Tiruvannamalai Karthigai Deepam 2025: Tiruvannamalai Karthigai Deepam is one of Tamil Nadu’s most sacred festivals, celebrated at the Arunachaleswarar Temple. Devotees from across India gather to witness the divine lighting of the Maha Deepam atop the Annamalai Hill. The 2025 festival is expected to attract lakhs of pilgrims, with preparations already underway.
| Event Name | Tiruvannamalai Karthigai Deepam Festival 2025 |
|---|---|
| Location | Arunachaleswarar Temple & Annamalai Hills, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu |
| Duration | 10 Days (Exact 2025 dates to be announced) |
| Main Event | Maha Deepam lighting on the top of Annamalai Hill |
| Associated Rituals | Dwajarohanam, Bharani Deepam, Temple Processions, Girivalam (Giripradakshina) |
| Expected Month | November–December 2025 |
| Darshan Type | General Darshan (Free), Special Entry (₹50), Fast Track (₹100), VIP (₹200) |
| Special Festival Tickets | Bharani Deepam & Maha Deepam (₹500–₹600 based on previous year) |
| Online Booking | Limited; released through the official HR&CE website |
| Official Website | annamalaiyar.hrce.tn.gov.in |
| Offline Booking | Available at temple counters (for darshan & pooja tickets) |
| Crowd Level | Very High during Deepam week & Full Moon days |
| Best Time for Visit | Early morning or late night darshan; avoid peak Deepam hours |
| Important Note | Online Darshan booking not available; only festival special tickets may appear online |
What Is Tiruvannamalai Karthigai Deepam?
Karthigai Deepam is a 10-day festival dedicated to Lord Shiva as Arunachaleswarar, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. The festival’s grand finale is the Maha Deepam, a massive flame lit atop the Annamalai Hills, visible from kilometers away.
It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared as an infinite pillar of fire at Tiruvannamalai, making this festival spiritually highly significant.
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Tiruvannamalai Karthigai Deepam 2025 Dates
The exact dates will be confirmed by the HR&CE Department, but based on the Tamil calendar, the Karthigai Deepam 2025 festival will fall in November–December 2025.
Expected Timeline
| Festival Event | Expected Date 2025 | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Dwajarohanam | Early December 2025 | Flag hoisting – festival begins |
| Bharani Deepam | December 2025 | Sacred lamp lit inside temple |
| Maha Deepam | December 2025 | Giant flame lit on Arunachala Hill |
| Festival Duration | 10 Days | Utsavam with daily rituals & processions |
Major Events of Karthigai Deepam Festival
1. Dwajarohanam
The ceremonial hoisting of the temple flag marks the beginning of the festival.
2. Bharani Deepam
A sacred lamp is lit inside the sanctum early in the morning.
3. Processions
Lord Arunachaleswarar and Goddess Unnamulai Amman are taken in silver and wooden chariots around the temple streets.
4. Maha Deepam
The most important event — the lighting of a huge ghee lamp atop the Arunachala Hill at dusk. Lakhs of devotees gather to witness this divine moment.
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Giripradakshina (Girivalam) 2025 – Monthly Pournami Dates
Girivalam (circumambulation of the sacred hill) is especially auspicious on Pournami. Here are the 2025 Full Moon dates:
| Month | Pournami Date |
|---|---|
| January | 13–14 |
| February | 11–12 |
| March | 13–14 |
| April | 12–13 |
| May | 11–12 |
| June | 10–11 |
| July | 10–11 |
| August | 8–9 |
| September | 7 |
| October | 6–7 |
| November | 4–5 |
| December | 4–5 |
These dates help pilgrims plan Girivalam and Deepam visits.
Tiruvannamalai Darshan & Ticket Information (2025)
Online booking for darshan is NOT available. Tickets must be purchased at temple counters.
Darshan Ticket Types & Estimated Costs (2025)
| Ticket Type | Expected Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| General Darshan | Free | Open to all |
| Special Entry Darshan | ₹50 | Faster queue |
| Fast Track Darshan | ₹100 | Much quicker entry |
| VIP Darshan | ₹200 | Priority darshan |
| Abhishekam Ticket | ₹250 per person | Ritual & special puja access |
| Bharani Deepam Ticket | Approx. ₹500 | Limited tickets (based on 2024) |
| Maha Deepam Ticket | ₹500–₹600 | Very limited availability |
Important Notes
- 2024 had only 500 Bharani Deepam & 1,100 Maha Deepam online tickets.
- 2025 availability is expected to be similarly limited.
- Always use the official HR&CE website for information.
