Masik Kartigai: January 9, 2025 – A Day of Divine Worship and Light
Masik Kartigai, also known as Karthigai Deepam, is a significant monthly festival observed in South India, especially in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. This auspicious day is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan (Kartikeya). It falls on the day when the moon aligns with the constellation Krittika, known as “Karthigai Nakshatram” in Vedic astrology. The festival is particularly noted for the lighting of lamps (deepam), which signifies the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
In 2025, Masik Kartigai will be observed on January 9, making it an important day for devotees seeking divine blessings, protection, and spiritual growth.
Significance of Masik Kartigai
Masik Kartigai is deeply rooted in Vedic traditions and holds great spiritual significance. The day is primarily devoted to Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan, two powerful deities in the Hindu pantheon. Lord Shiva, the supreme deity, symbolizes the destruction of ignorance and ego, while Lord Murugan, the warrior god, represents bravery, righteousness, and the removal of obstacles.
The lighting of lamps during this festival has a profound meaning. The oil lamp (deepam) symbolizes the light of knowledge that dispels the darkness of ignorance. The flame also represents the atman (soul), which, through devotion and wisdom, can attain liberation (moksha).
Masik Kartigai is also closely associated with Lord Murugan’s birth. According to mythology, the six sparks that emerged from Lord Shiva’s third eye were carried by the six Krittika stars (Karthigai Nakshatram) and nurtured into six beautiful babies. These six babies were later united into one divine child, Kartikeya (Murugan), by Goddess Parvati.
Rituals and Traditions of Masik Kartigai
- The observance of Masik Kartigai is marked by various rituals that are performed with devotion and reverence:
- Lighting of Lamps
The lighting of lamps is the central ritual of this festival. Devotees light oil lamps (deepam) at home, in temples, and at sacred places. The sight of rows of oil lamps glowing in the evening is a beautiful and spiritually uplifting experience. It is believed that lighting these lamps brings prosperity, peace, and happiness into the household.
- Temple Visits
On this day, devotees visit Shiva and Murugan temples to offer prayers. Special poojas and abhishekams (ritual bathing of the deity) are performed, and the temples are illuminated with oil lamps. Temples like the Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tamil Nadu, known for the grand Karthigai Deepam festival, witness large crowds of devotees.
- Fasting and Prayers
Many devotees observe fasts on Masik Kartigai to purify their body and soul. The fast typically involves abstaining from food or consuming only simple vegetarian meals. Fasting is believed to help devotees focus on their spiritual practices and enhance their connection with the divine.
- Krittika Nakshatra Homam
In some regions, a special fire ritual called Krittika Nakshatra Homam is performed on Masik Kartigai. This homam is dedicated to Lord Murugan, and it is believed to remove obstacles, bring success in life, and ensure the well-being of children.
- Special Poojas for Lord Murugan
Masik Kartigai is an important day for Murugan devotees, and many special poojas are performed in his honor. The Kanda Shasti Kavasam, a powerful hymn dedicated to Lord Murugan, is recited by devotees to seek his protection from evil forces and overcome difficulties.
- Abhishekam
In Murugan and Shiva temples, the idols of the deities are bathed in various sacred substances such as milk, honey, sandalwood paste, and rose water. This ritual, known as Abhishekam, is performed to cleanse and purify the deity and invoke divine blessings.
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Masik Kartigai 2025: Date and Timings
- Date: January 9, 2025 (Thursday)
- Nakshatram: Krittika (Karthigai Nakshatra)
- Start of Krittika Nakshatra: 07:55 PM on January 08, 2025
- End of Krittika Nakshatra: 05:35 PM on January 09, 2025
Spiritual Benefits of Observing Masik Kartigai
- Removes Negativity: The lighting of lamps during Masik Kartigai is believed to ward off negative energies and bring positive vibrations into the household. It is said that the light from the deepam purifies the surroundings and protects the family from harm.
- Enhances Spiritual Growth: Masik Kartigai provides an opportunity for devotees to focus on their spiritual practices, including meditation, fasting, and chanting. By performing these rituals, devotees can deepen their connection with Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan and progress on the path of self-realization.
- Brings Prosperity and Success: Observing Masik Kartigai with devotion is believed to bring prosperity, success, and abundance in life. The blessings of Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan help devotees overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
- Ensures the Welfare of Children: Many devotees, especially parents, pray for the well-being and success of their children on this day. The rituals and prayers performed during Masik Kartigai are believed to bring protection and blessings for children, ensuring their health and prosperity.
Conclusion
Masik Kartigai, falling on January 9, 2025, is a day of profound spiritual significance for devotees of Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan. The festival emphasizes the importance of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and righteousness over evil. By observing the rituals with devotion, devotees can invoke the divine grace of these powerful deities, seek protection from negative forces, and experience spiritual growth.
On this sacred day, let us all light lamps, offer prayers, and focus on our inner light to illuminate our lives with peace, prosperity, and divine blessings.
May Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan bless us all on this auspicious Masik Kartigai of January 2025!