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Sunday, December 2, 2012

Welcome to the ' Stock' Market!!!!!




Once upon a time in a village, a man appeared and announced to the villagers that he would buymonkeys for Rs10 .

The villagers seeing that there were many monkeys around, went out to the forest and started catching them .

The man bought thousands at Rs10 and as supply started to diminish, the villagers stopped theireffort .

He further announced that he would now buy at Rs20 .

This renewed the efforts of the villagers and they started catching monkeys again .

Soon the supply diminished even further and people started going back to their farms .

The offer rate increased to Rs25 and the supply of monkeys became so little that it was an effort to even see a monkey, let alone catch it!

The man now announced that he would buy monkeys at Rs50!

However, since he had to go to the city on some business, his assistant would now buy on behalf of him .

In the absence of the man, the assistant told the villagers .

Look at all these monkeys in the big cage that the man has collected .

I will sell them to you at Rs35 and when the man returns from the city, you can sell it to him for Rs50 . '

The villagers squeezed up with all their savings and bought all the monkeys .

Then they never saw the man nor his assistant, only monkeys everywhere!! !


Welcome to the ' Stock' Market!!!!!

Saturday, December 1, 2012

50 things to do in Tamil Nadu







The Great Living Chola Temple at Thanjavur.

How many of us have a bucket list of places to go and things to do there but never get around to actually going there or doing them.

1. Eat a meal on a banana leaf — there's a belief that it might cure Parkinson 's disease
2. Visit the Great Living Chola Temples, the UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 10th century
3. Go to Ooty on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway — it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a legacy of remarkable British engineering
RIDING THE NILGIRI MOUNTAIN RAILWAY



On a cold morning, a crowd of people rush to board the 662SR Mettupalayam-Udhagamandalam (Nilagiri) Passenger.

4. Get blessed by an elephant — how often can you get one?
5. Visit the Cholamandalam Artists' Village, the pride of modern Tamil Art
6. Take an auto ride in Chennai. Chennai auto-drivers even have their own websites. Plus, it is the luxury of the middle-class.
7. Taste idli and dosa and wonder how many types of chutneys exist in Tamil Nadu. We are really a bunch of choosy pickers when it comes to idli and dosa!
8. Watch a Rajanikanth film in a movie theatre, if possible on the first day to understand the definition of hero worship!


Jallikattu - the blood-sport of bull-taming.

9. Participate in Jallikattu -- bull taming -- in Madurai. Or, if you're chicken, just watch!
10. Find and listen to your favourite Ilayaraja or A R Rahman song — everybody's got to have one!
11. Men, sport a moustache. And women, plait your hair and decorate it with a garland of fragrant jasmine flowers!
12. Decorate the front of your house with kolam — a more decorative and artistic rendition of rangoli -- and hang bunches of harvested paddy outside your home for the birds to feed on. (We have our own homegrown Kolam Picassos, and the patterns they come out with are astonishing!)
13. Drink strong filter coffee In a Tamil-style cup and saucer known as davarah and tumbler


The five rathas at Mahabalipuram.

14. Visit the shore temples of Mahabalipuram (another UNESCO World Heritage Site of the 7th century) and admire the art of sculpting in this little town
15. Wander around to wonder at the Indo-Saracenic and Gothic style buildings of Chennai, some of which are over a hundred years old
16. Visit Pondicherry to marvel at the French Architecture (and our own French Connection)
17. Beat the heat by eating all your summer fruit glazed with a layer of salt-and-chilli-powder mixture! Cucumber, unripe mango, gooseberry, guava and pineapple taste best like this. And drink tender coconut or buttermilk or sugarcane juice to quench your thirst. And if you like it aerated, there's Bovonto, our very own answer to Coca Cola!
18. Shop for beautiful silk sarees at Kancheepuram (the Chinese may have invented silk, but Tamils perfected it)
19. Celebrate Pongal by cooking sweet rice outdoors in clay pots or join the annual celebration of Elephant Pongal at Top Slip
20. Buy Horlicks for someone sick
21. Feed crows on special occasions
22. Whistle for Chennai Super Kings at M A Chidambaram stadium!
23. Attend Thiruvaiyaru Music Festival
24. Visit Pichavaram, the world's second largest mangrove forests, for the Dawn Fest or Vidiyal Vizha
25. Sanctify your new dresses with turmeric



