Massive Devotee Gathering Marks Vaikasi Visakam Celebration in Thoothukudi

Massive Devotee Gathering Marks Vaikasi Visakam Celebration in Thoothukudi (PTI image)

Vaikasi Visakam, one of the most important Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Murugan, was celebrated with great devotion and joy in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. Starting on May 31, the Vaikasi Visakam festival 2025 witnessed thousands of devotees coming together to honor the birth anniversary of Lord Murugan. The ten-day celebration is a major spiritual event in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where the Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple becomes the center of divine energy and religious fervor.

What is Vaikasi Visakam?

Vaikasi Visakam falls in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May–June) on the day when the Visakam Nakshatra aligns with the full moon. According to Hindu mythology, this day marks the birth of Lord Murugan (also known as Kartikeya, Skanda, or Subrahmanya), the warrior son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is believed to have been born to destroy the demon Tarkasura and is worshipped as the God of War and Victory.

Spiritual Significance of the Festival

The Vaikasi Visakam celebration holds deep significance in Tamil culture and Hinduism. It is believed that worshipping Lord Murugan with sincerity on this day brings protection, wisdom, and spiritual strength. His six-faced form (Shanmukha) represents six divine qualities, and his mount—the peacock—symbolizes purity and victory over ego.

In Thoothukudi, devotees arrived in large numbers, dressed in traditional attire, and actively took part in processions and traditional dances. The Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple, one of the most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Murugan, became a spiritual hub during the festival. Each of the ten days featured religious rituals, temple processions, and cultural performances, attracting both locals and pilgrims from different parts of Tamil Nadu and neighboring states. The atmosphere was charged with devotion, chants of "Muruganukku Arogara!" echoing through the streets.

The festival, which was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19, made a strong comeback in recent years, with devotees now more eager than ever to participate. As restrictions eased, the Vaikasi Visakam 2025 celebrations brought a renewed sense of faith, unity, and community spirit.

The Vaikasi Visakam festival in Thoothukudi is not just a religious occasion—it is a vibrant blend of culture, faith, and tradition. With grand rituals, spiritual significance, and large-scale participation, the festival continues to be a beacon of Tamil heritage and Hindu devotion.