Karthigai Deepam at Tiruvannamalai

Upcoming dates

2026: Tuesday 24 November. Published calendars agree on this date, and the temple normally confirms it closer to the festival. See Karthigai Deepam 2026. 2027: published calendars disagree (11 or 12 December). See Karthigai Deepam 2027.

What Karthigai Deepam is

Karthigai Deepam is the festival of lamps of the Tamil month of Karthigai (November–December). It falls on the day the moon is in the Krittika (Karthigai) nakshatra, usually on or next to the full moon. Homes across Tamil Nadu are lit with rows of clay lamps. At Tiruvannamalai it becomes the climax of the temple’s great Brahmotsavam, when the Maha Deepam is lit on Arunachala.

History and significance

• Documented history. The district administration notes that the Karthigai festival of lights is referred to in the Sangam-era anthology Akananuru and by the poet Avvaiyar, so the festival of lamps is very old in Tamil culture.
• Tradition. According to the Arunachala tradition, the Maha Deepam recalls the column of fire in which Shiva appeared to Brahma and Vishnu before taking the form of the hill. It also recalls the moment Shiva took Parvati into himself as Ardhanarishvara. See Legends of Arunachala.

The ten-day Brahmotsavam

The festival is the finale of a ten-day Brahmotsavam, which begins with the hoisting of the temple flag (kodiyetram). The district administration describes the Karthigai Brahmotsavam as “celebrated for 10 days”, with Girivalam and the Periya Ther (great chariot) procession among its events.

• Daily processions: the deities are taken around the temple streets on decorated vahanas (vehicles), usually morning and night.
• Chariot festival: the temple chariots, including the great chariot, are drawn through the streets by devotees.
• Final day: the Bharani Deepam before dawn and the Maha Deepam at dusk.

The day-by-day schedule is set by the temple each year. We link to it from the 2026 page once it is published.

Bharani Deepam and Maha Deepam

• Bharani DeepamThe Bharani Deepam lit in the sanctum before dawn on Karthigai Deepam: what happens, the five lamps, its link to the Maha Deepam, and attending.
• Maha DeepamThe Maha Deepam lit on Arunachala's summit on Karthigai Deepam: when and how it is lit, the cauldron and ghee, how long it burns, where to watch it, and climbing passes.

• Before dawn: the Bharani Deepam is lit in the sanctum. Five lamps are lit from one flame.
• At dusk (about 6 PM): Ardhanarishvara is shown, the only time in the year, and the Maha Deepam is lit on the summit, visible for many kilometres.

Planning your visit

• Stay: rooms within walking distance of the temple sell out months ahead; see where to stay.
• Travel: special buses and trains are announced; private vehicles are stopped at parking areas on the edge of town. See how to reach.
• Where to watch: inside the temple, the courtyards facing the hill have a clear view of the summit, but entry is controlled and extremely crowded. The Girivalam road and open ground around town also give good views. The flame stays visible for days, so you can come later.
• Girivalam: walking around the hill while the Maha Deepam burns is especially popular. See Girivalam.
• Climbing the hill: only with the limited passes issued for the day. Don’t attempt it without one.
• Tickets for temple ceremonies: entry for the Bharani Deepam and Maha Deepam darshan inside the temple is controlled. Check the official website for how passes are issued each year.

After the festival

• The Maha Deepam is kept burning on the summit for several days.
• The Theppotsavam (float festival) follows on the temple tank.
• Crowds on the Girivalam road stay high for the next day or two, especially around the full moon.