Karthigai Masam Guide: Rituals, Festivals & Temple Visits

Karthigai month (mid-November to mid-December) is one of the holiest periods in the Tamil calendar, celebrated for its emphasis on light, devotion, and purification. It honors Lord Shiva, Murugan, and Vishnu through daily lamp lighting, temple visits, and grand festivals like Karthigai Deepam.

Significance of Karthigai Month

• Spiritual Importance: Considered sacred for Lord Shiva, Lord Murugan, and Lord Vishnu. It’s believed that divine light manifests during this month.
• Jyoti Darshanam: Commemorates the day Lord Shiva appeared as an infinite column of light (Jyotirlinga), establishing his supremacy over Brahma and Vishnu.
• Purification and Devotion: Lighting lamps symbolizes dispelling inner darkness and invoking divine grace.

Rituals During Karthigai Masam

• Daily Deepam Lighting: Families light Agni Deepams (oil lamps) at home entrances and temples, especially during dusk.
• Akasa Deepam: A lamp is lit on the rooftop or temple towers to honor divine light.
• Temple Visits: Devotees visit Shiva, Murugan, and Vishnu temples daily or on specific days like Pournami, Krittika Nakshatra, and Pradosham.
• Fasting and Charity: Many observe partial fasts and offer food, clothes, and lamps to the needy.
• Special Days:
• Padyami: First day of the month—lamp lighting and temple visits
• Vidiya: Brothers visit sisters and exchange gifts
• Krittika Nakshatra Days: Dedicated to Murugan

Festivals in Karthigai Month

• Karthigai Deepam (Dec 4, 2025): Celebrated on full moon day with Krittika star; marks Shiva’s Jyoti form
• Tiruvannamalai: Grand flame lit atop Annamalai hill
• Murugan Temples: Special abhishekams and processions
• Vaikunta Ekadasi (if it falls in this month): Vishnu devotees observe fasting and temple visits
• Pournami & Pradosham: Observed with special poojas and abhishekams

Temples to Visit

• Tiruvannamalai Arunachaleswarar Temple: For Karthigai Deepam Jyoti Darshan
• Thiruthani Murugan Temple: Celebrates Krittika star days with grandeur
• Chidambaram Nataraja Temple: Shiva worship with lamp rituals
• Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple: Vishnu devotees visit during Ekadasi
• Local Shiva and Murugan Temples: Daily deepam lighting and poojas

Common Practices

• Daily Deepam Lighting: Oil lamps (usually clay diyas) are lit at dusk near the entrance and inside the home. This continues throughout the month, culminating in grand illumination on Karthigai Deepam day.
• Evening Pooja: Families perform simple Shiva or Murugan poojas after lighting lamps, often reciting prayers or singing devotional songs.
• Akasa Deepam: A lamp is placed on the rooftop or high ledge to honor divine light.
• Fasting: Many married women observe partial or full-day fasts, especially on Krittika Nakshatra days and Pournami.
• Charity and Simplicity: Acts of giving—food, clothes, lamps—are encouraged. Homes are kept clean and spiritually vibrant.