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Vrischika Masam 2023 – Malayalam Vrishchikam Month in Kerala in 2023

Vrishchikam, or Vrischika Masam, is the fourth month in a traditional Malayalam calendar and is a highly auspicious month. Vrischika Masam 2023 begins on November 17 and ends on December 16. The 41-day Sabarimala Mandala Kalam and Vratam begin from the first day of the month. Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple opens on the day for the two-month long annual pilgrimage season.

The spiritual significance of Vrischika Masam is knowing or realizing the meaning of Tatvamasi (Thou Art That) or there is no second one here. All problems begins when through ignorance we see the presence of a second one. Fear, hate, intolerance etc is the result of this ignorance. When we realize that the energy in the sun and that which is spread across the universe is the same energy present in us we attain moksha or liberation.

The month is of great significance to thousands of temples following Kerala tradition in India and around the world.

Vrischikam 1 is known as Mandala Kala Arambam or beginning of the Sabarimala season.

Thousands of devotees abstain from non-vegetarian food and observe certain austerities in the Vrischika Masam mostly dedicated to Ayyappa Swant.

The first 12 days are important in many temples especially at Oachira Parabrahma temple in Kollam district.

Some of the other important auspicious days in the month include Triprayar Ekadasi, Guruvayoor Ekadasi and Thrikarthika.

The corresponding month in Tamil Calendar is Kartik or Karthigai.

Vrischika Masam 2023 Ekadasi
November 23 (Guruvayur Ekadasi)
December 9 (Triprayar Ekadasi)

Vrischika Masam 2023 Pradosham
November 24 
December 10

Vrischika Masam Shasti Fasting
November 18

Important festivals include:
Vaikathashtami - December 5
Skanda Sashti - Soorasamharam - November 18
Thiruvilwamala Punarjani Noozhal - November 23
Melpathur Dinam - November 24
Chakkulathukavu Pongala - November 27
Kadampuzha Prasadam Oottu - November 27
Kumaranalloor Karthika - November 27
Thrikarthika - November 27
Narayaneeya Dinam in Guruvayur - December 14

Amavasai and Pournami
Amavasya is on December 12
Pournami, or full moon day on November 27