Latest news with #VaikasiVisakam
The Hindu
12 hours ago
- The Hindu
Devotees throng Tirupparankundram Temple for Vaikasi Visakam
Thousands of devotees on Monday thronged Subramaniyaswamy Temple at Tirupparankundram carrying 'kavadis' and milk pots on their shoulders and heads on the occasion of Vaikasi Visakam. Devotees to fulfil their vows walked to the temple in a procession barefoot under the scorching sun. A good number of devotees pierced their tongues with spears. The idol of Lord Shanmuganathar was brought out from the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, one of the six holy abodes of Lord Murugan, to Visaka mandapam around 6 a.m.. Special milk abhishekams were performed till 2 p.m. by devotees who brought pots filled with milk. Special pujas and milk abhishekam were performed to the Lord and His consorts Valli and Deivanai. Many organisations and volunteers had set up stalls to distribute free food, water and buttermilk to the devotees along the way to the temple. The public and volunteers splashed water on the devotees at several places along the way to the temple to cool them from the sweltering summer heat. Police made elaborate arrangements to regulate the crowd.
Time of India
12 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Devotees flock to Thiruparankundram, Tiruchendur for Vaikasi Visakam
Madurai: Thousands of devotees thronged the Thiruparankundram Murugan temple near Madurai on Monday to celebrate the auspicious Vaikasi Visakam, marking the birth star of Lord Murugan. The temple, one of the six sacred abodes of the deity, witnessed a massive spiritual gathering as devotees from across Tamil Nadu participated in rituals and offered thanksgiving. The day began with special pujas and abhishekams to the presiding deity. Devotees carried various forms of kavadi—wooden arches, flower garlands, and even milk pots—on their shoulders. Many undertook arduous vows such as piercing their cheeks and tongues with spears, symbolising personal sacrifice and gratitude. Temple authorities and local police made elaborate arrangements to manage the crowd and ensure the smooth conduct of the rituals. Meanwhile, in Tiruchendur, another abode of Lord Murugan, lakhs of devotees gathered for the celebrations, transforming the coastal town into a sea of faith. The skies echoed with chants of 'arohara' as devotees marched to the seashore and temple in vibrant processions. One of the key highlights of the Tiruchendur celebration was the holy sea dip, believed to cleanse sins and bestow blessings. To ensure the safety of the large crowd entering the sea, the district administration deployed trained swimmers and stationed lifeboats along the shore. Coast Guard personnel were also pressed into service to monitor the situation and assist in emergencies. To manage the unprecedented inflow, special trains and buses were arranged from various parts of Tamil Nadu. Authorities said all logistics, including medical facilities and drinking water stations, were in place to handle the influx.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
BSF officer dies of suspected heatstroke during temple car festival in Orathanadu
An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the Border Security Force (BSF), who was on leave, collapsed and died of suspected heatstroke during the temple car festival at the Kasi Viswanathar Temple in Orathanadu of Thanjavur district on Saturday. The victim, K.S. Ramesh, 57, a native of Yanaikkal Street in Orathanadu, was an ASI in the 84th Battalion of the BSF in Gujarat. He was on leave and was on a visit to his hometown. Ramesh was taking part in the Vaikasi Visakam car festival at the Visalakshiamman Sametha Kasi Viswanathar Temple. While helping guide the chariot through Komutti Street, he suddenly collapsed. Onlookers rushed him to the Orathanadu Government Hospital where doctors declared him brought dead. Medical personnel suspect that extreme heat may have caused a heatstroke, leading to his death. The Orathanadu police have registered a case and sent the body for post-mortem examination. An investigation is under way. Ramesh is survived by his wife Jayamala, son Akash, and daughter Aarthi.
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Vaikasi Visakam 2025: Date, Time, Rituals and Significance
Vaikasi Visakam 2025: One of the most significant festivals honoring Lord Murugan is Vaikasi Visakam. During a certain Nakshatra known as Visakam, devotees observe fast and worship Lord Murugan on this day, which is regarded as one of the most auspicious. This day is observed to honor Lord Murugan's birth anniversary. According to the Tamil calendar, it will be celebrated during the month of Vaikasi. This year, Vaikasi Visakam will be celebrated on June 9, 2025 . Vaikasi Visakam 2025: Date and Time Visakam Nakshathram Begins - June 8, 2025 - 12:42 PM Visakam Nakshathram Ends - June 9, 2025 - 03:31 PM Vaikasi Visakam 2025: Significance According to the Hindu scriptures, Vaikasi Visakam is one of the most significant day. This day holds an immense importance in Hindu religion. This festival is mainly celebrated in the states of South India. It is believed that Lord Murugan, also called Kartikeya, the lord of courage, wealth and wisdom was born on this auspicious day. He is regarded as the primary deity of ancient Tamils and is the eldest son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. As per the legends, during the full moon or Purnima Tithi, Lord Murugan was born under the Vishakha or Visakam Nakshatra. He is revered as a renowned warrior and a representation of bravery and intelligence. Lord Murugan is known as the commander of all All the deities. The six-faced Lord Kartikeya is always shown riding a peacock. It is also believed that Lord Kartikeya was born to defeat the demon Tarkasura and created righteousness in the universe. All gods and his followers, who worship him with sincerity and dedication are protected by him. He gives protection to his devotees from black magic, tantra, and evil eye. Vaikasi Visakam 2025: How it is celebrated? This day is observed with great magnificence, especially in South India, when worshippers visit temples to pray to Lord Kartikeya and decorate their homes with flowers and rangoli. The day represents the victory of good over evil and is devoted to worship Lord Murugan. One of the most well-known temples connected to Lord Kartikeya is Subramanyam, which attracts the devotees, who visit there to offer their prayers to Lord Murugan by presenting coconuts and sweets as well as perform abhishekam with panchamrit. In order to seek his blessings, some devotees perform yajna and hawan, chanting Vedic mantras in honor of Kartikeya Bhagwan. They maintain celibacy and remain sattvik whole day. In the evening, they eat sattvik food to break their fast.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Special trains to Tiruchendur for Vaikasi Visakam festival
Madurai: In view of Vaikasi Visakam festival at the Sri Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur, has announced the operation of four special unreserved passenger train services between Tirunelveli and Tiruchendur on Monday, June 9, to manage the heavy rush of devotees. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The first special train (train No. 06101) will leave Tirunelveli at 9.15am and reach Tiruchendur at 10.50am. The return train (train No. 06102) will leave Tiruchendur at 11.20am and arrive Tirunelveli at 12.55pm. These trains will stop at Palayamkottai, Seydunganallur, Srivaikundam, Nazareth, Arumuganeri, and Kurumbur. Train No. 06103 will leave Tiruchendur at 9pm and reach Tirunelveli at 10.30pm, while train No. 06104 will leave Tirunelveli at 11pm and arrive Tiruchendur at 12.30am on June 10. These trains will stop at Palayamkottai, Seydunganallur, Srivaikundam, Nazareth, and Arumuganeri. Railway officials urged passengers to plan ahead and arrive early at stations, as seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. They also requested that devotees cooperate with railway staff and follow safety guidelines for a smooth travel experience.
