Mercedes D'Acosta

Mercedes D'Acosta was very much part of the 30s and 40s Hollywood set and mixed with the rich and famous from all over the world; Dietrech, Garbo, Stravinsky. However, in her own right she was also a mystic and spiritual seeker who wanted to see all the popular teachers of the time. In this respect she decided to travel to India to meet in particular Sri Ramana Maharshi.

On her very first meeting with the sage, she was able to have this long and extraordinary conversation with him:

' . . . Tell me, whom shall I follow, what shall I follow? I have been trying to find this out for years by seeking in religions, in philosophies, in teachers and teachings.' Again there was a silence. After a few minutes, which seemed to me a long time, he spoke.

You are not telling the truth. You are just using words, just talking. You know perfectly well whom to follow. Why do you need me to confirm it?

'You mean I should follow my inner self?' I asked.

I don't know anything about your inner self. You should follow the Self. There is nothing or no one else to follow.

I asked again, 'What about religions, teachers, gurus?'

If they can help in the quest of the Self. But can they help? Can religion, which teaches you to look outside yourself, which promises a heaven and a reward outside yourself, can this help you? It is only by diving deep into the Spiritual Heart that one can find the Self.

He placed his right hand on my right breast and continued,

Here lies the Heart, the Dynamic, Spiritual Heart. It is called Hridaya and is located on the right side of the chest and is clearly visible to the inner eye of an adept on the Spiritual Path. Through meditation you can learn to find the Self in the cave of this Heart.

I find this record of Mercedes D'Acosta's meeting with the Maharshi particularly fascinating because Ramana seems so wonderfully accessible. Often in books and literature about saints much is edited to maintain an image. So, how refreshing to see from this passage such a unique and appealing side of Sri Ramana. To see how intensely he was involved with his devotees and that he didn't differentiate between the male and female form, to him it was all one.

His response was guaranteed when he met with a true devotee of the Divine Principle and was not predicated on social mores or expectations of other devotees. He did what he did in the way he did it! It was always just about God, not convention, just wish there were lots more examples available of this aspect of Ramana Maharshi.

[Here Lies the Heart]

Ardhanareshwara

Another special characteristic of Arunachala is that it is believed to be a place where womens tapas will easily bear fruit. The reason for this conviction is that Arunachala is the place that the Goddess Parvati performed the tapas that resulted in her attaining a place as the left half of the Lord. This manifestation of the Divine with the right half being Shiva and the left, Parvati, bears the name Ardhanareshwara (ardha=half, nare=lady).

An idol for Ardhanareshwara is found in the Arunachaleswara Temple and on Deepam evening is taken along in procession with the other Deity murtis.

Feet on Arunachala

On top of the summit of Arunachala there is a large flat stone with enormous rock-cut feet on it. It is approximately five feet from this spot that the huge cauldron is placed every year during the Karthigai festival. The feet are supposed to represent the feet of Arunachala. When you go to the top of the Hill, there you find the feet: because in Arunachala, the Supreme, there is neither top nor bottom, there are no parts, there is just wholeness. Also because what is highest in principle is lowest in manifestation; the first is last and the last first.

Sphinx at Arunachala

There are many religious and historical monuments at Arunachala but perhaps one of the most enigmatic are these wayside sphinxes that appear around the pradakshina road. Each sphinx stands next to a water tank (tirtham).

The sphinxes appear to have the head of a lion but, according to scholar Stella Kramrich, in fact are composed of three faces: the face of man, the face of the lion representing the Sun or Supreme Spirit, and the face of the dragon who, as the Destroyer of the Universe, stands for Transcendental Wisdom. Stella Kramrich further suggests that all three are superimposed on, and hence overwhelm the just discernible Deaths head underlying them.

Speculating further on the history and meaning of the sphinxes, M. Bose writes in her book, The Hill of Fire:

. . . Today, these enigmatic sphinxes are used as mere shrines at which pilgrims, after taking a bath in the tank, make their offerings to Arunachala. But did they have a more important function in the past? For their symbology suggest that in long-forgotten rites they may have been gateways to the Sun, places of initiation where the neophytes, after being cleansed of sin and animal nature, received the highest knowledge that led to immortality in the Sun.

