The significance of celebrating Kathigai Dheepam

ON THE day of the full moon in the month of Karthigai, (November-December), which falls on the ascension of the Kritigai star, millions of people in India and throughout the world celebrate Thiru Annamalai Oli, which is also known as Karthigai Dheepam.

It is on this day that the huge beacon, which holds up to 30 litres of oil, is lit on the holy hill of Thiru Arunachala, which is in the northern Arcot district of South India. Summiting at 726m, we find the mountain of Annamalai.

Arunachala is none other than Siva in the shape of light or fire. Arunachala, the hill, and the Lingam in the sanctum santorium of the great Arunachala temple are believed to be the first form and Lingam of Siva.

The five elements are represented by five holy places in India and Arunachala is one of the places that represents the element of fire.

The mountain is said to be a permanent feature and Sivaperuman, also known as Annamalai.

This mountain had been a refuge for people as well as animals. In the month of Karthigai, South India experiences monsoons. When the water begins to rise, the inhabitants seek higher ground.

The safe haven provided by the mountain of Thiru Annamalai became an annual pilgrimage.

The South Indian diaspora marks this day by lighting Agals, or clay lamps, depicting the supreme as Light.

Those who live in the motherland or visit normally climb the mountain, which is called Girivalam, to pay obeisance to the Universal Protector.

In the pathigam of Sambandars, Poovamalar the saint describes the harmonious relationship that existed years ago between human beings and animals as they were side by side climbing this mountain.

For safety, they gathered on the slopes of the mountain. Those well versed in this hymn (pathigam) will attain mukthi.

Although the snakes dance at night, it is a very spiritual place. Guru Swamigal reminds us that those who witness will have their bad vinais extinguished.

Penance

The light of Annamalai is a light full of compassion and grace. Therefore, the Lingham (Sivan Silai) stands as permanent. Those not at ThiruAnnamalai are invited to the temples in their areas to do their penance.

The light on the Arunachala brings the message to you that the Self, or Sivaperuman, is selfeffulgent, He is the light of All Lights.

Annihilate the three impurities: namely, egoism, selfish action, and delusion. Burn the mind, senses and the desires in the fire of knowledge of the Self or Siva Gnanam.

Attain full illumination and behold the light of lights, which illumines the mind, intellect, sun, moon, stars, lightning and the fire. This is true Annamalai Oli or Karthigai Dheepam.

Just as there is no length nor depth to Sivaperuman, so too should there be no length or depth in your happiness, good health, prosperity and peace.

May you merge in this supreme light and attain the eternal abode of bliss and immortality.

As the fire burns brightly on Mount Arunachala, may it illuminate your life, filling it with all things wonderful and positive.

May Sivaperuman bless you with more light. May Sivaperuman keep you and your family safe and happy.

• The president, Marie PillayRamayan, trustees and executive of the South African Tamil Federation, along with its esteemed affiliates, would like to extend their best wishes to the Thamizh community on the auspicious occasion of Karthigai Dheepam.