The imposing Matri Mandir at Auroville

26. Visit Auroville, the international commune near Pondicherry
27. Visit the Toda tribal village in the Nilgiris (also learn about the other tribes -- Badaga, Irula, Kota and Kurumba)
28. Go to Natyanjali Dance Festival celebrated at the 1,000-year-old Chidambaram temple near Cuddalore. The dance hall is adorned with pillars exhibiting the classic 108 poses of Lord Nataraja.
29. Go on a parisal (coracle) ride in Hogenakkal
30. Watch the magical kurinji flower bloom in Kodaikanal. It blooms every 12 years and the next bloom is in 2018
31. Widen your understanding of Tamil culture and architecture at Dakshina Chitra, Muttukadu
32. Go to Sittanavasal in Pudukkottai district to see some of the oldest Jain paintings
33. Visit the iconic Madurai Meenakshi temple
34. Ride into the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve on an elephant
35. Explore corals and other marine life in a glass-bottomed boat in the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park
36. Visit Karaikudi to experience the vibrant Chettinad culture, architecture and food
37. Watch Theerthavari in Mahamaham Tank, Kumbakonam, held once in 12 years. A dip in the tank is believed to offer the combined benefits of a bath in all the sacred rivers. The next Mahamaham is in 2016.


Dindigul near Madurai has earned the name of Biryani City.
38. Taste some regional speciality dishes and snacks -- Dindigul biryani, Manaparai muruku, Thirunelveli halwa, Madurai jigar thanda and Kumbakonam coffee
39. Visit the Birla Science Planetarium in Chennai


A lake surrounded by tea gardens in Meghamalai.

40. Spot endangered wildlife in Meghamalai in Theni district. Meghamalai is also known for its spice tourism with a variety of plantations including tea, coffee, pepper, cardamom and cinnamon.
41. Throw rice on the bride and groom at a Tamil wedding. Rice signifies prosperity and fertility
42. Buy a pair of Kuthu Vilakku — brass lamps -- from Nachiyar Kovil in Kumbakonam. Every public event and home celebration begins only after these brass lamps are lit.
43. Witness the making of bronze statues using the traditional Lost-Wax process at Swamimalai near Kumbakonam
44. Join the Students' Sea Turtle Conservation Network (SSTCN) volunteers on a night walk along the beaches of Chennai to conserve and create awareness about the endangered Olive Ridley Sea Turtle.
45. Enjoy the panoramic view of Tiruchi and Srirangam from Tiruchi Malai Kotai Rock Fort
46. Get your picture on a street poster or a billboard for some reason (marriage, birthday, welcoming a political leader, coming-of-age ritual, ear-piercing ritual, or just to wish your favourite actor or sports star!)


Flamingos at Pulicat Lake.

47. Go birdwatching in any of the birding hotspots -- Vedanthangal , Pulicat Lake, Kunthakulam or Point Calimere
48. Taste the Mukkani -- three supreme and heavenly fruits -- mango, jackfruit and banana
49. Try to know your future from Nadi Jothidam - these are palm manuscript horoscopes written hundreds of years ago for every individual on earth. Or try parrot astrology or palmistry.
50. Walk amidst lush green paddy fields.




Friday, November 30, 2012

Why to Visit Temples?


Why to Visit Temples?
(Scientific Reason)


There are thousands of temples all over India in different size, shape and locations but not all of them are considered to be built the Vedic way. Generally, a temple should be located at a place where earth’s magnetic wave path passes through densely. It can be in the outskirts of a town/village or city, or in middle of the dwelling place, or on a hilltop. The essence of visiting a temple is discussed here.



