Significance of Masi Magam

by Astro Ved Online Astrology Consultation

Masi Magam is a festival mainly celebrated in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The festivity falls in the month of Masi, which is February to March as per the Tamil calendar. Masi Magam is an important celebration since Magam is one of the twenty-seven stars in astrology. The day usually falls on the full Moon, and hence it holds significance since it is also believed that on the day the ancestors visit the Earth. The day is important to remember those who have departed, and it is a chance to seek their blessings.

This stays as one of the most powerful full Moon since on the day the Moon aligns with the star Magha. This happens only once a year, where people worship their ancestors, Lord Shiva, and seek their blessing in life. The day also gives us a chance to diminish our egos and understand the power of the supreme God.

Those who worship their ancestors and Lord Shiva on the day attain all abundance, prosperity, and happy life with no health ailments.

Legend

There are various legends related to the day, and different legends are popular in different places. One such legend is about Lord Shiva and the King Vallala of Tiruvannamalai, who was ardent devotees of the Lord. Lord Shiva appeared in front of him as a child and promised him that he would do his last rituals since the King had no child.

The legend further states that the King died on Masi Magam, and as per the promise, Lord Shiva performed all the last ritual of the King. Shiva also blessed the King that whoever will take a bath in the sea during Masi Magam will attain salvation. That is why on the day, several people believe in taking a bath and receive the blessings of the Lord. It is also believed that every year on the day of Masi, Lord Shiva comes on Earth and performs the last rituals of the King.

There is another legend related to the day. It is about the sages in ancient times. Since the sages were the wisest, there developed ego inside them and believed themselves to be the supreme. They were thinking of themselves to be capable of guiding the humans, and they forgot the importance of God.

Lord Shiva once took the form of a beggar, but no sages were able to recognize him; they also humiliated the beggar, and with their mantras and power, they sent a mad elephant to attack Shiva.

When the elephant was about to attack Shiva, he immediately disappeared. The disappearance of Shiva put everyone in stiffness because of how the world would survive without Shiva. Lord Shiva afterward killed that elephant, and he wore the skin of that elephant. This avatar of Shiva was known as “Gaja Samhara,” or the one who killed the elephant. All the sages, when they got to know about it, realized their mistake and apologized to the Lord; this made all their ego diminished.

Rituals/ Celebrations

The day is celebrated by taking a bath in the sea and seeking the blessing of the Lord. The devotees believe that taking a bath removes all their sins and bestow them with good karma, which eases their further life. Several processions take place, too, where the idols of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva arrive at the sea. Afterward, several Pujas and other rituals take place at the seashore for worshiping the lords. Thousands of devotees come to witness the divine happening and offer their prayers to God at the seashore.

All the idols are given a bath in the sea or river if there is no sea at a place. All the traditions happen, gods and goddesses are worshipped in the temples as well along with the procession. In the temples, worship of elephant and horse also takes place since they have an important place as per the legends. This remains as a colorful and divine celebration in South India that every devotee of Shiva become a part of.

Significance

· Celebrating the day blesses us with accumulating good karma and washes off the negative energy.

· Mind restores itself to happiness and calmness; all the depression and cruel thoughts leave the place.

· Devotees earn good health and knowledge, which eases their life in this world.

· People receive the blessings of their ancestors and Lord Shiva.