"Karthigai Deepam"

Karthigai Deepam is one of the oldest festivals celebrated by the Tamil people in the Tamil month of Karthigai. It has been referred to in many ancient works of Tamil literature that dates back to 2,000 or 2,500 BC. There are believes, several reasons or stories behind observing Karthigai Deepam.

In Telugu households, Kaartheeka maasam (month) is considered very auspicious. The Kartheeka month starts on the day of Deepawali. From that day till the end of the month, oil lamps are lit every day. On Kartheeka Pournami (full moon of Kartheeka month) oil lamp with 365 wicks, prepared at home, are lit in Lord Shiva temples. Apart from that, Kaartheeka puranam is read and fasting is observed till sunset, every day for the whole month.

Thrikarthika, or Trikartika, is the festival of lights celebrated in Kerala on the Kartika Nakshatram (star) in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam(November – December). It usually falls on the full moon day in the month and on the day all the houses, streets and temples are well lit with traditional oil lamps. The festival is mainly observed in South Kerala. In 2013, the date of Thrikarthika is December 15. 

Thrikarthika festival is not dedicated to any particular God or Goddess. But some people do claim that is dedicated to Shakti – popularly known as Bhagavati in Kerala. Some people claim it is an ancient form of nature worship. 

On this day after sunset, houses, streets and temples are decorated with special oil lamps. The stems of banana (plantain) and tender leaves of coconut tree are used to decorate the Thrikarthika lamps. People who have domesticated animals also decorate the cowshed and other places used by animals. Special food is prepared using Tapioca, elephant yam and other tubers with lot of grated coconut on the day and is known as Kartika Puzhukku.

Belief & Stories behind Karthigai 

Once Brahma and Vishnu due to the ego started arguing with each other "who is the greatest". Both claimed to be the greatest, instead of doing their duty. At that time the God Shiva appeared in the form of fire and told them whoever finds the top or bottom of the fire is the greatest. Brahma took the form of Annam (a bird) and tried to find the top of the fire pillar. Vishnu took the form of Varahan ( giant pig) and tried to see the bottom of the pillar. As the God has no limit in his size or power, both of them could not see either top or bottom of the fire. When their ego went down and they prayed the God, He appeared before them. The day in which the God appeared as a pillar of fire is Thirukarthigai/Karthigai Deepam.

Lord Shiva appeared as a hill (Arunachala Hill) at Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu. Indeed, the very names `Tiruvannamalai' and `Arunachala' translate as `holy fire hill.' The Shivalinga in the temple here is the agni linga. The tiny lamps lit during the Karthigai festival (Karthigai Deepam) are believed to be the miniature replicas of the fire linga.

First day of this festival is called as "Appakarthigai" and the second day is called as "vadai karthigai". All devotees will offer pori,adhirasam,vella Seedai, vetrilai pakku,fruits as neivedhyam for God Shiva.

Kartikai Deepam and Lord Muruga

It is also called as ‘Thirukarthigai’ and celebrated the birth of Lord Muruga. Lord Muruga, also known as Skanda, Subrahamaniya and Kartik, was born as six different babies to Lord Shiva after he awoke from the deep meditation after Goddess Sati’s death. The six babies were looked after by the Six Krittika stars and the six children were later joined to a single force by Goddess Parvati. Krittika is the six starts or the Pleiades cluster – when Muruga joins them as a child they make seven stars. As Muruga was born as six different babies and later joined into one. He is popularly known as Aarumugan in Tamil culture. 

On this day mostly people in Tamilnadu fast from morning till evening. In the evening after doing Puja, they light large number of flat earthen oil lamps (Agal Vilakku) and arrange it in a beautiful way on the Kolams drawn in front of the house. The lamps are also kept in a row on the Balconies, Staircases, Near the Door Entrance, Windows, all over the floors and wherever people find place in and around their houses. Traditionally Karthigai is celebrated with earthen oil lamps only. Now, in Cities some people switched over to the scented candles in different colours and designs. J

Lord Muruga as Kumara guru Advising Lord Shiva.

Another legend has it that the lamps lit symbolically represent knowledge, victory and peace. Muruga as Kumaraguru is believed to have taught the meaning of ‘OM’ to Lord Shiva. Thus the lamps lit on the day are in remembrance of sharing the ultimate knowledge of ‘OM.’ The knowledge of OM helps in enlightenment and emancipation. 

King Bali Surrendering to Lord Vishnu

Another legend associated with Karthigai Deepam is that King Bali surrendered before Lord Vishnu. King Bali attained moksha by surrendering all his wealth and himself before Lord Vishnu. Special offerings made from puffed rice and beaten rice is believed to be due to this legend. 

Thiruvannamalai MahaDeepam and Shiva as Lingodhabhava Murti

Another popular legend associated with that of Karthigai Deepam is that of Lord Shiva appearing in the form of Lingodhbhava – a pillar of fire with no end and beginning. This is celebrated at the famous TiruvannamalaiArunachaleswar Temple as the Thiruvannamalai Deepam. 

It is celebrated in a grand manner at Tiruvannamalai where a huge lamp (A circular metal lamp of five and half feet height and diameter of five feet which hold 2000 litres of ghee. The wick of the lamp is made up of 30 meters of thick cotton cloth and 2 kilogram camphor) is lit on top of the Tiruvannamalai hill, symbolifying Shiva’s appearance as a huge column of light. When the lamp is lit, it can be seen across an area of 35 kilometers around the Hill Shrine.

In down South of Tamilnadu and in Kerala, Hindus will pray god for goodness of their brothers lighting up elephant lamp (Gajalakshmi Vilaku) which marks as a sign of prosperity and wealth. Rows of Agal vilakkus (oil lit lamps) are lit in every house. Karthigai is essentially a festival of lamps. The lighted lamp is considered an auspicious symbol. It is believed to ward off evil forces and usher in prosperity and joy. While the lighted lamp is important for all Hindu rituals and festivals, it is indispensable for Karthigai. This festival is also celebrated to commemorate the bonding between brothers and sisters in south India. Sisters pray for the prosperity and success of their brothers and light lamps to mark the occasion.

The lamps are also lit for a happy married life and for the well being of children in the family. Children also burst crackers to mark the occasion. The lighted lamp is considered an auspicious symbol. It is believed to ward off evil forces and usher in prosperity and joy. More than that it is a beautiful sight to watch the lamps or the candles glow in the dark night.

All the above stories and belief says one thing……..

 “Throw our ego and all complex we had till today from mind inviting all good things”. This is a chance we got to thank the nature, decorate our house, enjoy lighting up the lamps, make good food, spread happiness and celebrate with our loved ones. The full moon night and the Thrikarthika lamps complement each other giving a great feel to the viewers.