Sivalaya Dipam 2024

Satguru carries the lamp which will ignite the maha dipam

Earlier in the afternoon Pravin Kumar begins the puja

Satguru, monks and devotees are present as afternoon turns to evening

diyas are lit

Nandi received an abhishekam hours earlier, during pradosh

Night begins to fall with a full moon in the sky

The flame is carried around the sanctum and then brought outside

Smaller lamps are lit for the acharyas to carry

The flame is lit, and burns brightly

Aum Namah Sivaya

Last night, Iraivan Temple came alive with the radiant celebration of Sivalaya Dipam, a sacred festival honoring Lord Siva as the infinite light of consciousness. This festival commemorates Lord Siva’s boundless nature as an endless pillar of light. Devotees gathered at sunset for the enchanting ceremony. A collection of oil lamps encircled the temple sanctum, casting a serene glow. After a puja to Mahalingesvara, the flame was carried by Satguru out to the front of the temple. The event culminated in the lighting of a grand fire in front of Iraivan, mirroring the traditional hilltop beacon lit at Mount Arunachala in Tamil Nadu.

The lighting of lamps symbolizes the victory of wisdom over ignorance and the illumination of the soul’s inner light. This deeply spiritual evening offers a moment for reflection and renewal, inspiring all to nurture Siva’s eternal presence within, as the sacred flames merge with the starlit sky. Aum Namah Sivaya!