Aadi Krittikai

Lord Murugan (Karttikeya — born of the Krittika stars)

Shaiva Siddhanta

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Aadi Krittikai — the Krittika nakshatra of Aadi month, sacred to Lord Murugan as the day the six Krittika stars nursed his six infant forms. Tiruttani Subramanya temple (one of the Aru Padai Veedu near Chennai) hosts the largest Aadi Krittikai festival, with thousands climbing the 365 steps. Krittikai is observed monthly throughout the year, but Aadi Krittikai is the first and most powerful.

Dates 2026–2027

August 9, 2026July 27, 2027

Mantra

ॐ शरवणभव

Om Saravana-Bhava

Salutations to Murugan, the six-faced one who was nursed by the six Krittika stars — the Shadakshara mantra.

How to recite

Aadi Krittikai falls on Krittika nakshatra in the Tamil month of Aadi (mid-July to mid-August). Maintain phalahar through the day. Visit a Murugan temple — Tiruttani is the most associated with Krittikai (where Murugan married Devasena and Valli). Light six lamps representing the six Krittika foster-mothers. Recite the Kanda Shashti Kavasam and the Subramanya Ashtottaram.

Benefits

Aadi Krittikai commemorates Murugan's appearance from the Krittika stars (the Pleiades), who nursed the six infant forms that combined into the six-faced Shanmukha. The day blesses children with health and intelligence and grants the warrior virtues of Skanda. Aadi Krittikai is the first Krittikai of the year and sets the tone for the monthly Krittikai observances.

✦ Special Note

Tiruttani's Aadi Krittikai abhishekam to Subramanya is the spiritual peak. Six rows of lamps are lit for the six Krittika foster-mothers. Mothers visit with infants for Murugan's blessings. Dates per the Thirukanthika Panchangam (Tamil Shaiva almanac, Chennai reckoning).

Foods Allowed

Sundal (chickpeas with coconut tempering) — the iconic Murugan offeringSakkarai pongal and akkaravadisalPhalahar — banana, mango, pomegranate, jackfruit (in season)Coconut and coconut-riceCurd rice (thayir sadam) — for paranaPanchamrit and milkVibhuti and kumkum (for puja, not eaten)Sendha namak only on the fast day

Foods to Avoid

Onion, garlic, drumstickMeat, fish, eggs, alcoholHeavy grains until after the evening Murugan pujaAnything not first offered to Murugan

Meal Idea

Phalahar through the day; sundal and sakkarai pongal as ritual offering at the Murugan temple; full meal of curd rice, sambhar, and akkaravadisal as parana after the evening puja.

Related vrats

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Aarudra Darshan (Margazhi Tiruvathirai) — December 24, 2026Same tradition and category
Avani Avittam (Upakarma) — August 27, 2026Same tradition and category
Ayudha Pooja (Saraswati & Tools) — October 19, 2026Same tradition and category
Bogi (Pongal Eve) — January 13, 2026Same tradition and category
Dasara (Vijayadashami) — October 20, 2026Same tradition and category

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