Friday 21 July, 2017 Pradosham: Arunachaleswarar Temple

Pradosham was observed at Arunachaleswarar Temple on Friday 21 July, 2017. 

Below are photographs of the worship of Ratha Vilaku Nandi in the Second Prakaram

Pradosham worship, 2nd Prakaram

Abhishekam of Ratha Vilaku Nandi, Arunachaleswarar Temple

Nandi the Bull 

Nandi (which means ‘happy and joyous) is the vehicle and gatekeeper of Lord Shiva. He is most commonly depicted as a recumbent bull with folded limbs. His colour is either black or white and he wears a necklace with a bell. Most depictions portray him as Lord Shiva’s vahana. Other depictions of Nandi show him as half human, and half bull. 

According to the Vayu Purana, Nandi was the son of Kashyapa and Surabhi. Other texts point to the origin of Nandi from the desire of sage, Shilada, who wished to have an immortal child for which he performed many austerities. 

Indra, the King of Gods, manifested before the sage to grant his boon, whereupon Shilada replied he sought a strong, immortal child whose greatness would be a legend. Indra informed him that only Lord Shiva, the most powerful god, could grant such a wish. 

Shilada then worshipped Shiva with great devotion. The Lord pleased with his penance appeared before him, granting him the boon. When the sage performed a fire ceremony, the divine child emerged from it. The gods blessed the divine child and all marvelled at his brilliant radiance. Shilada named the child Nandi. 

Shilada took Nandi home and raised him with great care. By the age of 7, Nandi became well versed in all sacred scriptures. One day, the Lords Varuna and Mitra arrived. When they did not appear pleased, Shilada asked for the reason and was told that Nandi would die aged 8 years. 

A grief-stricken Shilada shared the news with Nandi. His son could not bear to see his father's pain and started praying to Lord Shiva. The Lord pleased with his devotion, conferred a necklace with bell to Nandi, transforming him into half man, half bull. He also honoured the young Nandi with immortality, making him the vehicle and head of the Ganas. 

One tale tells that Lord Shiva and the goddess Parvati were playing a game of dice where Nandi was the umpire. Partial to Lord Shiva, he decreed that the deity had won even though the Goddess was the clear winner. 

Infuriated, Parvati inflicted a curse on him. Nandi asked for release from the curse, saying his actions arose from devotion to his Lord. Parvati then said Nandi would be released from the curse if he worshipped her son Lord Ganesha and offered him his favourite items on his birthday. Nandi worshipped Lord Ganesh on Chaturdashi (Bhadrapada month), and offered him green grass as penance. 

Another story relates that during the Sagar Manthan (churning of the ocean), the snake king Vasuki was used as a rope. The poison spewed out of the snake king and to prevent this from harming all life, Lord Shiva drank the poison. Some of it spilled out while Lord Shiva's throat turned blue. To save his master and all life, Nandi drank the spilled venom. To everyone's amazement, Nandi survived the poison and all were amazed at his massive power and the protection of Lord Shiva. 

Nandi is a deity conferred with many powers. He is the protector of Dharma and the chief of the team of Ganas, or attendants of the gods. Nandi is also chief of 18 Siddhas or gifts in Hinduism and is considered the granter of boons. 

Nandi provides the music to which Lord Shiva performs the Tandava or the Cosmic Creation dance. Nandi symbolizes purity as well as justice, faith, wisdom, virility, and honor. 

Rajarajeshwari Temple Bangle Festival: Adi Pooram - Wednesday 26 July, 2017

This Tuesday morning I visited with Arasu, the Chief Priest and member of the Founding Family of the Rajarajeshwari Temple on the Arunachala Girivalam Roadway. He reminded me that tomorrow, Wednesday 26 July, 2017 between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. the Temple will be holding their Adi Pooram Bangle Festival.

All are welcome.

Below are photographs of the Goddess that I took today. In my opinion this is by far the most loved and Loving Goddess in all of Tiruvannamalai. Go to this link for details of this lovely Temple. And make sure to visit next time you are at Arunachala.

Goddess Rajarajeshwari

The Loving Smiling One

2017 Adi Pooram: Arunachaleswarar Temple—Flag Raising

The below sequence of photographs were taken yesterday (Monday 17 July,  2017) on the first day of Adi Pooram as observed at Arunachaleswarar Temple. 

