Bharani Deepam 2025 | Inaugural Ritual of Karthigai Deepam

tiruvannamalai karthigai deepam

Bharani Deepam is the inaugural ritual of Karthigai Deepam and observed early morning on Karthikai Maha Deepam festival. In 2025, Bharani Deepam date is December 3. It is observed around 4 AM on 3rd December.

This ritual is a fire sacrifice performed before the Surya temple. During this Deeparadhanai, a bowl of ghee is used to light five other Deepams symbolizing the Pancha Thathwa of Shiva (five aspects of Lord Shiva).

The chief priest of Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleshwara temple lights the Bharani Deepam and shows it for all devotees gathered there.

Preparations for Karthikai Deepam begin with lighting of Bharani Deepam. A large number of devotees witness the sacred fire sacrifice in Tiruvannamalai temple.

Significance and Timing

• Festival Context: Bharani Deepam is celebrated during the Karthigai month, coinciding with the Karthigai star and the full moon day (Pournami).
• Lighting Ceremony: The lighting of Bharani Deepam occurs at 4:00 AM in the temple. This ritual involves lighting five lamps, which are then combined into one before being separated again into five individual lamps

Cultural Practices

• Home Worship: Devotees also light Bharani Deepam at home between 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM, believing that doing so helps to cleanse sins and bring blessings
• Rituals: The festival includes various rituals, such as conducting a Yagam (sacrificial fire ceremony) at the temple, which adds to its spiritual significance.

Spiritual Beliefs

• It is believed that lighting the Bharani Deepam purifies one’s soul and dispels negative energies. The act of lighting these lamps symbolizes the removal of darkness and ignorance, aligning with broader Hindu beliefs about light and knowledge.