2020 Krittika Deepam

Recently, during the Krittika nakshatra, the monks held their humble observance of Krittika Deepam. This is a time when God Siva is celebrated as an infinite pillar of light, usually by lighting a large lamp. Many Murugan temples observe this festival since Muruga's energies are easily felt during the Krittika nakshatra. In some instances, most notably atop Arunachala, a bonfire is lit to represent the divine and all permeating light of Parashakti. For our version, 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.

"Now have I realized the path of Hara. In the past I sought Him in narrow paths and strayed. Lo! All the while He stood before me like a beacon light in firmament, guiding my voyage across the sea of my soul's longing. The path of Siva is the proven path. It led them to Hara. It is the royal path that renowned souls have walked, the path divine that took the devout to cosmic space. That path do seek, enter and persevere. Still your wandering thoughts, chant the sacred syllable 'Shi' and so persevere on the path of Hara. You shall envision primal light effulgent."
Tirumantiram 1562-1563

We light a large camphor flame in front of Kadavul Temple

This evening, the temple was decorated with many small lamps

Satguru arrives for the event

Nandi has little lights around him as well

First an arati to Lord Ganesha

Then to Lord Muruga

and Lord Shiva

The flame is then passed before Gurudeva\

s shrine'

and offered to Nandi

Finally we travel out to the front of the temple flagpole to light a tall-standing camphor lamp

Aum Namah Sivaya

Sivaya Namah Aum

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