After puja and aarti Goddess Unnamulai is carried to the Flag Post mandapam where she views the Flag Raising ceremony in the 3rd Prakaram of the Temple.

Alankaram of Goddess Unnamulai

Aarti offered to the Goddess

Goddess Carried out of Shrine to view the Flag Raising Ceremony

The Goddess is to the right watching the Ceremony

Adi Pooram Flag Raising Ceremony for Adi Pooram Festival

Aarti being offered to the Mother not showing on photograph. Nice snap of Nandi in front of the Flagpost

The schedule for the Adi Pooram Festival is listed in my previous posting at this link here. However Adi Pooram will not only be observed at Arunachaleswarar Temple but at all other Shakti Temples throughout Tiruvannamalai. 

A favoured darshan for the final day puja, this year will occur on Wednesday 26 July, 2017 at 6 p.m. at the Temple of Sri Rajarajeshwari off the Girivalam Roadway. 

Adi Pooram Puja, Sri Rajarajeshwari Temple 2016

Adi Pooram 2017: Fire-Walking at Arunachaleswarar Temple

Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple Tiruvannamalai Adipooram Brahmotsavam Festival Invitation 

Tiruvannamalai—One among the Panchaboothas sthalams 

Sri Unnamulai with Annamalai Temple Adi Pooram Brahmotsavam 

All devotees are invited.

This celebration will start on Monday, 17 July, 2017 morning 6 a.m. to 7.30 a.m. with a Flag Hoisting ceremony. 

Throughout the 10 day Festival, each morning and evening there will be Vinayaka and Parashakti Amman processions of the four mada veedhis 

On the 10th day i.e. Wednesday, 26 July, 2017 there will be Adi Pooram morning panchamoorthies abhishekam 

Followed by Parashakti Amman Utsavam and a special Abhishekam, then the Bangles Festival 

Later that night after 12 midnight there will be a fire-walking ceremony in front of the Sri Unnamulai Sannidhi 

The schedule for the climax of the Festival to be observed on July 26th, 2017 will be approximately as follows: 

5.00 a.m. Amman Abhishekam 

6.00 a.m. Alangaram 

6.30 a.m. Flag Hoisting at Mother’s Shrine 

8.00 a.m. Amman from Sannidhi to Vallaikappu (bangle) Mandapam 

4.00 p.m. Amman in Vallaikappu and the worship of Amman by ladies 

4.00 p.m. Abhishekam 

6.00 p.m. Valaikappu (bangle) 

8.00 p.m. Amman goes around the Temple and returns to Vallaikappu Mandapam 12.00 p.m. Adi Pooram firewalking preparation 

1.30 p.m. Fire walking 

Adi Pooram Brahmotsavam is celebrated at all Hindu temples in Southern India in the month of Adi, which corresponds to the English months of July-August, when the asterism Pooram (Delta Leonis) is in the ascendancy. It is observed to propitiate the Sakti Goddess who is said to have come into the world on this occasion to bless all. She is thus worshipped in order that one may secure happiness for oneself and for loved ones. 

Aadi Pooram is also dedicated to the birth of Goddess Andal, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. Pooram or Puram is one among the 27 Nakshatras in Hindu Astrology. 

Fire-walking at Arunachaleswarar Temple 

Fire or Agni is the fourth element of the Panchabhutas. The essential character of Fire is to generate heat and according to Hindu Mythology, Agni is one of the Eight Guardians that guard our Universe and are known as Asta-dik-palakas. 

In Indian mythology there are mentions of various types of fires. The four important ones are fire of the earth, fire of the sky, fire of the stomach (can mean hunger and digestive power as well) and the fire we commonly use. 

There is a wealth of mythology attached to Arunachala connected to its association with fire and what is related to fire i.e. light and sun. 

One such myth is that Lord Surya estranged from his wife Chayadevi visited Arunachaleswarar Temple to propitiate the Lord. 

A Tamil legend concerns Singavaram and a Temple dedicated to Sri Ranganadha. Here a king named Kandhan, after suffering defeat, performed a fire walking ceremony in worship of Draupadi (from the Mahabharata). Draupadi, pleased with the worship, appeared before the king and promised that whoever should worship her as he had done would remain unscathed and also obtain whatever they prayed for. From that day onwards the fire-walking festival is observed with great enthusiasm in Tamil Nadu. 

