Thiruvannamalai Deepam 2022 & Tiruvannamalai Girivalam 2022 | Significance

Thiruvannamalai Deepam 2022 & Tiruvannamalai Girivalam 2022  | Significance

 

Thiruvannamalai deepam is an annual Hindu festival that takes place in the town of Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu, India. The festival, which is held in the Tamil month of Karthikai (usually November or December), is centered around the sacred Arunachaleswarar Temple, which is dedicated to the god Shiva.

During the festival, a huge lamp is lit on the top of the Annamalai Hill, which is located near the temple. The lamp, which is made of ghee (clarified butter) and is said to be as tall as a five-story building, is lit by the head priest of the temple using a specially made long bamboo stick. The lighting of the lamp is accompanied by the chanting of mantras and the blowing of conch shells.

The festival is considered to be one of the most important in the Hindu calendar, and it is believed that those who attend the lighting of the deepam are blessed with good health, wealth, and prosperity. The festival is also seen as a time for spiritual renewal and introspection, and many people visit the temple to pray and offer their respects to Shiva.

In addition to the lighting of the deepam, the festival also includes a number of other religious ceremonies and rituals. These include the recitation of the Shiva Purana, the singing of hymns, and the performance of traditional dance and music. The festival also includes a procession of devotees who carry pots of holy water from the temple to the base of the Annamalai Hill, where they pour the water over a sacred lingam (a symbol of Shiva) as a sign of devotion.

One of the highlights of the festival is the Girivalam, which is a spiritual walk around the base of the Annamalai Hill. The Girivalam is believed to have many spiritual benefits, and thousands of people participate in it each year. The walk, which is about 14 kilometers in length, is typically undertaken at night, and participants carry lamps with them as they walk.

The Thiruvannamalai deepam festival is also an important cultural event, and it attracts visitors from all over India and the world. The festival is celebrated with great fanfare and enthusiasm, and it is a time of joy and celebration for the people of Thiruvannamalai.

In conclusion, the Thiruvannamalai deepam is a significant Hindu festival that is held annually in the town of Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu, India. The festival, which is centered around the Arunachaleswarar Temple, is a time for spiritual renewal and celebration, and it attracts thousands of visitors each year.