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What is Aadi Krithika and why is it celebrated?

Festival Date

Aadi Krithigai also spelled as Aadi Krithika or Adi Krithigai, is celebrated on the Krittika star day of Aadi month. It is dedicated to Lord Muruga.

Aadi month (mid-July to mid-August) in the Tamil calendar is the time that is filled with various spiritual and religious activities. This month marks the beginning of the summer solstice, and the Sun starts moving towards the southern direction (called Dakshinayana). During this month, people are aligned with their spiritual energies and involve in prayers. This month is also dedicated to Goddess Shakti as the energy of the goddess is very strong and vibrant during this month.

Krittika Nakshatra (star) is the 3rd among the 27 stars. The day ruled by this star during the Tamil month of Aadi is revered as Aadi Krithigai. This day is considered very auspicious and one of the best times for propitiating Lord Muruga, as Krittika is the favorable star for Lord Muruga.

Significance of Aadi Krithigai
The Tamil month of Aadi (Ashada) falls between mid-July and mid-August and is considered highly auspicious when divine forces shower their grace on earth and answer your earnest prayers.

Aadi month falls in the second half of the year, which is called as Dakshinayana (Dakshin means 'south' and 'ayana' means travel) when the Sun transits from north to south hemisphere. Hence, the entire month of Aadi is ideal for special prayers and Poojas (worship) offered to Gods and Goddesses.

Aadi Krithigai is regarded as Lord Muruga's power day, on which special offerings are made to him at Arupadai Veedu temples (six abodes of Lord Muruga).

Mythology behind Aadi Krithigai
According to mythology, Goddess Parvati blessed Karthigai Pengal (six maidens) who nurtured the six babies born from Lord Shiva's third eye, with a boon that special rituals or Poojas will be held on Krittika star days for Lord Muruga.

Lord Muruga
Rituals of Aadi Krithigai
Apart from the Pooja and Homa (fire lab) in temples, special and elaborate celebrations are organized in Arupadai Veedu (six abodes of Lord Muruga) - Tiruttani, Thiruchendur, Swamimalai, Palani, Pazhamudircholai, and Thirupparankundram. Devotees spend the day chanting Muruga mantras and hymns, kavadi attam (a ritualistic dance), etc. Some devotees also undertake Vrat (fasting).

Benefits of Observing Aadi Krithigai
Worshipping Lord Muruga on Aadi Krithigai can bestow you with the following benefits:

-Blessings of wisdom, power, health, victory, relationship, and prosperity
-Reduce the malefic effects of the planet Mars in the birth chart
-Destroy negative elements in life
-Remove obstacles and bestow with all-round success
-Alleviate debts and diseases

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