Vaikasi Visakam is a Hindu festival celebrated primarily in Tamil Nadu. It falls in the Tamil month of Vaikasi, which typically falls in May or June, coinciding with the full moon day (Visakam).
Vaikasi Visakam is celebrated as the birth of Lord Murugan, who is known as the God of courage, wealth, and wisdom, mainly celebrated by Tamil people all over the world. This festival holds a special place for followers of the deity Lord Murugan, also known as Lord Kartikeya in Northern states. Lord Murugan is the second son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Birth of Lord Murugan
Vaikasi Visakam marks the auspicious occasion, the birth of Murugan, the Brave Warrior-God. He was born with the sacred mission of safeguarding the realms of the world from the looming threat of evil.
The demon Surapadman grew immensely powerful, causing great trouble and posing a serious threat to the balance of the universe. Faced with this serious situation, the gods were in desperate need of a solution to counteract the demon's growing strength. So, Lord Shiva, the supreme deity, and his consort, Goddess Parvati, devised a divine plan to bring forth a saviour. Shiva, with his omnipotent third eye, emitted a radiant spark of divine energy, charged to create a powerful being capable of defeating Surapadman and restoring cosmic harmony.
The special spark split into six parts and fell into the river Ganges. These parts eventually reached the Saravana Poigai lake in South India. Parvati gathered these sparks and formed them into a boy named Sara Vana. Then, Parvati asked the six Krittika stars to look after Murugan like their own child. Under their care, Murugan grew up quickly and became a strong warrior. Lord Murugan is a God of Knowledge, he taught Lord Shiva the meaning of the term “Om”.
Lord Murugan also known as Lord Arumugam, has six faces and six different temples in different places, called Arupadai veedu in Tamil Nadu. Murugan is known as the god of victory and courage. He is also associated with qualities such as wisdom, purity, and devotion. In Tamil Nadu, Lord Murugan is addressed with different names such as Kathirvelan, Saravanan, Subramanya, Shanmugam, Senthilnathan and some others. Lord Murugan is often depicted as a youthful deity, riding a peacock and holding a spear or Vel, which symbolizes wisdom and victory.
The birth of Lord Murugan is celebrated with joy and reverence by devotees, particularly during festivals like Skanda Sashti and Panguni Uthiram, which is considered as his triumph over evil and is remembrance through various rituals and prayers.
Significance of Vaikasi Visakam
- On Vaikasi Visakam day, devotees engage in various religious activities, including special prayers, pujas (ritual offerings), Paal abhishekam (ritual bathing of the deity), Paal kudam (milk pot).
- Some people take the Kavadi (offerings to Lord Murugan) to the temple and perform fire rituals at the temple.
- Devotees also keep fasting without eating hot foods and consuming milk and fruits.
- Some devotees carry the idols of Lord Murugan are adorned with flowers and ornaments, to the temple.
- Devotees also chant a fire mantra, “Sa Ra Va Na Ba Va Namha” and sing devotional songs in praise of Lord Muruga. Reciting this fire mantra protects us from all evil and problems.
The Tamil Saiva saint Arunagirinathar insists us to keep this in mind, and focus on Lord Murugan’s form with our eyes closed for a few seconds to get his blessings. Vaikasi Visakam is special in all the Arupadai Veedu, especially in the Subramaniya Swamy temple, located in Thiruchendur. Vaikasi Visakam is an opportunity for people to express their devotion to Lord Murugan and seek his blessings for prosperity, success, and spiritual well-being. Worshiping Lord Murugan on this special day is believed to ease all our problems and give relief from evil things.
Rituals for Vaikasi Visakam
1. Observing Vratham (Fasting):
Devotees of Lord Murugan observe a special fast on Vaikasi Visakam.
- Ideally, one should fast for the entire day.
- Those unable to do a full fast may take one simple meal.
- Alternatively, partial fasting with milk and fruits is also acceptable.
2. Chanting Mantras and Hymns:
- Recite Murugan’s six-syllable mantras like “Om Saravanabhava” or “Om Muruga” throughout the day.
- Devotees can also chant Thiruppugazh or the powerful Kanda Sashti Kavacham for spiritual protection and blessings.
3. Charitable Acts:
Offering donations on this day is considered highly auspicious.
- Donate items such as umbrellas, slippers, buttermilk, panakam (sweet drink), and curd rice to the needy.
- These acts are believed to bring blessings for marriage, progeny, prosperity, and help in removing obstacles and dangers.
4. Special Observance for Blessings:
- It is believed that those seeking childbirth usually fast on the Sashti tithi, dedicated to Lord Muruga.
- It is believed that sincere fasting and worship on this day will bless the devotee with a child.
Celebration of Vaikasi Visakam
Palani Dhandayudhapani Swamy Temple
The Palani Dhandayudhapani Swamy Temple, one of the six sacred abodes (Arupadai Veedu) of Lord Murugan, hosts numerous spiritual festivities throughout the year. Among them, the Vaikasi Visakam festival stands out as one of the most significant and grandly celebrated events.
This 10-day festival begins with the flag hoisting ceremony (Kodiyetram) at the Periyanayaki Amman Temple, marking the start of a spiritually auspicious period. Each day, Lord Muthukumaraswamy, accompanied by Goddesses Valli and Deivanai, is taken in a majestic procession through the temple streets. Devotees receive blessings as the divine trio appears on a variety of vahanas (sacred mounts), including Chapparam, Tandha Pallakku (palanquin with tusks), Tholukiniyan (shoulder-carried palanquin), Thanga Kuthirai (golden horse), Velli Yanai (silver elephant), Kamadhenu, Aatukidai (goat), and the Velli Mayil (silver peacock).
The highlight of the festival is the Thirukalyanam, the divine wedding of Lord Murugan with Valli and Deivanai, celebrated with great devotion and ceremony. This sacred union is followed by the Vaikasi Visakam Therottam, the grand chariot procession.
- Flag Hoisting (Kodiyettram): June 3, 2025
- Divine Wedding (Thirukalyanam): June 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM
- Chariot Procession (Therottam): June 9, 2025, at 4:30 PM
Chennai - Vadapalani Murugan Temple
At the Vadapalani Murugan Temple in Chennai, the Vaikasi Visakam festival is celebrated with great devotion over a period of 10 days. This year, the festival begins with the flag hoisting ceremony (Kodiyettram) on May 31st.
Following this, daily vahanam processions will take place, featuring Lord Murugan on various divine vehicles. On June 6th, the Therottam (chariot procession) will be held.
The Vaikasi Visakam day, observed on June 9th, marks the Thirukalyanam Utsavam, the divine wedding of Lord Murugan with Goddesses Valli and Deivanai. Later the same evening, at 7 PM, a special Mayil Vahanam procession will take place, where the Lord will bless devotees in all his splendour.
Every Murugan temple across Tamil Nadu celebrates Vaikasi Visakam in its own unique way. Special pujas, abhishekams, and chariot processions are conducted to honour Lord Murugan on this auspicious day. Make sure to visit a nearby Murugan temple and receive divine blessings on this sacred occasion.
Vaikasi Visakam date and time
Vaikasi Visakam will be observed on Monday, June 9, 2025.
As per the Vakya Panchangam:
- Visakam Nakshathram begins at 2:09 PM on June 8, 2025
- Visakam Nakshathram ends at: 4:40 PM on June 9, 2025
Celebrate this Vaikasi Visakam with your family and receive the blessing of Lord Murugan.