What are Kartigai Dates?
Kartigai (or Karthigai) refers to the Tamil month that falls between November and December, coinciding with the Nakshatra Krittika. This month is considered extremely auspicious in South Indian tradition, with several important observances dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Murugan, and the divine flame (Jyoti).
Key Observances
- Karthigai Deepam — The Festival of Lights celebrated on the full moon day. Rows of oil lamps are lit in homes and temples to symbolise the triumph of light over darkness. The famous Maha Deepam is lit atop Arunachaleswarar Temple hill in Tiruvannamalai.
- Karthigai Somavar — Mondays in Karthigai month are especially sacred for Lord Shiva worship. Devotees observe fasts and visit Shiva temples.
- Karthigai Bharani — The day when the Bharani star falls in Karthigai month; auspicious for ancestral rites and Shiva worship.
- Krittika Nakshatra Day — The star day of Karthigai; special pujas are performed for Lord Murugan, who is closely associated with this star.
Significance of Karthigai Deepam
Karthigai Deepam is one of the oldest festivals in Tamil culture. The lighting of lamps represents the divine light of Lord Shiva, who appeared as an infinite pillar of fire (Jyotirlingam) to settle a dispute between Brahma and Vishnu. This event is re-enacted every year at Tiruvannamalai with the lighting of the Maha Deepam, visible for kilometres.
Rituals
- Clean the house and temple area thoroughly.
- Light rows of oil lamps (agal vilakku) — traditionally with sesame oil or ghee.
- Offer Pancha Deepam (five-wick lamp) to Lord Shiva.
- Prepare traditional sweets like pori urundai (puffed rice balls) and appam.
- Visit Shiva and Murugan temples and perform Girivalam (circumambulation of the temple hill).
- Chant Om Namah Shivaya and Karthigai Deepam prayers.
Benefits
- Dispelling of darkness, ignorance, and negativity from one's life.
- Blessings of Lord Shiva for health, wealth, and spiritual growth.
- Strengthening of the Sun and Ketu in the horoscope (Krittika is ruled by the Sun).
- Protection from evil forces and ancestral curses.
- Inner illumination and progress on the spiritual path.