Karthigai Deepam happens to be an important and auspicious occasion in Tamil

calendar. Most Tamils respect this occasion when Lord Muruga was born. The
household matters are taken care of and lamps are lit almost every part of the house
to bring peace and prosperity. The woman worship to bring happiness in the lives of
their children and ward off all the troubles in life.

Spiritual Significance of Karthigai Deepam

The functioning of lamp implies a great spiritual notion. The wick in the lamp
symbolizes our ego and the oil that is used to light the lamp denotes our innate
nature that is responsible for the ego to thrive. The flame, the spiritual knowledge
has the capacity to blaze our ego, the wick by emptying our innate tendencies. This
is the significance of Karthigai Deepam.

Lights symbolize the victory of the good over the evil. People try to make their
homes protected from evil eyes and evil forces. They want to bring in peace and
prosperity in the families for life. They pray honestly to God to give them good
feelings for other human beings. Lamps CAN give the power to shed of fear and
bring in victory in the lives of people.

Legends associated with Karthigai Deepam

Lord Shiva was very depressed after Parvati's death and secluded him in deep
meditation. During this time, six babies including Lord Muruga, Kartik and
Subrahmaniya were born as children of Lord Shiva. Parvati became Sati so Krittika
stars looked after the six babies. Later on the force of Sati joined the six babies into
one being or great force. The krittika star cluster becomes seven when the Muruga
God joins them.

Muruga later on acted as a teaching guide to Shiva, according to another famous

legend. He taught Shiva the actual meaning of the word "Om" which is very
important in Hindu culture. The lamps also represent that Lord Shiva understood the
actual meaning of the ultimate word "Om". He was enlightened by knowing the
value of the word. Tamils want to live in peace and enjoy the best of life. They want
to stay away from all sorts of worries and quarrels. Lamps are lighted everywhere to
give them the power to say no to all bad temptations in life.

Parvati fought with Mahisasura as he was disturbing her and the other Gods in
heaven. Her victory was also celebrated by lighting lamps. This festival represents
the victory of the good over the evil forces. People always want to stay away from
bad things and the lights lamps to bring in wealth and well being in the family.

Nowadays, The people use a range of lamps of various shapes, sizes and colors .
The lamps are easily available in the market. The women prepare the oil and the
wick to make the lamps glow for a long time. The main idea is to enjoy to the fullest
and forget all the sufferings of life. Women take the lamps in their alms and move
around the house to spread the feeling of joy. Hanging lamps and imported varieties
are also available in this age of globalization.
Life is short and must be spent in a happy way. People worship to Lord Shiva to give
them power to fulfill all the activities in life in an honest manner. The lamp actually
represents linga of Shiva that reminds people over and over again about the fact of
staying on the right path. People keep lamps in the places of the home where the
pictures of God are kept. Temples of South India look amazing with wonderfully lit
lamps almost everywhere.