Karthigai Deepotsavam 2024

Karthigai Deepotsavam (also known as Karthigai Deepam) is a major Hindu festival celebrated primarily in Tamil Nadu Kerala and other parts of South India. It is a festival of lights celebrated in the Tamil month of Karthigai which typically falls between November and December. This festival holds a special place in the hearts of devotees and is dedicated to Lord Shiva Lord Murugan (Kartikeya) and the goddess Parvati.

Key Aspects of Karthigai Deepotsavam:

1. Celebration of Lights:

• The central theme of Karthigai Deepam is the lighting of oil lamps (called "Deepams" or "Thiruvillaku") at homes and temples.
• Devotees light rows of lamps to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and to invite divine blessings for peace prosperity and well-being.
• The lighting of these lamps also signifies the destruction of evil and the spreading of knowledge and wisdom.

1. Spiritual Significance:

• The festival celebrates the manifestation of Lord Shiva as the "Arunachaleswarar" (the supreme light) in the form of a huge flame atop the Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai (Tamil Nadu).
• According to legend Lord Shiva appeared as a towering flame on this hill to prove his supremacy over Lord Vishnu and Brahma. The event is commemorated with grand celebrations during Karthigai Deepam.
• It is also believed that during this time Lord Murugan (Kartikeya) the son of Shiva is particularly worshipped as the deity of the festival.

1. Rituals and Customs:

• Lighting of Lamps: On Karthigai Deepam devotees light oil lamps in their homes on rooftops and in temples. The lamps are often arranged in rows or decorative patterns to create a beautiful display.
• Temple Processions: In many temples particularly in Tiruvannamalai there are grand processions where the deity is carried in a procession with devotees chanting hymns and prayers.
• Puja and Offerings: Devotees perform special pujas (rituals) to Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan offering flowers fruits and special sweets. They also chant the "Karthigai Deepam" prayers or other hymns in praise of the deities.

1. Karthigai Deepam at Tiruvannamalai:

• The most famous and largest celebration of Karthigai Deepam takes place at Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai Tamil Nadu. Thousands of devotees gather at the temple and the surrounding hills to witness the lighting of the massive Arunachala Deepam on the top of the Arunachala Hill.
• The lighting of the Arunachala Deepam is considered one of the most powerful and significant rituals believed to bring spiritual illumination and remove ignorance.

1. Cultural Significance:

• Karthigai Deepam marks a time for family gatherings community events and sharing festive meals.
• The lighting of the lamps is symbolic not only of the divine light of Shiva but also as a metaphor for the inner light of wisdom and knowledge.
• This festival also serves as a reminder to devotees of the importance of virtue peace and the victory of good over evil.

Host or Publisher Ganga S