Karthigai Deepam: Sacred Cauldron Returns to Thiruvannamalai Temple

• The sacred cauldron from the Karthigai Maha Deepam descended from Thiruvannamalai hill to the Arunachaleswarar Temple.
• The Maha Deepam flame burned for 11 days atop the 2,668-foot Arunachala hill, visible from several kilometers away.
• Lit on December 3, the flame consumed 600 kg of ghee, 10 kg of camphor, and 1,500 metres of cloth.
• The 10-day Karthigai Deepam festival began on November 24 with a flag hoisting ceremony.
• Soot from the cauldron will be distributed as prasad to devotees, marking the formal end of Karthigai Deepam 2025.

Why It Matters: It concludes a major spiritual festival, offering sacred blessings to devotees.