- May 27, 2025
Vaikasi Visakam is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with immense devotion, particularly in Tamil Nadu and among the Tamil diaspora worldwide. It falls on the Visakam star (constellation) in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June). This auspicious day is primarily dedicated to Lord Murugan, also known as Kartikeya, Skanda, or Subramanya, the revered son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Lord Murugan is associated with three prominent stars: Visakam, Uthiram, and Krittika.
Due to his birth on the Visakam star in the month of Vaikasi, Lord Murugan is also known as Visakan. He is affectionately called Visaka Perumal. Interestingly, his companions are also named Sakan and Visakan.
On Vaikasi Visakam, it is believed that the six sparks of fire that emerged from Lord Shiva’s third eye transformed into six individual babies. These six forms later merged to become the beautiful Shanmukha (Six-faced) with twelve arms, representing his multifaceted divine power. The six Krittika maidens worshipped him on this day and received his blessings.
It was also on this sacred day that Lord Murugan, in his form as a divine embodiment of wisdom, granted enlightenment to the sons of Parasara Maharishi, who were living as fish in Saravana Poigai (a sacred pond). This marks the very first day Lord Murugan bestowed divine knowledge. To commemorate this, special worship services and processions (Veethiyula) are conducted for the Six-faced Lord (Arumugar) in Murugan temples, often involving Shanmugarchanai.
At the Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple, devotees carry milk pots (Paal Kudam) and perform grand abhishekam (ritual bathing) for Lord Shanmuganatha. The platform designated for these ablutions is known as “Abhisheka Kuradu.” It is believed that performing milk abhishekam on Vaikasi Visakam yields manifold benefits compared to any other day.
While Vaikasi Visakam primarily celebrates Lord Murugan’s incarnation, it is also observed as the incarnation day of Yama Dharmaraja, the Lord of Death and Justice. Observing a fast and performing worship on this day is believed to bestow Lord Murugan’s blessings and a long life.
A unique ritual known as Ushna Shanthi Utsavam (festival to cool down the deity) is annually performed at the Thiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple. During this ceremony, the sanctum sanctorum is filled with water to cool down the deity. Offerings such as moong dal payasam, appam (sweet dumplings), and neermore (spiced buttermilk) are made to the Lord on this day.
Vaikasi Visakam also holds significance for Goddess Parashakti, who is revered as Gnaneswari (Goddess of Wisdom). At the Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore, Chennai, Goddess Karpagavalli grants darshan (sacred sight) as Gnana Parameswari on Vaikasi Visakam. On this day, she is depicted holding a “Gnana Vaal” (Sword of Wisdom) at her hip. This sacred sword is believed to sever the ignorance (agnana) of devotees. This particular darshan is a rare and unique sight not commonly found in other temples.