Now, these temples are located strategically at a place where the positive energy is abundantly available from the magnetic and electric wave distributions of north/south pole thrust. The main idol is placed in the core center of the temple, known as “*Garbhagriha*” or *Moolasthanam*. In fact, the temple structure is built after the idol has been placed. This *Moolasthanam* is where earth’s magnetic waves are found to be maximum. We know that there are some copper plates, inscribed with Vedic scripts, buried beneath the Main Idol. What are they really?  No, they are not God’s / priests’ flash cards when they forget the *shlokas*. The copper plate absorbs earth’s magnetic waves and radiates it to the surroundings. Thus a person regularly visiting a temple and walking clockwise around the Main Idol receives the beamed magnetic waves and his body absorbs it. This is a very slow process and a regular visit will let him absorb more of this positive energy. Scientifically, it is the positive energy that we all require to have a healthy life.


Further, the Sanctum is closed on three sides. This increases the effect of all energies. The lamp that is lit radiates heat energy and also provides light inside the sanctum to the priests or *poojaris* performing the pooja. The ringing of the bells and the chanting of prayers takes a worshipper into trance, thus not letting his mind waver. When done in groups, this helps people forget personal problems for a while and relieve their stress.
The fragrance from the flowers, the burning of camphor give out the chemical energy further aiding in a different good aura. The effect of all these energies is supplemented by the positive energy from the idol, the copper plates and utensils in the *Moolasthan*am / *Garbagraham*. *Theertham*, the “holy” water used during the pooja to wash the idol is not plain water cleaning the dust off an idol. It is a concoction of Cardamom,*Karpura* (Benzoin), zaffron / saffron, *Tulsi* (Holy Basil), Clove, etc…Washing the idol is to charge the water with the magnetic radiations thus increasing its medicinal values. Three spoons of this holy water is distributed to devotees. Again, this water is mainly a source of magneto-therapy.


Besides, the clove essence protects one from tooth decay, the saffron & *Tulsi* leafs protects one from common cold and cough, cardamom and *Pachha Karpuram* (benzoin), act as mouth fresheners. It is proved that *Theertham* is a very good blood purifier, as it is highly energized. Hence it is given as *prasadam* to the devotees. This way, one can claim to remain healthy by regularly visiting the Temples. This is why our elders used to suggest us to offer prayers at the temple so that you will be cured of many ailments. They were not always superstitious.


Yes, in a few cases they did go overboard when due to ignorance they hoped many serious diseases could be cured at temples by deities. When people go to a temple for the *Deepaaraadhana*, and when the doors open up, the positive energy gushes out onto the persons who are there. The water that is sprinkled onto the assemblages passes on the energy to all. This also explains why men are not allowed to wear shirts at a few temples and women are requested to wear more ornaments during temple visits. It is through these jewels (metal) that positive energy is absorbed by the women. Also, it is a practice to leave newly purchased jewels at an idol’s feet and then wear them with the idol’s blessings.

This act is now justified after reading this article. This act of “seeking divine blessings” before using any new article, like books or pens or automobiles may have stemmed from this through mere observation. Energy lost in a day’s work is regained through a temple visit and one is refreshed slightly. The positive energy that is spread out in the entire temple and especially around where the main idol is placed, are simply absorbed by one’s body and mind. Did you know, every Vaishnava (Vishnu devotees), “must” visit a Vishnu temple twice every day in their location.

Our practices are NOT some hard and fast rules framed by 1 man and his followers or God’s words in somebody’s dreams. All the rituals, all the practices are, in reality, well researched, studied and scientifically backed thesis which form the ways of nature to lead a good healthy life. The scientific and research part of the practices are well camouflaged as “elder’s instructions” or “granny’s teaching’s” which should be obeyed as a mark of respect so as to once again, avoid stress to the mediocre brains.







Saturday, September 1, 2012

Goddess Bhuvaneswari





Name of godess Bhuvaneshwari also mentioned in Hindu philosophy , that is called Tantra, the religious literature expounding the worship of the Divine Mother.  The tantric works describe ten aspects of Shakti , the universal energy. The term Mahavidya means ‘great knowledge’ or wisdom. Each of these ten great deities is an famous personality of the Divine heaven continueing to reveals spiritual knowledge. Bhuvaneshwari is the fourth major power described in the Tantras.
Bhuvaneshwari stands for the concept of space. Space has many levels of manifestation: The space of the physical Universe and the space of the mind. There are many layers of space in the Universe and many layers in the higher levels of the mind. In our body, the heart is where the infinite space of the Universe resides, and this is the place of the Divine godess Bhuvaneshwari as she represents the Space. We release ourselves from stress and tension  by creating space.

