Karthigai Deepam At Tiruvannamalai – The Holy Hill of Fire

Although many festivals are celebrated at the Arunachaleswara temple at Tiruvannamalai, Karthigai Deepam is the most significant festival, revered with great fervor and passion. Deepam falls on December 2nd this year and usually this festival is celebrated for 10 days and on the final Deepam day, a huge lamp is lit at the top of the mountain. This grand

ceremony is known as Karthigai Brahmotsavam.

Ten Day Deepam Celebration at Tiruvannamalai

First Day – On the first day of the Deepam festival, a flag is hoisted indicating the commencement of the grand ceremony. This event is known as Dwajaroghanam. On this day, Lord Arunachaleswara is taken on a silver vahana (chariot) as a procession, during the morning and night. The Panchamurthigal (5 deities) – Lord Arunachaleswara, Lord Ganesha, Lord Muruga, Lord Chandigeswarar and Goddess Parvati are also taken out on different vahanas after worshipping them with Deeparadhana (light offering).

Second Day – The second day begins with the Panchamurthigal (5 deities) proceeding on Indira Vimanam (chariot of Indira).

Third Day – The third day ceremonies commences at night with the Panchamurthigal (5 deities) taken on a procession on the Sinha Vahana (chariot of lion).

Fourth Day – On this day, the Panchamurthigal are taken on a procession on Kamadhenu Vahanam (chariot of the wish-fulfilling cow Kamadhenu). An idol of the wish-fulfilling tree – Karpavruksha is also placed on the side of the lord during procession.

Fifth Day – On the fifth day, the ceremonies begin at night, when the Panchamurthigal (5 deities) are taken on a procession on silver Rishaba Vahanam (chariot of bull), which is about 25 feet tall. A huge umbrella of about 17 feet in diameter is also carried along during the procession.

Sixth Day – The sixth day festival commences at night with the procession of the Panchamurthigal (5 deities) in an intrinsically crafted silver chariot, which is an awe-inspiring vision.

Seventh Day – On the seventh day celebration, the Panchamurthigal (5 deities) are taken out on a procession on a huge chariot called ‘Maha Ratham’, made out of strong and pure wood and it occupies the entire width of the road.

Eighth Day – On this day, the Panchamurthigal (5 deities) are taken on a procession at night, on a huge horse vahana (chariot). One of the unique feature of this chariot is that all the four legs of the horse are on air, with no feet touching the ground.

Ninth Day – On the ninth day, the procession starts at night with the procession of the Panchamurthigai (5 deities) on the Kailasa Vahana (chariot of heaven).

Tenth Day – This is the final day and marks the festival of Karthigai Deepam. The celebrations start early in the morning around 4 AM and Bharani Deepam is lit in the temple. During the evening, the Maha Deepam (huge lamp) is lit on the top the hills of Arunachala at 6 PM. It is believed that Lord Arunachaleswara himself graces the occasion in the form of the holy fire. Thousands of devotees gather at this sacred hill to witness the glorious event. Another remarkable event at Arunachaleswara temple is the procession of Lord Periyanayagar on Rishaba Vahana (chariot of bull), made out of gold. Theppal Lord Chandrasekarar, Goddess Parasakthi and Lord Subramaniar aretaken in a boat called ‘Theppam’ in the holy tank. Lord Arunachaleswara is taken out on procession around the hill, which is known as Girivalam or pradhakshina. With this ceremony, the celebratios of Karthigai Deepam festival at Arunachalam Temple comes to a grand conclusion, with the devotees filled with the vibrant energies and blessings of Lord Shiva.