The poster below lists the dates of major functions that will be celebrated during this years 2013 Deepam Festival.
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| Major Functions of 2013 Deepam Festival |
Yesterday I spent the evening at Arunachaleswarar Temple and while there noticed electricians and workers busy setting up the lights that will illuminate the Temple during the Deepam Festival.
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| 2012 Temple with Deepam Lights |
Below are photographs from the 2012 Deepam Festival at Arunachala, to give readers an idea of the huge crowds and wonderful spectacle and spiritual experience of some of the festivities surrounding the Deepam Festival.
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| Flag Hoisting 2012 |
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| Flag Hoisting Arunachaleswarar Temple, Deepam 2012 |
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| Silver Rishaba Vahanam, 2012 Deepam Festival |
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| Silver Rishaba Vahanam outside Arunachaleswarar Temple, Deepam 2012 |
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| Huge Crowd evening of Rishaba Vahanam, outside Big Temple 2012 |
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| Pulling the Maharadham, Deepam 2012 |
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| Giant Wooden Chariot being pulled perimeter Big Temple, Deepam 2012 |
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| Priests Bharani Deepam, Arunachaleswarar Temple, 2012 |
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| Mahadeepam on top of Arunachala, Deepam Festival 2012 |
I don't wish to give off negative vibrations regarding the Deepam Festival at Arunachala, but to those who intend to visit Arunachala for Deepam this year (or Deepam in years to come) -- a word of warning. Be careful of your belongings as many thieves and pickpockets will also be visiting Arunachala for the Festival -- but in their case for an entirely different reason. Two years ago whilst pulling the Maharadham (on the ladies side) my shoulder bag was slit open from the back, and a lady thief tried to pull out my wallet. Luckily I kept all my valuables at home, thus nothing was taken.
To have a wonderful Deepam experience PLEASE BE CAREFUL OF YOUR POSSESSIONS.
