The practice of worshiping Agni (fire) as a deity has existed since ancient times. Among the five elements (Pancha Bhoothas), Agni holds a special significance. Lighting a lamp and seeing the divine in its flame is a tradition deeply rooted in our culture. The Karthigai festival is not only celebrated in temples but also in homes by lighting lamps. A key aspect of this festival is the burning of the Sokkappanai (a symbolic palm tree structure) in Shiva and Murugan temples, which is still revered as divine.
As per legends, the burning of the Sokkapanai symbolizes Shiva’s infinite form that neither Brahma nor Vishnu could comprehend, reminding us of the mythological episode, The Adi Mudi legend.
Brahma and Vishnu were engaged in a heated debate over who was the greater of the two. Brahma claimed his supremacy as he created life, while Vishnu argued that he was greater because he preserved it. This prolonged argument disrupted the balance of the cosmos, affecting all beings who depended on their divine duties.
To resolve the dispute, Lord Shiva, the Supreme Being, manifested as an endless column of fire that stretched between the heavens and the earth. An ethereal voice declared, “Whoever finds the beginning or the end of this column shall be deemed the greatest.”
Blinded by their pride, Brahma and Vishnu could not recognize the divine form before them. Vishnu transformed into a boar (Varaha) and delved deep into the earth to find the base of the fiery column. Meanwhile, Brahma took the form of a swan and flew upwards to locate its summit.
After some time, Vishnu, unable to find the base, realized the endlessness of the column and acknowledged Shiva’s supremacy. On the other hand, Brahma, during his quest, saw a falling Thazhambu (Ketaki flower) and deceitfully convinced it to testify that he had reached the top.
Upon returning, Brahma falsely claimed victory. However, Shiva, omniscient, exposed the deceit. He blessed Vishnu, declaring that temples would be built for him across the world. As for Brahma, he cursed him, decreeing that he would have no temples dedicated to him. Shiva also cursed the Thazhambu, forbidding it from being used in his worship.
It is believed that this fiery form of Shiva appeared on the day of Arudra Darisanam, and the unbearable heat radiating from the column caused all the gods, led by Vishnu, to pray for its appeasement. The fire ultimately transformed into the sacred Annamalai Hill at Thiruvannamalai, where devotees celebrate Shiva’s magnificence through rituals like Sokkapanai.
Interestingly, though the palm leaf may appear green and fresh, it ignites and burns instantly upon contact with fire. The palm tree (Panai Maram) is considered a divine tree, referred to as Kalpataru or the “wish-fulfilling tree.” From its roots to its leaves, every part of the palm tree serves a purpose in human life, making it unparalleled among trees. Like the palm tree, if one lives their life entirely in service to others, they can achieve Sadeha Mukti—attaining liberation or experiencing paradise in this very lifetime. The Sokkappanai, or “Heavenly Palm,” is designed to convey this profound message.
There are a few temples in Tamilnadu which has the Palm tree as the sacred tree of the temple. Sthala Viruksham. Example: Thirupanandhaal.
Happy to participate in this beautiful ritual at our village Kalkulam where this is held the day after Thiruvannamalai Deepam.
Reminds me of my childhood days when I used to watch this in my neighborhood temple.but the meaning of this event I’m learning from you now.could visualise shiva in fire form.🙏
Thank you, Mega, for the wonderful narration. Have never seen a Sokkapanai. Nor heard of the legend behind it. You are a wonderful educator too of our culture, architecture and places.
Keep writing.
Good to follow the old tradition, the temple picture with inner lighting is nice.
Thanks for enlightening us always with your awesome posts.
Thank you for sharing the background behind this beautiful tradition, Megha! You are a blessing! ❤️
Beautiful writing bringing out the traditional practice of celebrating the values of Agni in our lives is a lot enlightening to the present generation of young people. It’s therefore important for the present generation not only to know these values but also pick up the baton and pass on to the future generations as well. We all appreciate this effort.👌👏🙌
Nice write up about the sacred fire in Hinduism. Humans in every country celebrate and worship fire. At the same time some cultures visualize ‘hell’ as fire also. In Hinduism, Fire destroys Hell.
Nice article! Thanks for sharing
So nice to read about these traditions followed by our ancestors & glad it’s followed even now♥️
It is so interesting to know more about our traditions and the meaning of our rituals.
Did not know about this practice
Glad you brought ih to my knowledge. Like Avvayyar said, Kattradu kaimmannalavu , kalladadu ulagalavu.
I have witnessed the burning of Ravana’s image in Delhi as a child .The image is etched iny memory. But that is associated with Deepavali and signifies the triumph of good over evil.
Coincidentally, I was traveling around villages of Kumbakonam on the day of Karthigai. Witnessed and recalled the story narrated beautifully by you.
Nice write up Megha.It reminds of my childhood days.