Karthigai Deepam 2024 Date and Nakshathram Time: When will it be celebrated at Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleshwara temple?

Karthigai Deepam 2024 Date and Time

Karthigai Deepam, one of the most significant Hindu festivals, is celebrated with great devotion, especially among Tamil Hindus. The festival, rooted in ancient traditions, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and is marked by the lighting of lamps. This year, Karthigai Deepam will be celebrated on Friday, December 13, 2024. Below are the key timings for the festival:

Karthigai Nakshathram 2024 Date and Time

• Karthigai Deepam on Friday, December 13, 2024
• Karthigai Nakshathram Begins - 07:50 AM on Dec 13, 2024
• Karthigai Nakshathram Ends - 05:48 AM on Dec 14, 2024

The festival is observed during the Tamil month of Karthikai when the Karthigai Nakshatra (constellation) prevails. It coincides with Pournami, the full moon day in the month of Karthikai. According to tradition, this celestial alignment makes the day highly auspicious for lighting lamps and worshiping Lord Shiva, especially in his form of Arunachaleshwara.

Karthigai Deepam Celebrations at Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleshwara Temple

The grandest celebrations of Karthigai Deepam take place at the Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleshwara Swamy Temple. Known as the Karthikai Brahmotsavam, the festivities at this temple span over 10 days and attract devotees from across the globe.

The celebration begins with Dwajarohanam, a flag hoisting ceremony, which is performed on the day when the Uthiraadam Nakshatra prevails at sunrise. This event typically occurs 10 days before the main Karthigai Deepam day, marking the start of the festivities.

Bharani Deepam and Karthigai Maha Deepam

It is essential to distinguish between Bharani Deepam and Karthigai Deepam:

Bharani Deepam: This is the inaugural ritual of the Karthigai Deepam festival. It is lit inside the temple premises during the Bharani Nakshatra, typically at 4:00 AM, either on the same day or a day before Karthigai Deepam. The flame is lit as a precursor to the main event and is regarded as highly sacred.

Karthigai Maha Deepam: The Maha Deepam is the central ritual of the festival. After sunset, at around 6:00 PM, the flame from Bharani Deepam is carried to the top of the Arunachala Hill. The lighting of the Karthigai Maha Deepam at the hill’s summit is a grand spectacle, symbolizing divine illumination. This event is visible from miles around and marks the pinnacle of the celebrations.

Karthigai Deepam Traditions and Rituals

Devotees light lamps in their homes, temples, and streets as a sign of devotion and to welcome divine blessings. At Thiruvannamalai, the lighting of the Maha Deepam is accompanied by chants of “Annamalaiyar Arohara,” creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere.

Karthigai Deepam, also spelled as Karthikai Deepam, serves as a reminder of the importance of dispelling ignorance with knowledge and darkness with light. The festival’s rituals, steeped in tradition, highlight the eternal bond between humans and the divine.