Masik Karthigai Vrat January 2026: Krittika Nakshatra & Significance

Masik Karthigai January 2026 Date And Krittika Nakshatra Period

Masik Karthigai Vrat is regarded as one of those days when a devotee turns consciously towards Lord Murugan for guidance, protection and health. This observance is more than a set of rules, it becomes a chance to cleanse oneself inwardly and seek the right direction along with divine shelter.

In January 2026 the upcoming Masik Karthigai falls on an important Tuesday, strengthened by the presence of Krittika Nakshatra. Knowing the approximate span of the Nakshatra helps the devotee to keep the worship and fasting closer to the most supportive time.

Detail	Time and Date
Masik Karthigai Vrat Date	27 January 2026, Tuesday
Karthigai or Krittika Nakshatra begins	27 January 2026, 11:08 am
Karthigai or Krittika Nakshatra ends	28 January 2026, 09:26 am

The fast is usually observed on the day when Krittika Nakshatra is clearly present during the main part of the day. In January 2026, Krittika remains active through the day on 27 January, therefore this becomes the appropriate date for Masik Karthigai Vrat.

Why Is Masik Karthigai Vrat Considered So Sacred

Masik Karthigai Vrat recalls the power and victory aspect of Lord Murugan. Tradition describes how Lord Murugan in his infant form was nurtured by the six Krittika sisters, so Krittika Nakshatra itself is honoured as his birth star.

The significance of this vrat can be understood through a few points.

• Since it is kept every month on the day of Krittika, it honours Murugan’s triumph and light
• Devotees keep this vrat for good health, strength and protection from illness
• It is also connected with help in overcoming enemies, obstacles and seeking lasting peace and balance in life

It is believed that the more faithfully and regularly this vrat is observed, the more clearly a person begins to see the right path forward.

Grace Of Lord Murugan Along With Shiva And Parvati

A deeper dimension of Masik Karthigai is that the blessings are not limited to Lord Murugan alone. They are also linked with the grace of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

According to tradition

• those who worship Lord Murugan sincerely on this day are also blessed by Shiva and Parvati
• Murugan is seen as the embodiment of jnana, courage and guiding force, who protects the devotee from fear and harmful influences
• the vrat is understood as support not only against outer enemies but also against inner confusion, doubt and lethargy

Masik Karthigai therefore becomes a time when a person prays for health, protection and right direction for the entire family.

Traditional Benefits Associated With Masik Karthigai

The vrat of Masik Karthigai is associated with positive effects at the physical, mental and spiritual level.

• It is described as highly purifying and is believed to be helpful even in situations of serious illness
• Those who have been struggling with long standing ailments often turn to Lord Murugan on this day with focused devotion
• The vrat is linked with gaining strength in facing enemies and in keeping away negative energies
• It supports clearer judgement, wise choices and the ability to move forward in life with fewer doubts

As discipline and devotion grow together, fear gradually reduces and inner strength and clarity become more visible.

How To Observe Masik Karthigai Vrat

The January 2026 Masik Karthigai can be observed at home or in a temple in a simple and sincere manner.

• Wake up early on the vrat day, bathe and wear clean, modest clothes
• If possible choose soft yellow, saffron or white garments as a sign of purity and simplicity
• Place the murti or picture of Lord Murugan in a clean space or gently cleanse the existing shrine area
• Arrange a lamp, water, flowers, fruits and a simple offering for the puja

By preparing the surroundings in this calm way, the mind also begins to become quiet and receptive.

Is A Ghee Lamp Important On Masik Karthigai

A distinctive feature of Masik Karthigai worship is the lighting of a ghee lamp for Lord Murugan. The flame is seen as a symbol that lessens outer and inner darkness together.

• Lighting a ghee lamp before Lord Murugan is considered very auspicious
• Watching the steady flame can become a small practice of focusing and calming the mind
• If possible, during the evening around the time of Krittika’s rise, one may sit near the lamp for mantra japa or silent prayer

Lighting a lamp at the main entrance of the house is also regarded as favourable, as it signifies welcoming protective and positive energy into the home.