Fire Walking

Fire walking is still a regular event in Tiruvannamalai and other South Indian towns. Usually wood or charcoal is burnt and the smouldering embers laid out onto the ground. The ceremony is usually held under the auspices of a Temple, and in the case of Arunachaleswarar temple held once a year.

Those who participate are ordinary householders and are largely non-Brahmins. In some cases the devotees are give a mantra to recite and may fast for some days before the ritual. In all temples where the fire-walking ceremony is practised it is a Goddess that is worshipped. In the case of the Arunachaleswarar Temple, it is the Goddess Unnamaulai that is duly placated. The actually ceremony occurs on the paved courtyard in front of the Temple of Unnamulai, inside the compound of the Big Temple, on the full moon day of the month of Adi (mid-July to mid-August). At that time a fire of burning embers is spread out after midnight for people to walk upon.

There is a Tamil story that in a place in Singavaram, there is a temple to Sri Ranganadha. Here a king named Kandhan, after suffering a 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.

Movie Actor and Arunachala

Its not just Ashrams and Saints who are responsible for bringing crowds to Arunachala. In this respect, a major factor in the last 10 years in popularising Arunachala amongst Tamils is the advocacy of one of South India's favourite movie actors, Rajni Kant. His support and dialogue about the efficacy and power of Arunachala and giripradakshina, has influenced many who would otherwise have had no knowledge or information about this sacred site.

Rajni Kant has been responsible in improving the infrastructure at Arunachala and personally funded the installation of lights on the girivalam path, in this way ensuring devotees are able to safely do circumambulation throughout the night.

Skanda Purana

Sri Siva said:
Though in fact fiery, my lacklustre appearance as a hill on this spot is an effect of grace and loving solicitude for the maintenance of the world. Here I always abide as the great one (Siddha). Remember that in the interior of My Heart is transcendental glory, with all the enjoyments of the world also. This glorious Arunachala is that of which the mere sight suffices to remove all demerits which divide up Being into egos and finite worlds.

From The Skanda Purana

Arunachala the Centre

Among the many holy places in India representing different modes of spirituality, Arunachala stands out as the centre of the most direct path guided by the silent influence of the Hill as Guru. It is the centre and the path where physical contact is not necessary. The silent teaching acts and speaks direct to the heart.

Virupaksha

The famous saint Virupaksha lived in a cave on the South slope of Arunachala. The cave is said to be in the shape of OM and some people report to have even heard the sound of OM whilst meditating. The saint's tomb is there and bears his name. Ramana Maharshi lived in Virupaksha Cave before moving to Skandashram cave a little further up the Hill.

The Secret of Arunachala

". . . I began to understand what had long before been said to me about the attractive power of Arunachala and his Mountain. If Ramana was indeed great, how much more so must be this Arunachala which drew Ramana to himself, how much more so the mystery of Arunachala? In the end then Ramana would only be one of those, no doubt the greatest of those belonging to our time, who in the course of ages have quenched their thirst at this fountain which never ceases to flow, and in the shelter of the Mountain have discovered in the depth of their own heart the living mystery of Arunachala."

By Swami Abhishiktananda

Sri Chakra

Although Arunachala is the pre-eminent Saiva Kshetra there are various other names designating this sthala. Interestingly Vaishnavas call Arunachala, Sudarsana Giri. Shaktas say the Hill resembles Sri Chakra, the emblem of the Cosmos with its substratum; and regard Arunachala as Sri Chakra itself.

Robert Adams at Arunachala

'During the Fall of 1946, Robert arrived by train to the town of Tiruvannamalai, a few miles from Arunachala Mountain, where lay Ramanashram and his future teacher, Ramana Maharshi. He took a bullock cart to the Ashram, was admitted, and stayed the night. Early the next day while walking back from the mountain, towards the Ashram, he spotted Ramana walking down the path towards him. An electrifying energy coursed through his body, and the last of what men call an ego left him. He felt completely surrendered, completely open. As Ramana got closer, Robert stripped off his clothes, approached Ramana and dropped to his guru's feet. Ramana reached down grabbing Robert by his shoulder, and looked into Robert's eyes with complete love and said, 'I have been waiting for you. Get up! Get up!' Robert said had Ramana asked him to leap over a cliff at that moment, he would have done so gladly.

