The hugely popular Deepam festival at the Lord Arunchaleswarar temple in Thiruvannamalai started early this morning Today (Friday , 17th November) with the divine flag-hoisting ceremony!

Renowned as the place of fire among the Panchabootham places and the sanctuary for salvation, the Tiruvannamalai Annamalaiyar Temple has commenced the much-celebrated Tirukarthikai Deepam Festival. The inaugural ceremony witnessed the majestic hoisting of the golden flag tree, symbolizing the commencement of the festivities.

The temple gates opened at 2 o'clock in the morning, heralding the start of the special abhishekahm prayers dedicated to Annamalaiyar and Unnamulai Amman. The sacred rituals continued with special abhisheka prayers for the Panchamurthis, including Vinayagar, Murugar, Annamalaiyar, Parashakthi Amman, and Chandrasekarar. The deities were adorned with vibrant flowers, creating a divine spectacle.

As part of the celebration, a special Deeparathan, invoking the divine light, illuminated the temple, casting a spiritual glow on the devotees present.