Vaikasi Visakam 2025: Date, Significance, Rituals
Date: Monday, June 9, 2025
Visakam Nakshathram Begins: 12:42 PM on June 8, 2025
Visakam Nakshathram Ends: 3:31 PM on June 9, 2025
Introduction to Vaikasi Visakam
Vaikasi Visakam is one of the most spiritually significant festivals celebrated predominantly by Tamil Hindus, especially devotees of Lord Murugan (also known as Subramanya, Kartikeya, or Skanda). This auspicious day commemorates the divine birth of Lord Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and is observed with great reverence and devotion, especially in Tamil Nadu and parts of Kerala, Sri Lanka, and among Tamil communities worldwide.
The festival is celebrated during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (mid-May to mid-June) when the Visakam (Vishakha) Nakshatra coincides with the full moon. In 2025, Vaikasi Visakam falls on Monday, June 9.
Astrological Timing (Panchang Details)
- Visakam Nakshathram Begins: 12:42 PM on Sunday, June 8, 2025
- Visakam Nakshathram Ends: 3:31 PM on Monday, June 9, 2025
- Purnima Tithi (Full Moon Day): Coincides with the Nakshatram on June 9, enhancing the spiritual importance
According to Hindu scriptures and astrology, Visakam Nakshatra is ruled by Lord Indra, and its deity is Agni (Fire). When this star aligns with the full moon, it creates a highly potent and auspicious window for worship, especially for the birth anniversary of Lord Murugan.
Mythological Significance of Vaikasi Visakam
According to ancient scriptures and legends:
- Lord Murugan was born from the third eye of Lord Shiva, manifesting as six sparks of divine fire.
- These sparks were carried by Agni (Fire God) and Vayu (Wind God) to Saravana Poigai, a holy lake, where six divine women (Krittikas) nurtured them.
- The six children were later merged into one single form with six faces and twelve hands by Goddess Parvati. Hence, he is also known as Shanmukha (Six-faced one).
- He was born to destroy the evil demon Soorapadman, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
Lord Murugan embodies courage, wisdom, youth, virtue, and victory, and is a revered deity especially among Tamil devotees.
Vaikasi Visakam 2025: Celebrations and Rituals
1. Early Morning Rituals
- Devotees wake up early and take a ritual bath, often in holy rivers or temple tanks.
- Homes and temples are decorated with kolams (rangoli) and flowers.
- Fasting or partial fasting is observed by many devotees.
2. Abhishekam and Alankaram
- A grand Abhishekam (ritual bathing) of Lord Murugan idols is performed using:
- Milk
- Honey
- Sandalwood paste
- Coconut water
- Panchamritam (a mixture of five sacred ingredients)
- The deity is then adorned with silk garments, flower garlands, jewelry, and sacred ashes (vibhuti).
3. Special Pujas and Homams
- Elaborate pujas are conducted with Vedic chanting and offerings of flowers and sweets.
- Many temples organize Murugan Homams and Sahasranama Archana (recitation of 1000 names).
- Devotees recite Kanda Sashti Kavasam, Subramanya Bhujangam, and other hymns.
4. Temple Processions and Cultural Events
- Processions (Therottam) of Lord Murugan’s idol on decorated chariots are common in large temples like:
- Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy Temple, Tiruchendur
- Palani Murugan Temple
- Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple
- Cultural programs such as music, dance, and drama performances based on Lord Murugan’s legends are conducted.
5. Annadanam and Charity
- Many temples and devotees organize Annadanam (mass feeding) on this day.
- Charitable acts like donating to the needy, distributing clothes, and helping the poor are encouraged.
Fasting and Spiritual Observances
Devotees observe a strict or partial fast on Vaikasi Visakam to purify the body and mind. Common practices include:
- Consuming only fruits and milk during the day
- Avoiding rice, onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food
- Engaging in meditation, prayers, and chanting the Lord’s name
Important Temples Associated with Vaikasi Visakam
Some of the most significant Murugan temples that host grand Vaikasi Visakam celebrations include:
| Temple Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Palani Murugan Temple | Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu |
| Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple | Tiruchendur, Tamil Nadu |
| Swamimalai Murugan Temple | Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu |
| Thiruthani Murugan Temple | Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu |
| Thiruparankundram Temple | Madurai, Tamil Nadu |
These temples attract lakhs of devotees during Vaikasi Visakam for darshan and special pujas.
Spiritual Significance of Vaikasi Visakam
- A day for seeking blessings of Lord Murugan for wisdom, valor, and spiritual awakening
- It is believed that sincere prayers on this day remove obstacles, cure diseases, and bring inner strength
- Vaikasi Visakam is also a time to celebrate divine love, service to humanity, and moral victory
Vaikasi Visakam and Devotee Traditions
- Kavadi Attam (ritual dance) is performed by some devotees as a form of penance.
- Some undertake Padayatra (pilgrimage on foot) to Murugan temples.
- Families may organize Skanda Shashti recitations or Murugan story narration sessions at home.
Conclusion
Vaikasi Visakam is more than a religious observance—it’s a spiritual festival of devotion, self-purification, and divine grace. It brings together communities in prayer and celebration of Lord Murugan’s divine birth, fostering the values of faith, unity, discipline, and devotion.
In 2025, as Vaikasi Visakam falls on June 9 (Monday), devotees should take this opportunity to deepen their spiritual connection, visit Murugan temples, and immerse in the divine presence of the mighty warrior deity who symbolizes light and knowledge.
Key Highlights for Vaikasi Visakam 2025
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Festival Day | Monday, June 9, 2025 |
| Visakam Nakshatram Begins | 12:42 PM on June 8, 2025 |
| Visakam Nakshatram Ends | 3:31 PM on June 9, 2025 |
| Deity Worshipped | Lord Murugan (Kartikeya) |
| Main Celebration Sites | Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, Malaysia |
