In the state of Tamil Nadu. Agni Nakshatram is one of the chief festivals dedicated to Lord “Murugan”.This is celebrated with immense zeal and fervour.The festivities of Agni Nakshtram is observed with full grandeur on Lord Murugan temples in Tiruttani, Palani, Palamuthirsolai, Swamimalai and Tiruchendur to name a few.
About Agni Nakshatram :-
The Agni Nakshatra starts on 4th May this year and ends on 28th May. It is observed for a period of 14 days starting from the 4th of May till the 29th of May.The 14-day celebrations of Agni Nakshatram are marked by the celestial movement of the sun through the star named ‘krittika’. Krittika is associated with heat and Agni. Agni Nakshatram is the period of Sun’s transit through Agni Nakshatram (krittika Nakshatra). Agni Nakshatram is also known as “katthiri” in Tamil. This is adopted from ‘kartaari’ in Sanskrit.This period indicates the hot summer season. It is mainly followed in Tamil Calendar.In Tamil language this Hindu festival derived its name from this star also known as “Agni Nakshatram”. The festivities of Agni Nakshatram is observed with full grandeur on Lord Murugan temples in Tiruttani, Palani, palamuthirsolai, swamimalai and Tiruchendur to name a few.
The Name-Cause :-
Agni Nakshathra is so called because it is the time the sun crosses Krittika. The star Krittika is known as Agni Nakshatra in “Utthara kalamrutham”.
Significance of Agni Nakshatram :-
According to the Hindu mythology, Lord Murugan is the son of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. He is known as the he warrior God. The festival of Agni Nakshatram holds great religious significance for staunch devotees of Lord Murugan. Lord Murugan is referred by different names as Skanda, kartikeya and shubrahmaniam in Tamil. Lord Murugan is prayed with dedication for prosperity and well-being during the period of Agni Nakshatram. However in some places, many people consider that the period of Agni Nakshatram is considered inauspicious. During the period of Agni Nakshatram people avoided some auspicious programs, starting new ventures, Journeys due to extreme heat or even borrowing and lending of money. This is so owing to the fact that even in the ancient times.
Rituals During Agni Nakshatram :-
- Agni Nakshatram is celebrated mainly in the Temples of Lord Murugan, especially in Palani, Tamil Nadu.
- They worship Lord Murugan devotedly to be blessed with his divine blessings. Thousands of Hindu devotees flock to this place during this period.
- Devotees performed the ‘Pradakshina’ of the Giri Valam, the holy hill during the period of Agni Nakshatram. The pradakshina is perfor during the morning time and as well as evening.
- It is a popular belief that the aroma of the medicinal Herbs growing on the Giri Valam, offers good health and peace of mind.
- Female devotees adorn the kadamba flowers found there as this flower is considered to be the most liked flower of Lord Murugan.
- In the palani temple ‘Abhishekam’ of Lord Murugan is performed daily with water during the period of Agni Nakshatram.
- This water is then collected and known as ‘Theertha’. On the final day of Agni Nakshatram, the theertha distributed amongst all the devotees.
- Some of the devotees even carry this theertha water to their home.
Important Timing On Agni Nakshatram :-
| Sunrise | May 04, 2020 5:55 AM |
| Sunset | May 04, 2020 6:52 PM |
Agni Nakshathira Dosham :-
In every year Agni Nakshathiram begins when sun enters Bharani star 3rd quarter and leaves when entering Rohini 2nd quarter. It is believed that the sun will produce unusual amount of heat during the 13 and odd days during which it will traverse the sky with the Krittika star group in its background. When so many auspicious functionsare celebrated that is why we should call this period as dosham Period.
Agni Nakshatram festival dates between 2017 and 2027
| Year | Date |
| 2017 | Thursday, 4th of May |
| 2018 | Friday, 4th of May |
| 2019 | Saturday, 4th of May |
| 2020 | Monday, 4th of May |
| 2021 | Tuesday, 4th of May |
| 2022 | Wednesday, 4th of May |
| 2023 | Thursday, 4th of May |
| 2024 | Saturday, 4th of May |
| 2025 | Sunday, 4th of May |
| 2026 | Monday, 4th of May |
| 2027 | Tuesday, 4th of May |