Karthigai Deepam - The Great Lamp Festival

Introduction:

The Metaphor of the fire is always connected with knowledge and wisdom. Lord Shiva is a great source of energy, which radiates happiness, the true form of knowledge, and a great source of happiness. Karthigai Deepam 2019 is expected by the people with great fervor. People who realize the true form of Lord Shiva will always resort to him to get rid of their karmic cycle which is the main reason for the birth-death. The festival of Karthigai is highly important and has been in practice since the Sangam era, where people believe that Lord Shiva was on the court when the Tamil poems were demonstrated on stage. Lord Shiva has a close connection with the people of TamilNadu and is worshipped as “Adi Sitthar”, or “Adi Yogi”.

Festival of Light:

Mysticism prevails in the sacred Land of India, and magnetically drew many people who believed it. Faith can never be questioned! There is something in this world that is enigmatic, which is beyond human comprehension. Tiruvannamalai is one such holy place, where the essence of Lord Shiva is felt. Over 2000 years, his divine grace has been touching people, and the festival has been celebrated for more than two millenniums. It is not only the butter, wick, and the cauldron which is illuminating the magnificent light, but the devotion and the submission of the devotees towards Lord Shiva is the reason behind this magnificent lamp.

On this day, “Giri Valam”, ambulating the mountain in Thiruvanamalai is highly famous. Thousands of devotees would participate. More than a few decades before, people had the apprehension of wild animals attacking them, but now the entire path has been made convenient for the pilgrims.

Lord Karthikeya in Tamil Literature:

There are several references for Lord Karthikeya, Sangam Literature: Ahanananuru 141 describes how the lamps were lit in the evening of Karthikai Full Moon Day. “Aham verse” 185 compares the lamps to flowers on Silk cotton Tree. “Natrinai” 202 describes Karthikai as the month fit for good and charitable acts. We may take it as a reference to Karthikai Viratham, or the fasting on the day of Karthigai. “Kar Narpathu,” says that the lamps were lit on Karthikai Full Moon Day evening. “Seevaka Sinthamani,” says that the lamps were lit on the top of the mountain.

Legend of Karthigai:

Lord Shiva’s Aadi and Andam, which refers to the start and the end was wanted to be seen by Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. He appeared as a flame in the divine place called Thiruvanamalai.

Lord Subramanya, the Son of Lord Shiva was raised by six Karthikai girls or celestial maidens. The “Pleiades constellation” in the sky is of the six-star system and can be seen by binoculars. Lord Subramanya is born through the fire from the third eye. Thus to commemorate his birth, people often celebrate the festival by lighting the lamp. Vaishnavites also celebrate the festival as “Vishnu Deepam”. They link the episode of Mahavishnu-Mahabali episode.

The festivity of Light:

Karthigai month is highly auspicious. Many people celebrate the Karthigai Deepam festival with Pomp and glory and are one of the most revered festivals. The Karthigai Deepam rituals include prayer, fasting, visiting the temple, and offering Naivedana to God. People burst crackers, and enjoy the delicacies of Appam, Poori and Adai. Plenty of Tamil and Sanskrit hymns are available on Lord Shiva to sing on this day. Entire Tamilnadu shines brightly on this day.

Conclusion:

When the Cosmic God is blessing the world! What best can humans ask! The month of Karthigai is very sacred. During the entire month, people light lamps in their houses and pray that all their internal Maya should be vanished by the presence of the omnipresent and omnipotent.