Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswarar Temple Gopurams Shine with Lights Ahead of Karthigai Deepam 2026

The Arunachaleswarar Temple in Thiruvannamalai has been beautifully illuminated with colourful lights ahead of the annual Karthigai Deepam festival.

The Karthigai Deepam festival at the temple is scheduled to begin on November 15, 2026, with the flag-hoisting ceremony. On the seventh day of the festival, the Pancha Murthi Therottam will be held.

The Bharani Deepam will be lit inside the temple at 4:00 AM on November 24. The ritual symbolises the five elements and the philosophy of “Ekan Anekan.” In the evening, the Maha Deepam will be lit atop the 2,668-foot-high Arunachala Hill, representing the philosophy of “Anekan Ekan.”

Ahead of the festival, the temple and Thiruvannamalai town have taken on a festive appearance. All nine gopurams of the Arunachaleswarar Temple have been decorated with electric lights, creating a spectacular view.

The Arunachaleswarar Temple is spread across 25 acres and has nine gopurams and 63 sannidhis. As part of the Karthigai Deepam celebrations, the sannidhis and all nine temple towers have been illuminated.

The sacred Magizham tree, the temple`s Sthala Vriksham, and the Thirukalyana Mandapam, where the deities are decorated, have also been adorned with lights.

The illuminated temple towers offer a striking sight for devotees and visitors. The decorative lights installed on the temple gopurams are reportedly visible from a distance of up to 25 kilometres.