Thiruvannamalai Deepam Timings For The Karthigai Festival

Planning your visit to witness the sacred Thiruvannamalai Deepam Timings can be thrilling yet confusing if you don’t have accurate details. Thiruvannamalai Deepam, also called Karthigai Deepam, is an annual celebration at the Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tamil Nadu that draws lakhs of devotees to see the towering flame lit on top of the sacred Arunachala hill.

What Is Thiruvannamalai Deepam?

The festival of Deepam (lamp lighting) is one of Tamil Nadu’s oldest and most revered Hindu festivals, celebrated in the Tamil month of Karthigai (between November and December). This festival symbolizes divine light and the eternal flame of Lord Shiva. It includes a ten-day celebration of rituals and utsavams (festivities) culminating in the lighting of the Bharani Deepam inside the temple and the Maha Deepam on the hilltop.

Annual Dates And Schedule

Every year the main Thiruvannamalai Deepam event is tied to the Karthigai Nakshatra during the full moon (pournami). In 2025, the festival’s main Deepam day was on December 3, 2025. On this day, the early morning ritual (Bharani Deepam) and the grand evening Mahadeepam lighting are the centre of attention. Understanding Thiruvannamalai Deepam Timings is essential.

During the Brahmotsavam (10-day festival), daily rituals and processions take place, often starting early in the morning and continuing into the evening.

Detailed Thiruvannamalai Deepam Timings

Bharani Deepam Timing

The Bharani Deepam, the sacred lamp inside the Arunachaleswarar Temple, is lit early in the pre-dawn hours on the main festival day. In 2025, it was approximately at 4:00 AM on December 3. This early lighting marks the spiritual beginning of the climactic celebrations.

Mahadeepam (Hilltop) Timing

What most pilgrims come to see is the grand Mahadeepam on top of the Arunachala hill — a massive flame that represents Lord Shiva in his cosmic form. This Deepam is typically lit in the evening around 6:00 PM. In 2025, it was lit at about this time on the festival day. This relates to Thiruvannamalai Deepam Timings.

Daily Rituals During Festival

During the ten days leading up to the main Deepam event, various rites and temple activities follow strict morning and evening routines, often involving poojas, vahana processions, and ceremonial worship. These activities start early (before sunrise) and extend into the night.

When To Arrive For Best Experience

If you’re visiting Thiruvannamalai to witness the Deepam, plan to arrive at least one or two days in advance of the main day. Devotees fill up rooms and lodges quickly because millions attend during the peak. I personally recommend booking accommodation well ahead, especially if your travel date is fixed around December. Crowd movements get heavier the evening before the main Mahadeepam lighting.

Arriving early on the morning of the bohari or Bharani Deepam lets you soak in the rituals at a quieter pace before the main evening celebration begins. What surprised me on my last visit was how peaceful the early-morning temple atmosphere remained despite the huge crowds expected later in the day. Learn more about Thiruvannamalai Deepam Timings.

Things To Expect At The Festival

You can expect massive crowds, special temple rituals, processions of deities in ornate vahanas (vehicles), and devotional music during the ten-day period. Local shops near the temple are abuzz with devotional offerings and lamp supplies. The lighting of the hilltop lamp is visible from several kilometres away on clear nights — a sight many describe as humbling and spiritually moving.

Tips And Best Practices For Visitors

• Plan your travel and lodging at least two months early.
• Wear comfortable footwear — you may walk long distances around the temple and Girivalam path.
• Carry water, a small first aid kit, and light snacks for day-long waiting before peak events.
• Respect local customs and temple rules, especially during sacred rituals.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Assuming the hilltop flame is lit after midnight — the Mahadeepam is lit in the evening.
• Booking accommodation too late — rooms fill up fast weeks ahead.
• Ignoring temple opening times — daily pooja schedules differ from festival timings.
• Underestimating crowd size — be prepared for significant delays around darshan and main event areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Exact Thiruvannamalai Deepam Timings?

For 2025, the Bharani Deepam inside the temple was around 4:00 AM and the Mahadeepam (hilltop) was at about 6:00 PM on December 3. Annual timing may shift slightly based on the Tamil calendar.

Can I Attend The Deepam Without Booking In Advance?

Visibility of events like the Mahadeepam lighting is free but reaching a comfortable viewing spot is much easier with advance planning. Expect the crowds to surge well before the official timings.

Is There An Entry Fee?

Temple entry and witnessing Deepam lighting are generally free of cost. Special darshan tickets may be available for certain privileges at designated temple entry points.

When Should I Perform Girivalam?

While pilgrims perform Girivalam (circumambulation) on full moon nights every month, the most auspicious time is on the Deepam day and during the Karthigai month.

Are There Any Official Temple Websites For More Info?

You can visit the official Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple site for daily pooja details and other temple events.