Today, Karthigai Deepam is celebrated across Tamil Nadu, especially in Thiruannamalai where Maha Bharani Deepam is lit and scores of people throng the Annamalaiyar Temple to seek Arunachaleswar’s blessings. Apart from being an Agni Sthalam, Thiruannamalai also hosts Ardhanareeswarar symbolizing equality amongst all genders. You would be surprised to know all the Shiva temples will have a specific name for Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. Here are some of the names and their places.
Arunachaleswarar – Unnamalaiyaal/Apithakuchambaal @ Thiruannamalai
Sokkanathanar/Sundereswarar – Meenakshi @ Madurai
Ekambreswarar- Kamakshi @ Kanchipuram
Viswanathar – Visalakshi @ Kasi
Natarajar – Sivagami @ Chidambram
Jambukeswarar – Akilandeswari @ Thiruvanaikaval
Sri Kalahasthiswarar – Gnana Prasunnambikai @ Srikalahasthi
Kapaleeswarar – Karpagambal @ Thiru Mailai
Marundeeswarar – Thirupurasundari – Thiruvanmiyur
Thenupuriswarar – Thenukambal @ Madambakkam
Mayuranathar – Anjalnayaki @ Mayiladuthurai
Adi Kumbeswarar – Manthrapeeteswari Mangalambika @ Kumbakonam
Rathnagiriswarar – Amodhra Nayaki/Vanduvar Kuzhali @ Thirumarugal
Thiagarajar – Kamalmbikai @ Thiruvarur
Nellaippar – Kanthimathi @ Thirunalveli
Mullaivana Nathar – Garbha Rakshambikai @ Thirukargavur
Srikanth Ramu
