The Significance of Thai Poosam

Thai Poosam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Thai when the Moon transits Pushya Nakshatra (poosam in tamil). This day is primarily dedicated to Lord Murugan (the deity of Mars), also known as Kartikeya, the divine son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. On this day, Goddess Parvati presented a vel (spear) to Lord Murugan to vanquish the demon Soorapadman, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

Thai Poosam on a Sunday

This year, Thai Poosam falls on a Sunday (February 1, 2026) under Pushya Nakshatra-an exceptionally rare and powerful alignment called “Ravi Pushya Yoga” for prosperity and success.

Sunday is ruled by the Sun (Surya), the planet of vitality, confidence, truth, and soul power. This makes Thai Poosam especially potent for strengthening your inner light, restoring self-belief, and clearing the heaviness that dims your purpose. It’s a sacred day to reconnect with your dharma, energize your spirit, and step forward with clarity. Pushya Nakshatra, ruled by Brihaspati (Jupiter), is known as one of the most nourishing and spiritually uplifting Nakshatras in Vedic astrology. It amplifies the results of mantras, rituals, fasting, charity, and meditation, making this Thai Poosam a gateway to wisdom, stability, blessings, and lasting growth.

Get your personalized Murugan Mantra for Thai Poosam on the rituals section of the align27 app.

Rituals

Chant your personal Murugan mantra based on the placement of Mars in your birth chart. Get the align27 app to discover your mantra.
Listen to Subrahmanya Bhujangam sung by Adi Shankaracharya in praise of Lord Kartikeya or the Skanda Shashti Kavacham.
Offer yellow colored flowers to the divine.
Light a lamp at sunset with Ghee (if you do not have access to a lamp/ghee you can light a candle at your altar)
You can also trace, draw or color a Ve l to honor Lord Kartikeya.

Get your personalized Murugan Mantra for Thai Poosam on the rituals section of the align27 app.

Secrets of Vel – The Spear

During festivals like Thai Poosam, the Vel is honored and worshipped. Devotees often carry miniature Vels for protection and security.

The Vel is not just a weapon; it symbolizes divine power and wisdom. Given to Lord Murugan by his mother, Goddess Parvati (or Shakti), it represents the shakti (power) that destroys ignorance and evil forces, symbolized by the demon Soorapadman in the Skanda Purana.
The Vel embodies both the destructive and protective aspects of the divine. While it is a weapon that destroys evil, it is also a protective force that safeguards devotees from negative influences.
In yogic traditions, the Vel is sometimes associated with the awakening of the Kundalini energy. The spear-like shape of the Vel is likened to the spinal column, with the pointed tip representing the Sahasrara (crown chakra), symbolizing the ascent of spiritual energy from the base of the spine to the crown.
In Vedic astrology, the Vel is associated with Mars (Mangal), the planet of energy and war.
Lord Murugan is shown holding the Vel, signifying his role as a divine warrior. The Vel is revered and seen as a powerful emblem of faith and protection.