🔥 Karthigai Deepam 2025 in Tiruvannamalai – Dates, Events & What to Do

Tiruvannamalai isn’t just another temple town—during Karthigai Deepam, it transforms into a living flame of devotion. This sacred event, centered around the Arunachala Hill and Arunachaleswarar Temple, celebrates the infinite form of Lord Shiva as fire.

If you’re planning a trip, especially as a group like Daga Developers, this guide gives you all the accurate dates, rituals, and top things to do between November 24 and December 4, 2025.

📆 Updated & Accurate Karthigai Deepam 2025 Festival Calendar

Here’s the official breakdown of dates leading to the Maha Deepam:

DateEventDetailsNov 24, 2025 (Monday)Karthigai Month BeginsStart of the sacred Tamil monthNov 25, 2025 (Tuesday)DwajarohanamFlag hoisting at Arunachaleswarar Temple – marks the start of 10-day BrahmotsavamNov 26 – Dec 3, 2025Daily Vahana ProcessionsDeities are taken out on different vahanams (vehicles) every nightDec 4, 2025 (Thursday, Morning)Bharani DeepamSacred lamps lit inside the temple before sunriseDec 4, 2025 (Thursday, Evening)Maha DeepamGiant flame lit atop Arunachala Hill around 6:00 PM

📌 Note: The lighting of Maha Deepam happens precisely when Karthigai Nakshatram coincides with the Full Moon (Pournami).

✨ Significance of Each Event

🕉️ Dwajarohanam (Nov 25, 2025)

A spiritual flag is hoisted inside the temple campus, officially kickstarting the 10-day Deepam festival. Daily rituals and processions begin from this point onward.

🚩 Brahmotsavam & Vahana Sevas (Nov 26 – Dec 3)

Every day, a different divine vehicle (vahanam) carries Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati around the streets. Crowd favorites include:

• Rishaba Vahanam (Bull)
• Simha Vahanam (Lion)
• Chandra Prabhai (Moon Chariot)
• Golden Chariot Procession

These processions are devotional and full of symbolic meaning. Great time to witness music, lights, and traditional drums.

🪔 Bharani Deepam (Morning of Dec 4, 2025)

Before sunrise, five sacred lamps are lit inside the sanctum sanctorum of the Arunachaleswarar temple using ghee and cotton wicks. This is believed to “activate” the energy of Shiva in preparation for the massive flame atop the hill.

🔥 Maha Deepam (Evening of Dec 4, 2025)

The main event! A huge copper cauldron, filled with tons of ghee and a 5-ft-long wick, is lit on the peak of Arunachala Hill around sunset. You can see this flame from several kilometers away—and it's a representation of Shiva’s boundless, formless light.

🧭 Must-Do Experiences in Tiruvannamalai During Deepam

Whether you're spiritually inclined or just soaking in the energy, here’s what you shouldn’t miss:

1. Walk the Sacred Girivalam Path

• What it is: A 14-km barefoot walk around Arunachala Hill
• Best time: Early morning or late night (avoid afternoon heat)
• Why: Every step is believed to purify karma and bring spiritual merit
• Tip: Do it silently while chanting “Om Namah Shivaya”

2. Climb to Skandashram or Virupaksha Cave

• Quiet meditation spots where Sri Ramana Maharshi lived
• Short trek, incredible views, peaceful vibes

3. Catch the Maha Deepam Lighting

• Best viewed from: Temple streets, rooftops, or town outskirts
• Be early: Find a viewing spot by 3 PM, as it gets super crowded

4. Visit the Ashrams

• Sri Ramana Ashram – Attend Vedic chanting and evening satsang
• Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram – A unique and peaceful space to reflect

5. Temple Darshan & Special Pujas

• The inner sanctum is open during early hours
• Special light and fire rituals during Deepam days

🧳 Travel Tips for Visitors (Especially Daga Developers!)

✅ Book Early:

• Rooms and guest houses fill up months in advance.
• Ashrams like Ramana Ashram also offer limited rooms.

✅ Getting There:

• Nearest Rail Station: Tiruvannamalai (connected via Katpadi or Villupuram)
• Nearest Airport: Chennai (190 km) or Bangalore (200 km)
• Buses & Taxis available from Chennai, Bangalore, Pondicherry

✅ What to Carry:

• Torch light
• Power bank
• Water bottle
• Meditation shawl
• Simple sandals (easy to remove for temple entries)

🙋‍♀️ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I climb the Arunachala hill on the day of Maha Deepam?

⛔ No. The hill is closed to the public on Maha Deepam day for safety reasons.

Q2: How early should I reach for a good view of the Deepam?

🎯 Aim to reach your viewing point by 3:00 PM at the latest.

Q3: Are foreign tourists allowed during Karthigai Deepam?

✅ Absolutely. It’s a global spiritual gathering—many seekers from abroad visit yearly.

Q4: Is the festival suitable for kids and elders?

👵👶 Yes, but stay mindful of the crowds, especially during Maha Deepam. Keep essentials handy.

🌟 Final Thoughts: Lighting the Inner Flame

Karthigai Deepam in Tiruvannamalai isn't just about lighting a flame—it's about igniting the fire of consciousness within. Whether you're a solo traveler, a spiritual seeker, or a crew like Daga Developers diving into Indian culture, this is one event that'll stay etched in your soul.

So, mark your calendar for December 4, 2025, and get ready to witness one of South India’s most powerful and ancient festivals—where fire meets divinity on sacred ground.