The goddess revealing a representation of Kali in certain temples, the intense aspect of our Divine Mother. It is because both are intimately connected as representing time and space, it is believed that goddess made creation possible. goddess Kali manages the timing of the dance and Bhuvaneshwari stands for the original space before creation in which Kali’s cosmic dance takes place.

Her Bheeja is ‘Hreem’ which is as powerful as ‘Aum’. Hreem’ connects the space within the heart with the infinite, vast space of Consciousness. Sakthi pranavam is also know as mantra  ‘Hreem’. Hreemkara  is present in variour upanishads like sowbhagya lakhsni , bhavanopanishad, Sri Sooktham and others. In Lalitha trisathi, word Hreem is used for glorifying godess bhuvaneswari at 29 places.Godess is worshipped by shiva, Brahma and Vishnu.

Bhuvaneswari always appears with a smiling face. She has 4 hands; two of which bless the devotees. She carries weapons such as Paasam  and Angusam . Her smiling face is meant to cheer-up devotees for happiness. She is always well dressed, bedecked with Jewelry and gems of various kinds. Scriptures describe Her as brighter than thousand Suns, and wearing a crescent moon on Her crown. She is variously described as the brightness of thousand suns, beauty of peacock and parrot, nectar in a flower, ruby among gems and Ganga among rivers.

She resides at Manidweepam, which was created out of her own thought. Manidvipam consists of several forts, made of several materials , that is consisting of common metals on the outside, gold, sapphire corals , topaz, pearl, emerald at inner side. it is believed that eight gods such as Agni, Indira, kubera, vayu etc guard the Manidweepam.

Story of mother Bhuvaneshwari:-

Mythology tells us that in the beginning, Surya, the sun, appeared in the heavens. In order to create the world, the sages offered soma to the sun. The sun was pleased and through the power of Shakti, He created the three worlds and ruled and after that protected them. Many also believe that Goddess named Bhuvaneswari is also called as  symbol of grace and  beauty. She represents knowledge and intelligence. She is believed to be  giver of health, wealth,and happiness. many of the Devotional songs say that Bhuvaneshwari is like Saraswathi, the goddess of learning, wisdom and knowledge. the highest form of wisdom which also means Jnanna Swaroopa is said to be godess herself. many people believes that godess bhuvaneshwari has such a power that small glance gives boons to the goddesses

Lakshmi, Parvathi and Saraswathi. She  is believed to  confers sympathy, confidence, wisdom, beauty on all because these qualities are within Her.it is purely believed that Prayers offered to her bring happiness and remove sorrow in life and all the Sins are forgiven by godess.

Benifits of Bhuvaneshwari’s worship:-

The name of the Mahavidya itself means the ruler of the world and a Sadhak of Bhuvaneshwari is always victorious on all fronts in life and becomes all-powerful. it is said the King Rama also had to propitiate the almighty Goddess before war with Ravana who already conquered heaven.

A Sadhak of Bhuvaneshwari:

•Gains a mesmerizing personality that draws all people to him and makes them readily obey his command.
•Diseases, enemies and problems are forever banished from his life
•He has unexpected and huge monetary gains.
•He conquers all problems in life – even the danger of untimely death.
•He leads a joyous family life and gains fame and respect nation and worldwide.
•Whatever he wishes for is fulfilled, for he is bestowed with 64 divine virtues which help him succeed in every venture that he undertakes.
•She can bestow totality in married life and make it happy, prosperous and comfortable.

