Masi Magam is an important festival in tamil Nadu and Kerala. The festival falls in the tamil Month of Masi (February – March). Magam is among the twenty-seven stars in the astrological system. Makam star in the Masi month usually falls on the full moon day and hence it is considered auspicious across south india, especially in tamil Nadu, puducherry (Pondicherry) and Kerala.
It is one of the most powerful Full moon day of the year since the moon aligns with Magha. It is the birth Star of the Kings and Ancestors. This event occurs only once a year and signifies the descent of heavenly beings to the earth. Masi Magam offers abundance and prosperity associated with the Full moon and the Magha star. It gives an opportunity to acquire power and energy. Masi Magam is the most appropriate time to get rid of ego.
There are numerous legends related to Masi Makam. Each temple has a tale for celebrating Masi Makam. legend has it that Lord shiva appeared as a child before king Vallala of Tiruvannamalai who was an ardent devotee. The king was childless. Lord shiva promised to perform his last rituals. He died on Masi Magam day and as promised Lord shiva performed his last rites. Lord shiva blessed the king that whoever bathes in the sea during Masi Magam will get ‘salvation.’ It is believed that every year Lord visits the sea to perform the last rites of the king Vallala.
