highly auspicious. Worship performed with true devotion on this day blesses the seeker with spiritual energy, which fosters positivity and destroys inner enemies such as greed, anger, and ego.

Significance of Worshipping Lord Murugan

Lord Murugan symbolizes goodness. Worshipping him brings relief from all family troubles and brings peace of mind. He fulfills the desires of his devotees, eliminating any negative energy present in the family and spreading positivity among its members. Performing yagna (fire ritual) grants inner strength and confidence to face life's challenges. Lord Murugan always protects his devotees from harmful forces, ensuring that no harmful energy can ever enter the homes of those devoted to him.