Tiruvannamalai Karthigai Deepam Brahmotsavam 2026: Festival Schedule, Bharani Deepam, Maha Ratham and Girivalam Guide

Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu | November 10, 2026: The sacred town of Tiruvannamalai is preparing for one of the most spectacular celebrations of Lord Shiva, the Karthigai Deepam Brahmotsavam 2026. Devotees and spiritual seekers from across India and abroad are expected to arrive for the ten-day festival, which ends with the lighting of the Arunachala Maha Deepam atop Arunachala Hill on Tuesday, November 24, 2026.

Known as Karthigai Deepam, Karthikai Deepam or Thirukarthigai, this ancient Tamil festival celebrates Lord Shiva as the infinite column of divine light. The celebrations centre on the Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, also known as the Annamalaiyar Temple, at the foot of Arunachala Hill. Tiruvannamalai is one of the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams and represents the element of Agni (fire).

Karthigai Deepam 2026 at Tiruvannamalai: at a glance

• Dwajarohanam (flag hoisting): Sunday, November 15, 2026
• Brahmotsavam: November 15–24, 2026
• Bharani Deepam: about 4 AM, Tuesday, November 24
• Arunachala Maha Deepam: about 6 PM, Tuesday, November 24
• Karthigai Pournami: from about 11:42 PM on November 23 to 8:23 PM IST on November 24
• Hill climbing: restricted on Deepam day

Karthigai Deepam 2026: Festival Schedule

Karthigai Deepam is observed in the Tamil month of Karthigai when the Krittika nakshatra prevails, usually with the full moon. In 2026, Krittika lasts until 11:25 PM IST on November 24, the main festival day. For the date, meaning and home rituals, see our main Karthigai Deepam 2026 guide.

Timing note: The Maha Deepam is traditionally lit at about 6 PM, just after sunset. The exact Bharani Deepam time and the day-by-day procession programme are confirmed by the temple closer to the festival.

The Arunachala Maha Deepam on the Sacred Hill

The most important moment of the festival is the lighting of the Maha Deepam on the summit of Arunachala Hill. A huge vessel of ghee with a cloth wick is lit at dusk, and the flame can be seen from great distances around the hill. For lighting times in other countries and the best places to watch, see our Maha Deepam 2026 lighting time guide.

The flame represents:

• The infinite nature of Lord Shiva
• The destruction of ignorance and darkness
• The eternal light of divine consciousness
• The unity of all beings with the Supreme
• Arunachala as Shiva Himself

As it appears, the town resounds with the chant "Annamalaiyarukku Arohara!"

Spiritual Significance of Karthigai Deepam at Arunachala

According to Hindu tradition, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu once disputed who was supreme. Lord Shiva appeared as an endless pillar of fire stretching beyond heaven and earth. Brahma took the form of a swan and flew upwards to find its top; Vishnu became a boar and dug downwards to find its base. Neither could find a beginning or an end, revealing that Shiva is beyond all limits of time and space. Arunachala Hill is revered as the manifestation of that infinite column of fire.

Why Arunachala is the fire-element temple

The Arunachaleswarar Temple is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, the five great Shiva temples of the five elements.

Bharani Deepam 2026: The Sacred Flame Before the Maha Deepam

Bharani Deepam is lit inside the Arunachaleswarar Temple before sunrise on the main festival day, at about 4 AM on Tuesday, November 24, 2026; the temple confirms the exact time.

• Bharani Deepam: the flame is worshipped within the temple at dawn.
• Maha Deepam: the great flame is lit on the summit at dusk.

Together they celebrate Lord Shiva as the infinite Jyoti, the light beyond creation and dissolution.

The Ten-Day Brahmotsavam

The Brahmotsavam begins with the Dwajarohanam. Over ten days, the processional deities of Lord Arunachaleswarar and Goddess Unnamulai Amman are taken around the temple streets on decorated vahanas.

Vahana processions

• Silver vahanam: an ornate silver vehicle.
• Simha vahanam: the lion, for divine strength and courage.
• Surya Prabhai: the sun vehicle, for radiance and cosmic energy.
• Indra Vimanam: a procession of celestial grandeur.
• Anna vahanam: the swan, for purity and wisdom.
• Kamadhenu vahanam: the wish-fulfilling cow, for abundance.
• Rishabha vahanam: the sacred bull of Lord Shiva.
• Silver ratham: the silver chariot.
• Maha Ratham: the great wooden temple chariot.
• Kailasa vahanam: Shiva's divine abode.

The day-by-day vahana programme depends on the temple's official 2026 schedule.

Maha Ratham: The Grand Chariot Festival

The Maha Ratham, provisionally on November 21, is one of the most anticipated events of the Brahmotsavam. The decorated temple chariot carries the processional deity through the streets around the temple, pulled by thousands of devotees as an act of devotion, amid music, drums and chanting.

