Benefits of lighting oil lamps on the festival of Thirukarthigai
Posted on: 22/Nov/2018 5:32:01 PM
One of the most important Hindu festivals, Thirukarthigai (deepam), is celebrated on the Full Moon day during the Tamil calendar month of Karthigai on the star Karthigai. This festival is also known as ‘Deepa Thiruvizha’.
Goddess Parvathi Devi, who undertook a severe penance, got unified as the left half of Lord Siva (to form ‘Ardhanareeswarar’) on the day of star Karthigai during the Tamil calendar month of Karthigai on the Full Moon Day.
The ‘Arunachala Puranam’ indicates that the Lord and the Goddess in the form of ‘Ardhanareeswarar’ appeared first in the holy place of Thiruvannamalai.
It is also the day on which Lord Siva presented Himself in the form of a ‘Deepam’ or a holy flame’ in front of the Gods Vishnu and Brahma.
This festival is also celebrated in honour of the 6 women who nursed and tendered the child Lord Muruga.
The emperor Mahabali lighted the lamps with ghee and worshipped the Lord to get cured of the wounds sustained by his vain pride. When he lighted the lamp on the Karthigai day as above, his wounds were cured. It is said that the practice of lighting lamps started from this occasion.
The epics indicate that by lighting oil lamps all over the house during the entire period of Karthigai month after taking an early bath and worshipping Lords Siva Vishnu, unbound happiness will prevail. It is a tradition to light oil lams in all places.
Strict Viratam (a form of penance) is observed on this day. The sweet balls made of rice puffs and peanuts are offered to the God and the lamps on this day. Traditionally, ‘Chokkappanai’ is also lit in the temples dedicated to Lord Siva. Thos devotes not in a position to light lamps daily must at least light these lamps at least on the 3 days of Dwadasi, Chethurthasi, and Pournami (Full Moon Day).
