After the vibrant celebration of Diwali, the next festival to light up South India is Karthigai Deepam, a time filled with devotion, love, and the warm glow of oil lamps. Known as the Festival of Lights in South India, Karthigai Deepam is a celebration that honours ancient traditions.
The festivities begin on the day of Bharani Nakshatra and reach their grand culmination on the day of Karthigai Nakshatra in the Tamil month of Karthigai (November-December). This festival is particularly significant among Tamil people and has been celebrated for thousands of years, with references in ancient Tamil scriptures and Sangam literature. this day also aligns with Pournami, the full moon, enhancing the spiritual significance of the celebrations.
Mythological Stories Behind the Festival
According to the Puranam, there was once a dispute between Vishnu and Brahma, as both considered themselves the supreme deity. To resolve this, Lord Shiva appeared before them as an endless flame of light. He challenged them to find the origin and end of the flame, declaring that whoever succeeded would be deemed the greatest. Vishnu transformed into a boar (Varaha) and descended to search for Shiva’s feet, while Brahma rode his swan (Hamsa) in search of Shiva’s head. Both failed, proving that Shiva transcends all forms. This divine flame is commemorated during Karthigai Deepam.
After this cosmic event, Shiva condensed the infinite flame into Arunachala Hill, which became a permanent, sacred symbol of his boundless energy. This divine flame is commemorated during Karthigai Deepam, allowing devotees to witness the infinite nature of Shiva in a tangible form.
Significance of Maha Deepam
Thiruvannamalai is venerated as an Agni Sthalam, one of the five Panchabhoota Sthalams representing the element of fire. Fire symbolizes purity, energy, and transformation, burning away impurities and paving the way for new beginnings.
The Arunachala Hill itself is considered a living lingam, embodying the infinite energy of Lord Shiva. The lighting of the Maha Deepam is more than a ritual; it is a powerful manifestation of Shiva’s universal presence, enabling devotees to experience the infinite through a visible, radiant flame.
The tradition of Maha Deepam dates back to the Sangam period (200 BCE – 300 CE), with references found in Tamil anthologies such as Akananuru and Peruvilla. This sacred festival has been celebrated continuously for centuries, maintained through the devotion of kings, saints, and generations of devotees. Historical records from the Chola, Pandya, and Vijayanagara dynasties describe grand celebrations and temple endowments dedicated to the lighting of the Maha Deepam.
Each year, the Maha Deepam is lit atop Arunachala Hill, its brilliance visible for miles. Traditionally fueled with ghee, the lamp burns continuously for 10–12 days, symbolizing the enduring presence of Lord Shiva’s divine flame.
Domestic Celebrations and Rituals
While the Maha Deepam draws crowds to Thiruvannamalai, Karthigai Deepam is also celebrated at home across South India.
Lighting the Lamps
During the festival, homes are cleaned and decorated with Kolams, special pujas are performed, and traditional dishes prepared as offerings. Devotees fast until evening, breaking it after worship. In Thiruvannamalai, the Maha Deepam is lit atop Annamalai Hills, followed by lighting oil lamps at home to invite Lord Shiva’s blessings.
Maavilakku: A Symbol of Abundance
A special offering during Karthigai Deepam is Maavilakku, made from rice flour, jaggery, and spices like cardamom and turmeric. Shaped into small balls and lit as lamps, it represents devotion and abundance. Offering and consuming Maavilakku is considered auspicious, connecting spiritual practice with the desire for material prosperity.
Thiruvannamalai Karthigai Deepam
While Karthigai Deepam is celebrated across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, Thiruvannamalai is the epicenter of the festivities. Here, the festival takes the form of the Karthigai Brahmotsavam, a ten-day devotional event centered on the Arulmigu Annamalaiyar Temple.
For 2025, the main day of Karthigai Deepam falls on Thursday, December 4, 2025. The day begins with the lighting of the Bharani Deepam at around 4:00 AM inside the temple, representing the seed flame of the divine. The festival culminates at dusk, around 6:00 PM, with the Maha Deepam atop Arunachala Hill, symbolizing Lord Shiva’s boundless, infinite fire.
The Maha Deepam and Brahmotsavam
In Thiruvannamalai, the ten-day Karthigai Brahmotsavam features daily processions of Panchamurthis (Lord Ganapathi, Lord Murugan, Lord Annamalaiyar, Goddess Unnamalaiyamman, and Chandikeswarar) on ornate vehicles.
Key events include:
- Day 1: Adhikari Nandi procession
- Day 2: Silver Indira Vimanam
- Day 3: Simha Vahana (lion)
- Day 4: Kamadhenu Vahanam and Kalpa Vriksha
- Day 5: Rajita Rishabha Vahana
- Day 9: Maha Ratham (grand chariot procession)
Pilgrimage Guide: Visiting Thiruvannamalai
Attending Karthigai Deepam requires careful planning due to the massive crowds. Over the years, attendance has grown significantly, with more than 40 lakh devotees visiting for the Maha Deepam last year.
- Accommodation: Book well in advance; options include hotels, lodges, and ashrams.
- Transportation: Chennai Airport (174 km away) and Thiruvannamalai Railway Station (2 km from the temple) are key hubs. Travel early to avoid congestion.
- Safety: Stay hydrated and protect against sun exposure. Crowded areas require extra caution.
- Most accessible and rewarding experience: Girivalam, offering a guaranteed spiritual connection with the hill.
Contributing to the Festival
Devotees can participate through:
- Deepam Contribution: Donating ghee or oil for temple lamps.
- Annadanam: Providing food or funds for free meal distribution to pilgrims.
These acts foster devotion, generosity, and community spirit.
Whether lighting a simple lamp at home, walking around Arunachala Hill, or witnessing the cosmic flame atop the hill, every act of devotion connects to the same divine fire. Karthigai Deepam reminds us that true illumination resides both in the vast cosmos and within our own hearts, inspiring us to carry the flame of wisdom forward in daily life.
Celebrate Karthigai Deepam in a truly divine and eco-friendly way with our Organic Panjakavya Vilakku! This special diya not only lights up your home with a serene, smokeless glow but also fills your surroundings with a sacred and uplifting energy. After burning, the residual ash can be used as vibhuti, adding a spiritual touch to your prayers.
Make this Karthigai Deepam a celebration of health, devotion, and sustainability. Visit Om Spiritual Shop to get your Panjakavya Vilakku set today and illuminate your life with a healthier, more meaningful light. Bring the divine flame into your home while protecting the environment!
