Karthigai Deepam
Karthigai Deepam Tiruvannamalai festival details, Maha Deepam lighting time, rituals, meaning, Girivalam, routes, crowd tips and complete pilgrim guide.
Karthigai Deepam – The Glorious Festival of Light in Tiruvannamalai
Karthigai Deepam is the most sacred and grand festival celebrated in Tiruvannamalai, drawing lakhs of devotees from across India and around the world.
The entire town transforms into a river of light, and the moment the Maha Deepam is lit on the peak of the Annamalai Hill, the whole region vibrates with devotion.
This festival represents Lord Shiva as the infinite light (Jyoti Swarupa), a form beyond shape, size, or imagination.
Karthigai Deepam is not just a festival in Tiruvannamalai—it is an emotion, an experience, and a once-in-a-lifetime moment for many devotees.
When Karthigai Deepam Is Celebrated
Karthigai Deepam falls in the Tamil month of Karthigai (November–December), on the day when the Krittika (Karthigai) star aligns with the full moon (Pournami).
The festival includes:
10 days of deepam-related utsavams inside the temple
Bharani Deepam in the early morning
Maha Deepam lighting in the evening on Annamalai Hill
Crowds begin gathering days before the main event, as the entire atmosphere becomes spiritually charged.
The Story Behind Karthigai Deepam
According to ancient scriptures, Lord Shiva appeared as a limitless column of fire to settle a dispute between Brahma and Vishnu.
The hill at Tiruvannamalai is believed to be the frozen form of that divine fire (Agni Linga).
Karthigai Deepam symbolises this eternal flame.
Spiritual Significance
Represents destruction of ego
Symbolises inner awakening
Purifies the mind and heart
Aids spiritual progress
Removes darkness of ignorance
The flame lit atop the hill is not merely symbolic; devotees see it as the visible form of Lord Arunachaleswarar Himself.
Bharani Deepam – The Start of the Festival
The day begins before sunrise with Bharani Deepam, a sacred lamp lit inside the sanctum of the Arunachaleswarar Temple.
What Happens During Bharani Deepam
Lit when the Bharani star is active
Priests perform special rituals and chants
Considered the “birth” of Deepam Day
Marks the beginning of the day when Shiva manifests as light
Only selected temple priests are allowed to witness this ritual.
Maha Deepam – The Grand Lighting on the Hill
This is the moment devotees wait for.
In the evening, a massive pot of ghee mixed with herbs is placed at the top of Annamalai Hill.
At the exact muhurtham:
The Maha Deepam is lit
The flame rises several feet high
Devotees chant “Annamalaiyarukku Arohara!”
Temple bells ring continuously
The entire town becomes silent for a second… and then explodes in devotion
Why It Is So Powerful
Devotees believe:
Seeing the Maha Deepam burns away negativity
Watching the flame grants immense spiritual merit
The blessing is equal to performing many years of penance
One’s mind becomes calm and centered
The flame remains visible for hours, shining brightly above the Arunachaleswarar Temple’s towers.
Where to View the Maha Deepam
Good viewing points include:
Near East Gopuram
Girivalam Road clearings
Open grounds facing the hill
Near Seshadri Ashram side
Rooftops (when allowed by locals)
Pilgrims usually secure their spot 1–2 hours early, as the crowd becomes extremely dense closer to the lighting time.
Girivalam During Karthigai Deepam
Millions walk the 14 km Girivalam path during Deepam week.
Why Girivalam on Deepam Is Special
It is believed the hill radiates stronger energy
Pournami + Karthigai + Shiva’s fire form = highly auspicious
Devotees feel deep peace and spiritual vibrations
The entire path is lit with lamps, creating a magical atmosphere.
Inside Temple Celebrations
Over ten days, the temple conducts:
Processions of deities
Vedic chanting
Alankarams
Special abhishekam and pooja rituals
Deepa alankaram in mandapams
Each day has its own significance, leading up to the grand ceremony.
Crowd Management & Safety Arrangements
Local authorities and temple administration make massive arrangements, including:
Police patrol across the town
Barricades near temple entrance
Thousands of volunteers
Drinking water stalls
Medical help centers
Traffic restrictions around the hill
Pilgrims are advised to avoid carrying large bags, valuables, or unnecessary items.
Travel Tips for Devotees
Accommodation Tips
Book rooms weeks in advance
Stay near temple or along Girivalam Road
Expect surge pricing during festival week
Travel Tips
Avoid last-minute travel
Public transport is more reliable during festival days
Roads near temple will be closed early in the day
Safety Tips
Stay hydrated
Keep children close
Wear comfortable footwear
Start Girivalam early (evening or early dawn)
For Senior Citizens
Choose viewing spots far from crowd pressure
Avoid climbing any steep road
Keep a companion nearby at all times
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is Maha Deepam lit?
It is lit at a specific muhurtham, usually between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM, but it varies each year. The temple releases the official timing closer to the date.
How many people attend the festival?
Several lakhs of devotees gather, making it one of the largest festivals in Tamil Nadu.
Is Girivalam allowed on Deepam day?
Yes, but it is extremely crowded. Many devotees walk a day earlier or a day after.
Can we climb Annamalai Hill on Deepam day?
No. Climbing the hill is strictly prohibited for safety reasons, especially during Deepam.
When should I arrive in Tiruvannamalai?
Ideally one or two days earlier to avoid traffic and find accommodation.
Karthigai Deepam in Tiruvannamalai is not just a festival—it is a divine experience that fills the heart with devotion and light.
Watching the Maha Deepam glow above the sacred hill is a moment that devotees remember for life.
Whether you come for the chanting, the Girivalam, or the spiritual atmosphere, this festival promises blessings, peace, and a feeling of connection with Lord Arunachaleswarar.