Karthigai Deepam 2025: Lakhs flock to Tiruvannamalai for grand mahadeepam lighting on Annamalai Hill

Tiruvannamalai: Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu drew lakhs of devotees on Wednesday as preparations reached their peak for the lighting of the iconic Mahadeepam atop Annamalai Hill, the highlight of the 10-day Karthigai Deepam festival at the historic Arunachaleswarar Temple.

The day began at 4 am with the ceremonial lighting of the Bharani Deepam inside the sanctum’s Arthamandapam. Shivacharyas performed special rituals and a yajna before the sacred flame was lit and taken in procession through the Vaikunta Vasal towards the hill. Five lamps symbolising the five elements were lit from the Bharani Deepam and carried to different shrines across the temple.

The flame was then brought to the Unnamulai Amman shrine, where thousands of devotees raised chants of “Annamalaiyar be blessed, Unnamulai Amman be blessed,” offering prayers in unison.

On the final day of the festival, special abhishekams, alankarams, deepaaradhana and homams were performed early in the morning for Lord Arunachaleswarar. The temple, decorated with floral arrangements and elaborate lighting, drew devotees from across Tamil Nadu, other states and overseas.

The Mahadeepam is scheduled to be lit at 6 pm on the hilltop, coinciding with the arrival of the Ardhanareeswarar procession at the temple. Once lit, the flame will burn for 11 consecutive days and is expected to be visible from a distance of nearly 40 kilometres, a sight considered deeply auspicious by millions.

To manage the massive turnout, 15,000 police personnel have been deployed across the town. More than 4,700 special buses and several dedicated train services have been arranged to Tiruvannamalai. A total of 130 parking zones and 24 temporary bus stations have also been set up.

Along the girivalam path, where lakhs of devotees undertake the sacred 14-km circumambulation of the hill, free food distribution centres have been established. Despite early morning rainfall that initially slowed footfall, crowds swelled steadily through the day.

Among the notable visitors were Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister PK Sekar Babu, former Andhra Pradesh minister and actor Roja, Justice Mahadevan, IG Asra Garg, DIG Dharmarajan, Collector Darabagharaj and SP Dr Sudhakar.

This year’s festival is being celebrated with exceptional enthusiasm, with an estimated 40 lakh devotees expected to witness the lighting of the Mahadeepam, underscoring Tiruvannamalai’s enduring spiritual appeal.

IANS