The Procedure to Observe Thai Krithigai Viratham

What is Thai Krithigai?

For Tamil people, Thai month is very holy and auspicious. Many major events in the Hindu calendar occur during this month. They include Pongal, Thai Poosam, and Thai Krithigai. Also, the Sun begins his northward journey in the sky at this time. This is called Uttarayanam and it signifies dawn for the gods in heaven. This adds to the auspiciousness of Thai month.

Thai Krithigai Viratham is a fast that Hindus observe on Krithigai Nakshatra day of Thai month. The fast is for seeking Lord Muruga’s blessings. Krithigai is the birth star of Muruga. Worshipping him on Krithigai star days can propitiate him.

What is the connection between Muruga and Krithigai? The story goes that Muruga was born as six sparks of fire from Lord Shiva’s third eye. These sparks were carried to a pond called Saravana Poigai by Agni and Vayu. There, they became six babies.

The six Karthigai Pengal (maidens) saw the babies floating on lotus flowers and took care of them. Goddess Parvathi arrived there later and embraced the babies, fusing them into a single baby with six heads. As a mark of appreciation for taking care of his son, the Karthigai Pengal were blessed by Shiva. They became a cluster of stars called Krithigai in the sky and came to be associated with the worship of Muruga. Whoever worshipped Muruga on Krithigai star day would get their wishes fulfilled, said Shiva.

Muruga devotees who worship him on this day would gain knowledge, a good education, long life, a virtuous spouse,  good children, cattle, agricultural lands/farms, and a life filled with peace.

By observing ‘Krithigai Viratham (the fast observed on Krithigai star days) continuously for twelve years, one can also achieve great success and Moksha or liberation from the life and death cycle.

Procedure for observing ‘Krithigai Viratham’

Krithigai Viratham is undertaken from Thirukkarthigai day in the Tamil month of Karthigai. It must be observed on all Krithigai star days in the following months.The fast should be observed only after 5.00 PM.

Devotees who are observing the fast can take noon meals on the eve of Krithigai. This is Bharani star day, and they can observe a fast during the night. The next morning (on Krithigai day), take a bath at dawn. Then go to a nearby Muruga temple and pray. Take only water during this period and chant songs praising Muruga.

Meditate on Muruga throughout the day. The next morning (Rohini star day), take an early bath, and offer ‘Annadhanam’ (food to the needy). After this, you can have some food. But make sure to avoid onion and garlic as well as non-vegetarian items.

Follow the same procedure during the remaining months, on the day of Krithigai star.

Thai Krithigai is celebrated at all the 6 Arupadai Veedus – Thiruchendhur, Palani, Thirupparankundram, Swamimalai, Tiruttani, and Pazhamudhircholai. All these temples are famous powerspots of Muruga.

Benefits of observing Thai Krithigai Viratham

A happy marriage, good spouse and children, are desired by most of us as our happiness often depends on these. Even the longest research (80 years) ever carried out has proved that the happiness of human beings depends on relationships more than anything else in the world. Our spouse and children are the people with whom we have our most intimate relationships, apart from our parents.

Since time immemorial, people have been observing Karthigai Viratham as a remedy for those who faced delays in marriage and childbirth.

But why is the worship of the spiritual warrior god, Muruga/Karthikeya associated with such issues? The answer has to do with Vedic astrology. Muruga is the deity who rules the planet Mars/Kuja/Chevvai. Many people would have heard of Chevvai Dosham. This Dosham is caused when Mars is afflicted in a person’s birth chart.

It is one of the most feared Doshas, and the native may find it difficult to get a life partner. Even if they get married, they may face problems in marriage. Or the native’s spouse may suffer ill health, and in some cases die, too. Such natives are likely to be aggressive and argumentative which prevents them from having good relationships with anyone. They may also have debts and other financial problems, litigation, problems with siblings, etc.

But by worshipping Muruga, they can reduce the negative effects of afflicted Mars. Muruga can subdue the aggressiveness and violence of Mars. This ensures that the planet’s malefic energies do not cast a shadow over your life. Observing Thai Krithigai Viratham pleases Lord Muruga immensely. He will bless you by protecting you from the negative effects of Mars.