Tiruttani Murugan Temple – Aadi Krithigai
considered important for Muruga, attracts over 400,000 devotees on Aadi
Krithigai day. devotees from these four districts are expected to participate in the
celebrations in Tiruttani to fulfil their vows by carrying Kavadi, and
climbing up the 365 steps of the hillock there. A three-day float festival is held on the occasion of Aadi Krithigai at the temple.
Story of Observing Aadi Krithigai
As per some beliefs Muruga first appeared on earth on Aadi Krithigai day.
According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Muruga was born as six different babies. And he was looked after by the six Krittika stars. Later, Lord Muruga was combined as a single baby with six heads by Goddess Parvati on Aadi Krithigai day. There are many variations to this legend. This is another reason for observing Aadi Krithigai.
Krittikas, the six stars of the Pleiades, who happened to be traversing the skies, happened to hear the gurgling of a happy baby from the Saravana lake – a marshy lake in the Himalayas filled with a thicket of reeds.
Flooded with maternal love, the six maidens rushed to pick up the charming infant. Each wanted to pick up the child. It is said that to fulfill the motherly affection of the six maidens, Muruga metamorphosed into six individual forms. The delighted krittikas each gathered a baby in their arms and suckled the infants and lavishing care on them.
The six babies represent synergy of
- desire (Kama)
- Consciousness (Shiva)
- Earth (Parvati)
- Fir (Agni)
- Water (Ganga)
- Space (Krittika)
Why Krithigai Nakshatra in Aadi month is important?
Temples dedicated to Muruga who is also known as Skanda and Shanmukha is lavishly decorated and offerings on the day include milk, panchamrutham and rice.
Lord Murugan Temples in Tamilnadu,
Other popular days in a year associated with Muruga are Thaipusam and Skanda Sashti – Soorasamharam.