KARTHIGAI DEEPAM FESTIVAL : SYMBOLISING THE INFINITE NATURE OF GOD

Embracing Light and Traditions: Celebrations @THIRUVANNAMALAI

The Annamalaiyar Mandir situated in the Tiruvannamalai town of Tamil Nadu hosts the grandiose celebrations of Karthigai Deepam. With the celebrations spanning for a period of ten days, a flag has been hoisted on the first day which is known as Dwajarohanam, and it marks the beginning of this Deepam Festival. Significantly appreciable number of devotees flock this temple to witness the grand festivities of Karthigai Deepam.

Mahadeep is a very spiritual experience for devotees. At the top of Arunachala Hill, a large vessel or cauldron filled with ghee will be lit tomorrow evening(13th December 2024) Annamalaiyar Temple Mahadeep atop the hill will be lit this year on December, 2024. People can see the flame for miles around. On seeing the Maha Deepam, the air is filled with chants of "Annamalaiyarukku Arohara!" (Praise be to Annamalai), adding to the atmosphere of devotion and reverence, which is why the temple hosts numerous visitors every year during the time of Kartighai Deepam.

SIGNIFICANT ASPECTS IN MYTHOLOGY ON KARTHIGAI DEEPAM FESTIVAL:

Primarily dedicated to Lord Shiv, KARTHIGAI DEEPAM FESTIVAL, has many mythological narratives associated with it.

One such legend suggests that once Lord Brahma and Vishnu were arguing about each other’s supremacy. In order to test their superiority, Lord Shiv adorned the form of a flame and asked the other two Lords to locate his head and toe. Since Lord Shiv took the form of a flame on Karthigai Deepam day, the Kartigai Deepam is lit to pay tribute to HIM every year on this very day.

Another legend associated with this festival is the birth of Lord Karthikeya. It is believed that six Nakshatras in the form of six celestial nymphs gave birth to six babies who were later encompassed into one single being, LORD MURUGA or LORD KARTHIKEYA. The concept of Saravana Bhava has been evolved here. Lord Karthikeya had one body but six faces. Beliefs state that HE is an incarnation of Lord Shiv and HE is his second son after Lord Ganesh. Hence the festival of Karthigai Deepam can also be regarded as Lord Karthikeya’s birth anniversary.

On this day, people light lamps at their dwelling spaces to show that light conquers darkness, knowledge triumphs over ignorance, and hope over despair. Special Poojas during the Karthigai Deepam festival are performed at temples and houses. Pooja rooms at houses are well decorated, the altar in the Pooja area/room is being decorated by placing idols or pictures of Lord Shiv, Murugan, Vishnu and other deities and garlands/flowers are placed on them. Naivedyam, i.e., food offerings like Groundnut rounds, PaddyPori Rounds, Adhirasam, sweet Pongal are generally being offered to the deities. Devotees chant various mantras, verses/sthothrams from various texts, sing songs in praise of Gods/Goddesses to create a spiritual atmosphere. At many homes, Deepam is being lit at the entrances of residences on all the days of Karthigai month.

Thousands of glowing lamps turn streets, homes, and temples in Tamilnadu (globally too) into a beautiful and magical spectacle of positivity and divinity. Karthigai Deepam is a time to seek the light within, eliminate negativity, pray for global peace and experience joy and positivity.