Girivalam During Karthigai Deepam 2026

Girivalam (Giri Pradakshina) is the walk of about 14 km around Arunachala Hill, believed to be equal to worshipping Lord Shiva in his Arunachala form. Read about the spiritual benefits of Giri Pradakshina.

Crowds are largest on Karthigai Deepam, Karthigai Pournami, every monthly Pournami and Maha Shivaratri.

The eight lingams on the Girivalam route

Best time for Girivalam

Many devotees walk in the evening and through the night when it is cooler. In 2026, the Pournami tithi runs from about 11:42 PM on November 23 to 8:23 PM IST on November 24, so the night of November 23 and the day of November 24 are the busiest. Follow the arrangements of the temple and the district administration.

Arunachaleswarar Temple Darshan During the Festival

The vast Arunachaleswarar Temple, with its towering gopurams, is dedicated to Lord Arunachaleswarar and Goddess Unnamulai Amman. During the Brahmotsavam, devotees can take part in abhishekam, archana, deepa offerings and darshan of the processional deities, subject to availability.

Darshan timings change during the festival, and special crowd-management measures affect entry and access to some areas, especially on November 24. Check the temple's official announcements before travelling.

Maha Deepam 2026: Guidelines for Devotees

Hilltop access

Access to the summit on Deepam day is controlled by the authorities and limited to authorised persons. Ordinary pilgrims should not plan to climb. See why the hill climb is restricted. Follow police, forest department and district administration instructions.

Crowd management

• Arrive in Tiruvannamalai well before the main day.
• Reserve accommodation early.
• Use designated pedestrian routes and avoid restricted areas.
• Carry medicines and drinking water.
• Keep children and elderly family members close.
• Follow police and volunteer instructions.
• Use official transport where available.
• Keep emergency contacts handy.

How to Reach Tiruvannamalai

By road

Travel times rise sharply during the festival. Tamil Nadu transport corporations usually run special buses from Chennai, Vellore, Villupuram, Kanchipuram and other towns.

By train

Tiruvannamalai station is on regional routes; Southern Railway often announces special trains for the Deepam.

By air

Chennai and Bengaluru are the nearest major airports, followed by road or rail.

Accommodation

Rooms fill quickly during the Brahmotsavam and especially around November 24. Options include temple-managed rooms, hotels and lodges, ashrams and guest houses, and stays in nearby towns. Road closures and diversions may affect access to hotels near the temple on the main day.

Travel Tips for Girivalam and the Maha Deepam

• Footwear: the 14-km Girivalam needs comfortable footwear, or walk barefoot as tradition allows.
• Water: stay hydrated.
• Valuables: guard phones and wallets in the crowds.
• Elders: plan transport and rest breaks.
• Customs: follow temple practices and dress guidelines.
• No plastic: keep the hill and the Girivalam path clean.
• Weather: November can bring rain in Tamil Nadu.
• Forest rules: do not attempt unauthorised hill climbs.

Karthigai Deepam Across Tamil Nadu and the World

Beyond Tiruvannamalai, Karthigai Deepam is celebrated in homes and temples across Tamil Nadu, from Chennai and Madurai to Thanjavur, Kanchipuram and Chidambaram, with rows of clay lamps lit after sunset. Tamil families in Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia and the Gulf also celebrate; see our Karthigai Deepam 2026 abroad guide for dates by country.

Conclusion: The Eternal Light of Arunachala

The Arunachaleswarar Temple, the sacred hill, the Bharani Deepam and the Maha Deepam together make Karthigai Deepam at Tiruvannamalai one of the most spiritually powerful celebrations in Tamil Nadu. On November 24, 2026, as the great flame rises above the hill, devotees will chant the name of Annamalaiyar and seek His blessings.

Om Namah Shivaya! Annamalaiyarukku Arohara! Har Har Mahadev!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When is Karthigai Deepam 2026 at Tiruvannamalai?

Tuesday, November 24, 2026.

When does the Brahmotsavam begin?

With the Dwajarohanam on November 15, 2026.

What time is the Maha Deepam lit?

At about 6 PM on November 24, just after sunset.

When is the Bharani Deepam?

At about 4 AM on November 24, 2026, inside the temple.

When is the Maha Ratham in 2026?

November 21 is listed provisionally; check the final temple programme.

How tall is Arunachala Hill?

About 2,668 feet (813 metres).

How long is the Girivalam path?

About 14 km around the hill.

How many lingams are on the Girivalam route?

Eight: Indra, Agni, Yama, Niruthi, Varuna, Vayu, Kubera and Eesanya.

Can devotees climb the hill on Deepam day?

No. Access is restricted to authorised persons for safety.

Where can devotees find official updates?

From the Arunachaleswarar Temple and the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department.