Karthika Deepotsavam Festival at Sri Kalahasti Temple

Experience the divine Karthika Deepotsavam at Sri Kalahasti Temple. Learn about rituals, lamp lighting, timings, and the spiritual significance of this holy festival.

The Karthika Deepotsavam at Sri Kalahasti Temple is one of the most divine and visually stunning festivals of the year.
Celebrated during the sacred Karthika Masam (October–November), it honors Lord Shiva, the embodiment of eternal light, energy, and cosmic truth.

During this festival, thousands of devotees light lamps (deepams) across the temple, symbolizing the victory of knowledge over ignorance and light over darkness.
The temple glows like a thousand suns, and the atmosphere becomes deeply spiritual and serene.

🪔 Significance of Karthika Masam

The month of Karthika is considered the holiest month in the Hindu calendar for Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu devotees.

At Sri Kalahasti Temple, which houses the Vayu Lingam (Air Element) — one of the Panchabhoota Lingas — this month holds immense significance because:

• Lord Shiva is believed to bless those who light lamps during this period.
• Fasting, pooja, and lighting deepams remove sins and grant spiritual progress.
• Devotees believe lighting lamps around the temple pleases both Lord Kalahasteeswara and Goddess Gnana Prasunambika Devi.

“Lighting a lamp during Karthika Deepotsavam is lighting the flame of truth within your soul.”

📅 When is Karthika Deepotsavam Celebrated?

• The festival is celebrated throughout Karthika Masam (October–November).
• The main Deepotsavam day usually falls on Karthika Pournami (Full Moon Day).
• Special poojas and lamp lighting ceremonies continue every evening for the entire month.

🛕 Rituals and Celebrations

The temple follows a series of rituals during the Karthika Deepotsavam month, creating a mesmerizing devotional environment.

🌅 Morning Rituals

• Early morning Suprabhata Seva followed by Abhishekam to Vayu Lingam.
• Devotees perform Rudrabhishekam and chant Rudra Namakam.
• Bilva leaves, flowers, and ghee lamps are offered to Lord Shiva.

🌇 Evening Rituals

• The entire temple is decorated with thousands of oil lamps.
• Devotees light deepams on the temple walls, corridors, and steps.
• Priests conduct Deepa Aradhana to Lord Kalahasteeswara and Goddess Prasunambika.
• The Rahu–Ketu Pooja Mandapam is adorned with lights and flowers.

The glow of the lamps against the ancient stone architecture creates a breathtaking sight that devotees cherish forever.

🪶 Main Highlights of Karthika Deepotsavam at Sri Kalahasti

🌕 Karthika Pournami – The Grand Deepotsavam Night

The night of Karthika Pournami is the grand culmination of the month-long celebrations.

Divine Highlights:

• Devotees gather from early morning for darshan and poojas.
• Thousands of oil lamps are lit throughout the temple, on walls, pillars, and riverbanks.
• The Swarnamukhi River glows with floating lamps (Teertha Deepams).
• Priests conduct the Maha Deepa Aradhana while chanting Shiva Panchakshari Stotram.
• A special Rathotsavam (chariot procession) takes place around the temple streets.

This night symbolizes the light of Shiva awakening in the hearts of all beings.

🎇 Spiritual Benefits of Observing Karthika Deepotsavam

✅ Removes sins and negative karma.
✅ Brings peace, health, and spiritual progress.
✅ Helps devotees overcome fear and anxiety.
✅ Brings blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
✅ Enhances the power of meditation and devotion.

“One who lights a lamp in Karthika month receives the grace of Lord Shiva and merges with eternal light.”

🪵 Devotee Activities During Karthika Masam

• Lighting one lamp every evening throughout the month.
• Performing Abhishekam with sesame oil and offering Bilva leaves.
• Observing fasts on Mondays (Somavaram) for Shiva’s blessings.
• Offering Ghee lamps and flowers at the temple.
• Participating in Annadanam and helping other devotees.

📸 Visual Splendor

During Karthika Deepotsavam:

• The entire temple gopuram and streets shine with golden lamps.
• Pilgrims from all over the region fill the temple complex.
• The reflection of lights in the Swarnamukhi River creates a scene of divine beauty.
• Traditional music and chants fill the air.

It’s an experience of pure devotion, faith, and peace that stays with devotees forever.

💡 Tips for Devotees

✅ Arrive early evening (by 4 PM) to witness the lamp lighting.
✅ Carry your own ghee lamps if possible.
✅ Follow traditional dress code — dhoti/saree preferred.
✅ Maintain silence and avoid crowding near sanctum.
✅ Participate in Annadanam — serving food is highly auspicious.