Kãrtika Deepam (Sarvãlaya Deepam)
December 13, 2024 (Friday)
4:30 pm – Šri Šiva & Šri Shanmukha Abhishekam, Šri Rudra Trišatinãma Pooja, Agni Linga Pooja, Deepa Alankãram, Hãrati.
The Significance of Arunãchala Deepam
Kãrtika Deepam or Festival of Lights is observed on the Full Moon day in the month of vrichikam (Nov.-Dec.). Usually this happens to be krittika nakshatram day as well. On this day Lord Šiva is worshipped in His manifestation as Jyotir Linga or linga in the form of Light.
The holy place where Lord Šiva manifested as Jyotirlinga is none other than Arunãchala or Aruna Giri in Tiruvannãmalai, South India. The Arunãchala represents the Agni (Fire) principle and is very famous for its Kãrtika Deepam festival or the Festival of Lights.
The Lighting Festival takes place in the evening just before dusk. A big hollow on top of the hill is filled with ghee (purified butter), oil and camphor. A huge wick is placed in the mixture and lighted and the flames are seen miles afar for nearly three months. Anyone who beholds the flames is believed to get release from the cycle of birth and death.
The spiritual significance of this festival is that anyone who through constant meditation, sees the Light of lights that is eternally burning in the chambers of one’s own heart, attains immortality. On this auspicious day, may Lord Šiva bless us all to see the Light and grant us Liberation..
Sponsorship
Please sponsor Kãrtika Deepam poojas generously and support the Temple. Devotees may sponsor the following religious services online. You may also sponsor in person or over phone by calling the Temple directly at (718) 460-8484 ext 112.
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