When is Vaikasi Visakam 2021

Vaikasi Visakam, the festival which celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Muruga, falls in the month of Vaikasi (May-June in the Gregorian calendar). It is on the 25th of May in 2021. People celebrate the day by performing Pooja and many rituals. 

In the Tamil calendar, Vaikasi is the second month, and Vishakam is the sixteenth nakshatra among twenty-seven nakshatras. Muruga is the younger son of the divine couple, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is the God of wisdom, courage, and wealth. His other names are Senthil, Kumaran, Subramanyam, and Arumugham. As he has six faces, Murugan can see in East, West, North, South, Heaven, and Patal at the same time. Also, the six faces represent creation, preservation, destruction, involution, supreme grace, and wisdom.

Muruga is a manifestation of grace, charm, power, benevolence, and devotion. He is described as very intellectual in the Skanda Purana, and he also explained the meaning of ‘Pranava Mantra’ to Shiva.

Astrological Significance Of Vaikasi Visakam:

If Mars is not well placed in one’s birth chart, or if one has a Manglik dosha, they can worship Muruga to reduce the planet’s malefic effects. Astrologers will know the rituals that need to be performed for this purpose.

Significance of Vaikasi Visakam:

On this day, the Nakshatra Vishaka coincides with the full moon day or Purnima. Muruga was born from Shiva's third eye in the form of six fire sparks. The fire sparks were immersed in a river called Saravana Poigai. However, each of the six sparks became an infant. Goddess Parvati merged all the infants into one single child, and he was Muruga. For this reason, Muruga has six faces and twelve hands. 

Muruga was born to destroy three demons - Soorapadman, Singamuhan, and Tarakan. The demons had great powers. Only Shiva had the power to defeat them through his third eye, from which Muruga was born.

Story of Vaikasi Visakam:

As per mythology, Soorapadma, Tarakasura, and Singamugha underwent severe penance to get boons from Shiva. As a result, they gained huge power and a boon that only a special force born of Shiva could destroy them. The demons abused the power they had and enslaved the Gods for many years. Then, Lord Murugan was born to destroy them. Muruga also received the divine weapon, ‘Vel’, from his mother to help him destroy evil forces and protect people. Muruga destroyed the 
Asuras and re-established dharma.

The day is celebrated with great pomp in Tamil Nadu. Devotees take out processions to Muruga temples, carrying milk pots, and later the milk is used to perform 'abishekam' at the temples. Others observe vrat or fast and take only milk or fruits. They also chant Mantras and sing hymns. Some do meditation and distribute prasad. 

Vaikasi Visakam Rituals:

People wake up at dawn and take a bath before getting ready to worship Muruga. They observe fast on Vaikasi Visakam day and avoid eating spicy food. Fruits and milk can be taken. They also go to the temple to witness special Poojas and to take part in the special rituals. Some carry milk pots called ‘Pal Kudam’ to perform Abishekam at the temples. Some devotees also walk all the way to the temple from their homes far away. The temple chariot will be taken in a grand procession on the streets.

Many temples hold the 10-day Brahmotsavam festival on this day. The divine wedding of Muruga and his consort, Valli, is also performed at Muruga temples. People believe that it is good to conduct or see this wedding as it can help solve marriage-related problems. Special mantras are chanted, hymns in praise of Muruga are sung, and special offerings of milk, honey, fruits, and cooked delicacies are offered as to Muruga. After a special Homa and aarti, prasad is distributed. 

Benefits of Vaikasi Visakam:

• One receives the protection of Muruga from malefic forces, and obstacles will be removed.
• Bestows happiness and positivity.
• Enables peace and harmony in married life.
• Helps identify the right direction in life and removes all confusion.

Conclusion:

Worshipping Muruga on Vaikasi Visakam 2021 can bestow you with wealth, health, happiness, and prosperity. Muruga can help remove the negative energy from your life. Moreover, he represents knowledge and power. Praying to him on this special day will remove past sins and purify you. You can gain victory, courage and get divine protection from negative forces.