When Is Karthika Deepam

: Devotees typically light oil lamps shortly after sunset, generally between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM . Spiritual & Mythological Significance

The festival is deeply rooted in Shaivism and the worship of Lord Murugan. when is karthika deepam

In 2026, Karthika Deepam will be celebrated on . : Devotees typically light oil lamps shortly after

Astronomically, the festival occurs when the moon is near the star cluster known as the Pleiades (Krittika in Sanskrit, Karthigai in Tamil). Mythologically, these six stars are the six celestial nymphs who raised Lord Murugan (Kartikeya). Thus, the festival also celebrates the unity and nurturing nature of the divine. Astronomically, the festival occurs when the moon is

The epicenter of the celebration is the Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai. A massive copper cauldron filled with hundreds of kilos of ghee and camphor is lit at the peak of the Arunachala Hill. This "Maha Deepam" can be seen from several kilometers away and symbolizes the infinite light of Shiva.

Karthika Deepam (also known as ) is an ancient Hindu festival of lights celebrated primarily by Tamil and Malayali Hindus. It occurs when the Kṛttikā (Karthigai) Nakshatra aligns with the full moon ( Pournami ) in the Tamil month of Karthigai . When is Karthika Deepam 2026?

The primary legend behind the timing of Karthika Deepam involves the dispute between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu regarding supremacy. Lord Shiva appeared before them as an endless pillar of fire (the Jyotirlinga) to prove his infinite nature. The festival commemorates this manifestation. The lighting of the lamp (Deepam) symbolizes the removal of ignorance and the triumph of knowledge.