Robert stayed at Ramana Ashram for a little over three years, during which time he bought a jeep for the Ashram to bring supplies from town, and helped build a large hospital at the Ashram using money from an inheritance.

. . . During the late 1940's, Ramana was almost constantly ill with severe arthritis and other ailments, including the cancer that eventually killed him. Few visitors were allowed to stay for more than a few weeks at the Ashram, so Robert lived mostly in the caves above, which also allowed him to avoid the crowds.'

Great Glory

Light of Arunachala

. . . It is not an ordinary hill. It is spirituality Itself. It has a powerful, magnetic pull to the Self. Seekers who come to this place with the intention of realizing the Self will have untold benefits to do pradakshina on a full moon.

In the proximity of this holy hill the presence of the Self is more powerful and more self-evident than anywhere else. Indian mythology speaks of a wish-fulfilling tree. If you find this tree and tell it what you want, your wish will be granted. Arunachala also has this reputation. This is why so many people come here on a full moon night and walk around it. But very few people come here and ask for their complete freedom, for undisturbed peace.

Arunachala is a light. It shines whether or not you believe in it. It is the light of the Self, and the light of the Self will continue to shine on you whether you believe it or not. Arunachala is greater than all other religious places. There are other holy, powerful places in the world, but none have the power of Arunachala . . . There is a huge amount of shakti, or spiritual energy, here.

By Annamalai Swami

Deepam at Arunachala

This year, the first night of the lighting of the Flame on top of Arunachala Hill, during Karthigai Deepam Festival, will be celebrated on December 3rd.

During Karthigai the image of Lord Arunachaleswara is taken out in procession morning and evening along with those of Lord Ganesha, Lord Subramanya, Goddess Unnamulai and Chandikeswara. Different vahanas (mounts for the images are used). Some of these mounts are unique features of Arunachaleswara Temple. There is the Kamadhenu-Kalpaka Vriksha (the wish fulfilling cow and wish yielding tree) and the Vrishaba (silver bull).

The processions pass in front of huge crowds of devotees lining four main streets and the finale is when the Deepam is lit on the top of Arunachala.

It is said the Deepam is lit at the precise moment when the moon rises and the setting sun is still visible on the horizon. These elements, sun, moon and fire, symbolise the three eyes of Lord Siva (who is known as Somasuryagni-lochana).

Arunachala Through The Yugas

[picture courtesy of D. McCambridge]

The Hill at Tiruvannamalai, forming part of the Javadi Hill range belongs to the gneiss variety also called igneous rock in Indian tradition through the ages. According to the Saiva text Vidyasarakotirudra-samhita Adhyaya, 20, this Hill:

was of Fire in the Krta-yuga
of Gem in the Treta-yuga
Gold in the Dvapara-yuga
and of Emerald in the Kali-yuga.

We are still in the Kali Yuga or Age of conflicts. According to the tradition, it will end with the incarnation of Kalki, the last Avatar of Vishnu, who on his white horse, must destroy what is to be destroyed.

But as the destruction rains, Sri Siva declares:

Let this perpetual and immobile Fiery Form of mine, famous as Arunadri, be present here forever. (27)

Even at the close of the Yugas the great oceans shall not submerge it, the winds shall not shake it and the fires shall not burn it. (28)
(Skanda Purana)

Vortex in a Vortex in a Vortex

My thoughts on the phenomenon of the vortex (see earlier blog)is that I've always considered India itself to be an immense vortex of spiritual rarefied energy. Thus one could say that Arunachala's place in India is rather like that of a vortex in a vortex. But even here, at Arunachala itself, there seem to be variations of energy and vibration. So much so that many saints have counselled about direction and location regarding the most efficacious spots for sadhana and meditation.

