Kiruthigai

Kiruthigai

Kiruthigai is a Hindu sacred observance dedicated to Lord Muruga, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Kiruthigai is celebrated when the moon is in conjunction with the Krittika or Krithika constellation, also known as the Pleiades or the Seven Sisters. Kiruthigai is also the name of the star associated with Lord Muruga. Kiruthigai occurs once every month, but the most important ones are the ones that fall in the Tamil months of Aadi (July-August) and Karthigai (November-December).

Significance of Kiruthigai

Kiruthigai is a day that celebrates Lord Muruga's birth and glory, also known as Kartikeya, Skanda, Subramanya, Shanmukha, and many other names. Lord Muruga is the god of war, wisdom, courage, beauty, and youth. He is the commander-in-chief of the army of gods and the protector of dharma. He is also the patron deity of Tamil Nadu and the favorite god of Tamils.

Kiruthigai is a day that honors Lord Muruga's divine power and grace, who is believed to bestow his blessings on his devotees who worship him with devotion and faith. Kiruthigai is a day that invokes the energy and enthusiasm of Lord Muruga, who is known to inspire his devotees to overcome their obstacles and achieve their goals. Kiruthigai is a day that celebrates the love and joy of Lord Muruga, who is known to fulfill the desires and wishes of his devotees who adore him with love and gratitude.

Legends of Kiruthigai

Many legends are associated with Kiruthigai, but one of the most popular is how Lord Muruga was born. According to this legend, once, there was a powerful demon named Tarakasura, who had obtained a boon from Lord Brahma that he could only be killed by a son of Lord Shiva. However, Lord Shiva was in deep meditation and had no interest in marriage or procreation. The gods were worried about the tyranny of Tarakasura and sought the help of Goddess Parvati, who was in love with Lord Shiva.

Goddess Parvati performed severe penance to win the heart of Lord Shiva and finally succeeded in awakening him from his meditation. They got married and consummated their union. However, due to the intensity of their passion, sparks flew from their bodies and fell to various places on Earth. These sparks were collected by six divine maidens called Krittikas or Krithikas, who nurtured them as their children. The sparks grew into six beautiful babies, each with a divine spark in their eyes.

One day, Goddess Parvati visited her children and embraced them with love. As soon as she did so, the six babies merged into one child with six heads and twelve arms. This child was none other than Lord Muruga, who was born to destroy Tarakasura. He was given a spear called Vel by his mother, Parvati, and a peacock as his mount by his father. He also received blessings from all the gods and goddesses. He then led the army of gods against Tarakasura and defeated him in a fierce battle.

Another legend with Kiruthigai is how Lord Muruga married Valli, one of his two consorts. According to this legend, Valli was a tribal princess devoted to Lord Muruga since childhood. She had vowed to marry only him and rejected all other suitors. Lord Muruga was pleased with her devotion and decided to test her love. He disguised himself as an old man and approached her while she was guarding her millet crop from birds.

He asked her for food and water, which she readily offered him. He then asked her to marry him, which she refused. He then revealed his true form as Lord Muruga and asked her again, which she accepted. However, her father and brother opposed their marriage and tried to stop them. Lord Muruga then took the help of his brother Lord Ganesha, who disguised himself as a wild elephant and scared away Valli’s family. Lord Muruga then married Valli with the consent of her mother.

Important festivals associated with Kiruthigai

There are many festivals associated with Kiruthigai, but some of the most important ones are:

• Aadi Krithigai: This is celebrated in the Tamil month of Aadi (July-August), considered auspicious for worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Aadi Krithigai is also known as Aadi Krittika or Aadi Karthikai. On this day, devotees perform special rituals and pujas to Lord Muruga and offer him milk, honey, fruits, flowers, and other items. They also carry kavadi, a wooden or bamboo structure decorated with peacock feathers, flowers, and bells. They pierce their body with hooks and needles and dance in ecstasy. They also light lamps and chant the name of Lord Muruga.
• Karthigai Deepam: This is celebrated in the Tamil month of Karthigai (November-December), considered the month of lights. Karthigai Deepam is also known as Karthikai Vilakkidu or Thiru Karthigai. On this day, devotees light lamps in their homes, temples, and streets to welcome Lord Muruga, who is believed to have appeared as a flame on the hill of Tiruvannamalai. They also offer him oil, ghee, camphor, and other items. They also burst crackers and sing songs in praise of Lord Muruga.
• Thai Krithigai: Thai Kiruthigai is a festival dedicated to Lord Muruga, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is celebrated on the day when the star Krithigai coincides with the Tamil month of Thai, which usually falls in January or February. It is believed that Lord Muruga was born on this day and is worshipped as the god of war, wisdom, and youth. On Thai Kiruthigai, devotees of Lord Muruga observe a fast from dawn to dusk and offer prayers and special rituals to him.

Benefits of observing Kiruthigai

Observing Kiruthigai can bring many benefits to the devotees of Lord Muruga, such as:

• Protection from enemies, evil forces, and negative influences
• Success in education, career, and business
• Courage, confidence, and leadership skills
• Wisdom, intelligence, and creativity
• Beauty, charm, and youthfulness
• Love, harmony, and happiness in relationships
• Health, wealth, and prosperity
• Fulfillment of desires and wishes
• Spiritual growth and enlightenment

Astrological Significance of Kiruthigai

Kiruthigai has a great astrological significance as it is related to the Krittika or Krithika constellation, one of the 27 nakshatras or lunar mansions in Hindu astrology. Krittika nakshatra spans from 26°40’ Aries to 10° Taurus in the zodiac. It is ruled by the Sun, and its deity is Agni, the god of fire. A razor or a flame symbolizes it.

People born under Krittika nakshatra are said to have the following characteristics:

• They are bright, radiant, and energetic
• They are ambitious, confident, and courageous
• They are creative, artistic, and innovative
• They are honest, loyal, and generous
• They are passionate, romantic, and sensual
• They are fiery, assertive, and dominant
• They are sharp, intelligent, and analytical
• They are independent, adventurous, and restless

Krittika Nakshatra is also associated with Lord Muruga, as he was born under this star. He is considered the epitome of all the qualities of Krittika Nakshatra. He is also the lord of Mars or Mangal Graha in Hindu astrology. Mars is the planet of action, energy, and courage. It represents the willpower, motivation, and desire of a person. Mars also influences the aspects of war, competition, and aggression. Worshipping Lord Muruga on Kiruthigai can help balance Mars's effects in one’s horoscope. It can also help enhance the positive traits of Krittika nakshatra and overcome its negative ones.

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