Karthigai Deepam is a Hindu festival that falls on the full moon day (Pournami) on the month of Karthigai in the Tamil calendar (mid-November to mid-December). This is one of the oldest festivals that was first observed by the Tamils. Historical reference of this festival dates back to Sangam age (200 B.C to 300 A.D).
Legend and Stories
According to the legends, Karthigai Deepam is the worship of the constellation Karthigai (Pleiades), which is believed as equivalent to worshipping the six faces of Lord Muruga as one. This is done on the full moon day in the month of Karthigai in the Tamil Calendar. Lord Shiva took the form of a great flame and appeared before Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma to settle their quarrel as to who was the Supreme Being among them. Lord Shiva later settled in the form of a hill (Arunachala hill in Tiruvannamalai). Every year during Karthigai Deepam, a giant flame is lit here to honor Lord Shiva and worship him. The flames are a symbolic representation of the form Lord Shiva took. It is lit in a huge brass lamp by using nearly 3000 Kg of ghee (Clarified butter).
Historical Significance
Karthigai Deepam, unlike most other Hindu festivals, is one of the oldest Tamil festivals that is now celebrated by most Hindus. It is believed that the celebration of this festival might have started somewhere around 2000 – 2500 B.C. Historical reference of this festival dates back to Sangam age (200 B.C to 300 A.D). The Tamil epic book of poems, Agananooru makes mention of this festival. The highly renowned and praised Tamil poet Avvaiyaar also makes mention of this festival in one of her songs. In the Sangam literature, Karthigai Deepam is mentioned as a great festival (Peruvizha). Other references include Tolkappiam (3rd century B.C.) which makes mention of a great flame which is the lamp that is lit in the Arunachaleshwara Swamy temple in Tiruvannamalai. Civaka Cintamani (Fabulous Gem), which was composed during 10th Century A.D. also makes mention of this festival.
Spiritual Significance
Deepam is a clay lamp using oil as fuel. During the Karthigai Deepam, rows of these clay lamps will be lit outside the house decorating it. Hence, this festival is also called the festival of lights and the flame from the lamps is meant to signify the victory of light over darkness. The flame from the lamp is supposed to burn away the evil surrounding our homes and bring joy and prosperity. This festival is also celebrated by the Tamils to honor the birthday of Lord Muruga.
Cultural Significance
Karthigai Deepam was first celebrated by the Tamils but is now celebrated by most Hindus. In Telugu, Kartheeka month is considered as very auspicious with Lamps lit in Shiva temples and people observing fasting. During Karthigai Deepam, all Hindu households will be decorated with rows of clay lamps outside and in the entrances of the houses giving the entire town a new light and a spirit of festivity. It is celebrated as a ten-day festival In Tiruvannamalai, where it is believed that Lord Shiva appeared as a flame atop the mountain. To commemorate this, every year a great flame is lit atop the Tiruvannamalai Mountain with a huge brass lamp using nearly 3000 kg of ghee (Clarified butter). Above all this, this festival offers a unique chance for families and friends to get together, share food and sweets and celebrate as one.
Blogs 