In this respect, from my own experience, I believe there are two extraordinary powerful additional energy vortexes. One being the Annamalaiyar (Shiva) Shrine at the Big Temple (Arunachaleswarar Koil) and the other spot the Meditation Hall at Ramana Ashram. In regard to the former it seems as if the Temple Shrine is generating its own extraordinary, luminous aura. As to the latter, I've always wondered at the astonishing force in the Ramanasharam Meditation Hall. It has often been said that, 'Sleep is the ordinary man's (ordinary i.e. unenlightened) samadhi'. If this is true maybe that's the reason so many sadhakas often fall into a drowsy-like condition in that Hall!

In Search of Secret India

. . . I stand at the door and look up at the Hill of the Holy Beacon - Arunachala, the Sacred Red Mountain, as the people of the countryside prefer to call it. It has become the colourful background of all my existence; always I have but to raise my eyes from whatever I am doing, whether eating, walking, talking or meditating, and there is its strange, flat headed shape confronting me in the open or through a window. It is somehow inescapable in this place, but the strange spell it throws over me is more inescapable still. I begin to wonder whether this queer, solitary peak has enchanted me. This lonely hill holds me in a powerful thrall, despite the fact that I have been others infinity more attractive. This rugged piece of Nature, with its red laterite boulders tumbled about in disorderly masses and glowing like dull fire in the sunlight, possesses a strong personality which emanates a palpable awe creating influence.

[by Paul Brunton}

Herbs on the Hill

'The herbs growing on the hill sides are supposed to possess the power to satisfy hunger, slake thirst, cure diseases, bring the dead back to life and turn base metals into gold. However a search for these herbs by people with base motives will be futile and they can be espied only by the most devoted. Devotees walking round the hill are benefited by the breeze wafting over the herbs'.

Its interesting to note that similar phenomenon have been noted in other 'power spots'. Sun Dagger site at Fajada Butte in the U.S., has a special sort of power. The Butte creates an environment that grows a variety of plants used by the indigenous population for spiritual and ritual purposes, plants that are not generally found on the surrounding plain. Special plants also grow on the mounds of the ruins of the ancient Native American astronomers that once inhabited the area. Although some feel the plants are equally powerful wherever they grow, the power of the plants is said to be increased by being on the butte.

Animals and Medicinal Plants

Arunachala Hill abounds in medicinal plants and herbs. Practitioners of traditional Indian medicine roam about the slopes of Arunachala in search of herbs and leaves. It is interesting to watch the monkeys' behaviour and habits. One can watch groups of them, particularly during the evening, gather round certain plants and munch their leaves and seeds. The elders of the monkey family coax the youngsters of their group, sometimes by administering physical rebukes, into consuming the leaves. Other animals too possess intuitive knowledge about local herbs and their use.

Amritanandamayi and Devotees, 1982

Extract from Karthigai day at Tiruvannamalai, 1982 when Amritanandamayi and devotees are doing giripradakshina around Arunachala.

'That day Mother suddenly bolted out of our residence all alone. This was obviously an escape; she clearly did not want anyone to follow Her ... Having witnessed Mother's lack of body-consciousness, I knew that she might very well get lost. I followed her from a distance as she walked around Arunachala Hill, obviously in an intoxicated mood, Mother was walking at a very rapid pace and gradually she disappeared into the distance, leaving us behind.

We started driving around Arunachala Hill, looking intently for Amma. The previous day, while climbing the hill with her, we had come across many caves on both sides. Amma had gone into some of them to meditate and it was only after much urging that she could be persuaded to come out. While descending from the mountain, Amma had said, 'I don't feel like coming down, but thinking of you children I am restraining myself.'

We suddenly caught a glimpse of Amma's form, walking far ahead of us on the road ... It was a glorious sight to see Amma. She was swaying to and fro while walking, as if drunk. Her whole body was vibrating, and Her hands were forming sacred mudras. Her eyes were half closed and a blissful smile glowed on Her face ... After we had followed Amma for some distance ... slowly Amma came down to our level. Soon she was laughing and talking with us affectionately ... thus we all walked for the full eight miles around the hill.'

