What is Masik Karthigai? And How is it Celebrated?
Masik Kartigai is a celebration that is held in various temples of South India. It is a day dedicated to the birth of Lord Muruga, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees observe fast that they can consume only fruits and milk; some also consume fast-friendly foods.
Additionally, devotees dance, “Kavadiyattam,” to enhance the shine of the celebration and to please Muruga. People participate in Muruga’s procession, and they visit the temple to seek the blessings of Muruga.
This is the oldest and most significant festivals that people of Tamil Nadu and Kerala rejoice with all devotion and joy. In Kerala, it is also known as Thrikkarthika.
People decorate their homes and streets with Diyas, lights, and lamps. Most devotees visit Thiruvannamalai’s hillocks, where a giant fire lamp also called Maha deepam can be witnessed illuminating. This flame signifies the Jyoti Swarup of Lord Shiva.
To make the home more beautiful and lively, people decorate it with Kolam or Rangoli.
The Legend Related
The legend related to these days is about the greatness of Lord Shiva, who turned himself into a flame when Lord Brahma and Vishnu were fighting for superiority.
Lord Shiva told Brahma and Vishnu to find his beginning and end as whoever will find it will be declared as the supreme.
Upon this, Lord Vishnu turned into a boar and went to find the end of Shiva. Brahma turned into a swan and flew high to explore the beginning of Shiva. However, both were unable to find any point; Shiva then took a form of flame, and both Lords realized that Shiva has no beginning or an end.
They considered Shiva as the greatest; the incident is believed to take place on Thiruvannamalai’s hills that the flame form of Shiva always remains illuminated there.
How Does Planetary Position Benefit Devotees on this Day?
On the day of Masik Karthigai, Saturn will reside in its own sign Capricorn. Jupiter, along with Saturn, resides at the same angle where Jupiter will aspect Rahu and Moon in Taurus.
When we indulge in meditation or prayers, this planetary combination blesses us with the positive effects of Rahu on our Moon. Thus praying to Lord Muruga and Shiva on this day increases our willpower, blesses us with mental clarity, and leads our way to success and wealth.
Another beneficial combination is forming on the day since the Moon resides with Mars, and both will create a Yog Chandra Mangal in Aries.
Early morning the Mars will be in Ashwini (Ketu Star), and the Moon will be in Bharani (Venus Star). From there, Moon will gradually shift to Krittika Nakshatra. By saying our prayers in this duration, we can attain salvation as all our sins burn down, and we open the doors of God’s abode. This will be the day of mental clarity also because Guru is aspecting Rahu and Moon.
Dos and Don’ts of observing fast on Masik Karthigai
Bath early in the morning and wear clean white clothes.
Observe fast on this event; meditate and chant Mantras for Lord Muruga and Shiva.
Do Shiva Abhishekam with raw milk and water while chanting the Kanda shastikavacham.
Show respect to your father and mother as they represent the Sun and Moon.
Serve the poor people with Kheer and feed the cows and calves with grass.
Do not indulge in fights and don’t badmouth anyone.
Don’t cultivate bad thoughts and don’t perform any immoral activities.
Don’t be rude to any family member; show respect to everyone.
Don’t obstruct anyone’s path by misusing your resources.
Mantras to be chanted at least 108 times
Om NamahShivaya
Meaning – I salute Shiva (one of the trinity)
Om SkandaayaNamaha
Meaning – I salute Skanda (Muruga)
Om Sri ShaneeshwaraayaNamaha
Meaning – I salute Shani (Saturn).
Om Sri SuryaayaNamaha
Meaning – I salute Surya (the Sun).
Om Sri SomaayaNamaha
Meaning – I salute Soma (the Moon).
It is said that those who pray and worship Lord Muruga and Shiva on this day get blessed by eternal courage. They get peace, wealth, and happiness in life.
Panchangam helps with knowing the exact date of different celebrations, such as Masik Karthigai. Explore Astropedia and get to know the dates of various festivals related to spirituality.
