Karthikai Deepam 2023: The Maha Deepam will be lit atop Annamalaiyar Hill

As the culmination of the Karthikai Deepa festival at the Tiruvannamalai Arunasaleshwarar Temple, the Maha Deepam is illuminated atop Annamalaiyar Hill with devotional fervor.

Today, on Tuesday, November 26th, the Maha Deepam was lit at 6 PM, attracting countless devotees who enthusiastically participate in this auspicious event. The atmosphere is filled with spiritual energy as worshipers gather to witness the divine Great Lamp and offer their prayers.

Karthigai Deepam 2023: A Celebration of Light and Devotion with Auspicious Puja Muhurat and Girivalam Schedule!

Karthigai Deepam falls on November 26, 2023, and the auspicious muhurat for puja will begin at 02:05 PM. This day is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, and individuals light clay lamps to pray for the prosperity of their families.
The Girivalam for this occasion is set to start at 03:53 PM on Sunday, November 26th, and will conclude at 02:45 PM the following day, Monday, November 27th.
Timing for Girivalam at Karthigai Maha Deepam 2023
 
Girivalam Starting Date and Time  Girivalam Ending Date and Time
26th November 2023 – 03.53 PM 27th November 2023 – 02.45 PM

Special Memu Trains Announced for Karthigai Deepam Festival Journeys to Tiruvannamalai!

Special Memu trains will be operated from Chennai Beach Station and Tambaram Station for the grand occasion of the Karthigai Deepam Festival celebrated at Tiruvannamalai Lord Arunachaleswarar temple.
In a notification released by the Southern Railways, the details are as follows:
From Chennai Beach Station:
  • The special train (06033) departing from Chennai Beach Station today (Saturday, 25th November) will commence its journey at 6:00 PM and is scheduled to reach Tiruvannamalai at midnight, 12:05 AM.
  • On the return trip, train (06034) will depart from Tiruvannamalai tomorrow (Sunday, 26th November) at 3:45 AM, arriving at Chennai Beach Station at 8:05 AM.
From Tambaram Station:
  • Special Memu trains to Tiruvannamalai will operate from Tambaram Station on the 26th and 27th of November.
  • The special train (06129) will depart from Tambaram at 8:40 AM and is expected to reach Tiruvannamalai at 12:35 PM.
  • On the return journey, the special train (06130) will depart from Tiruvannamalai on both the 26th and 27th of November at 1:45 PM, reaching Tambaram at 5:15 PM.

5 LAKH DEVOTEES EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN DEEPAM THIRUVIZHA IN TIRUVANNAMALAI!

The Grand Deepam Thiruvizha is all set to be celebrated at the Lord Arunachaleswarar Temple in Thiruvannamalai tomorrow, Saturday, 25th November. Over 5 lakh devotees are expected to participate in this joyous celebration.
Furthermore, the Girivalam on this occasion is scheduled to commence at 3:58 AM on Sunday, 26th November, and conclude at 3:08 AM the following morning, Monday, 27th November.
Due to the anticipated large crowds during these festivities, please note that the regular events such as Amarvu Darshan and Special Darshan are CANCELLED on 25th and 26th November.

Karthigai Deepam Festival 2023 – Day 6 Night

Karthigai Deepam Festival 2023 – Day 6 Night event took place at the Arulmigu Om Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai. Below are some of the pictures showcasing the event.

Karthigai Deepam Festival 2023 – Day 7

Karthigai Deepam Festival 2023 – Day 7 event took place at the Arulmigu Om Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai. Below are some of the pictures showcasing the event.

Thiruvannamalai Mahadeepam – Bharani Deepam Online Passes Available

To witness the sacred Mahadeepam event in Thiruvannamalai, online passes are now accessible for devotees. The Maha Deepam holds immense spiritual significance, and enthusiasts can participate in this divine experience by obtaining passes through the official website: https://annamalaiyar.hrce.tn.gov.in

To secure a pass for witnessing the Mahadeepam in Thiruvannamalai, a donation of Rs. 500/- is required per person, with passes available for 500 individuals. For those who wish to experience the Mahadeepam in the picturesque setting of Mahabalipuram, a donation of Rs. 600/- is necessary for one person, with passes available for 100 individuals.

Additionally, a general pass for witnessing the Mahadeepam is available for a donation of Rs. 500/- per person, with passes open for 1,000 individuals. The event is scheduled to commence on 24th November 2023, starting at 10:00 AM.

Karthigai Deepam Festival 2023 – Day 6 (Morning)

On the 6th day of the Tirukkarthigai festival celebrated grandly in the Thiruvannamalai Lord Arunchaleswarar temple (19th November), the deity of Lord Chandrasekhara was taken on a procession on the carriage of elephant along with th deities of the 53 nayanmars or Saivite Saints along with Nalvar Sekkizhar.

Karthigai Deepam Festival 2023 – Day 5 Night

On the 5th night of the grand Thirukkarthigai festival in progress in a grand manner in the Thiruvannamalai Lord Arunachaleswarar temple, the deities of the Lord on the carriage of Rishabha (sacred bull) and the deity of Goddess Parasakthi Amman on the silver Kamadhenu (sacred cow), the deity of Lord Vinayaka on the carriage of Mooshika (sacred mouse), and the Lord Muruga and His Consorts Valli and Deivayanai on the carriage of silver peacock, and the deity of Lord Chandikeswarar on the carriage of silver Rishabha (sacred bull) were carried on procession across the corridors and streets of the temple.

Guidelines released for the Karthigai Deepam Festival observations!

In a notification released by the District administration regarding the Karthigai Deepam Festival on the 26th of November, it is stipulated that, as per Chennai High Court judgments, only 2500 devotees will be permitted to participate in climbing the mountain. The following regulations must be strictly observed:
  • A Special Centre will be established at 5.00 AM on the Deepam Festival Day, the 26th of November, at the Kalaignar Karunanidhi Government Arts College, located on Thiruvannamalai Sengam Road. Priority will be given to the first 2500 devotees, and admission tickets with photographs will be provided to them.
  • Only devotees within the age group of 18-50 will be allowed to climb the mountain.
  • Devotees must carry copies of Identity Proofs, such as Aadhar cards or other Government-issued ID cards, along with a medical certificate from a doctor.
  • Devotees will be restricted to the route near the temple tower. No permission will be granted to climb via any other routes.
  • Devotees ascending the mountain are permitted to carry only a drinking water bottle. Additionally, they are required to bring back the empty water bottles upon return.
  • Importantly, devotees are strictly prohibited from carrying any inflammable articles, including camphor, crackers, etc.
It is noteworthy that the divine flag-hoisting ceremony at the Thiruvannamalai Lord Arunachaleswarar temple took place in the early morning on the 17th of November. The Maha Deepam will be lit on the summit of the 2668 ft mountain on the 26th of November.