Thiru Karthigai Deepam

Karthikai Deepam  is a Hindu Tamils Festival of Lights. The festival is observed in most Hindu homes and every temple, and falls in the month of Kārthigai   🪔🪔🪔

Karthikai Deepam is among the oldest festivals celebrated by South Indians. Its roots stretch far back into ancient Tamil tradition, with references found in Aganaanooru, Karnarpadu, Seevagasinthamani & several other classical works dating as early as 2500 BC

Here's one such example...!

வளைக்கை மடநல்லார் மாமயிலை வண்மறுகில்

துளக்கில் கபாலீச் சரத்தான் தொல் கார்த்திகை நாள்,

தளத்தேந்திள முலையார் தையலார் கொண்டாடும்,

விளக்கீடு காணாதே போதியோ பூம்பாவாய்!

Saint Gnanasambandar sang this divine verse at the sacred Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore in the Mattitta Punnaiyan Thirumurai. A timeless hymn that beautifully expresses the essence, devotion, and festive joy of Karthikai

With many sacred tales woven around this festival, its essence remains timeless...the lighting of the earthen lamp signifies the burning away of the ego (the wick), allowing the radiance of divine awareness to shine forth. As the flame glows, it dispels inner illusions & fills our surroundings with warmth, clarity & auspiciousness.

Rows of Agal vilakkus (Clay Oil lamps) are lit in every house. Karthigai is essentially a festival of lamps. The lighted lamp is considered an auspicious symbol. It is believed to ward off evil forces and usher in prosperity and joy. While the lighted lamp is important for all Hindu rituals and festivals, it is necessary for Karthigai.

Dhiyaa outside the house

Karthigai festival in Tiruvannamalai is very famous. On Karthigai day, a huge fire lamp is lit up on the hill, visible for several kilometers around. The fire (deepam) is called Mahadeepam. Hindu devotees visit the place, to pray and make offerings to lord Shiva

Dhiyaa inside the rooms

 Tamil Brahmins lit Agal vilakku in the Evening and offer Neivedhyam for those vilakku.  All the Lamps will be applied with Kumkum and Sandal powder . 

Kuththu Vilakku will  be well decorated with flowers, Kumkum and sandal powder and kept on wooden planks that is decorated with Maakolam ( Rangoli ). 

Sweets and Snacks are offered as Neivedhyam. After offering neivedhyam,  lamps are distributed and kept in all the rooms inside the house as well as outside the house.

Dhiyaa outside the house

The main Neivedhyams are... Nel Pori Urundai , Aval Pori Urundai , Appam or Sweet Adai , Vadai, Any type of Paruppu Payasam and Adai .  

Neivedhyam

 Nel Pori Urundai, Aval Pori Urundai ,

 Appam 

 Medhu Vadai,

Payatham Paruppu Payasam 

Kadalai Paruppu Payasam  

  Adai

Dhiyaa outside the house