TIRUVANNAMALAI: Amid lakhs of people chanting rhymes, ‘Annamalaiyarukku Arohara’, the Maha Karthigai Deepam of Arunachaleswarar temple was lit atop 2668-ft-high Annamalaiayar hills here on Monday. About 10 lakh people participated in the Girivalam (circumambulation of hill) to witness the Maha Deepam braving the threat from cyclone Vardah.
The incessant rains were no deterrent for thousands of devotees to climb the Annamalaiyar hills to catch a glimpse of the Maha Deepam.
The 10-day festival began with flag hoisting on December 3 and culminated with lighting of the Deepam, amidst religious fervour. The festival commenced around 4 am with the Barani Deepam lighted inside the temple in Artha mandapam, before Arunachaleswarar Sannathi.
The Deepam was taken through Vaigunda gate of temple and shown towards the hills. Followed by this, the Barani deepam was taken around temple precincts for devotee’s darshan. Thousands of devotees thronged inside the temple to catch the glimpse of Barani deepam. Indicating the Panchapootha’s, five lamps were lighted using the Barani deepam.
Lighting of Barani deepam ceremony was telecast on two screens set up at Thirukalayna Mandapam and Auditorium in Northern gate. Around 5.30 p.m, Lord Arunachaleswarar accompanied by Unnamalai Amman, Goddess Parasakthi, Lord Vinayagar, Lord Muruga and Lord Chandeswarar were carried in a palanquin before the Alankara Mandapam.
Later, a cotton wick and ghee from Barani Deepam was taken to the hill to light the grand Maha Deepam. Around 6.00 pm, amid devotees shouting ‘Annamalaiyarukku Arohara’, the Maha Deepam was lit on top of the hills in the new copper cauldron by men belonging to Parvatharajakulam Nattar, a sub section of the fishermen community.