Celebration and Rituals during Vaikasi Visakam

• Lord Muruga is the manifestation of divine and complete knowledge and power. Worshipping the Lord on this revered day is said to relieve a person from his/her past sins, thereby granting purification.
• On the auspicious occasions of Vaikasi Visakam, people usually prepare Sweet Pongal at home and offer it to Lord Muruga. Devotees also recite various religious hymns written on the Lord, such as the Subramanya Bhujangam of Adi Sankara, Thirupughazh of Saint Arunagirinathar and other slokas praising the Lord.
• Agasthya, the great sage, mentions in his writings that one shall offer red oleander flowers or at the least six Nagalinga flowers to the Lord on this auspicious day. People should mandatorily donate food to the needy when worshipping the Lord with the sacred Nagalinga flowers.
• It is also recommended to visit temples dedicated to Lord Muruga and seek his divine blessings on this sacred day.
• Vaikasi Vishakam is the revered day when Lord Muruga manifested in this world to destroy evil forces and to establish dharma (righteousness)m He graces as the supreme protector who also bestows abundant knowledge and wisdom on mankind.
• A ten-day annual Brahmotsavam (temple festival) is held in most temples celebrating the occasion of Vaigasi Visakham.
• Traditionally, Devotees carry the Pal kudam (milk pots) to perform abhisheka with milk to the Lord. The also take a vow to carry the Kavadi ( a decorated yoke) on their shoulders in procession to the temple.
• Various rituals such as special poojas and abhishekas are performed to the deity to invoke his divine blessings.
• The holy wedding of Lord Muruga with Sri Valli Devi is conducted in many temples on the occasion of Vaikashi Vishakam. It is widely believed that conducting or even merely witnessing this divine wedding is said to resolve all marriage related issues, thereby bringing happiness and prosperity in one’s life.

Vaikasi Visakam at Murugan Temples

The  Arupadai Veedu Murugan temples are the most prominent place of worship of the Lord in Tamil Nadu. They are the Palani Hill Temple, Thiruchendur Murugan Temple, Arulmigu Swaminatha Swami Temple at Swamimalai, Thiruthanigai Murugan Temple, Sri Subramanya Temple at Pazhamudircholai, and Thiruparamkundram Subramanya Swamy Temple.

The festival of Vaikasi Vishakam is celebrated across these temples with much fervour and devotion. This is also a renowned festival celebrated at many Murugan temples situated in Malaysia. Thousands of devotees visit the Batu Caves Murugan Temple at Kuala Lumpur and the Nattukkottai Chettiar Murugan Temple  at Penang, Malaysia to worship the deity and seek his blessings on this day every year.

Few Murugan Temples situated in Singapore also celebrate the auspicious occasion of Vaikasi Visakam. Sri Thandayuthapani Temple (Chettiar Hindu Temple), Murugan Hill Temple at Bukit Timah Road, and the Sri Holy Tree Sri Bala Subramaniam Kovil are the main Subramanya Temples of Singapore where this festival is celebrated with utmost faith and joy.

Check out Murugan temples near your location