Tiruvannaamalai - Karthigai Maha Deepam Festival

Karthigai Maha Deepam Festival

Karthigai Maha Deepam is a great grand fest in Thirvannamalai and the North Arcot region. On this day Thiruvanamalai town, having a population of 5 lakhs, accommodates over 86 lakh people. This great grand fest reaches its high spirituality by lighting Mahadeepam at Thiruvannamalai mountain which is 2900 feet high. The Great grand fest of Karthigai Mahadeepam is celebrated for 10 days;

• First day – The Holy flag is hoisted on temple which marks the fest of Thiruvannamalai . lord Arunachalar will pride with Adihara nandhi (evng) and Kannadi radham ( morning).
• Second day – Surya prabha (mor) and Indira&Aachi vinamas (evng).
• Third day – Boodha vahana (mor) and Simma vahana(evening).
• Fourth day – Naga vahana(mor) and kamadhenu karpaga viruksha(evng).
• Fifth day – Kannadi nandi(mor)and large silver nandhi (25 feet high ) (evng).
• Sixth day – Nayanmar parade(fore noon) silver gaja ( after noon) silver car (totally five;each 25000 tonnes;45 fts high)(evng).
• Seventh day – five maha radhas (Third one for god Arunachalar) (120 fts).

• Eight day – Red horse (mor)and Pichandavar by evng (3:30 pm) White royal horse (evng).
• Ninth day – Purusha miruga vahanana(mor) and Kailasa ( evng).
• Tenth grand day – Barani deepa(early morning) Kalyana seeva(mor) Uchikala seeva(noon) Saya ratcha seeva(after noon) Panchamurthi before kodimara(5pm) Arthanareewara (5:59 pm)Signal deepam on temple(5:59:30 pm) Maha deepam on mountain(6pm) unfrill holy flag(9pm).