Fire-walking at Arunachaleswarar Temple in earlier year

A special association of Arunachala as Agni Kshetra, is that of fire walking which will be observed this year on the late night of Aadi Pooram i.e. 26th July through 27th July, 2017. In Tamil Nadu the Festival is known as Theemithi Utsavam. On the night of Aadi Pooram (Pushya) star, fire-walking will take place immediately in front of the Unnamulai Shrine, 3rd Prakaram of Arunachaleswarar Temple. Devotees who have specially prepared for the ceremony will walk on burning embers. This is not observed at Arunachaleswarar Temple as per agamic rules. 

Visit to Sri Siva Jothi Mona Siddhar Ashram

I have written about Sri Siva Jothi Mona Siddhar's Ashram on my Arunachala Mystic blog many times. His Ashram is located off the Vettavalam Road about 20 kms from Arunachala (as the bird flies) but because of the bendy road route, its probably more of a 30 mile drive from town. 

Visited last week bringing Dr. Arun from the Hearty Paws Pet Clinic  Tiruvannamalai to perform neutering operations on the two male dogs residing at Swami's Ashram. While waiting for Dr. Arun and his assistant to do the needful, checked out Swami's developing Ashram. 

The Temple with the huge Shiva statue on the roof is nearly complete as too is the Meditation and Samadhi Hall. Below a selection of photographs of the Ashram and also a video of a recent visit of a group of devotees from Russia.  

Oh! yes. Everything went splendidly and both dogs are fine!

Ashram set in a peaceful, pristine clean country environment

Huge statue of Lord Shiva on roof over Temple doorway

The development of Sri Siva Jothi Mona Siddhar's Ashram

Paintings and murals appearing on walls throughout the Compound

Painting of Goddess Annapurna Devi in the dining hall

Meditation and Samadhi Hall of the 18 Tamil Siddhars awaiting completion

Meditation and Samadhi Hall

Sri Siva Jothi Mona Siddhar

The below video is of group from Russia visiting Sri Siva Jothi Mona Siddhar's Ashram. After individual interaction with each member of the Group, Swami distributes prasad. The video ends with the Group Leader feeding cake to participants. 

To find out more about Sri Siva Jothi Mona Siddhar (whose Ashram is located about 20 miles from Tiruvannamalai) visit my Arunachala Mystic Blog. 

Varuna Japam at Arunachaleswarar Temple: Sunday 9 July, 2017

Varuna japam and yagam was performed on Sunday 9 July, 2017 at Arunachaleswarar Temple. The rendition of Varuna Japa whilst immersed in the Arunachaleswarar tank, is a ritual meant to propitiate the rain god (Varuna) to bestow copious rain and banish famine, is also aimed at appeasing the Almighty to ensure common good and world peace.

Priests at Arunachaleswarar Temple Theertham

Varuna Japam in Temple Tank

Varuna Japa comprises many rituals. Some scholars stand for hours in chest deep water in a Temple tank whilst chanting the Varuna mantra or other mantras. Some perform abhisheka to the Lord's processional deities, others conduct homam to propitiate the rain Gods, do japa or recite the Vedas and sanstras.

God Varuna

Varuna in the Vedas is a powerful God. He is the guardian of cosmic order (rta=rhythm=ruth=truth) and in charge of the oceans, water sources and rains. He is worshipped by seagoing people and fishermen. His vahana (vehicle) is shark fish or crocodile. Tamils have always believed in his control over rains and worshipped him for rains. In this respect one of the oldest Tamil book “Tolkappiam” says he is the God of littoral areas/Neithal.

Lord Varuna on Crocodile Vahana

On another level Varuna is in charge of the West direction, (Lord Indra controls the East). Mitra and Varuna are paired in Vedic hymns which to the belief of interpreting them as Day and Night, Sun and Moon, Light and Dark, and Positive and Negative energy. The Tamil saint Agastya (who made a grammar of the Tamil Language) is considered to be the son of Varuna and Urvasi.

In Valluvar’s Tirukkural, it is said:

Couplet 18 "If rains fail, festivals of the year and the daily worship of the gods will cease".

Couplet 19 "Charity and devotional practices will not be observed in the world unless rain falls."

[Extract from article by London Swaminathan] Below is an audio of the proper chanting of Varuna Japam 

Amurya upa surye 

Yabhirva surya saha 

Ta no hinvantvadhvaram 

Apo devirupa hvaye 

Yatra ghava pibanti na 

Sindubhya kartva havi 

"May waters gathered near the Sun, and those wherewith the Sun is joined, speed forth this sacrifice of ours. I call the Waters, Goddesses, wherein our cattle quench their thirst; oblations to the Streams to be given". 

