Palani Murugan Temple – Vaikasi Visakam Festival
Vaikasi Visakam is celebrated for ten days. At the Perianayaki Amman
temple, it is celebrated for 10 days with procession every day. There is car
festival on the 10th day (i.e Visakam). Visakam is Lord Muruga's birthday star.
This is celebrated at all Murugan temples.
Vaikasi Visagam, or Vaigasi Visakam, is the day when Lord
Muruga or Karthikeya incarnated on earth. Muruga, the general of the army of Devas,
is also known as Skanda, Kanda, Subrahmanya and Kartikeya. The birthday of Lord
Muruga falls on the Vishakham star in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May – June).
The day is celebrated in temples dedicated to Muruga in India, Malaysia,
Singapore, Sri Lanka and South Africa.
According to Puranas, the Devas (gods) were driven out
of heaven by demon Surapadman with the help of boons he received from Brahma.
Unable to defeat Surapadman, Indra, the king of Devas, sought the help of
Brahma. But Brahma could only narrate his helplessness as Surapadman had
already obtained boons from Brahma through severe penance.
But Brahma did suggest a way out and that was to seek
the help of Lord Shiva. When Indra narrated the cruel deeds of Surapadman, an
enraged Shiva opened his third eye and the fiery sparks that came out which
transformed into six babies. Later Goddess Parvati joined the six babies into
one and thus Lord Muruga incarnated with the purpose of vanquishing the demons.
On the day, devotees take out procession carrying milk
pots to Subrahmanya temples. The milk is used for the ‘Abhishekam' of the
deity. Some devotees also take Kavadi on the day. Thousands of devotees visit
Lord Muruga shrine on Vaikasi Visakam, especially at Lord Subramanya Swami Temple at Thiruchendur and Muruga Temple at Tiruparankundram.