Thiruvannamalai Chitra Pournami: Celebrating the Full Moon Festival in the Holy City of Tiruvannamalai

Thiruvannamalai Chitra Pournami, also known as Chaitra Purnima, is a Hindu festival that is celebrated on the full moon day in the Tamil month of Chithirai. This festival is of great importance in the holy city of Tiruvannamalai, located in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.

The festival is celebrated to honor Lord Chitra Gupta, who is the divine accountant of the Hindu gods. It is believed that Lord Chitra Gupta keeps a record of all the good and bad deeds of all humans on the earth. During the Chitra Pournami festival, devotees seek the blessings of Lord Chitra Gupta for prosperity and happiness.

Devotees from all over India and abroad visit the Arunachaleshwara Temple in Tiruvannamalai to celebrate the Chitra Pournami festival. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva Thiruvannamalai, is one of the largest and oldest temples in India and is located at the foot of the Arunachala Hill, Thiruvannamalai . The temple is believed to be over 2,000 years old and is spread over an area of 25 acres.

The Chitra Pournami festival starts with a procession of Lord Arunachaleshwara and Goddess Unnamulai Amman around the temple. This procession is known as ‘Chariot Festival’ or ‘Rath Yatra.’ The idols of the deities are placed on a beautifully decorated chariot and taken around the temple. Devotees follow the chariot, singing bhajans and offering prayers.

Another important ritual during the Chitra Pournami festival is the ‘Girivalam.’ Devotees walk around the Arunachala Hill, which is believed to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva himself. This ritual is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to those who undertake it. The hill is about 14 kilometers in circumference, and the walk on the full moon night is considered particularly auspicious.

During the Thiruvannamalai Chitra Pournami festival, the temple is beautifully decorated with lights and flowers. The ambience is electric, and there is a sense of excitement and devotion in the air. Devotees offer special prayers, perform puja, and seek the blessings of Lord Chitra Gupta.

Chitra Pournami is a significant festival in Tiruvannamalai, which attracts thousands of devotees from all over the world. The festival is an occasion to celebrate the divine blessings of Lord Chitra Gupta and seek his blessings for happiness, prosperity, and a fulfilling life. The festive atmosphere, colorful rituals, and grand celebrations make Chitra Pournami a must-see event for all those who are interested in experiencing the rich culture and traditions of India.

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