Tiruvannamalai: Annamalaiyar Temple Radiates Light Ahead of Karthigai Deepam Festival
The sacred town of Tiruvannamalai is glowing with devotion as the renowned Annamalaiyar Temple has been beautifully illuminated ahead of the auspicious Karthigai Deepam festival.
Tiruvannamalai Karthigai Deepam Festival 2025 – Day 1 Celebrations Begin
The Tiruvannamalai Arunachaleswarar Temple is set to host the Karthigai Deepam Festival 2025, starting on Monday, 24 November 2025.
Day 1 Highlights
Morning: The festival commenced with the traditional flag hoisting (Kodiyetram)
Evening: Panchamoorthis (the five deities) will take a ceremonial procession along the streets in silver vimanas (chariots)
Night: Devotees will witness a grand procession featuring Silver Nandi, Lion, Peacock, and Mushika vahanas, enhancing the festive spirit
The festival marks a 10-day spiritual celebration culminating with the Maha Deepam on 3 December 2025, attracting thousands of devotees from across the country.
Barefoot Girivalam Visit Timings in Tiruvannamalai
What is Girivalam?
Girivalam (also known as Giri Pradakshina or Giri Valam) is a sacred practice of walking barefoot around the Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai, covering a distance of approximately 14 kilometers. This ritual is performed by devotees in a clockwise direction and is considered a powerful spiritual journey dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is believed to manifest in the form of the Arunachala mountain. Each step in Girivalam symbolizes humility, devotion, and a desire to attain liberation (moksha).
Why is it Done Barefoot?
Walking barefoot during Girivalam is a profound act of surrender and spiritual discipline. It represents leaving behind worldly attachments and connecting directly with the sacred earth of Arunachala. The barefoot walk signifies:
- Detachment from material comforts
- Oneness with nature and divine energy
- Surrender of ego in the presence of Lord Shiva
Saints like Sri Ramana Maharshi have emphasized the holiness of Arunachala’s soil, making every step taken barefoot a sacred offering.
Best Timings for Barefoot Girivalam
While Girivalam can be undertaken on any day, specific times are considered especially auspicious and spiritually potent:
1. Full Moon Nights (Pournami Girivalam)
- Most powerful and popular time for Girivalam.
- Lakhs of devotees gather from across India.
- The full moon energy is believed to amplify spiritual benefits and deepen meditation.
- Time: Devotees usually begin after sunset (around 6 PM) and continue throughout the night.
- Tip: Start the walk before 8 PM to complete comfortably before dawn.
2. New Moon (Amavasya) and Pradosham Days
- Powerful for spiritual purification and karmic release.
- Ideal for those seeking ancestral blessings and inner transformation.
- Recommended time: Start early evening for a quieter experience.
3. Daily Timings (Non-Festival Days)
If you’re visiting Tiruvannamalai on a non-festival day, consider these timings for comfort and devotion:
| Time Slot | Reason |
|---|---|
| 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM | Peaceful, cool, ideal for meditation and sunrise darshan |
| 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds |
⚠️ Note: Avoid afternoons (11 AM to 4 PM), especially in summer, due to intense heat and risk of dehydration.
Tiruvannamalai Arunachaleswarar Temple – Karthigai Madha Prathosam
Prathosam event took place at the Arulmigu Om Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai. Below are some of the pictures showcasing the Prathosam event
Parashakthi Amman Chariot Procession Ahead of Karthigai Deepam Festival in Tiruvannamalai
s part of the grand Karthigai Deepam festival celebrations at the Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai, the beautifully renovated Parashakthi Amman chariot was ceremoniously pulled by devotees this morning.
The chariot procession was filled with divine chants, traditional music, and thousands of devotees offering prayers, marking a spiritually vibrant start to the Deepam festivities.
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Parashakti Amman Ther Festival at Annamalaiyar Temple, Thiruvannamalai – 2025
The Parashakti Amman Ther (Chariot) Festival has commenced today at Annamalaiyar Temple in Thiruvannamalai. The chariot, refurbished at a cost of ₹72 lakh and standing 48 feet tall, is being pulled by thousands of devoted devotees, marking the start of the grand festival celebrations.
The festival, held ahead of the Karthigai Deepam celebrations, attracts a large number of devotees who gather to receive the blessings of Parashakti Amman. During the festival days, the temple premises are filled with spiritual fervor and devotional enthusiasm.