Thai Krithigai

Thai Krithigai

Thai Krithigai is a Tamil religious festival dedicated to Lord Muruga. He is the patron god of Tamil Nadu. It is observed in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan-Feb), on Krithigai star day. Many Hindus observe a vrat or fast and worship Muruga on this auspicious occasion. People suffering delays in marriage and lack of progeny can experience positive results by observing the vrat and praying to Muruga.  

Sashti Tithi is very auspicious for Muruga, and so is Krithigai Nakshatra (star), which is his Janma Nakshatra or birth star. Worshipping Muruga on Krithigai day can attract the deity’s blessings. 

Significance of Krithigai Nakshatra

The association between Krithigai Nakshatra and Muruga stems from the myth of his birth. Skanda Purana says that Muruga was born as 6 sparks of fire that emanated from Shiva’s 3rd eye. The sparks were taken by Agni and Vayu to Saravana Poigai. There they turned into 6 infants and floated on the flowers of the lotus plants that grew in the pond. 

The 6 Karthigai Pengal (maidens) spotted the six infants floating on the lotus flowers and took care of them. Later, the six infants were embraced by Goddess Parvati, and they became one child with six heads. Hence Muruga is also called Arumugha (the six-faced one)

As a reward for taking care of Muruga, the Karthigai Pengal were turned into a cluster of stars called Krithigai. They are also called the Pleiades. One of Muruga’s names is Kartikeya, and it is derived from Krithigai. The Krithigai festival honors the Karthigai Pengal as well. 

Thai Krithigai is celebrated grandly at all the 6 Arupadai Veedus – Thiruchendhur, Palani, Thirupparankundram, Swamimalai, Tiruttani, and Pazhamudhircholai – that are dedicated to the worship of Muruga. 

The 3 auspicious Krithigai days

In each year, three Krithigai days are very sacred for Muruga worship. The first is the Krithigai star day occurring in the month of Thai, or Thai Krithigai. It is very auspicious as it comes in the Uttarayana period when the Sun begins its northward journey. Uttarayana period signifies dawn for the gods in heaven.   

The second is the Krithigai day in the month of Karthigai. It is called Periya (big) Krithigai. 

The third is the Krithigai in the month of Aadi (June-July), during the Dakshinayana period when the Sun begins his southward journey. Dakshinayana signifies the night of the gods. These 3 days are very auspicious for worshipping Muruga.

All over the world, Tamils offer prayers and fulfill their sacred vows on the holy days of Thai Krithigai and Thai Poosam. Such vows may include bearing ‘kavadis’ on their shoulders or carrying ‘paal kudams’ (milk pots) on their heads. Some even undertake long padayatras (journey by foot) to Muruga’s Arupadaiveedus to show the intensity of their faith and devotion.

Mars and Muruga

Planet Mars (Chevvai/Kuja) is a major planet in Vedic astrology. It plays a key role in human life and destiny. Mars represents energy and aggression. When well-placed in the birth chart, it gives us energy and dynamism to carry out our tasks successfully. But when it is afflicted, it causes many problems. The native may be too aggressive. They will get into fights and arguments with everyone. They may have troubled relationships with siblings who may cause problems for them. Lack of money, debts, litigation over land and property are also likely. 

Those with Chevvai Dosha may face delays in marriage, and they may not have happy marriages. They may lack a child to perform their last rites. Such people should visit the Arupadaiveedus on Thai Krithigai and worship Muruga, who is the ruler of Mars in Vedic astrology. If they do so, they can overcome their worries and problems with Muruga’s blessings.

By observing Thai Krithigai Vratham and worshipping Muruga on Thai Krithigai, one can receive great knowledge, lasting wealth, long life, a good spouse, and obedient children. Women who suffer from infertility issues even many years after marriage should observe the Thai Krithigai Vratham with sincerity and devotion if they wish to be blessed with a child.