Maha deepam lit at Dharmalinga malai temple

A Maha Deepam was lit at the ancient Sri Dharmalingeswarar Hill Temple near Madukkarai on the occasion of Karthigai Deepam today, drawing hundreds of devotees who gathered to offer prayers and chant the names of Lord Shiva.
Karthigai Deepam, celebrated across Tamil Nadu, began with the lighting of the Mahadeepam in Tiruvannamalai, after which Shiva temples statewide illuminated their premises with traditional lamps. Devotees also lit deepams in their homes as part of the sacred observance.
At the Dharmalinga Malai Temple, located on the hill near Marappalam–Madukkarai, devotees climbed the steep pathway to witness the Maha Deepam. The hill echoed with chants of “Om Namashivaya,” “Shivane Pottri,” and “Arohara,” creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
As the temple sits atop a hill with more than 800 steps, the Forest Department deployed security personnel and issued safety instructions, especially advising the elderly and children to climb with caution. Many devotees who were unable to ascend the hill offered their prayers from the foothills, where the Maha Deepam atop the shrine remained clearly
visible.
The celebration at Dharmalinga Malai added to the Karthigai Deepam spirit across Coimbatore, marking the day with devotion, tradition and community participation.