Tiruvannamalai, Dec 3 (NationPress) The sacred town of Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu experienced an extraordinary display of faith and festivity on Wednesday as the revered ‘Mahadeepam' was set to be ignited atop the Annamalai hill, signifying the climax of the ten-day Karthigai Deepam festival at the ancient Arunachaleswarar Temple.

The celebrations commenced at 4 a.m. with the ceremonial lighting of the Bharani Deepam within the main sanctum’s Arthamandapam. Shivacharyas performed exclusive rituals and a yajna before igniting the sacred flame, which was then ceremoniously transported through the Vaikunta Vasal and directed towards the hill.

Five lamps, symbolizing the five elements, were illuminated using the Bharani Deepam and subsequently distributed to various shrines within the temple complex.

The flame was taken to the Unnamulai Amman shrine, where thousands of devotees fervently chanted, “Annamalaiyar be blessed, Unnamulai Amman be blessed,” as they offered prayers in unison.

On the concluding day of the festival, special 'abhishekams', 'alankarams', 'deepaaradhana', and 'homams' were conducted early in the morning for Lord Arunachaleswarar. The temple grounds, decorated with flowers and intricate lighting displays, welcomed devotees from Tamil Nadu, neighboring states, and even international visitors.

At precisely 6 p.m., the Mahadeepam will be lit atop the hill, perfectly synchronized with the arrival of Ardhanareeswarar in a special vehicle to bless the assembled crowd. Once ignited, the Mahadeepam flame will burn for 11 consecutive days and can be seen from a distance of up to 40 km, a sight that millions regard as profoundly auspicious.

In preparation for the massive influx of attendees, an unprecedented security arrangement of 15,000 police personnel has been deployed. More than 4,700 special buses and several dedicated trains are operating to Tiruvannamalai. Additionally, 130 parking lots and 24 temporary bus stations have been established.

Complimentary food distribution points line the girivalam path, where lakhs of devotees embark on the sacred 14-km circumambulation around the hill.

Despite early morning rain in Tiruvannamalai, which initially decreased attendance, the number of devotees gradually grew throughout the day. Notable visitors included P.K. Sekar Babu, Roja, Justice Mahadevan, IG Asra Garg, DIG Dharmarajan, Collector Darabagharaj, and SP Dr Sudhakar.

This year’s Deepam festival is celebrated with unparalleled enthusiasm, with estimates suggesting that 40 lakh devotees will witness the sacred Mahadeepam—a testament to the enduring spiritual allure of Tiruvannamalai.