Fri Dec 13 12:23:38 UTC 2024: ## Karthigai Deepam Festival to be Celebrated on December 13th
**Tirvannamalai, Tamil Nadu –** The annual Karthigai Deepam festival will be observed on December 13th, a Friday, this year. This significant festival, celebrated at the sacred Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai, marks the conjunction of the Karthigai star and full moon in the Karthigai month. The festival commemorates Lord Shiva’s manifestation as a divine light (Jyothi) and the origin of lingam worship.
The main event is the lighting of the Mahadeepam (giant lamp) atop Arunachala Hill. The festivities begin at 4 AM with the lighting of the Parani Deepam at the Annamalaiyar shrine. Unlike household Parani Deepams, which are lit for the liberation of ancestors, the Tiruvannamalai Parani Deepam symbolizes the oneness of God (Ekan) and His presence in all beings (Anekan). A unique ritual involves lighting five lamps from a single flame and merging them again before being taken to the Bairavar shrine and finally to the hilltop for the Mahadeepam.
A special event this day also is the rare three-minute appearance of Lord Annamalaiyar as Arthanareeswarar (half Shiva, half Parvati), commemorating Parvati’s intense penance that earned her this union. This unique darshan precedes the lighting of the Mahadeepam. Devotees are encouraged to witness this event either in person or through television and offer prayers before lighting lamps at home.
Homes should be prepared with lamps adorned with turmeric and kumkum, with wicks and oil or ghee, before 5 PM. Lighting lamps in homes should commence after 6 PM, beginning at the entrance to welcome Mahalaxmi and progressing to the puja room and other areas. It is recommended to let the lamps burn undisturbed for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
The article concludes with a short biography of the author, Mohan Priya, a Digital Content Producer at Times Internet Samayam Tamil, experienced in writing on spirituality and current affairs.
First Piper 