Vaikasi visakam is an important festival to Tamil population all over the world. It was the day when Lord Muruga incarnated to destroy the evil asuric forces and uphold righteousness. He is verily a lord of Compassion who fulfills the desires of his devotees. He is also a lord of wisdom. It was Muruga, who initiated the pranava mantra of OM to his father, Lord Shiva, thereby assuming the name, Sivagurunathaswamy.
The birth of Muruga took place in the Tamil Month of Vaikasi and with the star Visakha. It is generaly called as Vaikasi Visakam. This star is the 16th star of the 27 stars. This usually falls between mid-may to mid-June. Vaikasi month is also called as Vrishabha month. The lord is called Arumuga, as he has 6 faces, denoting the six directions. He is all powerful and people undertake fasts, kavadis, perform abisekams to please him and earn his grace. The day usually falls on a full moon day. Milk is carried in pots by devotees and is poured over him as an abhishekham. Sweet pongal is offered to him as naivedhya. Songs sung by saint Arunagirinathar, Thirpugazh, subramanya bhujangam by Adi Sankara, Kanda Sashthi Kavacham are sung for attracting Muruga`s blessings and protection.
Red oleander flowers can be offered to him and temples of Muruga should be visited by the whole family. Nagalinga flowers in six numbers should be offered at his feet and not less than 18 people should be fed on this day. Food given away in charity is a must when nagalinga flowers are used for worship. This is according to the divine laws, as stated by Sage Agasthya.
Lord Muruga
Lord Muruga
Lord Muruga appears in different forms in different temples. He is seen with his vel or spear, in six faces, in bow and arrow or with his consorts. All these forms should be taken Darshan of, for very good auspicious benefits. Lord Muruga was born from the divine spark or fire that emanated from the forehead of Lord Shiva. He is to be invoked by reciting the fire mantra, Sa ra va na ba va. It bestows upon the person reciting immeasurable benefits.
It is also suggested that one should worship Veerabhaghu, the commander-in-chief of Lord Muruga. Temples having this deity should be worshipped, as it would instill one with virtues of courage, boldness and helps one to get rid of cowardice. Those who suffer from feelings of inferiority, low self esteem should pray to Deities who bear the names starting with veera, as in veerabhadra, veera maruthi, veeraraghava, etc.
This festival of Vaikasi visaka is also celebrated by the Buddhists, as Lord Buddha was born on this day and it is called Vesak. Offer Your prayers to Lord Muruga and receive his blessings.
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