Tat tva yami brahmaa 

Vandamanastada saste 

Yajamano havirbhi 

Ahe amano varueha 

Bodhyurusasa ma na 

Ayupra moi 

"I ask this of thee with my prayer adoring; thy worshipper craves this with his oblation. Varuna, stay thou here and be not angry; steal not our life from us, O thou world-ruler". 

Varuna Lingam one of the Arunachala Asta Lingams 

Arunachala is surrounded by eight lingams (Asta Lingams) each residing in one of the eight directions of the four cardinal points (South – Yama, West – Varuna, North – Kubera, and East – Indra) and four intercardinal points (South East – Agni, South West – Niruthi, North West – Vayu and North East – Esanaya). 

The arrangement of the Asta Lingams around the octagonal perimeter of Arunachala reflect the geometry of a Cosmogram. The octagonal shape is surrounded by a total of eight Lingam Temples (Asta Lingams). Each of these Temples are located at the four cardinal and four inter-cardinal points. This was also believed by the ancients who originally constructed the Lingams at their eight cardinal and inter-cardinal points to represent, characterise and vitalise certain aspects and qualities of life in relation to specific fields of energy and influence. 

Varuna Lingam has the West as its directions. This lingam is situated on the outer girivalam pathway about one kilometre before the village of Adi Annamalai. 

Lord Varuna Lingam

Varuna’s vehicle is Makara (that lives both on land and water) which is an animal with the head and front legs of an antelope and the body and tail of a fish. 

This Lingam has Lord Shani as its dominant Navagraha. Varuna Theertham, a holy tank, is located here. Devotees are protected from illness, particularly water related diseases. 

Legend has it that the eye of Varuna is Surya and when Surya appears in the constellation of Makara, its a special event and honoured as Makara Sankarathi. This day falls each year in mid-January and is celebrated as Pongal Festival in Tamil country. 

Varuna is the king of appreciation and enjoyment. He governs the whole world. He is the God of rain and God of all the waters in the three worlds. He surveys the deeds of man according to his karma and keeps them under his control. Placating Varuna is believed to wash away accumulated sins. 

2017 Ani Brahmotsavam Flag Raising at Arunachaleswarar Temple

The raising of the flag at Arunachaleswarar Temple in observance of Ani Brahmotsavam occurred this morning, Friday 7 July, 2017. 

Ani Brahmostavam festival commences on the 21st day of the Tamil month of Ani and runs through 10 days of Dakshinayana which marks the beginning of the sun’s movement in a southern direction. 

A year in the Hindu calendar consists of two Ayanas (which signfy the sun’s direction) that are divided into two periods of six months each. Summer solstice which falls in the month of June (corresponding to Ani) marks the beginning of Dakshinayana, which means in the Earth’s sky the Sun begins to trace a southward movement in the northern hemisphere of the planet.The Uttarayana period which begins on January 14th or 15th ends with Dakshinayana Punyakalam. The Dakshinayanam period ends on Makar Sankranti (i.e. Uttarayana day). 

The Ayana from the beginning of Dakshinayana to the beginning of Uttarayana is known as the sadhana pada. In terms of sadhana, Dakshinayana is for purification, Uttarayana is for enlightenment. 

In the northern hemisphere of the planet, Uttarayana is the time of fulfilment and Dakshinayana is the time of receptivity. They are also understood as – the first six months from January to June to be masculine in nature, and the duration of the southern run corresponds to the feminine phase of the Earth. 

Uttarayana and Dakshinayana have a significant impact on how the human system functions and acordingly aspirants shift their activities in relation to the dominant solar influence. 

Aarti to the Gods

The Gods being carried out of 2nd Prakaram

Flag Hoisting. Gods on right in attendance

Gods watching the Flag Hoisting

2017 Ani Brahmotsavam Flag Hoisting

Meaning of Dakshinayana and Uttarayana

The summer solstice falls in the month of June (corresponds to the Tamil month of Ani) and marks the beginning of Dakshinayana, which means in the Earth’s sky the Sun begins to trace a southward movement in the northern hemisphere of the planet. 