Swami Paramatmananda's book "On the Road to Freedom, part two:

Arunachala Puranam

'All stones in that place [Arunachala] are lingams. It is indeed the Abode of Lord Siva. All trees are the wish-granting trees of Indra's heaven. Its rippling waters are the Ganges, flowing through our Lord's matted locks. The food eaten there is the ambrosia of the Gods. When men move about in that place it is the earth performing pradakshina around it. Words spoken there are holy scripture, and to fall asleep there is to be absorbed in samadhi, beyond the mind's delusion. Could there be any other place which is its equal?'

Different Names For Tiruvannamalai

The Tiruvannamalai sthala is also known by the names, Arunagiri, Annamalai, Arunachala, Arunai, Sonagiri and Sonachala. Arunai is only the corrupt form of the name Arunagiri, Arunamalai and Arunachalam. All these names signify 'Fire Mountain'.

Dr. Manickam

Yesterday afternoon I met Dr. Manickam for the first time. Dr. Manickam who is a Herbologist and specialises in herbal medicines, prescribes effective remedies for physical illnesses, and is also reputed to have considerable healing gifts.

Picture above shows Oliscevadi (Palm Leaf Writings) one of the resources Dr. Manickam consults whilst treating patients. The Leaves are over 700 years old. Certain Siddha remedies and ingredients for ayurvedic medicines are contained on them.

Much more about Dr. Manickam to follow in later Blogs. But for a fascinating story in his own words:

'I was born at Pavalakkundru in Tiruvannamalai as the last child of my parents. My mother Alamelu and father Venu were both ardent devotees of Sri Bhagavan. They have sat at the Maharshi's feet a number of times to learn from him the secrets of herbs and herbal medicine. The Master would give them detailed instructions on the preparation methods of various medicines which my parents duly and faithfully recorded.

Once, during a conversation with Bhagavan, my father told him that the castor plant did not possess enough juice. It was also hard to find the plant in the environs of Tiruvannamalai. Bhagavan then asked my father to go to Athimur on the Javadhu Hills, near Polur. There was a lake there and the plant could be sighted on its banks and ample juice could be extracted. My father went to Athimur, and found the plant on the exact location mentioned by Bhagavan.'

Indian Mongoose

Now that the water is quickly receding on the lakebed, the emphasis is changing from the aquatic to the land animal. In the dry season the reservoir area is replete with rabbits, foxes, snakes and mongoose. But with the excessive flooding this year, a lot of animals had to migrate from their burrows and seek safety on higher ground.

So it was with great satisfaction that a very nice Indian Mongoose crossed our path during our walk early this morning. My dogs were so startled by the intrepid and never-before-seen critter, that they were immobilised whilst it made a very easy escape into some thick undergrowth.

The Indian grey mongoose is found throughout India and prefers areas of bush and tall grass. The Indian grey mongoose, which is also known as the common grey mongoose, is generally a grizzled grey or tawny in colour, with a lighter underside, darker feet, and dark red tail tip. They have a reddish tint to their head. Their tail length equals their body length. Males are significantly larger than the females.

Among the better-known mongooses are those of the genus Herpestes, which range from southern Europe into Africa and southern Asia. The Indian gray mongoose, H. Edwardsi, which may reach 50cm (20in) long plus a 41cm (16in) tail, and weigh about 2.3kg (5lb), is the one portrayed in Kipling's Jungle Book.

This mongoose feeds on mice, rats, lizards, and snakes, but will eat some fruit. They have been known to attack domestic poultry. They are popular for killing poisonous snakes, which they kill with speed and agility. The Indian grey mongoose is diurnal. They are found in fields and open forests, often close to humans. They live in burrows, which can be anything from a hedgerow to rock crevices and drains. They are usually solitary or sometimes in pairs.

