Thirukarthigai - Recipes - Why & How do we celebrate Karthigai Deepam

Thirukarthigai, also known as Karthigai Deepam, is one of the oldest and most sacred Tamil festivals, celebrated in the Tamil month of Karthigai on the auspicious Pournami (Full Moon) day. It is a festival of light, devotion, and divine protection, where homes are adorned with rows of glowing oil lamps symbolizing prosperity and spiritual awakening.

Throughout the entire month of Karthigai, families light lamps at the entrance of their homes. On the day of Thirukarthigai/Karthigai Deepam, the whole house is beautifully illuminated, creating a divine and uplifting atmosphere.

One of the most iconic places associated with this festival is Thiruvannamalai, world-renowned for its spectacular Karthigai Deepam celebrations.

Traditional oil lamps lit for Thirukarthigai festival during Karthigai Deepam. — Rows of glowing oil lamps lit for the auspicious Thirukarthigai / Karthigai Deepam festival.

Table of Contents

The Legend Behind Thirukarthigai / Karthigai Deepam

According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu once fell into an ego-driven argument, each claiming superiority. To humble them and restore harmony, Lord Shiva appeared as an infinite pillar of fire (Jyothi Sthambam) and challenged them:

“Whoever finds the beginning or end of this fire is the greatest.”

Brahma transformed into a swan (Annam) and flew upward.
Vishnu took the form of Varaha (boar) and dug deep into the earth.

Despite their divine powers, neither could find the beginning nor end of Shiva’s fiery form. Realizing their mistake, they surrendered their ego and prayed with devotion. Lord Shiva then revealed himself to them.

This divine appearance as a pillar of endless fire is commemorated as Thirukarthigai / Karthigai Deepam.

Thiruvannamalai Deepam – The Holy Fire Hill

Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu is the spiritual epicenter of Karthigai Deepam. Lord Shiva is believed to have manifested as Arunachala Hill, a form of Agni (fire).

Tiruvannamalai and Arunachala both mean “holy fire hill.”
The Shiva Linga here is the Agni Linga, representing the fire element.
Devotees light tiny oil lamps at home which symbolize miniature Jyothi Lingas.

Every year, lakhs of devotees gather to witness the Mahadeepam, lit atop the sacred hill—a mesmerizing sight symbolizing divine brilliance and protection.

Spiritual Significance of Thirukarthigai

Karthigai Deepam represents

The victory of light over darkness
Removal of ignorance and ego
Infinite nature of God (Ananta Jyothi)
Protection, prosperity & spiritual growth

Homes are decorated with rows of lamps to invoke Lord Shiva’s Jyothi Swarupam—the form of divine light.

Festival Days

Day 1: Appa Karthigai
Day 2: Vadai Karthigai

Devotees prepare and offer traditional neivedhyam such as Pori, Adhirasam, Vella Seedai, Vetrilai-Pakku, and fruits.

In South Tamil Nadu and Kerala, sisters light the sacred Gajalakshmi Vilakku (Elephant Lamp) to pray for the well-being and longevity of their brothers.

Why Do We Light the Elephant Lamp (Gajalakshmi Vilakku) on Karthigai?

A touching traditional story explains this practice:

A king once had a single daughter who grew up with a beloved elephant. She treated the elephant as her own brother. After marriage, she deeply missed him. Every Karthigai Deepam, she lit an elephant-shaped lamp, prayed for her brother, and offered: