Festival of lights - Karthigai Deepam at Thiruvanamalai, Tamil Nadu - India

One of Tamil Nadu, South India's oldest customary celebrations. With its ancient temples and rich cultural legacy, Tamil Nadu has numerous festivals, each with its own customs and religious meaning. Tamil Nadu's neighboring states, including Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Sri Lanka, also celebrate Kartika Deepam. Kartika Deepam, also called Kartika Mahadeepatsav or the Festival of Lights, is a festival that is particularly celebrated at Thiruvannamalai's Annamalaiyar Temple and lasts for roughly ten days. During the Tamil month of Kartika Pournami (full moon day), every Tamilian takes pride in commemorating Kartika Deepam as their auspicious occasion to honor the great supreme god, Lord Shiva, and Lord Muruga. In addition to its deep religious significance, this festival represents spiritual enlightenment and devotion for the millions of devotees.

What is Kartika Deepam?

The name itself speaks its significance Kartika means Tamil Month Kartikai which usually falls between November - December and Deepam in Tamil means Oil Lamp. Kartika Deepam is a festival that marks the lighting of thousands of oil lamps, or ‘deepams,’ across temples and homes, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. It is a time when devotees offer prayers, seek blessings, and reaffirm their faith in Lord Shiva. The festival coincides with the full moon day of the Tamil month of Kartikai, The festival is especially popular in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where devotees light lamps in their homes, temples, and streets, creating a mesmerizing sight. However, it is at the Annamalaiyar Temple in Thiruvannamalai where Karthika Deepam takes on a grand, spiritual significance.

 Spiritual Belief and Mythology of Kartika Deepam: 

The origins of Kartika Deepam in Thiruvannamalai are deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. As mentioned earlier, the story of Lord Shiva’s manifestation as a flame on the Arunachala Hill is one of the most significant myths associated with the temple. In fact, the names Tiruvanamalai and Arunachala denote "holy fire hill".

It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared as an infinite column of fire at the Annamalai Hill to resolve a dispute between Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. In this legend, Vishnu and Brahma were debating about who was superior when Lord Shiva manifested as a colossal pillar of fire. In their pride, they both took different forms to search for the end of a huge pillar of light that had appeared mysteriously. Lord Vishnu, in the form of a boar, traveled downwards, while Lord Brahma, as a swan, ascended. Neither were unable to find the end of the pillar, but in their search, they saw Lord Shiva’s divine form. Thus, Lord Shiva proved his supremacy over the two gods and managed to stop the fight. This mystical appearance of Shiva as a fire column is celebrated annually as Karthika Deepam at Thiruvannamalai. The festival serves as a reminder of Shiva's divine supremacy and the idea that the true nature of divinity is boundless and beyond human comprehension.

In other terms, Kartika Deepam is associated with Lord Muruga in Hindu mythology. In Saravana Poigai, a lake, Lord Muruga took on the appearance of six infants, and six Krittika ladies looked after him. The Goddess Parvathy combined all six Skantha forms into one form on this Kartika Pournami (full moon day). As a result, Lord Muruga has six faces and is commonly referred to as Lord Aarumugan in Tamil culture. To commemorate this auspicious day, we light lights in temples and houses to honor Lord Muruga for the creation of the Aarumuga form.   

Literature References Of This Festival:

Kartika Deepam has a very deep importance in the setting of Thiruvannamalai. The Pancha Bhoota Stalam, which symbolizes the element of fire, is one of Lord Shiva's five principal shrines. This Festival of Lights is mentioned in the ancient Tamil Sangam literature classics known as Ahananuru, which is a compilation of poetry that describes the period between 200 BC and 300 AD. Kartika Deepam is also mentioned in the poetry by Avaiyyar, a well-known woman of Sangam period. Peruvila is the name given to the Kartika celebration.

Rituals in Thiruvanamalai:

The most significant ritual is the lighting of the huge Karthika Deepam at the summit of the Arunachala Hill. This iconic moment marks the climax of the festival. A massive flame is lit on top of the hill, visible for miles around. It is believed that this flame represents Lord Shiva’s infinite energy and is a symbolic representation of the eternal light of consciousness.

On the evening of Karthika Deepam, devotees light thousands of small oil lamps (deepams) in and around the temple. These lamps symbolize the dispelling of darkness and ignorance, with the light representing the divine presence of Lord Shiva.

An integral part of the Karthika Deepam celebration is the tradition of circumambulating the Arunachala Hill, also known as ‘Girivalam.’ Devotees walk barefoot around the hill, which is approximately 14 kilometers in circumference. This act is considered a form of penance and a means of obtaining Lord Shiva’s blessings.

Throughout the festival, the deities Lord Arunachaleswarar and Goddess Unnamulai Amman are taken out in grand processions around the temple. Each procession is accompanied by traditional music, dance, and chants, creating an atmosphere of joy and devotion.

Conclusion:

At Thiruvannamalai, Karthika Deepam is more than just a celebration; it is a spiritual experience that brings followers closer to the god. The Maha Deepam's lighting symbolizes the inner light that each person possesses and that leads them to self-realization and the truth. Devotees are encouraged by the festival to accept the eternal truth represented by Lord Shiva and consider the transience of the mundane world.