Deepam Events

As expected approximately a million pilgrims witnessed the lighting of Karthigai Deepam on top of Arunachala at dusk, Sunday 3rd December. As the festival coincided with a holiday, crowd turnout was bigger than in previous years.

Earlier, Bharani Deepam was lighted inside the Temple on December 3rd, at 4 a.m., to symbolise the unification of the five elements (water, fire, earth, ether, air).Thickly packed devotees inside the Temple had a glimpse of light on the earthen lamp.

In the evening, the Festival began near the golden Flag Mast inside Annamailayar Temple. First, idols of Vinayagar, Murugar, Annamalayar, Unnamulayamman and Chandikeshwarar were taken out from the Temple and placed on the Mandapam in front of the flag mast.

Simultaneously, Aganda Deepam in front of the Flag Mast and five torches were lit. On seeing the lighted torches in the Temple, men at the peak of the mountain lit the Deepam Cauldron.