Vaikasi Visakam (வைகாசி விசாகம்)
Birth Star of Lord Murugan — Visakam in Vaikasi
Vaikasi Visakam Dates in 2026
Date for 2026 is being calculated. Please check the full festivals list for the latest dates.
→ All 2026 festivalsAbout Vaikasi Visakam
Vaikasi Visakam celebrates the birth of Lord Murugan (Skanda/Karthikeya) when the Visakam (Vishakha) Nakshatra falls in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May–June). It is one of the most important days at all Murugan temples across Tamil Nadu.
Significance
Lord Murugan — the Tamil god of war and wisdom — is said to have been born in the Tamil month of Vaikasi under Visakam Nakshatra. On this day, Murugan's divine lance (Vel) is worshipped with special abhishekam and alankaram. It is also the day when the Alvaar saint Nammalvar attained liberation (Moksham).
How the Date is Calculated
Vaikasi Visakam falls when Visakam (Vishakha) Nakshatra occurs in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (mid-May to mid-June). The exact date varies year to year.
How It is Celebrated
- Vaikasi Visakam — special puja and abhishekam at Murugan temples
- Vel (divine lance) worship and procession
- Recitation of Kanda Puranam and Thiruppugazh hymns
- Special celebration at Palani, Thiruchendur, and Kataragama
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Vaikasi Visakam important for Murugan devotees?
Vaikasi Visakam is the birth anniversary of Lord Murugan — the Tamil god of war, wisdom, and beauty. Worshipping Murugan on his birth star is considered especially auspicious and powerful. The six abodes of Murugan (Arupadai Veedu) celebrate this day with grand festivals.
What is the connection between Vaikasi Visakam and Nammalvar?
Nammalvar — the greatest of the 12 Alvaar saints and composer of the Nalayira Divya Prabandham — is said to have attained Moksha (liberation) on Vaikasi Visakam. His Moksham is commemorated at Srirangam and other Vishnu temples during the month of Vaikasi.
When is Vaikasi Visakam 2026?
Vaikasi Visakam falls when Visakam Nakshatra occurs in the month of Vaikasi, usually in May or June. See the exact 2026 date in the festival calendar above.