‘Karthigai deepam’ lit atop Tiruvannamalai hill
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With nobody allowed to climb the hill, devotees needed to witness the lighting of the ‘Karthigai deepam’, atop the Tiruvannamalai hill, on Sunday night from the city.
Exactly at 6 p.m., the five-foot-tall kopparai, crammed with ghee and camphor, was lit atop the hill.
Subsequently, devotees and residents within the city lit lamps on the streets and of their homes, illuminating the lanes.
The 10-day Brahmotsavam of Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple started on November 20 with the hoisting of the flag.
On Sunday, the ‘Bharani deepam’ was lit within the temple at 4 a.m. In the night, processions of Vinayakar, Murugar, Arunachaleswarar, Unnamulaiamman and Chandikeswarar have been taken out.
At 6 p.m., the idol of Ardhanareeswarar was introduced out amidst the beating of percussion devices and chants, and the lamp was lit on the temple premises, adopted by the lighting on the hill. Fireworks lit the sky and the mantra ‘Annaimalaiyanukku Arohara’ reverberated within the temple.
The deepam will likely be stored alive for 11 days.
Low-key celebrations
Unlike the earlier years, the Tiruvannamalai administration imposed restrictions in view of the pandemic. All festivities, together with the automotive pageant, have been carried out on the temple premises.
The police and the district administration had introduced that devotees wouldn’t be allowed contained in the temple on November 29. Devotees have been banned from climbing the hill too.
“Usually lakhs of people throng the streets to catch a glimpse of the deepam, but this time the streets were less crowded. It was disappointing to see the usual grandeur missing,” stated K. Perumal, who works in a lodge close to the temple.
Around 12 entry factors into the temple city have been blocked. Those residing in Tiruvannamalai alone, carrying identification playing cards, have been allowed to enter.
Policemen warned outsiders to not enter utilizing the general public deal with system and at many factors, motorists have been seen arguing with police personnel. “We kept telling people that Girivalam, or entry into the temple, is not allowed. But they would not listen,” stated a policeman at Vengikkal.
Collector Sandeep Nanduri and Inspector General of Police P. Nagarajan have been current on the temple to observe the preparations.
“The devotees were asked to leave the temple in a queue and we tried to ensure that there was no commotion,” stated a senior police officer.
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