Kannappa Temple and Mandapam

Kannappa Temple
This is a current picture of the Kannappa Temple which was mentioned at length in an early entry. This Temple is built on rock and lies flush against Arunachala Hill. Kannappa Temple was recently restored to this immaculate state by the efforts of devotees from Shantimalai Ashram here at Tiruvannamalai.

Kannappa Mandapam
Thus far the Mandapam which lies close to the Temple has not been restored and is currently in a derelict condition just off the giripradakshina path.

Ecology at Tiruvannamalai

In the August issue of Arunachala Grace News, our monthly Newsletter, we will be focussing on various reforestation and ecological programmes currently being undertaken at Arunachala. If anyone has questions they would like to pose on this subject, please send in your comments and suggestions to this Blog.

Some of you reading this Blog are already subscribers to our Newsletter, which contains facts on Arunachala and information about the events and people of this place. For new readers if you wish to receive the July issue of Arunachala Grace News, next week, then please put in your subcription request here at: arunachalagrace@fastmail.fm

Paramhansa Yogananda

Towards the end of 1936 Paramhamsa Yogananda visited Arunachala - but it seems his visit was more for the purpose of meeting Sri Ramana Maharshi than for spending time at the Holy Hill:-

'Before leaving South India, Mr. Wright and I made a pilgrimage to the holy hill of Arunachala near Tiruvannamalai to meet Sri Ramana Maharshi. AT this ashram the great sage welcomed us affectionately and pointed to a nearby stack of East-West magazines. During the hours that we spent with him and his disciples, he was mostly silent, his gentle face radiating divine love and wisdom.

To help suffering humanity regain its forgotten states of Perfection, Sri Ramana teaches that one should constantly ask himself: 'Who am I?', the Great Inquiry indeed. By stern rejection of all other thoughts the devotee soon finds himself going deeper and deeper into the true Self, and the sidetracking bewilderments of other thoughts cease to arise.'

Autobiography of a Yogi (p.391)

Arunachala Is Same Throughout

At different times Ramana Maharshi was asked about the power of Arunachala and whether (as is reputed at the Himalayas) it is more advantageous to be at the top of the Mountain than lower down. Ramana Maharshi explained that, unlike other sacred spots, there is no difference between the lower, middle or upper parts of Arunachala. It is all the same. However if there is any particular method that could be followed in accessing Arunachala's power, Sri Ramana always told his devotees that the method was by doing giripradakshina around the Hill in the proscribed manner.

Phenomenon of the Vortex

[Picture by D. McCambridge]

In addition to an earlier blog on Power Spots and Sacred Sites, below are various explanations of the Vortex; in some way a possibility of understanding part of the phenomenon of Arunachala.

'A vortex is a mass of energy that moves in a rotary or whirling motion, causing a depression or vacuum at the center . . . These powerful eddies of pure Earth power manifest as spiral-like coagulations of energy that are either electric, magnetic, or electromagnetic qualities of life force.'

Page Bryant,
Terravision: A Traveler's Guide to the Living Planet Earth

**********

...Vortexes are areas of high energy concentrations, originating from magnetic, spiritual, or sometimes unknown sources. Additionally they are considered to be gateways or portals to other realms, both spiritual and dimensional. Vortexes typically exist where there are strong concentrations of gravitational anomalies, inturn, creating an environment that can defy gravity, bend light, scare animals, twist plant life into contorted shapes, and cause humans to feel strange. Many vortexes have been shown to be associated with Ley Lines and have been found to be extremely strong at node points where the lines cross.

**********

. . .Vortexes are labelled according to the direction of their energy flow. Up-flow Vortexes, where energy is flowing upward out of the earth; and Inflow Vortexes, where energy is flowing inward, toward the earth.

Up-flow Vortexes are said to boost spiritual skills associated with going to a higher level. They are said to stretch or expand consciousness, like filling a balloon with air. Places labeled as a magnetic vortex are areas of inflow energy. An area labeled an electric vortex is an area of up-flow energy.

Pete A. Sanders Jr. and Richard Dannelley
'Scientific Vortex Information','Sedona Power Spot Vortex'

How It Looks To Him!