Bhuvaneswari is the Queen (Eswari) of the phenomenal world (Bhuvan) and is one of the Dasa (10) Maha Vidyas (while the others are Kali, Tara, Shodasi, Tripurabhairavi, Cinnamastha, Dhumavati, Bagalamuki, Rajamathangi and Kamalathmika) and is fourth in the line. Bhuvaneswari is mainly associated with the earth and the physical world. She is depicted as the Sovereign, the mistress of the worlds. Like Goddess Rajarajeswari, another form of the goddess, she rules the universe.
Bhuvanam means Universe and Eswari is Ruler. Goddess Bhuvaneswari is the Universal Mother and Ruler of the Universe. Her Bheeja is `HREEM’ and she resides in the Manidveepam – a fort. She has four hands, two of which bless the devotees while the other two holds the noose to draw the devotee closer to her and angusam to rid the devotee of their sufferings. It is believed that the 10 incarnations (Dasavatara) of Lord Vishnu emerged from the 10 fingernails of Goddess Bhuvaneswari. It is said that one eye of Goddess Bhuvaneswari is regarded as Raja Mathangi, who bestows prosperity and erudition while the other eye is that of Goddess Bhuvaneswari is Varahi- the Commander-in-chief of the celestial army, who protects devotees from all evil.
According to some Hindu traditions, Bhuvaneshvari, who is known for her beauty, co-operates with Shiva in bringing forth from the formless primal light the elements of the physical cosmos, in giving shape to the inchoate; hence her epithet “Creator (or Co-creatrix) of the World”. Also Bhuvaneshwari is considered as the supreme goddesses who creates everything and destroys all the unnecessary evils of world. She is also considered as the Mother goddess of Kali, Lakshmi, and Saraswati also Gayatri. In Hindu Mythology she is considered as the most powerful goddess in the universe. Parvati is Sagun Roop of Goddess Bhuvaneswari. Lord Shiva is the cause behind the evolution of this creation and his powers lies in goddess Bhuvaneswari. Her ambrosia nurtures the whole world.
The Sri Lalitha Sahasranama describes Bhuvaneswari as the protector of the 14 worlds (bhuvana). Bhuvana also means water. Thus, She is considered as the protector of the land and the oceans. In the Tripurasiddhanta (a scripture) we also find that Devi is called Bhuvaneswari because She blessed her Guru who was known as Bhuvanandanatha. Bhuvaneswari is also called Prakriti, the active force in the cosmic creation. She is the underlying energy creating, sustaining and maintaining the physical world which is the supreme power embodied in names and forms. Devotional songs describing Her names say, “She initiated the worlds, all the five elements are born from Her. She entered the worlds, sustained them and nourished them.” Most often she is associated with Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, the sustainer and the destroyer of the universes. She is Hara Hari, the Shakti of Vishnu and Shiva and She is adored by them. In other scriptures, Brahma, the creator, is also mentioned. Ultimately, what she represents goes beyond creation itself. She is the source of all that from which creation proceeds. Thus, Bhuvaneswari also personifies the original cosmic Space, the Ether (Akasha).
In several hymns, we find Bhuvaneswari being identified with the Kundalini, the subtle force lying at the base of the spine in the human body. Bhuvaneswari is the one who increases the Shakti. She is in everyone in the form of Kundalini Shakti. The hymns also describe Kundalini Shakti saying, “She has the form of a snake, She is yellow in color and She is like lightning. She is in everyone. She is in the flesh and blood, She is even in the skin.”
More than any other Mahavidya with the exception of Kamalatmika, Bhuvaneshvari is associated and identified with the energy underlying creation. She embodies the characteristic dynamics and constituents that make up the world and that lend creation its distinctive character. She is both a part of creation and also pervades its aftermath.
Bhuvanesvari means Mistress of the World. Bhuvaneshvari’s beauty is mentioned often. Her dhyana describes her as having a radiant vermilion complexion resembling the sunrise and a beautiful face, framed with flowing hair the color of black bees. Her eyes are broad, her lips full and red, her nose delicate. Her firm breasts are smeared with sandal paste and saffron. Her waist is thin, and her thighs and navel are lovely. Her beautiful throat is decorated with ornaments, and her arms are made for embracing. She is seated on a throne, adorned with a flower garland and anklets, bracelets of fine gems. She is also found seated on lions, also group of lions sit around her throne. A crescent moon adorns her forehead, resting atop a jeweled crown. She has three eyes and a pleasant, nurturing smile. She has four arms, in two of which she holds a noose and a goad. With her lower left hand, she makes the gesture (varada-mudra) of offering a boon, and with the lower right she signals fearlessness (abhaya mudra). She is a shakti present everywhere but not seen anywhere.
Sometimes she is represented with a lotus and a jewel bowl in tow of her hands, and in other cases her left foot is placed on a jewel bowl.
The Great Cosmic Power Bhuvaneswari is sitting on a bed resembling a throne, which consists in representing the five forms of manifestation of the God Shiva, as we described them in the article about the Great Cosmic Power Tripura Sundari.
From this throne, the Great Cosmic Power Bhuvaneswari controls and organizes the movement of the entire universe. Different gods and goddesses who serve her and immediately obey her orders surround the Great Cosmic Power Bhuvaneswari.
Meditating with great perseverance on this beautiful goddess’s form, the sincere practitioner may obtain her infinite grace, become even enlightened, and reveal his or her supreme Self.
This beauty and attractiveness may be understood as an affirmation of the physical world. Tantric thought does not denigrate the world or consider it illusory or delusory, as do some other abstract aspects of Indian thought. This is made amply clear in the belief that the physical world, the rhythms of creation, maintenance, and destruction, even the hankerings and sufferings of the human condition is nothing but Bhuvaneshvari’s play, her exhilarating, joyous sport.
She is also known as Om Shakthi or Adi Shakthi q.e one of the earliest forms of shakthi. She is capable of turning situations according to her wish. It is considered that even the navagrahas cannot stop her from doing anything.
Both Bhuvaneswari and Kali are intimately connected as representing time and space, which made creation possible. Kali arranges the timing of the cosmic dance while Bhuvaneshwari stands for the original space before creation in which Kali’s cosmic dance takes place. Devotional songs say that Bhuvaneswari is like Saraswathi, the goddess of learning, wisdom and knowledge. She is described as “Jnana Swaroopa,” the highest form of wisdom. It is also said that Bhuvaneswari has so much power that a mere glance from Her gives boons to the goddesses Lakshmi, Parvathi and Saraswathi. She confers confidence, sympathy, beauty and wisdom on them because all these qualities are within Her.
Bhuvaneswari is the fourth major power described in the Tantras. The term Mahavidya means “great knowledge” or wisdom. Each of these ten great deities is an outstanding personality of the Divine who bestows or reveals spiritual knowledge.

