Vaikasi Visakam 2024: Date, Time, History, Significance And Wishes Related To Lord Murugan's Blessings

By Oneindia Staff

Updated: Thursday, May 23, 2024, 15:38 [IST]

Vaikasi Visakam is a significant Hindu festival celebrated primarily in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, commemorating the birth anniversary of Lord Murugan, also known as Kartikeya or Skanda.

This auspicious occasion falls on the full moon day (Visakam) of the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June), and devotees observe various rituals and perform puja (worship) to seek the blessings of Lord Murugan. Let's know the date, time, rituals, significance and wishes associated with Vaikasi Visakam 2024.

Vaikasi Visakam 2024: Date And Time

In the year 2024, Vaikasi Visakam is being celebrated on May 23, 2024. Visakam Nakshatra Begins on May 22, 2024 at 07:47 AM. Visakam Nakshatram ends on May 23, 2024 at 09:15 am.

Vaikasi Visakam 2024: Rituals And Puja Vidhi

On Vaikasi Visakam, devotees wear traditional attire. Men typically don dhotis, while women wear sarees. These garments are often in bright colours, symbolising joy and festivity. Wearing traditional clothes adds to the spiritual atmosphere of the celebrations.

They begin by cleaning the puja area and decorating it with flowers, rangoli (decorative patterns), and traditional motifs. While performing the abhishekam, they chant the "Om Saravana Bhava" mantra or other sacred hymns dedicated to Lord Murugan. Then they gather the necessary puja items, including a picture or idol of Lord Murugan, incense sticks, lamps, fruits, flowers, turmeric, kumkum (vermilion), sandalwood paste, betel leaves, and nuts.

Sweet Pongal is a special dish prepared on Vaikasi Visakam. This sweet rice dish is made with jaggery, ghee, and nuts. It is offered to Lord Murugan as part of the rituals. The preparation of Sweet Pongal is said to bring families together in the kitchen.

Vaikasi Visakam 2024 Significance

Lord Murugan is a revered deity in Tamil mythology. He is known for his courage, wealth, and wisdom. With six faces, he is called Lord Arumugam. These faces allow him to see in all directions at once, making him an omnipresent figure.

Vaikasi Visakam holds immense religious significance. Devotees believe that due to six faces and can see in all directions simultaneously and this makes him a powerful deity in Tamil mythology.

The celebration of Vaikasi Visakam involves a grand procession of Lord Murugan. Devotees carry his idol through the streets, singing hymns and chanting prayers. They also perform Abhishekam by offering milk to the deity. This ritual purifies and sanctifies the idol.

They seek the blessings of Lord Murugan for spiritual growth, protection, and enlightenment. The festival serves as a time for introspection, renewal, and seeking divine grace to overcome inner obstacles and attain self-realization.