Significance of Vaikasi Visakam

In the Hindu solar calendar, Vaisakha commences in mid-April across regions such as Bengal, Mithila, Nepal, and Punjab. In Tamil Nadu, this period is referred to as Vaikasi, spanning from mid-May to mid-June, and it signifies the second month of the Tamil solar calendar. The Tamil month that aligns with Vaisakha is Chithirai, spanning from mid-April to mid-May. For Sri Vasihnavas, this day marks a significant occasion of festivity, as it commemorates the Thirunakshtram of Sri Nammazhwar, signifying his birth. Nammazhwar, one of the twelve azhwars, is renowned for his numerous hymns dedicated to the devotion of Vishnu. He entered this world on the 42nd day marking the commencement of Kali Yuga, under the auspices of the Vishakam star during the month of Vaikasi. Nammazhwar is esteemed as the foremost figure within the Vaishnava tradition, recognised as the guiding leader of this spiritual community. To begin with, Alwarthirunagari holds the distinction of being the birthplace of Sri Nammalwar. It is one of the 108 Divyadesams and the NavaThirupathi stalams. Previous discussions have addressed the Garuda Seva, during which the Perumals from all the NavaThirupathi Stalams partake in the magnificent Vaikasi Visakam utsavam. On the 9th day of the Utsavam, Thiruthear -Chariot is taken around the Temple and the Village. Devotees pulled the car with pomp and gaiety. Its humbling to see the Lord of Universe allowing himself to be pulled under the love and affection of the devotees. On the final day, the 10th of Vaikasi Visakam, Swami Nammalwar is brought to the Thamarabharani River for the sacred ritual of Thirumanjanam, also known as Theertha Vaari. This day marks the Thirunakshatram of Nammalwar, specifically Vaikasi Visakam. A multitude of devotees engaged in the sacred immersion alongside Swami Nammalwar. This presents a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the experience of Swami Nammalwar during his Thirunakshatram. Many Sri Vaishna Acharyasa, Scholars, discourse renders, Vasihana Bhaktas have marked in attendance and partook in the sacred immersion. The conclusion of Vaikasi Visakam is marked by a Theertham and Prasadam in the evening. It is truly a remarkable experience to spend ten days in the quaint yet captivating village of Alwarthirunagari alongside Swami Nammalwar. My grandmother Late Smt Rajalakshmiammal often remarked that it is essential for every Sri Vaishnava to make a pilgrimage to Alwarthirunagari at least once during their lifetime. I express my profound gratitude to Sriman Narayana and Swami Nammalwar for the numerous opportunities to visit this esteemed place. From Alwarthirunagari one can hire a cab and visit all the NavaThirupathi stalams in half a day. Alwarthirunagari is around an hours drive from Tirunelveli. Most buses going to Thiruchendhur go via Alwarthirunagari. Madurai is the nearest airport. Though there is a Railway Station in Alwarthirunagiri, trains are less frequent and the station is far away. One more significance is of the Garuda Sevai during Vaikasi Visagam is renowned globally. Referred to as Aththigir (Hasthigiri), this hill embodies Airavatham, serving as a sacred vessel for the Lord. In this sacred location, where Brahma offered his prayers, it has come to be recognised as Kanchi. Varadan emerged from the yagam conducted by Brahma in this sacred site known as satyavrata kshetram.

The significance of Vaikasi Visakam is manifold. Primarily, it marks the birth star of Lord Muruga, which is why Saivaites globally commemorate it with great enthusiasm. This celebration occurs when the month of Vaikasi aligns with the Visaka Nakshatra, specifically on the Full Moon or Pournami, a day recognised as the birth of Lord Murugan. Shanmugha Avataram. Lord Muruga is affectionately referred to as Karthikeya, Subramanyan, Arumugan, Saravanabhava, among various other names. Saint Tirumular, in Tirumanthiram, articulates, “Ame piran mukamainthodu maruya Rame piranuk kathomukamarula.” According to tradition, six fiery sparks emanated from the forehead of Lord Shiva, which were subsequently transported by Agni to the Saravana Poigai Lake. The lake brimmed with lotuses, and from each of the six sparks, a celestial infant emerged. Goddess Parvati enveloped the six infants, merging them into a singular entity characterised by six heads and twelve hands. Due to his six faces, Lord Muruga is referred to as Shanmuga or Arumugan. It is noted that Shukla Chathurdasi aligns with Vaikasi Visakam, thereby marking the auspicious occasion of Lord Narasimha's avatara dinam. Vaishaka Pournami is observed as Guru Poornima, marking the birth of Lord Buddha. Guru Poornima marks the birth of Lord Buddha.