Best Wishes For A Blessed
Thiru Annamalai Oli (Karthigai Dheepam)
The President, Executive, Trustees and Provincial Vice Presidents of the South African Tamil Federation would like to extend their best wishes to the Thamizh Community on the auspicious occasion of Karthigai Dheepam.
We wish you and your family a blessed Karthigai Deepam!
From the South African Tamil Federation
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To The Thamizh Community of Gauteng
Best Wishes for a blessed Thiru Annamalai Oli (Karthigai Dheepam) 12th December 2016
The President, Trustees and Executive of The South AfricanTamil Federation, along with its esteemed affiliates, would like to extend their best wishes to The Thamizh Community on the auspicious occasion of Karthigai Dheepam.
On the full moon day of the month of Karthigai, (November-December) which falls on the ascension of the Kritigai star, millions of people in India and throughout the world, celebrate Thiru Annamalai Oli also known as Karthigai Dheepam. It is on this day that the huge beacon which holds up to 30 litres of oil is lit on this holy hill of Thiru Arunachala, which is in the North Arcot district of South India. Summiting at some 2 500 feet, we find the mountain of Annamalai.
Arunachala is none other than Siva in the shape of light or fire. Arunachala, the hill, and the Lingam in the sanctum santorium of the great Arunachala temple are believed to be the first form and Lingam of Siva. The five elements are represented by five holy places in India and Arunachala is one of the places that represents the element of fire.
The mountain is said to be a permanent feature and so does Sivaperumaan, also known as Annamalai. This mountain had been a refuge for people as well as reptiles and animals. In the month of Karthigai, South India experiences monsoons. When the water began to rise, the inhabitants seeked for higher grounds.
The safe haven provided by the mountain of Thiru Annamalai, became an annual pilgrimage. The South Indian Diaspora marks this day, by lighting Agals or clay lamps depicting the supreme as Light. Those that live in the Mother Land and visit the Motherland, normally climb the mountain which is called Girivalam, paying obeisance to the Universal Protector.
In the pathigam of Sambandars – Poovamalar, the saint describes the harmonious relationship that existed years ago between human beings and animals, as they were side by side climbing this mountain. For safety, they gathered at the slopes of the mountain. Those that are well versed with this hymn (pathigam) will definitely attain mukthi. Although the snakes dance at night it is a very spiritual place. Guru Swamigal reminds us that those that witness their bad vinais will be extinguished.
The light of Annamalai is a light full of compassion and grace. Therefore, the Lingham (Sivan Silai) stands as permanent. Those not at ThiruAnnamalai, are invited to the temples in their areas to do their penance.
The light on the Arunachala brings the message to you that the Self or Sivaperuman is self – effulgent, He is the light of All Lights.
Annihilate the three impurities, namely, egoism, selfish action and delusion. Burn the mind, senses and the desires in the fire of knowledge of the Self or Siva Gnanam. Attain full illumination and behold the light of lights, which illumines the mind, intellect, sun, moon, stars, lightning and the fire. This is real and true Annamalai Oli or Karthigai Dheepam.
Just as there is no length nor depth to Sivaperuman, so too should there be no length nor depth in your happiness, good health, prosperity and peace!
May you merge in this supreme light and attain the eternal adobe of bliss and immortality!
As the fire burns bright on Mt. Arunachala, may it illuminate your lives filling it with all things wonderful and positive!
May Sivaperuman bless you with more light!
May Sivperuman keep you and your family safe and happy!
We wish you and your family a blessed Karthigai Deepam!
From the The South African Tamil Federation
