These brilliant blue beauties, which
look like tidal waves frozen at their highest point, were captured by French
astrophysicist (and part-time photographer) Tony Travouillon as he travelled
across Antarctica.
Karthigai Deepam is observed in every home and every temple in Tamil Nadu. This occurs on the day when the moon is in conjunction with the constellation
Karthigai (Pleiades) and purnima. This constellation appears as a group
of six stars in the firmament in the shape of a pendant from the ear.
Many legends and lyrical poetry have grown round this star. The six
stars are considered in Indian mythology as the six celestial nymphs who
reared the six babies in the saravana tank which later were joined
together to form the six faced Muruga. He is therefore called Karthikeya, the one brought up by the Karthigai nymphs. Houses and streets are lit up with rows of oil lamps Deepam in the evening of the festival day.
Mythological aspects
Lord Shiva appeared as an endless flame of light before Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma,
who each considered himself supreme and said that the matter could be
tested if the two could search for Lord Shiva's Head and feet. Lord
Vishnu took the form of a boarand delved deep into the earth, Lord Brahma that of a swan and flew towards the skies. Lord Vishnu failed in his search and returned. But Lord Brahma, chancing upon a piece of Thazhambu,
a flower, learnt from it that it had been floating down for thirty
thousand years from Lord Shiva's head. He seized upon this and claimed
to Lord Shiva that he had seen the other's top. Lord Siva realized the
falsehood and pronounced that there would never be a temple for Lord
Brahma in this world. He also interdicted the use of the flower
Thazhambu in his worship. Lord Shiva appeared as a flame, this day is
called Maha Deepam.
Celebrations Rows of Agal vilakkus (oil lit lamps) are lit in every
house.Karthigai is essentially a festival of lamps. The lighted lamp is
considered an auspicious symbol. It is believed to ward off evil forces
and usher in prosperity and joy. While the lighted lamp is important for
all Hindu rituals and festivals, it is indispensable for Karthigai.
This festival is also celebrated to commemorate the bonding between
brothers and sisters in south India(analogous to Bhaiya-Dhuj and
Raakhi). Sisters pray for the prosperity and success of their brothers
and light lamps to mark the occasion.
Celebrations at Tiruvannamalai
Karthigai festival in Tiruvannamalai
hills is very famous. On Karthigai day, a huge fire lamp is lit up on
the hill, visible for several kilometers around the hill. The fire
(dheepam) is called Mahadeepam, Hindu devotees visit here and pray to
god Shiva.
For my family, Karthigai Deepam is most waited festival of the year after Diwali..(hehehex...) Normally, we will clean up the house (actually its already clean and juz been cleaned for Diwali...hehehehex). Then we will draw a very colorful and attractive kolam at the front of the house. Then, in the evening, we will do prayers (pooja) with prasadham for God. Then, comes the exciting part, lighting up the vilakku... We will arrange more than 100 vilakku around the kolam and house... Normally we will take around 1 hour to light up all the vilakku...... The best part is, switching off the electric lights and see the glow of oil lamp in the dark... Thats awesome..and wonderful... Next, photo session, its a must... Everyone knows, Memories last forever!!
Let this Deepam Brings U Brightened and Enlightened Life Like the Light of Lamp
Wishing all my family members, realtives, friend and hindus around the world
