Karthika Deepotsavam & Jwala Thoranam 2026

Karthika Deepotsavam and Jwala Thoranam are among the most revered celebrations observed during the sacred Karthika Masam on the auspicious occasion of Karthika Pournami. Celebrated with immense devotion at Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Varla Devasthanam (Srisailam) and Shiva temples across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, this evening is dedicated to lighting millions of ghee and oil lamps to dispel darkness and invoke Lord Shiva's divine grace. The hallmark of the festival is the sacred Jwala Thoranam (Bonfire Arch) ritual performed during the dusk Pradosham hour. A high archway bound with dried hay is sanctified and set alight. The processional palanquin bearing Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy and Goddess Bhramaramba Devi is solemnly carried beneath the blazing arch three times, commemorating Lord Shiva's vanquishing of the demon Tripurasura and consuming the Halahala poison for universal welfare. Devotees perform Laksha Deepotsavam (lighting 100,000 deepams), offer 365-wick deepams, float holy lamps on sacred temple tanks (Kalyani) and rivers, and collect the sanctified ash (Raksha Bhasmam) of the Jwala Thoranam to ward off evil and receive longevity and peace.