During the Tamil month of Karthigai on a full moon day, Lord Shiva appeared before Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma, who each considered himself supreme and said that the matter could be tested if the two could search for Lord Shiva’s Head and Feet. Lord Vishnu took the form of a boar and delved deep into the earth, Lord Brahma that of a swan and flew towards the skies. Both failed in their efforts and then Lord Shiva then appeared as a flame and came to be known as Karthigai Maha Deepa Darshan. The significance is that the arrogance of supremacy and ignorance of darkness will get eliminated when one lit up himself with the light of knowledge with humility to realize the ultimate truth. The inner light remove the ignorance and outer light removes the darkness symbolizing that both are one and the same as the light of fire has no boundaries.
Why the Karthigai Deepam in Tiruvannamalai is very special? Lord Shiva appeared as a flame of Love at Thiruvannamalai to make it as Deepam day and the beauty is that the scared Temple Hill itself becomes the Agal Villakku of Love where the Desire to know the truth is poured as oil and Knowledge is used as the thread to lit up. When the love, desire and knowledge all sync together, the light of wisdom comes into light and all surrounding darkness of evils go away.
How the Karthigai Deepam celebrated everywhere? Since this is a festival of lamps & lights, celebrations are done by lighting rows of Agal vilakkus (Clay Oil lamps) in houses and temples. The lighted lamp is considered an auspicious symbol and believed to ward off evil forces and usher in prosperity and joy.
Where to stay during Karthigai Deepam at Tiruvannamalai? Should you not be visiting and witnessing the Deepam from the best place to realize the magnitude and essence of this all-important festival of the year? Please visit Manasarovar Homes which provides the best accommodation of all types and most importantly the vantage location to view the grand Deepam! Manasarovar Homes offer luxury resorts, holiday rentals and long & short term serviced apartments at affordable prices and by staying at Manasarovar Homes during Karthigai Deepam, you get both values of stay and life together at one go!