Karthigai Deepam in Tamil Culture
Karthigai Deepam is one of the most ancient and revered festivals in Tamil culture, celebrated with great spiritual fervor and devotional enthusiasm. It falls in the Tamil month of Karthigai (mid-November to mid-December) on the day when the Krittika nakshatra coincides with the full moon (Pournami). The festival is deeply rooted in Tamil Saiva traditions and is believed to be older than even Diwali in Tamil Nadu. It celebrates the divine light of Lord Shiva and the six-faced Lord Murugan (Karthikeya), who is associated with the six Krittika stars.
Religious Celebration in Temples of Tamil Nadu
Karthigai Deepam is a major religious celebration in many Shiva and Murugan temples across Tamil Nadu, particularly in places with ancient traditions of Saivism. The most iconic and grand celebration takes place at the Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai, where the Mahadeepam (a giant flame) is lit atop the Annamalai hill, symbolizing Lord Shiva appearing as an infinite column of fire (Jyotirlinga). This lighting of the beacon is visible for miles and draws lakhs of devotees.
Temples are beautifully decorated with rows of oil lamps (agal vilakku), signifying the victory of light over darkness and spiritual illumination. Devotees also light lamps in their homes and around temples, creating a mesmerizing and sacred atmosphere.
Thus, Karthigai Deepam is not just a cultural festival, but a deeply religious and spiritual observance, especially significant in the temple traditions of Tamil Nadu.