Thai Poosam is the festival ascribed to Bhagwan Muruga. This festival is observed on the day Pushya or Poosa Star occurs in the Thai month as per Tamil Calendar. In Kerala, the day is observed as Thai Pooyam.
The ensuing Thai Poosam occurs on Thursday, 25th January 2024. The exact duration of the Pushya Star has to be ascertained in the respective regional calendars.
Sri Muruga is also hailed and worshipped as Sri Karthikeya, Sri Kumara, Sri Dhandayuthapani, Sri Vadivela and Sri Subramanya among other Names.
As per the legend, it is believed that on the day of Thai Poosam, Sri Parvathi Devi had given spear (Vel) to Sri Muruga for destroying the demon Surapadma.
The devotees of Bhagwan Muruga take procession with milk pots to do Abhishekam to Sri Muruga. Some devotees even pierce their bodies with Alagu; Some take Kavadi which is balanced on the shoulders and visit Sri Muruga Sanctum.
At homes, the Puja place is sanctified. The idol / picture of Bhagwan Muruga is kept at the Puja place. Lamps and incense sticks are lit. Chandan, Kumkum and Turmeric are applied to the Puja Murthy. Special Slokams / Stotrams invoking Bhagwan Muruga are read and recited. Neivedyam of fruits and sweets is offered and then distributed.
Some of the Slokams / Stotrams for praying to Bhagwan Muruga are given below:
Skandha Sashti Kavacham
Skandhar Anubudhi
Sri Kumarasthavam
Sri Muruga Gayathri
Sri Subramanya Ashtothara Satha Namavali
Sri Subramanya Ashtakam
Sri Subramanya Bhujanga Slokam
Sri Subramanya Stotram
Sri Subramanya Shodasa Nama Stotram
Sri Subramanya Pancharathnam
Sri Subramanya Mangala Ashtakam
The festival is celebrated in all Shiva temples and Muruga temples across the World with fervor and devotion.
In Shiva temples, the festival is celebrated in a grand manner for three days with Theppam, viz., procession of Deities in temple tanks on canopies.
