- Maasi month (Feb-Mar)
- Magam (Magha) star
- Holy bath at sea and tanks
- Mahamaham every 12 years
Where it began
Maasi Magam takes its name from the month and the star. It is believed that a bath on this day washes away wrongs and brings blessings.
Legend says the holy rivers came to Shiva asking how to be cleansed of the sins left by people who bathed in them. He told them to bathe in the Mahamaham tank at Kumbakonam, so on this day all rivers are believed to meet there.
Another story tells that Lord Murugan taught the meaning of Om to his father Shiva on this day.
How it grew over time
Ancient times
Bathing at holy waters on full moon days is an old Tamil and Indian practice.
Temple tradition
Temples began taking their deities in procession to the sea and tanks for the theerthavari bath.
Mahamaham
The great bath at Kumbakonam every twelve years grew into one of the largest gatherings in South India.
Today
Coastal and river towns fill with processions and devotees on the full moon day.
How it is celebrated in different places
Kumbakonam
The Mahamaham tank draws huge crowds, and the twelve-yearly Mahamaham is the grandest of all.
Puducherry
Deities from many temples are brought to the beach for a sea bath.
Chennai and the coast
Temple deities are carried to the sea at dawn, followed by devotees.
Malaysia and Singapore
Tamil temples hold Maasi Magam worship and processions.
Maasi Magam moments
Maasi Magam today
Devotees rise early, bathe in the sea or a temple tank with the deity, and offer prayers for their ancestors and families. The beaches turn bright with flowers, umbrellas and music.