BHUVANESWARI & SPACE

Bhuvaneswari is the fourth in the list of the Dasa Maha Vidyas, Bhuvaneswari stands for the concept of space. Space has many levels of manifestation: The space of the physical Universe and the space of the mind. Just as there are many layers of space in the Universe, there are many layers in the higher levels of the mind. In our body, the heart is where the infinite space of the Universe resides, and this is the seat of the Divine Mother, Bhuvaneswari, who represents this Space. By creating space, we release ourselves from stress and tension. Those seeking the supreme peace should invoke and worship the Goddess Bhuvaneswari, who is the power of infinite expansion, peace and equanimity. Her sound-body is Hreem, which is as powerful as Aum. Hreem connects the space within the heart with the infinite, vast space of Consciousness.
MAYA
Like most of the aspects of the Divine Mother, Bhuvaneswari is associated with Maya. Maya comes from the Sanskrit root, “ma”, to measure. Maya is also a synonym for illusion. Thus, Bhuvaneswari symbolizes the dynamic power of God, which manifests itself in a multitude of visible and impermanent forms. In Hindu philosophy, the manifestation is ultimately considered as unreal because of its inconstancy and impermanence. But at the same time, the devotional scriptures say that Bhuvaneswari is also distinct from the illusion She creates because She controls it. But She is not caught in it. This quality of mastery over the worldly illusion gives Her the power to help human beings not to be involved in Maya and not to be bound by it but instead to go beyond it.
The concept of Goddess Bhuvaneswari as the supreme goddess emerged in historical religious literature as a term to define the powerful and influential nature of female deities in India. Throughout history, goddesses have been portrayed as the mother of the universe, through whose powers the universe is created and destroyed. The gradual changes in belief through time shape the concept of Bhuvaneswari and express how the different Goddesses, though very different in personality, all carry the power of the universe on their shoulders.She is almighty.
Goddess Bhuvaneshwari Mantra
A person who chants Goddess Bhuivaneshwari’s mantra is blessed in various ways. It can also be chanted to please other gods and goddesses. Bhuvaneshwari Mantra, “ Om Aim Hreem Shreem Namah” (Mool Mantra), “ Hrum Om Kreem” (Treyakshari Mantra), “Aim Hrum Shreem Aim Hrum” (Panchokshari Mantra). A person who chants this mantras is blessed with wisdom and strength.




