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Krithigai / Karthigai Days

Krithigai, also spelled as Karthigai, is a popular festival celebrated primarily by the Tamil people in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Karthigai is also celebrated by Hindus from all over the world. This day is closely connected with Lord Muruga. Hindu devotees worship the God, undergo fasting and offer neivedhyam. According to Hindu lunar calendar, Karthigai is observed on the day, when the moon passes the constellation karithigai (which is made of six stars). Hence this day is named as Karthigai. Krithigai is especially associated with the worship of Lord Murugan, who is also known as Lord Kartikeya or Lord Subramanya. Lord Murugan is considered the God of War, victory, and wisdom. Devotees pray to him for protection and guidance. Devotees visit Murugan temples to offer their prayers and seek his blessings. Some devotees observe a day-long fast or perform various forms of penance during this festival as an expression of their devotion.

Krithigai falls on Tuesday is considered to be very auspicious day. In the case of Krithigai falling on a Tuesday, the significance comes from the association of Tuesday with the planet Mars (Mangal in Sanskrit), which is also known as "Bhauma" or "Mangala." Mars is associated with qualities such as courage, strength, energy, and action. Therefore, for devotees, having Krithigai fall on a Tuesday can be seen as an auspicious occasion to seek the blessings of Lord Murugan, who is often associated with qualities like bravery and victory over obstacles. Also worshipping lord Murugan on Tuesdays will reduce the malefics effects of planet mars in the horoscope of people and give relief from the troubles of life. Hence karthigai falling on Tuesday are very auspicious to worship lord Murugan. Devotees may believe that worshiping him on a Tuesday can help them gain strength and overcome challenges.

Devotees will put star kolam in front of the house in the morning and invite lord Murugan to their house, decorate the photo or idol of Lord Murugan with flowers and garlands. They also offer Neivedhyam that includes Panchamirtham, sweets, etc for the Lord Murugan. If possible, devotees will perform fasting without eating anything or eating minimal things like fruits and milk. Visit the nearest Murugan temple and surrender to the lord and seek his blessings. Lord Muruga is believed to born on the day of karthigai. Therefore Lord Muruga is also called as 'Karthikeyan'. Krithigai is one of the very special day for Lord Muruga. Though krithigai is celebrated every month in Hindu lunar month, Thai kirthigai, Aadi Krithigai and Periya (big) Krithigai are the three krithigais which are considered to be very important.

Thai kirthigai

'Thai kirthigai' is very significant for Lord Muruga. Thai Krithigai falls on the full moon day (Pournami) in the Tamil month of Thai (January or February). Devotees undergo fasting, do poojas and other rituals. The exact date may vary from year to year based on the Tamil calendar. Thai Krithigai is closely associated with the worship of Lord Muruga. Many temples in Tamil Nadu, especially those dedicated to Lord Murugan, conduct special poojas and ceremonies during Thai Krithigai. Devotees visit these temples to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of the deity. It is a time for devotees to strengthen their connection with the divine and express their devotion. Thai Krithigai is a time of great devotion, spiritual celebrations, and family togetherness. It holds a special place in the hearts of Tamil people and it is considered as a highly auspicious and joyful festival.

Thai Krithigai commemorates the occasion when Lord Muruga defeated the demon Soorapadman, who was causing chaos and destruction. Lord Muruga, with the blessings of his mother, Goddess Parvati, and other divine deities, vanquished the demon. This event symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and is celebrated as a day of victory. On Thai Krithigai, devotees flock to Muruga temples, especially the Six Abodes of Lord Muruga, known as Arupadai Veedu. These temples include Palani, Thiruthani, Swamimalai, Thirupparamkundram, Pazhamudircholai, and Thiruchendur. Devotees undertake pilgrimages to these temples and participate in colorful processions and rituals. Thai Krithigai is believed to be an auspicious day to seek Lord Muruga's blessings for overall well-being, the removal of obstacles and protection from harm. It is also a time to pray for the well-being of family and loved ones.

