Karthika Mahadeepotsav Celebrations in Tiruvannamalai
Nestled against the scenic backdrop of Tiruvannamalai, the Arunachalam Temple stands as a symbol of spiritual vibrancy and timeless devotion. As the auspicious month of Karthika starts, this sacred place comes alive with a spectacular celebration known as the Karthika Mahadeepotsav. Spanning ten days of reverence, ritual, and joy, the temple transforms into a radiant haven, echoing with the hymns of devotion and the glow of countless lamps. Join us on a journey through the heart of this divine festival, exploring the intricacies and splendor that define the Arunachalam Temple Karthika Mahadeepotsav celebrations.
Also Read: Arunachalam Temple Complete Guide: How to Reach & Timings
Tiruvannamalai Karthigai Deepam 2023 Schedule
The Karthika Mahadeepotsav celebrations in Tiruvannamalai stand out as a prominent event at Tiruvannamalai Arunachaleswara Swamy Temple, spanning ten days. Elaborate arrangements have been made by the temple to ensure a grand celebration.
- The festivities commence with the Durgamma Utsavam on the temple’s first day (Tuesday) and extend for three more days
- On the second day (Wednesday), the Pidari Amman Utsav takes place on a lion chariot.
- On the third day (Thursday) witnesses Vinayakaswami on a silver chariot and Chandikeshwarar on a Vrishab.
- Kartika Mahadeepotsavam begins on Friday the 17th, marked by a flag hoisting ceremony from 4:45 am to 6:12 am. The Panchamurthys are paraded in silver planes, later traversing the temple streets in silver Nandi and swan vehicles at night.
- Saturday morning features Chandrasekharaswami visiting devotees on a golden Suryaprabha vehicle, with Vinayakaswami on a Mushika vehicle. In the evening, the Panchamurthys parade in silver plane vehicles.
- Sunday morning Chandrasekharaswamy paraded on the Bhutavahanam, followed by the Panchamurthys on lion and silver swan vehicles in the evening.
- Monday morning showcases Chandrasekharaswamy on a serpent vehicle, with the Panchamurthys on silver Kamadhenu and Karpaga Vriksha vehicles at night.
- Tuesday morning’s procession features Chandrasekharaswamy on a mirrored bull chariot, and at night, the Panchamurthy parade through the temple streets in silver big bull chariots.
- Wednesday hosts a street procession of 63 Nayanmars in Chandrasekharaswamy’s silver chariot, with the Panchamurthys parading in silver chariots and airplanes at night.
- Rathotsava on Thursday involves the Panchamurthys parading in Panchratha.
- Friday morning sees Chandrasekharaswamy on a horse carriage, followed by the Panchandavar festival at 4:30 pm, and the Panchamurthys parading on horse carriages at night.
- Saturday witnesses Chandrasekharaswamy paraded on a male animal vehicle, and in the evening, the Panchamurthys parade in the Kailasa and Kamadhenu vehicles.
- On the last day (Sunday), at 4 am, Bharanideepam is lit in the temple, followed by Mahadeepam on the hill at 6 pm. The night sees the Panchamurthys parading in golden Vrishab vehicles.
Tiruvannamalai Karthigai Deepam 2023 Date
The Karthigai Deepam festival commences on the 26th of November 2023, with the Bharani Deepam (Barani Deepam Festival) being lit at the temple around four o’clock in the early hours. In the afternoon, the Sri Subramaniyar Brahma Theertha Kulam hosts the Theerthavari Festival, and in the evening, the Mahadeepam is ignited on the hill’s summit at approximately six o’clock ending the 10 days of Karthika Mahadeepotsav celebrations in Tiruvannamalai.
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After the conclusion of Karthika Mahadeepotsav celebrations in Tiruvannamalai, Theppotsavams are held at Koneru Ayyanggunta of the temple for three more days. This includes Chandrasekharaswamy on Monday night and Arunachaleswaraswamy Giri Pradakshina on Tuesday morning. Parashakti Ammavaru Theppotsavam takes place at 9 pm, and Subramanyaswamy Theppottasav occurs on Wednesday night. Finally, on the 30th, Chandikeshwarar performs the Teppotsavam on the silver bull chariot.
How to Reach Arunachalam Temple in Tiruvannamalai
1. By Air:
- Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport (MAA)
- Distance: Approximately 185 kilometers
- Travel Options: Taxis, rental cars, or public transportation are available at the airport.
2. By Train:
- Nearest Major Railway Station: Katpadi Junction (Vellore)
- Distance: About 70 kilometers
- Connectivity: Regular trains to Katpadi from major cities; taxis and buses to Tiruvannamalai.
3. By Road:
- Well-Maintained Roads: Good connectivity by road from nearby cities.
- Self-Driving: Convenient option for those with personal vehicles.
- Buses: Regular bus services run by Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation TNSTC connecting Tiruvannamalai to surrounding towns.
4. Local Transportation:
- Taxis: Readily available in Tiruvannamalai for local travel.
- Auto-rickshaws: Affordable option for short distances within the town.
Attending Karthika Mahadeepotsav celebrations in Tiruvannamalai and navigating around Arunachalam Temple is hassle-free with multiple transportation choices catering to diverse preferences and travel modes.
