The Karthigai Deepam festival at Tiruvannamalai Temple is one of the most sacred and spiritually powerful events in South India. Celebrated on the full moon day of the Tamil month Karthigai, this festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, when a gigantic holy flame (Mahadeepam) is lit atop the Arunachala Hill. Every year, lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad gather to witness this divine spectacle and seek the blessings of Lord Arunachaleswarar.
With the growing crowd and high demand for darshan during the festival, Tiruvannamalai Temple Deepam online booking has become the most convenient way for devotees to plan their visit smoothly. From Deepam Darshan timings and online ticket booking details to temple rules, entry guidelines, and important travel tips, having the right information in advance helps ensure a peaceful and fulfilling spiritual experience.
Arunachalam Temple Giri Pradakshina Timings 2026 – Girivalam Distance, Best Time & Rules
What Is Tiruvannamalai Karthigai Deepam?
Karthigai Deepam is a 10-day festival that usually falls in November or December. On the main Deepam day, a huge fire lamp (Mahadeepam) is lit on the Arunachala Hill, visible from several kilometers away.
Spiritual Significance
- Represents Lord Shiva as infinite light
- Considered highly auspicious for spiritual growth
- Witnessing the Deepam is believed to remove sins and bring blessings
Devotees also perform Girivalam (Giri Pradakshina) around the hill during this period.
Is Tiruvannamalai Temple Deepam Online Booking Available?
Yes, limited online booking facilities are usually made available during the Deepam festival. These may include:
- Special Darshan passes
- Temple entry passes (crowd-controlled)
- Viewing gallery passes (subject to arrangements)
- Special pooja / Deepam seva bookings
⚠️ Important: There is no ticket required to see the hill-top Deepam from public areas. Online booking mainly helps with temple darshan and controlled access.
Tiruvannamalai Temple Deepam Online Booking – Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps carefully to book Deepam-related services online.
Step 1 – Visit the Official Temple Booking Website
Open the official Tamil Nadu HR&CE / Arunachaleswarar Temple booking portal using your mobile or laptop.
👉 Always use official government or temple websites only.
Step 2 – Select “Karthigai Deepam” or “Special Festival Booking”
On the homepage:
- Choose “Festival Services” or “Karthigai Deepam Booking”
- Select the required service such as:
- Special Darshan
- Deepam Pooja
- Festival Entry Pass (if enabled)
Step 3 – Choose Date & Time Slot
- Select the Deepam festival date
- Choose available time slots for darshan
- Some services are available only on the main Deepam day
Slots fill very fast, so book early.
Step 4 – Enter Devotee Details
Provide:
- Full name
- Mobile number
- Email ID
- Number of persons
Some services may ask for ID proof details.
Step 5 – Make Online Payment
- Pay via UPI / debit card / credit card / net banking
- After successful payment:
- You will receive SMS confirmation
- Download or screenshot the e-ticket
Step 6 – Visit Temple / Entry Point
- Reach Tiruvannamalai well in advance
- Carry:
- E-ticket (mobile or print)
- Valid photo ID
- Follow police and temple staff instructions
Tiruvannamalai Deepam Darshan Timings
Temple Darshan During Deepam
- Early Morning: 4:30 AM onwards
- Afternoon: Limited darshan due to rituals
- Evening: Darshan may be restricted before Deepam lighting
Mahadeepam Lighting Time
- Usually between 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- Exact timing is announced on the festival day
Eligibility for Deepam Online Booking
Who Can Book?
- All Indian devotees
- NRIs and foreign pilgrims
- Families and group pilgrims (limited slots)
Senior Citizens & Disabled Devotees
- Special entry arrangements may be available
- Advance online booking is highly recommended
- Assistance counters are usually set up during the festival
Rules & Guidelines During Deepam Festival
Dress Code
- Men: Dhoti, pyjama, or full-length pants
- Women: Saree, salwar kameez, or modest dress
- Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops, and short skirts
Security Rules
- No mobile phones inside inner sanctum
- No drones or cameras near hill area
- No alcohol, smoking, or non-veg food
Crowd Control Rules
- Follow one-way movement paths
- Entry and exit routes are strictly controlled
- Latecomers may not be allowed despite tickets
Best Places to Watch Tiruvannamalai Deepam
If you do not have a special pass, you can still watch the Deepam from:
- Girivalam Road
- Open grounds near the temple
- Rooftops of permitted lodges
- Designated public viewing areas
👉 Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
Accommodation During Deepam Festival
Types of Stay
- Tamil Nadu government guest houses
- Temple cottages (limited)
- Private lodges & hotels
- Dharamshalas and choultries
Booking Tip
- Book accommodation 2–3 months in advance
- Prices increase heavily during Deepam
Travel Tips for Deepam Festival
- Reach Tiruvannamalai at least 1 day before Deepam
- Expect traffic restrictions
- Use public transport when possible
- Carry water, snacks, and medicines
- Wear comfortable footwear for Girivalam
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Tiruvannamalai Deepam free to watch?
Yes, viewing the hill-top Deepam is completely free from public areas.
Is online booking compulsory?
Online booking is required only for special darshan or controlled entry services, not for public viewing.
Can I book Deepam tickets on the same day?
Usually no. Most bookings close well in advance due to heavy demand.
Are refunds allowed if I miss the darshan?
Generally, festival bookings are non-refundable.
Can children attend Deepam darshan?
Yes, children can attend, but parents must ensure safety due to heavy crowds.
Is Girivalam allowed on Deepam day?
Yes, but expect extreme crowd density. Many devotees prefer Girivalam early morning or the next day.
Important Tips for Devotees
- Book only from official websites
- Avoid agents and fake links
- Carry printed ID proof
- Follow police and temple announcements
- Stay calm and patient in crowds
Conclusion
Tiruvannamalai Temple Deepam is not just a festival; it is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience. While online booking is not mandatory for viewing the sacred flame, it is extremely helpful for darshan and special temple access during the Karthigai Deepam days.
With proper planning, early booking, and adherence to temple rules, your Deepam pilgrimage can be safe, peaceful, and deeply divine.
🙏 Om Namah Shivaya 🙏