Karthigai Deepam
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What is Karthigai Deepam.
Karthigai Deepam is celebrated in the Karthigai month by Tamil Hindus and is an extension of Deepavali (or Diwali) festival. The devotees light candles and lanterns in their homes creating an incredible spectacle.
When is Karthigai Deepam
Karthikai Deepam is a festival of lights celebrated on the full moon day of Karthikai month (November/December), which coincides with Krithikai star.
History of Karthigai Deepam.
Karthikai Deepam is one of the oldest festivals celebrated by the Tamil people. One of the earliest references to the festival is found in Ahananuru, which dates back to the Sangam period (200 B.C. to 300 A.D.) The Ahananuru clearly states that Karthigai is celebrated on the full moon day of the Tamil month of Karthigai and mentioned that it was the primary festival of the ancient Tamils. Avaiyyar, the renowned poetess of Sangam age portrayed the festival in her songs.
Traditions and Customs
On this day, people clean the houses and streets and draw kolams in the front of the house. They lit lamps all over the street, near the doors, windows, and in the balconies. The festival begins on Uttradam day with flag hoisting and goes on for nine days. In Thiruvannamali, in the early hours of the tenth day, Bharani Deepam would be lit in Arunachaleswarar's Sannithi. In the evening, the Pancha Murthis would be brought to the Katchi Mandapam. On the full moon day, the deity, Ardhanareeswarar is taken out to this place with the five deepams. At the same time a big light on the hill is lit. Only few are aware that it is one of the oldest festivals celebrated in Tamilnadu even before people began celebrating Deepavali and Navarathri. Unlike many other Hindu festivals, Karthigai Deepam is basically a Tamil festival and is virtually not known in other parts of India.
Meaning and Significance
In Thiruvannamalai, the festival is celebrated in a special manner. Lord Shiva asks Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu to find out where his head and feet are located. They are not able to find out as Lord Shiva takes a gigantic form. Then, Lord Shiva takes the form of a light of fire on the hills of Thiruvannamali. Therefore, this festival is otherwise called Annamalai Deepam. The special torch lighted on the hill is believed to be Lord Shiva's light and will be visible during Karthigai deepam. During this period, Lord Muruga takes the form of six babies in Saravana Poigai – the lake where the six forms are united by Parvathi. Special poojas are performed to Lord Muruga too. Karthigai Deepam is essentially a festival of lamps and is considered an auspicious symbol. It is believed to destroy evil forces and provide prosperity and joy. Though the lighted lamp is found in all Hindu rituals and festivals, it is indispensable for Karthigai Deepam.
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