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Step into the mystical heart of Tamil Nadu during Karthigai Deepam, the Festival of Lights celebrated in its grandest form at Tiruvannamalai Arunachaleswarar Temple. This 3-day journey takes you from Chennai’s heritage to the sacred hills of Arunachala, where millions of lamps and a divine beacon illuminate the night sky. A spiritual immersion into Tamil traditions, culture, and devotion.
- Morning / Afternoon: Arrive in Chennai, warm welcome with garlands and transfer by luxury vehicle to Tiruvannamalai.
- Enroute Experience: Stop at Kanchipuram – the city of thousand temples, renowned for silk sarees and sacred shrines. Visit the Ekambareswarar Temple (Pancha Bhoota Sthala for Earth element).
Evening: Arrive at Tiruvannamalai, check into a heritage hotel/ashram stay near Arunachaleswarar Temple. Evening stroll around temple streets lit with lamps.
Divine Highlight: First glimpse of Arunachala Hill glowing with early festival lamps.
- Early Morning: Witness Panchamurthi Abhishekam at Arunachaleswarar Temple – sacred bath rituals amidst Vedic chants.
- Forenoon: Join devotees in lighting lamps, darshan of deities adorned in vibrant alankaram, and temple processions.
- Afternoon: Participate in Anna Daanam (community feast). Optional short Girivalam (circumambulation) of Arunachala Hill.
- Evening (Main Event): At twilight, behold the Maha Deepam – a massive beacon flame lit atop Arunachala Hill, visible for miles, symbolising Lord Shiva as an endless column of fire.
- Night: Streets, homes, and temples glow with thousands of oil lamps. Join devotees chanting “Annamalaiyarukku Haro Hara!”.
Divine Highlight: The mystical sea of light at Tiruvannamalai – a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Morning: Leisure breakfast, visit Ramana Maharishi Ashram at the foothills of Arunachala for meditation and reflection.
- Late Morning: Drive back to Chennai (approx. 4–5 hrs).
- Afternoon: Optional stop for shopping in Chennai – silk sarees, handicrafts, temple jewellery.
Evening: Departure transfer to Chennai airport / onward destination.
Divine Highlight: Closing your journey with inner silence at Ramana Maharishi Ashram.
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