Similarly, the winter solstice, which falls in the month of December, marks the beginning of Uttarayana or the northern run of the Sun. The half of the year from the beginning of Uttarayana in December to the beginning of Dakshinayana in June is known as jnana pada. The other half of the year from the beginning of Dakshinayana to the beginning of Uttarayana is known as the sadhana pada. In terms of sadhana, Dakshinayana is for purification, Uttarayana is for enlightenment. 

The change in the Sun’s relationship with the planet has a significant impact on lives of people, particularly for those who inhabit the region of the earth between eighteen degrees north to forty-eight degrees north latitude, because this part of the earth gets the maximum impact in this shift. A human being cannot escape anything that happens to the planet – I am not talking in environmental terms – because what you call as "myself" is just a piece of this planet, and a more sensitive and far more receptive part of the planet than what is there as earth. So whatever happens to the planet will happen a thousand-fold more within the human system. It is just that it takes some sensitivity and receptivity to experience it and make use of it. 

Many people are making use of it in unconscious ways, not knowing what they are doing. Unconsciously, on certain days they behave in a certain way. Every human being, no matter what level of competency he has reached in his life, either a great athlete or an artist or a musician or a politician or an intellectual, whatever he may be, will for some unknown reason seem to function better on certain days and certain times. And for some unknown reason he does not seem to do the same things as well on another day. This is not just about you. The whole dynamics of the planet and the system is working upon you. 

In the northern hemisphere of the planet, Uttarayana is the time of fulfilment, Dakshinayana is the time of receptivity. They are also understood as – the first six months from January to June are masculine in nature, and the duration of the southern run is the feminine phase of the Earth. The earth changing her fabric from being masculine to feminine is very significant for a sadhaka because we are moving into the six months of sadhana phase where receptivity is good. 

So Uttarayana and Dakshinayana have a significant impact on how the human system functions. Accordingly, spiritual aspirants shift their tone of activity – when the sun is in the northern run they are one way, when it moves to the southern dimension they are in a different way. During the southern run, what is below the Anahata chakra can be purified very easily. During the northern run, what is above the Anahata can be worked much more easily. 

If you look at the chakras as two different dimensions, the lower ones, the Manipura, the Svadhishthana, and Muladhara are more concerned in keeping the body stable, rooted. These are the earth qualities. They pull you to the Earth. It is nature. The more you ascribe your energies to these three centres, the more your qualities will become earthy and in the grip of nature. The upper ones, the Vishuddhi, Agna, and Sahasrara are three centres which are always taking you away. If your energies become dominant in these centres, it is pulling you away from Earth. These centres make you open to another force which we normally refer to as Grace – it is always trying to take you away from Earth. So between the first three and the last three, the first three are pulling you towards the Earth, the last three are pulling you away from the Earth. Anahata is a balance between the two. 

The human body, if brought to a certain level of intensity and sensitivity, is a cosmos by itself. Everything that happens in the external sphere, in a subtle way, manifests in the body. It is happening to everybody, it is just that most people do not notice this. But a more organised and purposeful rearrangement of the human mechanism could be done if one becomes conscious of the external movement and aligns that with the movement that is happening within the human system. If you want this body of flesh and bone to imbibe the nature of the cosmic body, understanding and being in tune with this movement of Uttarayana and Dakshinayana is very essential. 

[By Sadhguru] 

Thursday 6 July, 2017: Guru Vrat Pradosham Arunachaleswarar Temple

The below photographs of Nandi abhishekam at Arunachaleswarar Temple are of the Big Temple Pradosham observed on Thursday (Guru Pradosham) 6 July, 2017. 

Abhishekam of Periyar Nandi

Aarti of Periyar Nandi

Aarti Nandi at Flagpost

Aarti, Arunachaleswarar Temple Pradosham

Lord Shiva enshrined in Nandi's Heart

Pradosham means the “removal of sins”. These times are the windows of opportunity to remove karma or karmic energies that limit our potential in this current life. Pradosham occurs on the 13th lunar day (Trayodashi) during the waxing and waning phase of moon in the Hindu lunar calendar. It is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva on this day will relieve the devotee from sin and gives Moksha. 

The importance of observing Pradosham is described in the Pradosha Mahatmyam from Shiva Purana. Pradosham indicates the meeting of the Sun and the Moon in a horizontal line during their movement on their Axis. 