How to Get Tickets in 2025
Offline Booking (Primary Method)
Most tickets are issued directly at temple counters during festival days.
Online Booking (If Provided for Deepam)
When online tickets are released:
- Visit annamalaiyar.hrce.tn.gov.in
- Look for Festival Tickets / Deepam Tickets
- Choose Bharani Deepam or Maha Deepam
- Complete payment quickly (tickets sell out fast)
(Note: Online tickets may or may not be released every year.)
Tiruvannamalai Karthigai Deepam 2025 – Events & Attractions
| Event / Attraction | Description | Significance | Expected Date (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dwajarohanam | Flag-hoisting ceremony marking the start of the 10-day festival | Invokes divine blessings and officially opens the festival | To be announced (Nov/Dec 2025) |
| Silver Chariot Processions | Deities are taken around the temple streets on silver vehicles | Symbolizes the divine presence blessing devotees | Daily during festival |
| Bharani Deepam | Sacred lamp lit inside the temple in the early morning | Represents the spark of cosmic creation | Expected on Day 10 morning |
| Maha Deepam | The giant lamp lit atop Annamalai Hill | Main highlight; symbolizes Lord Shiva as Agni (Fire) | Expected on Day 10 evening (Nov/Dec 2025) |
| Girivalam / Giripradakshina | 14 km circumambulation of Arunachala Hill | Considered spiritually powerful especially on Full Moon | Monthly Pournami (Dates already known for 2025) |
| Temple Darshan | Special entry, fast-track, and VIP darshan options | Helps devotees have quicker darshan during the massive crowds | Throughout festival |
| Abhishekam & Special Poojas | Ritual offerings performed inside the temple | Important for spiritual merit | Available daily (ticketed) |
| Deepam Viewing Spots | Specially allocated areas around the temple for devotees to watch Maha Deepam | Highest crowd attraction | Last day evening |
| Street Markets & Festive Stalls | Food stalls, lamps, devotional items | Adds cultural vibrancy to the festival | All 10 days |
Important Tips for Devotees
Do’s
- Reach early to avoid huge crowds.
- Carry water and essential medicines.
- Wear comfortable footwear.
- Follow police and temple authority instructions.
Don’ts
- Avoid carrying large bags.
- Do not rely on last-minute ticket availability.
- Avoid fake websites or agents.
- Do not attempt to climb the hill without permission.
FAQs
1. When is the Tiruvannamalai Karthigai Deepam Festival in 2025?
The 10-day festival will be held in November–December 2025. The exact dates will be announced by the temple closer to the event.
2. What is the significance of Karthigai Deepam?
Karthigai Deepam celebrates Lord Shiva as Arunachaleswarar, symbolizing divine light. The Maha Deepam lit on Arunachala Hill represents the cosmic flame of Shiva.
3. What is the Maha Deepam?
Maha Deepam is the main event where a giant ghee lamp is lit on top of Annamalai Hill at dusk on the final festival day. Lakhs of devotees gather to witness it.
4. What is Bharani Deepam?
Bharani Deepam is an early-morning lamp lighting ritual inside the temple that happens before Maha Deepam.
5. Are tickets required for Karthigai Deepam 2025?
General darshan is free.
Special darshan tickets (if available) can be purchased only at temple counters.
6. Is online booking available for darshan?
Online booking for darshan is not available. Only specific festival tickets (if announced) appear briefly on the official HRCE website.
7. What is the official website for ticket information?
The official site is annamalaiyar.hrce.tn.gov.in.
8. How much do special entry tickets cost?
Based on previous years:
- Special Entry Darshan – ₹50
- Fast Track – ₹100
- VIP Darshan – ₹200
- Abhishekam ticket – ₹250
9. How crowded is the festival?
Extremely crowded. Over 10 lakh devotees visit during the 10-day festival, especially on Maha Deepam day.
10. What is Girivalam/Giripradakshina?
It is the holy walk around Arunachala Hill (14 km), especially auspicious on Pournami (Full Moon).
11. Where can I get Girivalam 2025 dates?
The Full Moon dates for 2025 are already available in Tamil calendars (January–December dates provided in your text above).
12. Are special Maha Deepam tickets available?
If released, they are extremely limited and sell out within minutes. Some years only 500–1100 tickets are issued.
13. Can children and senior citizens attend?
Yes, but due to heavy crowds, it is suggested to arrive early and avoid peak hours.
14. Are vehicles allowed near the temple during the festival?
No. Roads around the temple are usually closed. You must walk from designated parking areas.
15. Is accommodation available near the temple?
Yes, but it fills up months in advance. Booking lodging early is strongly recommended.
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