Stepwise Puja Method For Masik Karthigai

The puja does not need to be elaborate. What matters most is sincerity and quiet attention.

• After bathing, sit before Lord Murugan and mentally take a sankalpa for the vrat
• In the sankalpa, include prayers for health, right guidance, protection from harmful forces and peace for the family
• Light the ghee lamp and offer flowers, fruits and a simple naivedya to Lord Murugan
• Chant a Murugan mantra such as “Om Saravana Bhavaya Namah,” which means “Salutations to Lord Murugan, the protector of devotees”
• Keep the fast through the day as per one’s capacity. Many observe a fruit based or light fast with water and fruits, while some choose a stricter discipline
• In the evening, around the time of Krittika Nakshatra’s prominence, again light the lamp, perform aarti and chant the mantra before breaking the fast

Throughout the day the emphasis remains on restraint, humility and remembrance rather than on outward display.

What To Focus On During Krittika Nakshatra Rise

Because Krittika is honoured as the birth star of Lord Murugan, practice during its rising period is treated as especially beneficial.

• When Krittika is active, stand or sit before Lord Murugan and offer a short, heartfelt prayer
• Bring to mind any specific difficulty or blockage and ask for guidance and removal
• Gentle recitation of Murugan names or Gayatri mantra can help steady the breath and mind
• One may also remember family members one by one and pray for their health and protection

This focused time acts like a central point that gathers the strength of the entire vrat.

Importance Of Lighting Lamps At The Main Entrance

The custom of lighting lamps at the main entrance on Masik Karthigai highlights the idea that a home is an energy space, not just a physical structure.

• A ghee or sesame oil lamp at the doorway is believed to invite light, safety and auspicious vibrations
• It is seen as a gentle barrier against negative influences
• For family members it becomes a daily reminder that entering and leaving the house should be done with awareness and respect

This small act can give a sense of peace and protection as the day comes to a close.

How Masik Karthigai Vrat May Change One’s Life

Those who observe Masik Karthigai regularly with devotion often notice gradual inner changes.

• Anxiety and fear regarding health may begin to soften
• Excessive fear of enemies or difficult people can reduce as inner steadiness grows
• Clarity in decision making, trust in one’s direction and confidence in avoiding harmful paths can increase
• For those on a spiritual path, this vrat becomes a strong support for discipline and regular practice

These changes are best seen as a slow unfolding rather than sudden events.

Common Questions

When is Masik Karthigai in January 2026
Masik Karthigai Vrat in January 2026 falls on Tuesday, 27 January. On this day Krittika Nakshatra begins at 11:08 am and continues until 09:26 am on 28 January.

How is Krittika or Karthigai Nakshatra connected with Lord Murugan
Tradition states that Lord Murugan was nurtured by the six Krittika sisters. Hence Krittika Nakshatra is regarded as his birth star and the monthly vrat observed on this Nakshatra is called Masik Karthigai or Karthigai Vratham.

What does tradition say about health and Masik Karthigai
Masik Karthigai is regarded as highly sacred and purifying. With the grace of Lord Murugan it is believed to offer support even in serious illness by strengthening courage, guiding one towards proper treatment and reinforcing inner resilience.

How is the fast observed on this day
On this day devotees bathe, wear clean clothes and worship Lord Murugan with a ghee lamp, flowers and fruits. They maintain a disciplined fast through the day, often with fruits and water and break the fast in the evening after aarti and mantra chanting during the time of Krittika Nakshatra.

Why is it considered auspicious to light a lamp at the main entrance
Lighting a lamp at the main entrance on Masik Karthigai is seen as inviting light, protection and positive energy into the home. It symbolises a conscious wish to live under Lord Murugan’s care and to keep negative influences away.