Aadi Krithigai 2025

 

Aadi Krithigai is a spiritually potent Tamil festival dedicated to Lord Murugan, celebrated during the Krithika Nakshatra in the Tamil month of Aadi. In 2025, it falls on Sunday, July 20.

Tithi & Nakshatra Observance

• Date: July 20, 2025 (Sunday)
• Observed with fasting, lamp lighting, and special pujas at Murugan temples

Spiritual Significance

• Celebrates the birth of Lord Murugan from six divine flames of Shiva’s third eye
• Symbolizes victory of light over darkness, as Murugan vanquished the demon Surapadman
• Associated with removal of karmic obstacles, Mars dosha remedies, and spiritual clarity
• Devotees seek blessings for courage, wisdom, and protection

Legends & Mythology

• As per the Skanda Purana, six flames from Shiva’s third eye were carried by Agni and Vayu to Saravana Poigai
• Nurtured by the Karthigai Pengal, the flames became six divine children
• Goddess Parvati united them into one radiant deity with six faces — Lord Shanmuga
• In gratitude, Shiva and Parvati blessed the Karthigai stars, declaring special poojas on Krithika Nakshatra days

Rituals & Celebrations

• Kavadi Attam: Devotees carry decorated offerings in a ceremonial dance
• Abhishekams: Milk, honey, sandalwood, and rose water used to bathe Murugan idols
• 108 Deepams: Lamps lit to dispel negativity and invoke divine grace
• Mantra Chanting: Om Saravanabhava, Skanda Sashti Kavasam, and Tiruppugazh recitations
• Annadanam: Free meals distributed as acts of charity and devotion

Scriptural Reference 

The origins of Aadi Krithigai are deeply rooted in the Skanda Purana, one of the major Shaiva texts. It narrates how Lord Muruga was born from six divine flames emitted from Lord Shiva’s third eye. These flames were carried by Agni and Vayu to Saravana Poigai, where the Karthigai Pengal (celestial maidens) nurtured them into six divine children. Goddess Parvati later united them into one radiant deity with six faces — Lord Shanmuga.

This mythological event is commemorated on Krithika Nakshatra days, especially in the Tamil month of Aadi, as a tribute to Muruga’s divine birth and valor.

Temples to Visit 

The festival is grandly celebrated in Murugan temples across Tamil Nadu, especially the Arupadai Veedu — the six sacred abodes of Lord Muruga:

Temple Name	Location	Highlights During Aadi Krithigai
Palani Dhandayuthapani Temple	Palani	Kavadi processions, abhishekams
Thiruchendur Subramanya Temple	Thiruchendur	Sea-side rituals, annadanam
Swamimalai Murugan Temple	Near Kumbakonam	Veda chanting, special alankarams
Thirupparankundram Temple	Madurai	Yagnas, deepa aradhana
Pazhamudircholai Temple	Near Madurai	Forest pilgrimage, flower kavadi
Thiruttani Murugan Temple	Near Chennai	Chariot procession, 365-step kavadi climb

Other notable temples include Vadapalani Andavar Temple (Chennai) and Kumara Kottam (Kanchipuram).

Regional Observance

• Tamil Nadu: The heartland of Aadi Krithigai, with massive celebrations in Murugan temples. Devotees observe fasts, perform Kavadi Attam, and chant Skanda Sashti Kavasam.
• Andhra Pradesh: Temples like Srikalahasti also host special pujas and chariot processions.
• Kerala: Observed in select Murugan temples with abhishekams and lamp lighting.