Among the pujas performed by the devotees of Lord Shiva, Pradosham puja is considered to be the most auspicious. It is believed that during this period all universal beings and Gods come down to earth and attend the worship. 

During pradosham abhishekam of Lord Shiva the following are considered fruitful. 

Milk Gives Long life 

Ghee gives Moksha 

Curd gives good children 

Honey gives melodious voice 

Rice Powder gives free from debts 

Sugar Cane Juice gives good health 

Panjamrutham gives wealth 

Lemon removes fear of death 

Sugar removes enmity 

Tender Coconut gives enjoyment 

Cooked Rice gives gives majestic life 

Sandal gives Lakshmi’s grace 

Aani Thirumanjanam Arunachaleswarar Temple: June 30, 2017

Aani Uthiram, or Aani Thirumanjanam, is an auspicious day in the Tamil Month of Aani (June-July) and is dedicated to Lord Nataraja (Shiva). It is believed that Lord Nataraja gives darshan to his devotees in the months Aani and Margazhi.

The word "Thirumanjanam" means Holy bath. The festival is observed on the Uthiram Nakshatram day. In 2017, this day fell on June 30.

The Lord's form demonstrates his five-fold functions: creation, preservation, destruction, concealment and salvation. The rattle (udukkai) in his right hand represents creation; his raised right arm with the open palm (abhaya hastam) protection; his left hand holding fire destruction; his firmly placed foot concealment; and his other, slightly lifted, leg salvation. Lord Nataraja is given six abhishekams in a year.

This planet takes 365 days to complete one full circle around the sun. That duration is divided into six seasons:

Marghazhi-Thai—early winter

Maasi-Panguni—late winter

Chittirai-Vaikasi—early summer

Aani-Aadi—high summer

Avani-Purattasi—autumn

Aippasi-Karthikai—rainy season.

This six-season year of humans is said to be one day for the immortals. A day has six periods: dawn, morning, noon, afternoon, evening, and night. These are when the six daily poojas (Kaala Pooja) in temples are performed. During each of these six parts, an Abhishekam has been ordained for Lord Nataraja. One of these is Ani Thirumanjanam, the pradosha abhishekam on the evening of the day of Uthiram star in the Tamil month of Aani (June-July) is believed to be the best time for worshipping Lord Shiva.

Three Tamil Saivaite saints whose shrine face the Nataraja shrine inside the Arunachaleswarar Temple are revered at the same time as worship of the Lord and his Goddess, and deeparadhana is performed by priests at the shrines of the Gods and Saints, which face each other. This is known as Arakattu Utsavam and only happens at this time.

In preparation of the Holy Bath on Uthiram Nakshatram Lord Arunachaleswarar and Goddess Shivakami are brought out of the Temple in procession and taken to the 1000 pillared hall where they are installed in a special shrine. It is at this place that the sacred bath (Thirumanjanam) is performed.

It is popularly believed that it was on Aani Uthiram day that Lord Shiva appeared before Sake Manikkavachakar under a Kurundai Tree and offered upadesha (advice). Sage Manikkavachakar is the author of Thiruvachakam.

Below photographs of 2017 Aani Thirumanjanam at 1000 Pillar Hall, Fifth Prakaram, Arunachaleswarar Temple and thereafter procession of the Gods.

Receiving Aarthi after Abhishekam inside 1000 Pillar Hall

Lord Nataraja and the Goddess after abhishekam and aarti in 1000 Pillar Hall

Large crowds of devotees waiting outside the 1000 Pillar Hall

Devotees waiting outside 1000 Pillar Hall for exit of the Gods

Lord Nataraja and the Goddess exiting the 1000 Pillar Hall

Giving darshan to devotees

Walking through the 5th Prakaram

Exiting Temple through special gateway

Thursday 22 June, 2017: Guru Vrat Pradosham Arunachaleswarar Temple

In this posting are photographs of the Pradosham observed at Arunachaleswarar Temple on June 22, 2017. The significance of Pradosham on Thursday (the day of the Guru) is that one receives help to overcome opponents and enemies—thus eliminating all danger. Also on Pradoshams which fall on Thursdays, devotees receive Divine blessings through their ancestors. 

Milk abhishekam of Periyar Nandi

Aarti at Periyar Nandi

Large crowd watching abhishekam at Periyar Nandi

Aarti at Nandi near Flagpost, 2nd Prakaram

Alankaram of the Gods on Guru Pradosham