Krittika Deepam

Several days ago, the monastery held a humble observance of Krittika Deepam. It is a day when God Siva is worshipped as an infinite pillar of light. Many Murugan temples also celebrate this festival as it is tied to the Krittika nakshatra. In many cases, bonfires are a lit to represent the divine and all permeating light of Parashakti. Just after sunset, several of the monks decorated Kadavul and Iraivan temple with hundreds of small candles. Instead of lighting a bonfire, a large camphor lamp was lit in front of Kadavul Temple's kodimaram.

My God is the melter of my heart of love. Let all adore my God, the Lord of primal love, first of beings, my Siva, who again and again melts my heart. May He render me His love in foremost measure! Praise Him but once, the Pure and Holy One, and He will be your escort to heaven. He, Lord Siva, decked in honeyed Konrai blooms, sits enthroned in my love, steadfast and free.
Tirumantiram 274-275

Nivani Tejadevanatha and Sadhaka Dayanatha light an oil lamp inside Kadavul

Candles are lit at the bases of the Tandavas

Yoginathaswami lights oil lamps around Nandi

108 candles for 108 Tandavas

lights are placed around Gurudeva too

and in front of the Lingam

After the lamps are all lit, arati is done for Ganesha, Murugan, and for Siva.

After an arati to Gurudeva, the flame is paraded to the front of the temple

The camphor lamp is lit

The nearly-full moon was shining above

Siva\

s Pillar of Light'

The group then proceeded to Iraivan, where candles had also been lit

The lights added to the already sacred vibration

Arati was done around the inner sanctum, at the shrines which will hold the Panchabrahma murtis

Chanting in the inner sanctum

Aum Namah Sivaya

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