Thiruvannamalai Deepam which will be lit on the summit of the hill every year on the day of Karthigai. Thousands of devotees gather at the base of the hill to view this holy fire.
Thiruvannamalai Deepam Legend
As per the Legend, Goddess Parvathi closed Lord Siva eyes in a playful mood, which pushed the entire creation into darkness. Angered Siva directed Parvathi to perform penance for this mistake. Parvathi came to down to Earth and started a strict penance at Kanchipuram. On Siva’s advice, Parvathi moved to Tiruvannamalai and did penance on top of Iruvannamalai Hills. Goddess Parvathi killed the demon Mahisasura and organized a festival on the day of Karthigai. Goddess joined with the Lord here, who appeared as a cosmic flame on the summit of the hill. This said to be the beginning of Karthigai Deepam.
It is said that Lord Siva appeared in the form a great flaming cosmic pillar, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu requested Lord to take a pleasing form here for the benefit of all beings. On their request, Siva took the form of the Arunachala Hill. Lord declared that “Every year on the day of Karthigai, I will appear on this highest point of the hill in the form of a peace-giving beacon”
Thiruvannamalai Deepam Festival
This festival will be celebrated during the months of Nov/Dec ( Varies with Hindu Calendar). As part of this event, a huge bonfire will be built at the summit of Arunachala Hill. This light can be seen from a very far distance. Devotees will go for Girivalam, which is a 12 km long trail around the hill.
How to reach Thiruvannamalai Temple?
- From Chennai Temple is 207 km away, which takes 3 hours 45 mins drive by own vehicle and 4 hours 30 mins by bus.
- Daily trains are available from Chennai to Thiruvannamalai. Special trains will be available on this day.
- Thiruvannamalai well connected with all parts of Tamilnadu.
- Thiruvannamalali can be reached from Chennai and Villipuram. Villipuram is 61 km away.
Thiruvannamalai Deepam
Reference Link: Karthigai Deepam
Tha beautifull tempal
It is very powerful & peaceful GREAT Temple in south India