Vaikasi Visakam

According to the Tamil calendar, Lord Muruga's birthday is celebrated on Vaikasi Visakam. It is observed in the month of Vaikasi, which falls between the months of May and June on the Gregorian calendar. The Nakshatra Vishaka coincides with the full moon or Purnima on Vaikasi Visakam. ‘Vaikasi Visakam' is celebrated with pomp and grandeur not just in India but across the world, particularly in areas where Tamils have a significant presence, such as Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Singapore, and Malaysia.

The Vaiksi Pournima, also known as Vaiski Paurnima, is a sacred full moon day in the month of Vaiksi, beneath the Viskam star. The Vaiksi moonlight bathes the world in a magnificent radiance, transforming the overarching sky into something limitless and immense. The moon slowly and softly wanders the night in her silver shoon' amid our tropical sky. As she walks slowly, the translucent clouds appear to salute her. Nature's beauty is definitely revealing itself in all of its splendor. And a silence, profound and weird, comes with this curiously lovely soft light of holiness, reminding Hindus and Buddhists of the significance of this hallowed day.

The asterism Viskam is well known for being the natal star of Murukan, who is also known as Viskan. The Viska asterism is a constellation consisting of three brilliant stars whose pattern in the sky mimics the torana or entryway. The sun's spring equinox falls on the fourteenth asterism in the month of Vaiksi, which accounts for the month's scorching days.

The Buddhists, Saivites, and Vaishnavites all value Vaiksi Viskam. It is the day of Murukan's descent for the Saivites, Periyalvar's jayanti for the Vaishnavites, and the great marvels of Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and maha samadhi for the Buddhists.

History of Vaikasi Visakam

Lord Muruga is second son of the Lord Shiva, born from his third eye in the shape of ferocious fire sparks. The fire's intensity was so high that even the Gods couldn't take it, so the embers were plunged in the river to cool off. The strong river known as "Saravana Poigai" split the light into six distinct sparkles. The celestial maidens known as "karthigai Pengal" nourished each spark into a child. Goddess Parvati then combined all of the offspring into Lord Muruga, a single male infant with twelve hands and six faces.

Lord Muruga is described as having a highly attractive, lovely, and divine demeanour, as well as a tremendous deal of intelligence and knowledge. According to the “Skanda Purana,” Lord Muruga was a very intelligent man who taught even Lord Shiva the significance of the “Pranava Mantra.” He is a brave warrior who also commands the Devas' army. In general, he exudes charm, grace, power, dedication, and kindness.

Significance of Vaikasi Visakam

Lord Muruga has six distinct faces, each representing a different attribute.

First Face: Emits brilliant rays of light to dispel the gloom that has engulfed the earth.
Second Face: Showers his worshippers with generous favors and generosity.
Third Face: Keeps tradition alive by seeing Brahmins and other priests executing ceremonies and defending Sanathana Dharma.
Fourth Face: The world is governed by spiritual knowledge and wisdom.
Fifth face: The amulet, which shields individuals from negativity
Sixth Face: Loves and cares for all of his admirers.

Soorapadman, Singamuhan, and Tarakan, the wicked Asuras, were primary motivations for incarnation of Lord Muruga. The Asuras earned great favors and boons as a result of their arduous penance, including the ability to be indestructible. Only a particular force as powerful as Lord Shiva and created from the Almighty can defeat the wicked Asuras, who are therefore regarded unconquerable thanks to a special blessing granted by Lord Shiva as the result of their years of dedication and meditation. Lord Muruga is the united force of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, having been formed from Lord Shiva's third eye and fused by the Goddess again. Lord Muruga is also given a unique weapon by his mother, the powerful "Vel". It's an amulet that wards off evil and protects individuals from the perils of life. As a result, Lord Muruga not only acquires Lord Shiva's might, but also invokes the particular weaponry and powers of his mother, Goddess Parvati, and transforms into an immaculate power source.

Rituals On Vaikasi Visakam

Temples perform special Poojas and ceremonies on this day, and provide “Prasadams” to their followers. Kukuta Homa is conducted by a group of academics and priests, and it is one of the Homas (a religious rite in which fire is called and pondered to satisfy the God). To perform Abishekam for the god, devotees frequently bring milk jars known as "Pal Kudam." The holy wash with milk that is conducted on the Lord's idol, known as "Pal Abishekam," is supposed to have beneficial effects. Devotees go to temples early in the morning to see extraordinary "Pooja" and take part in all of the special ceremonies. Many worshippers would also trek a considerable distance to the temple from their homes. The temple chariot, together with the worshippers, would be paraded through streets in a spectacular procession.

People would fast at home and practice a particular "Vrat" on that day, avoiding hot foods and relying solely on milk and fruits. The rite includes special mantra chanting and gift of "Prasadams." Hymns are also sung in honor of Lord Muruga. The Lord's idol, also known as Almighty's image, is decked with unique garlands and flowers. As an homage to Lord, special offerings of honey, milk, fruits, and prepared delights are made.

Benefits of Celebrating Vaikasi Visakam

Lord Muruga bestows his blessings on all of his devotees who are actively participating in Vaikasi Visakam.
Removes family conflicts and misunderstandings
Ensures the couple's togetherness and gives harmony to the family
The Almighty acts as an amulet, protecting his worshippers from negative influences.
Gives children to spouses and descendants to strengthen the family tree.
Happiness is restored in people's lives, and family members are more positive.