Murugan Mangalavara Vrat Katha | Murugan Vrat Katha

Murugan Mangalavara Vrat Katha

There is an account from ancient times. In a village in Tamil Nadu, a poor Brahmin named Kaushika lived with his family. He was a very religious, virtuous, and simple-natured person. Kaushika was a devoted follower of Lord Shiva, but his life was filled with various hardships and difficulties. His wife remained ill. His child was also very weak, and there was a complete lack of food and basic necessities in his home. He had worshipped various deities, but his problems were not being resolved.

Seeing that Brahmin living such a life of suffering, one day Lord Murugan Himself came to that village in the guise of an old ascetic, going from door to door seeking alms. Kaushika respectfully offered Him water and fruits and honored Him. Pleased with his hospitality, the sage-like Lord said - "O child! You should observe the Vrat of Lord Murugan every Tuesday, i.e., Mangalavara. He is the remover of difficulties. By His grace, all your troubles will soon be resolved."

Hearing the words of the revered sage, Kaushika asked - "O great soul! How should I observe this Vrat? Kindly describe its method."

The sage described the procedure of the Murugan Vrat and said - "On Mangalavara, after taking a bath in the morning, wear clean red or yellow clothes. Install an image or idol of Lord Murugan in the place of worship at home. Offer Him Vel, i.e., spear, peacock feathers, bananas, and red hibiscus flowers. Thereafter, chant the Mantra Om Sharavanabhavaya Namah। (ॐ शरवणभवाय नमः।) and recite the Murugan Sahasranama. During the Vrat, take fruits or Sattvic food once a day. Finally, distribute bananas and jaggery to the poor or to children and complete the Vrat." After describing the method of the Vrat, Lord Murugan, who had come in the form of a sage, disappeared.

Kaushika and his wife began observing this Vrat regularly. By the effect of the Vrat, on the first Tuesday, a woman living nearby brought good food for all of them, who was Goddess Maa Valli. On the third Tuesday, all the ailments of his wife were cured, and she became completely healthy. On the fifth Tuesday, their child's health began to improve, and he developed interest in his studies. On the eleventh Tuesday, Lord Murugan Himself appeared to Kaushika in a dream and said - "O dear devotee! I am extremely pleased with your faith, devotion, and dedication. All the sufferings and sins of your life have been removed. Whoever observes this Vrat with devotion, I will certainly fulfill their wishes."

Thus, after blessing Kaushika, the Lord disappeared. By the grace of Lord Murugan, Kaushika and his family began to live a happy life. From that time onward, the Murugan Mangalavara Vrat became popular throughout the world.