2017 Karthigai Deepam: Arunachaleswarar Temple Preparations

Months of preparation go into making sure Arunachaleswarar Temple and Tiruvannamalai are ready to host the annual Karthigai Deepam Festival. 

The below photographs show some of the preparations undertaken at the Temple over the last few weeks. 

The Alankaram Mandapam which will be home to the God Alangarams prior to each function

Cleaning of Shrine accoutrements at Arunachaleswarar Temple

Cleaning the Bali Pitha (Sacrificial Altar) outside Siva Shrine

Cleaning base of the Dvaja Stambha (Flag Staff)

Umbrella for the God

Wooden Blocs for under the wheels of God Chariots

Preparing Stands for the 63 Nayanars

Cleaning Silver Vahanam

Cleaning and repainting Vahanas for processions during Festival

Cleaning Thers (Chariots) to be used in God Processions around the Temple streets

The huge chariots have been cleaned and painted (notice the cow under the chariot)