Krittika Deepam

Last night, during the Krittika nakshatra, the monastery held its simple observance of Krittika Deepam. This is a time when God Siva is celebrated as an infinite pillar of light. Many Murugan temples also observe this festival since it is tied to the Krittika nakshatra. In many places, most notably atop Arunachala, a bonfire is lit to represent the divine and all permeating light of Parashakti. Just after sunset, several of the monks decorated Kadavul temple with many small deepas and then lit a large camphor lamp in front of Kadavul Temple's kodimaram.

Yoginathaswami lights the camphor lamp in front of Kadavul Temple

Beforehand, monks decorate the temple with lamps

Gurudeva gets some lamps too

and Nandi, of course

They are placed on the small kunda near the inner sanctum

and in front of the Lingam as well

First and arati to Ganesha

then Muruga

Then the Crystal Lingam

Then Gurudeva

Next everyone proceeds outside to light the main lamp

Can you see Ganesha?

The moon in Krittika

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