Thiru Manikavasagar Guru Pooja

English meaning of the festival
Thiru Manikavasagar was a 9th-century Tamil poet who wrote Tiruvasakam, a book of Shaiva hymns. He was one of the main authors of Saivite Tirumurai, his work forms volume eight of the Tirumurai, the key religious text of Tamil language Shaiva Siddhanta.
This day is dedicated to Thiru Manikavasagar as the Guru.

How the date is decided annually
Thiru Manikavasagar Guru Pooja is celebrated in the month of Aani when the Magam star is ruling.

Significance of the festival to Hinduism
A Guru dispels darkness or one who is the giver of light. The Guru has also been taken as PARABRAHMA, which turns a person’s soul towards the light without attributes. The Guru is God manifesting in a personal form to guide the aspirant. The Guru is expected to lead a life of high moral principles and is considered an embodiment of DHARMA for the disciple to emulate. Thiru Manikavasagar Guru Pooja is the celebration of such a Guru.

How to observe/practice
Thiru Manikavasagar Guru Pooja stone image is worshiped in almost all Shiva temples The day is observed with Abhishekam, alankara, and deeparadhana of Lord Ganesh. This is followed by Abhishekam for Thiru Manikavasagar. The day is spent in prayer, sathsang, and listening to discourses.