The Significance of Thai Poosam

Thai (pronounced Tha + eye – Thaeye) Poosam falls in the Tamil month of Thai when the Moon transits Pushya Nakshatra (poosam in tamil). It usually happens between January and February in the Gregorian calendar. This day is primarily dedicated to Lord Murugan, also known as Kartikeya, the divine son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. On this day, Goddess Parvati presented a vel (spear) to Lord Murugan to vanquish the demon Soorapadman, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

Jan 25, 2024 – Powerful Day for Important Activities

This year Thai Poosam occurs on Jan 25, 2024 along with Purnima and Guru Pushya Yoga making Jan 25th an extremely powerful and prosperous day.

The presence of Guru Pushya Yoga and Purnima during Thai Poosam 2024 makes it an ideal time for beginning new ventures, making significant purchases, and engaging in spiritual practices. You can plan important life events (except marriage) on this day, as this auspicious alignment will bring success and prosperity.

Purnima

Thai Poosam is celebrated when the moon transits through the star Poosam (Pushya in Sanskrit) in the tamil month of Thai. This year, Thai Poosam aligns with Purnima, when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. This combination amplifies the spiritual energy, making it a powerful and prosperous time.

Guru Pushya Yoga

Additionally, the occurrence of the moon’s transit through the Pushya nakshatra on a Thursday creates a highly auspicious astrological alignment known as Guru Pushya Yoga. Guru Pushya occurs when the moon transits the Pushya nakshatra (one of the 27 lunar mansions) on a Thursday, a day ruled by Jupiter (Guru in Sanskrit). Pushya is considered one of the most beneficial nakshatras, symbolizing nourishment and care. When combined with the benevolence of Jupiter, the planet of wisdom and prosperity, this yoga is believed to bring good fortune, success, and spiritual growth.

Secrets of Vel – The Spear

During festivals like Thai Poosam, the Vel is honored and worshipped. Devotees often carry miniature Vels for protection and security.

  1. The Vel is not just a weapon; it symbolizes divine power and wisdom. Given to Lord Murugan by his mother, Goddess Parvati (or Shakti), it represents the shakti (power) that destroys ignorance and evil forces, symbolized by the demon Soorapadman in the Skanda Purana.
  2. The Vel embodies both the destructive and protective aspects of the divine. While it is a weapon that destroys evil, it is also a protective force that safeguards devotees from negative influences.
  3. In yogic traditions, the Vel is sometimes associated with the awakening of the Kundalini energy. The spear-like shape of the Vel is likened to the spinal column, with the pointed tip representing the Sahasrara (crown chakra), symbolizing the ascent of spiritual energy from the base of the spine to the crown.
  4. In Vedic astrology, the Vel is associated with Mars (Mangal), the planet of energy and war.
  5. Lord Murugan is shown holding the Vel, signifying his role as a divine warrior. The Vel is revered and seen as a powerful emblem of faith and protection.

Rituals

  1. Honor Lord Kartikeya with the mantra – Om subrahmanyaaya namah. You can chant this mantra 108 times.
  2. Listen to Subrahmanya Bhujangam sung by Adi Shankaracharya in praise of Lord Kartikeya.
  3. Offer yellow colored flowers to the divine.
  4. Light a lamp at sunset with Ghee.
  5. If you have access to cows, its a great day to feed them and honor them. If not consider making a donation to a Goshala (a place where they nurture cows).
  6. Listen to Sri Suktam to honor Goddess Lakshmi on Purnima.
  7. You can also trace, draw or color a Vel to honor Lord Kartikeya.

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