Aadi Krithigai

"Aadi Krithigai" is a significant festival celebrated in the state of Tamil Nadu. It falls in the Tamil month of "Aadi," which usually spans from mid-July to mid-August in the Gregorian calendar. The krithigai which comes in the Tamil month of Aadi (July or August) is named as 'Aadi Krithigai'. Aadi Krithigai is a special occasion dedicated to the worship of Lord Murugan and it holds cultural and religious significance. People worship God, undergo fast and do other rituals. They also take bath in holy water. Devotees will lift paalkavadi or panneer(in English, panneer is called as rose water) kavadi (which is typically a wooden or metal structure adorned with decorations and flowers and the kavadi may have pots or containers on either end to hold the milk or rose water).

Aadi Krithigai is celebrated on the day when the Krithika Nakshatra (star) coincides with the Krithigai constellation. This rare celestial alignment is considered highly auspicious, and it is believed to enhance the divine energy associated with Lord Muruga. Hence Aadi Krithigai is considered as an auspicious day to commence new ventures, such as starting a business or a new phase in life. Many people seek the blessings of Lord Murugan to ensure success and prosperity in their endeavors. Some devotees observe fasting and engage in acts of penance during Aadi Krithigai. This is seen as a way to purify the mind and body and seek the blessings of Lord Murugan.

Aadi Krithigai is associated with the divine act of Lord Muruga defeating the demon Tarakasura. The festival is believed to protect devotees from evil forces and negative influences. Devotees often observe fasting and vrat (vow) on Aadi Krithigai to purify themselves and seek the blessings of Lord Muruga. It is a day for devotees to express their faith, seek blessings for their families, and participate in acts of devotion. The festival is celebrated with enthusiasm and devotion in Tamil Nadu.

Periya Krithigai

The krithigai which comes in the Tamil month of karthigai (November or December) is very important festival in Hindu culture. This krithigai is called Periya (big) Krithigai. The krithigai which comes in this month coincides with pournami (full moon day) is called as "Karthigai Deepam". On this day, Hindus decorate their houses by lighting diyas. Karthigai Deepam is celebrated by lighting lamps and mud lamps in houses. Ghee or oil is used for lit the lamps. People will go to the temples of Lord Shiva and Lord Muruga.

Hindu mythology recounts the story of Goddess Parvati's penance during the Karthigai month to win Lord Shiva's love and marry him. Her devotion and dedication are remembered and celebrated during Karthigai Deepam. Karthigai Pournami is considered one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar for spiritual growth and seeking divine blessings. It is believed that the divine energies are heightened on this day, making it an ideal time for prayers and rituals. The lighting of lamps is believed to purify the surroundings and dispel negativity. It is a time for devotees to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and Lord Muruga for wisdom, protection, and overall well-being.

According to the earliest Hindu scripture, Karthigai Deepam is very old and celebrates to mark the occasion of Lord Shiva appearing as a pillar of fire. Once there was an argument between Vishnu and Brahma as to who is better between them. To sort this out, Lord Shiva appeared in front of them in form of an infinite fire pillar and asked one of them to find the top of the pillar and the other the bottom of the pillar. Maha Vishnu gave up saying that he could not find the end of the pillar, but Brahma lied, to establish his supremacy, that he had reached the end of the pillar. Knowing that this was a lie, Lord Shiva cursed Brahma that he would never be worshiped by people in a temple as the presiding deity.

This flame of pillar is known as Lingothbhavar. Hence this Karthigai is celebrated to mark the occasion of Lord Shiva appearing as a pillar of flame. This is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Thiruvannamalai, since it is the Agni Sthalam among the Pancha Bhoota sthalam dedicated to Lord Shiva. On the day of Karthigai Deepam, the holy Barani Deepam (diya or light) is lighted on the top of the hill in Thiruvannamalai. To see this lighting ceremony, lakhs of people will come to Thiruvannamalai every year. Some will go for 'Girivalam' (walk around the holy mountain). Some people will even burst crackers on the day of Karthigai Deepam. People, who undergo fasting, worship the God and chanting hymns will be blessed with happy life and the God will remove all difficulties of his devotees.