Vaikasi Visakam
Vaikasi Visakam is the occasion on which Lord Muruga incarnated on earth. So this day is regarded as very important for worshipping the Lord. It is the day star Visakam (Vishaka) occurs during the Tamil month Vaikasi (May-June). While Visaka nakshatra itself is regarded as a combination of 3 bright stars, the Full Moon too, coincides with the occasion, making the day highly auspicious. Vaikasi Visakam is celebrated by the people with piety and enthusiasm.
Legend of Vaikasi Visakam
Once 3 demon-brothers Surapadma, Singamukha and Taraka did severe penance, obtained many boons, became powerful, and started harassing the heaven and earth. Lord Shiva took pity on the Devas and others and decided to help them out. As the Asuras could be subdued only by a son born to Shiva, the Lord opened his fiery third eye, from which 6 brilliant sparks emanated. These were carried by the fire and wind Gods to river Ganges, which then took and deposited them in a pond known as Saravana Poigai. There, 6 divine male babies emerged out of the sparks, who were fondly taken care by 6 celestial damsels, known as Karthigai Pengal. Then mother Parvathi hugged the babies with love, and they all merged into a single form, with 6 heads and 12 arms. As this baby was born out of Shiva’s third eye, he became Skanda; as he took shape in Saravana Poigai, he became Saravana; as he was brought up by the Karthigai damsels, he became Karthikeya; and as he had 6 faces, he also became Shanmukha. And this was none other than Lord Muruga.
Destroying the Demons
Soon Muruga set out to achieve the primary purpose of his incarnation. While Shiva armed him with the weapons of the 11 Rudras, mother Parvathi blessed him with the all-powerful Vel, the lance. Commanding the army of the celestials, Muruga took on the might of the Asuras and their army in a fierce battle. When the demonic army was completely routed, Surapadma started repenting for his crimes, transformed himself into a mango tree and stood before Muruga. Using his mighty Vel, the Lord split the tree into 2, converted the parts into a peacock and rooster, and accepted them as his mount and flag respectively. Muruga thus showed compassion to the repenting demon, spared his life, and made him remain close to him from then on. Over time, Muruaga also got married to Deyvanai, the daughter of Indra, the king of the heavens and also Valli, the daughter of the tribal chieftain.
Vaikasi Visakam Celebration
Lord Muruga was a rare combination of divine knowledge and immense power. He also remains a God who can bestow wisdom and protection. His manifestation was principally for the annihilation of evil and establishment of Dharma, the righteousness. Hence, Vaikasi Visakam, his day of advent is observed with devotion and joy, both in the temples and at homes.
