Significance
Karthigai Deepam is the festival of lamps celebrated in Tamil Nadu on Karthigai nakshatra in the month of Karthigai (November–December). The flame is symbolic of Shiva's cosmic form.
Mythology & Legend
According to the Shiva Purana, Shiva appeared as a column of fire (Jyoti) before Brahma and Vishnu. The latter could not find his beginning or end. The day is celebrated by lighting rows of lamps (agal vilakku) and the great lamp at Tiruvannamalai.
Rituals & Observances
- At dusk, light earthen lamps (agal vilakku) in rows around the house and temple.
- Offer puja to Shiva; prepare sweet Pongal and offer it as prasad.
- Visit Arunachaleswarar temple at Tiruvannamalai for the Maha Deepam.
- Chant Shiva mantras and keep the lamps lit throughout the night.
Sacred Mantras
ॐ नमः शिवाय
oṃ namaḥ śivāya
Salutations to Shiva
Traditional Foods
- ●Pongal
- ●Appam
- ●Payasam
- ●Sundal
Regional Variations
Tamil Nadu(கார்த்திகை தீபம்)
Agal vilakku, Tiruvannamalai Maha Deepam
Kerala(കാർത്തിക ദീപം)
Lighting lamps
Do's & Don'ts
Do's
- ✓Light rows of lamps
- ✓Offer puja to Shiva
- ✓Visit Tiruvannamalai if possible
- ✓Keep lamps lit
Don'ts
- ✗Do not extinguish lamps before dawn
- ✗Avoid disrespect to the flame
- ✗Do not skip the lighting