Agni Nakshatram (Katiri Veyil) is celebrated in respect of Lord Murugan. Lord Murugan is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Murugan is also known as Subramaniam, Kartikeya and Skanda. This festival is mainly celebrated in Lord Murugan temples in Palani, Tiruttani, Swamimalai, Palamuthirsolai, Tirupparankundram, Tiruchendur and all other across the world.
Agni Nakshatram, Agni Natchathiram, Katiri Veyil, Kathiri Veyyil
Krutika (Kritika, Krttika) Nakshatram is the only one Nakshatram that is dedicated to the Vedic Luminary Agni (Energy). This Nakshatram is known as Agni Nakshatram. The Agni Nakshatram period indicates the hottest time or peak summer of the year.
Prime Deity of this Festival is Muruga because his association with Agni and krutika. This god was born form the third eye of Lord Shiva. Six hot sparks came out of Shiva’s third eye which were carried by Agni Deva and left in the Ganges River. He was assisted by Vaayu Deva. Krutika Sisters (stars) who raised this god.
When the Sun Passes through fallowing stars is considered as the Agni Nakshatram period.
Bharani Nakshatram – 3rd and 4th Quarters
Kritika Nakshatram – All Quarters
Rohini Nakshatram – 1st Quarter
Agni Nakshatram Celebrations – Palani
Agni Nakshatram celebrated mainly in the sacred town of Palani. During this festival lakhs of devotees rush to Palani to get the blessings of Lord Murugan. Pradakshina (circumambulating) to the holy hill, Giri Valam in the mornings and evening is considered auspicious during this period. people believe that aroma of the medicinal herbs that grow on Giri Valam provides peace of mind and good health. Female devotees wear Kadamba flowers that grow on girivalam during this period. This Flower is the favorite flower of Lord Muruga.
In the palani temple, the water that used for abhisheka is collected during the Agni Nakshatram period. This water is called as the theertha. On the last day of the celebrations this theertha is distributed among the devotees. It is considered auspicious to spill this water in wells and temple premises.
Agni Nakshatram (Katiri Veyil) Inauspicious
Many people consider Agni Nakshatram (Katiri Veyil) period is inauspicious. They avoid all auspicious events, journeys and borrowing money.