Friday, June 1, 2012

Vaikasi Visakam Festival - Birthday of Murugan


Vaikasi Visakam Festival - Birthday of Murugan


Vaikasi Visakam, also spelled Vaigasi Visakam or Vaikashi Vishakam, is observed as the birthday of Lord Subrahmanya or Lord Muruga during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (Mid May - Mid June). Vaikasi is the second month of Tamil Calendar and Visakam (Visakham) is the fourteenth nakshatra of the 27 Nakshatras (astrological stars). Vaigasi Visakam falls on the full moon day (pournami day) in the month of Vaikasi on the Visakam star. Visakam is considered to be the birth star of Lord Murugan and so he is also known by the name Visakan. The day honors the divine birth of Lord Subrahmanya as Shanmugan and is a significant occasion celebrated with religious fervor. This year Vaikasi Visakam falls on 03 June 2012.

The birth anniversary of Lord Muruga, who is also known as God of Courage, Wealth and Wisdom, is mainly celebrated by Tamilians all over the world. Lord Muruga is younger son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and brother of Lord Ganesha. Lord Muruga is also known as Lord Senthil, Lord Kumaran, Lord Subramanyam and Lord Shanmugam. Lord Murugan has six faces and because of that He is also known as Lord Arumugam. Due to His six faces Lord Murugan can see in East, West, North, South, Heaven and Patala (netherworld) simultaneously.

On Vaikasi Visakam, the day when the Nakshatram Visakam coincides with the full moon or Pournami, devotees take out procession and carry milk to Subramania temples to perform milk Abhishekam to the deity.


How to observe Vaikasi Visakam?

Vaikhasi Vishakam is performed with a special puja to Lord Murugan and Sarkarai Pongal is offered as Neivedyam. Some of the Hindu religious poems addressed to Lord Muruga such as Kanda Sashti Kavacham, Subrahmanya Bhujangam, Thiruppugazh (Muthai Tharu Bakthi), and Shanmukha Kavacham are recited with devotion. According to Hindu Tamilians belief, these Kavasams protect everybody from the evil spirits.
Devotees carry milk pots to Lord Murugan temples. Some people take Kavadi (a strong ritual bearing some form of physical hardship) on the Vaikasi Visakam day. Valli Kalyanam is held in Murugan Temples on Vaikasi Visakham day. Large numbers of devotees throng especially to famous Lord Subramanya Temples nearby.

Vaikasi Visakam at Murugan Temples.

Vaikasi Visakam is celebrated with much religious importance at the Arupadaiveedu of Lord Muruga or the six adobes of Lord Murugan in Tamil Nadu. These temples are the Palani Hill Temple, Thiruchendur Murugan Temple at Tuticorin, Arulmigu Swaminatha Swami Temple at Swamimalai, Thiruthani Murugan Temple, Sri Subramanya Temple at Pazhamudircholai, and Thiruparamkundram Subramanya Swamy Temple.
Vaigasi Visakam is also celebrated at Murugan Temples in Malaysia. Thousands of devotes visit the Batu Caves Murugan Temple of Kuala Lumpur and Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Murugan Temple at Penang, Malaysia to and perform rituals on the Vaikasi Visakam Festival every year.
Murugan Temples in Singapore also celebrate the Vaikasi Visakam festival annually. Sri Thandayuthapani Temple (Chettiar Hindu Temple), Murugan Hill Temple at Bukit Timah Road, and the Sri Holy Tree Sri Bala Subramaniam Kovil are the main Subramanya Temples in Singapore where Vaigasi Visakam festival is held with great religious importance.

Thiruppugazh  Devotional Song





Ninaiththa Podhu Nee Varavendum Murugan Devotional Song By TMS





Arunagirinathar Chant to Lord Murugan - Chant this on Vaikasi Visakam