Aadi Krithigai 2024 Date and Timing: Aadi Krithigai falls on Monday, 29th July starting at 02:41 pm and ends on Tuesday, 30th July at 01:40 pm
Aadi Krithigai is one of the important festivals celebrated in Tamil culture, primarily dedicated to Lord Murugan or Subramanya. Lord Murugan is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati; he is also revered for his courage and wisdom. Aadi krithigai is considered a highly auspicious day to celebrate Lord Murugan.Aadi is the first month of Dakshinayana punyakalam, the period when the sun god shifts his direction from north to south. Krithigai is the star or nakshatra of Lord Murugan. Observed during the Tamil month of Aadi, which falls between mid-July and mid-August, this festival holds immense spiritual significance.
Significance of Aadi Krithigai
According to the Skanda Purana, Lord Murugan was born from the third eye of Lord Shiva as six flames. Agni and Vayu deva carried these six flames to the Saravana Poigai, where the Krittikas (Karthigai Pengal) nurtured them as six babies born from lotus flowers. When the babies reached boyhood, Goddess Parvati took them from the Krittikas (Karthigai Pengal) and combined them into a single boy with six faces, thus giving Lord Murugan the name Lord Shanmuga. In gratitude, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati granted the Krittikas a boon that special poojas for Lord Muruga would be held on every Krittika nakshatra. On this day, special poojas are held in Aarupadai veedu (Six abodes) of Lord Murugan. Fasting on Krithigai day is believed to bring many blessings through the grace of Lord Muruga.
Saint Arunagirinathar, in his work Tiruppugazh, has devoted many verses to seeking Lord Muruga's grace to dissolve the three main obstructions of Karma (destiny), Maya (illusion), and Ahankar (ego), in the pursuit of Moksha (liberation). Devotees who worship Him are blessed with courage, confidence, determination, knowledge, skills, intelligence, and wisdom.
Individuals with malefic effects of planet Mars in the horoscope can worship the lord on the day of Aadi Krithigai and on Tuesdays to remove the ill effects of the planets.
Celebration of Aadi Krithigai:
- The temple will perform a morning abnishekam (ritual bath) for the Lord Murugan idols using milk, honey, sandalwood paste, and holy water. This is followed by adorning the deity with flowers, new clothes, and jewellery.
- Devotees visit a nearby Murugan temple to participate in the special pujas and rituals. The Tiruttani Subramanya Swamy Temple and the Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple in Palani are famous for their grand Aadi Krithigai celebrations.
- One of the most striking aspects of Aadi Krithigai is the kavadi attam, a ceremonial dance performed by devotees carrying kavadis (ornate structures decorated with peacock feathers, flowers, and other decorations). This is a form of penance and devotion, where devotees carry the kavadi on their shoulders and walk long distances to the temple.
- Many devotees observe fasts and follow a diet without consuming salt. After the rituals and prayers, they break their fast with a feast that includes traditional South Indian dishes.
- Devotees light lamps at their home on Krithigai day and offer Oleander Flower (Arali) to Lord Muruga's picture. Recite Kanda Sashti Kavasam.
- Temples and charitable organizations organize annadanam (the offering of free meals) to devotees and the needy, embodying the spirit of charity and community service.
Mantra for Lord Murugan
On Aadi Krithigai, it is highly beneficial to chant Muruga’s mantra 108 times:
‘Om Saravana Bhava Namaha’.
Repeating this powerful mantra bestows you with a winner’s consciousness, providing clarity, strength, and a sense of victory in all your endeavours.
Aadi Krithigai is a time to deeply connect with the divine energy of Lord Murugan, seeking his blessings for courage, wisdom, and prosperity. To keep this divine connection alive in your daily life, consider purchasing Murugan pendants or Karungali Murugan statues from Om Spiritual Shop. Visit our shop website today to find beautifully crafted idols and spiritual products.