- By Kashish Rai
- Tue, 06 May 2025 12:43 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Agni Natchathiram May 2025: Agni Nakshatram is a significant festival dedicated to the worship of Lord Murugan, celebrated with great devotion in Tamil Nadu for a full 25 days. This vibrant celebration takes place during the sweltering month of May, marking the Sun's celestial journey through the Krittika star, also known as Agni Natchathiram. The festivities are mainly held in prominent temples dedicated to Lord Murugan, like those in Tiruttani, Palani, and Tiruchendur. During this time, special rituals and events are organised to honour the deity. While the Agni Natchathiram festival coincides with the peak of summer in southern India, often considered an unlucky time due to the intense heat, devotees still gather to celebrate and seek blessings from Lord Murugan.
Check out all the significant details about the start and end date, significance and rituals of this event below:
Agni Natchathiram May 2025: Start And End Date
- Agni Natchathiram May 2025 Start Date: 4th May 2025, Sunday
- Agni Natchathiram May 2025 End Date: 28th May 2025, Wednesday
Agni Natchathiram May 2025: Significance
The Agni Nakshatram festival is deeply significant for sincere devotees of Lord Murugan, the God of War and son of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Alternatively referred to as Skanda, Kartikeya and Subrahmaniam, Lord Murugan is worshipped during this time with fervent prayers for good fortune and happiness. The faithful pray to him for blessings, hoping that his divine power can bestow good luck and safety.
However, in certain areas, Agni Natchathiram is considered to be an unfavourable time because of the scorching heat. People do not start significant events, go on trips or make financial transactions during this time. This is based on ancient customs, where the intense heat was not considered a good time for major activities. Despite these beliefs, devotees continue to worship Lord Murugan with devotion and enthusiasm.
Agni Natchathiram or Nakshatram is dedicated to the worship of Lord Murugan. This period also marks the Sun's passage through the Krittika star. (Image Source: Canva)
Agni Natchathiram May 2025: Rituals
Many Hindu devotees come to the Palani temple in Tamil Nadu during Agni Natchathiram and offer prayers to Lord Murugan. During that time, devotees perform the ‘Pradakshina’ of the sacred hill Giri Valam from dawn till sunset in order to offer prayers and requests for divine blessings to the lord. The hill is reputed to be full of medicinal plants which give good health and a peaceful mind with their pleasant fragrance.
Female pilgrims wear Kadamba flowers during the Pradakshina which are believed to be Lord Murugan’s favourite. Before circumambulating the hill, the devotees offer prayers to Lord Murugan to seek the blessings for prosperity and good fortune. Throughout Agni Nakshatram, Abhishekam of Lord Murugan's idol is performed every day using water. This sacred water is later stored as 'Theertha'.
On the last day, this holy water is given to devotees, who regard it as extremely auspicious. This holy water is even brought to homes by some devotees, while others pour it into temples and wells with the hope of receiving divine blessings and spiritual enlightenment. The Theertha is also regarded as a holy offering, drawing devotees nearer to Lord Murugan's divine blessing.
(Disclaimer: This content includes advice providing generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified spiritual or astrological opinion. Always consult a specialist for more information before adopting any measures.)
ALSO READ: 31 Auspicious Names Of Lord Murugan In Tamil With Meanings