As scary as driving in India can be, with all the big lorries and buses and speeding two-wheelers - just imagine how spooky it looks to our four-footed brethern? And he's not wearing any shoes! Think about how it would be to face all of this with bare feet!

Pachiamman Temple

These wonderful, strange, gigantic (2 to 3.5m high) statues of painted stucco, represent Warrior Devas. They sit in rows on either side of the path (inside the Compound) leading to the Pachiamman Temple.

Much more about this amazing Temple in later posts.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

The first spiritual teaching Sri Sathya Sai Baba is reputed to have given to the world was at the age of 14 years when he left his home and took a seat on a great boulder outside his Puttaparthi village. It was at that boulder (which would later mark one of the boundaries of his vast desert Ashram), that Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai sang:

Manasa Bhajorey Guru Charanam
Dusthara Bhava Sagara Tharanam
Guru Maharaj Guru Jai Jai
Sai Natha Sad Guru Jai Jai
Om Namah Shivaya, Om Nama Shivaya,
Om Namah Shivaya, Shivaya Namah Om
Arunachala Shiva, Arunachala Shiva,
Arunachala Shiva Aruna Shiv Om
Omkaram Baba, Omkaram Baba,
Omkaram Baba Om Namo Baba

O mind, worship the Lotus Feet of your God and Supreme Teacher that will take you safely across the ocean of life and death. Victory to our Lord and supreme Teacher, Sai Nath!

Mind, also chant and worship; the Divine name of Lord Shiva and Arunachala mountain (which is no different to Shiva) and Baba whose form is OM.

In this bhajan Bhagavan exhorts devotees to worship the feet of the spiritual perceptor and explains that there is no difference between the Pranava Om (which pervades the Universe), Arunachala and the Lord. Bowing to one is as bowing to all.

Since that early age of 14 years and his first teaching, Sri Sathya Sai Baba has often encouraged, suggested and even ordered devotees to come to Arunachala. As well as his love of this Holy Place, Sri Sathya Sai Baba often guides people (as did Ramana Maharshi) in the method of Self Enquiry.

Kannappa Nayanar Temple

There is a Temple built at the foot of Arunachala, off the pradakshina route, on a rock dedicated to Sri Kannappar. Kannappar who was one of the sixty-three Nayanars (Tamil Poet-Saints) whose lives are recorded in the Periya Puranam (Lives of the Saints). The actual story of Kannappa Nayanar is supposed to have taken place at a Hill Temple in Sri Kalahasti, near Tirupathi.

The story goes that there was a forest place called Uduppur. It was an isolated area populated by fierce villagers. Nagan and Tatthai had a great desire for a child but as they were old had to go to a shrine of Lord Murugan to receive his blessings before they were able to conceive. A son was soon born to them who they named Thinnan (meaning strong), because he was so powerful and heavy that even his father could hardly hold him up.

When the boy reached 16 years of age, he took over the position of leader of the hunters. During a pig hunt, Thinnan and some companions had to go deep into the forest. It was there that the youth saw the hill of Lord Siva. Kindled by an unexplainable emotion he went towards the hill.

The culmination of austerities he did in previous births came to him and he proceeded towards the Lord. He saw Him and drank through his eyes the wonderful sight; It flowed over his heart; He lost all control and ran towards the Lingam to embrace and kiss the Diety.

Thinnan started performing service by bringing water from the river in his mouth and bathing the image of the Lord by emptying the water he carried in his mouth onto the Lingam. He would chew meat to ascertain its suitability before offering the choicest bits to his deity.

When he left for hunting, a sage came who was shocked at the sight of strewn bones and flesh in front of the Lord. After prostrating many times the sage cleaned the altar and performed his own puja before returning to his hermitage.

This continued for many days. To explain the love of his huntsman devotee, God appeared to the sage and told him, 'Don't think he is a scoundrel. His form is full of my love, his mind thinks of me only and his deeds are delightful for me. The water he spits on me is more sacred than Ganga, the flowers he offers taking from his head are holier than that are offered by Devas. It is all because of His love. You can see the excellence of his devotion tomorrow, if you hide and watch'.

It was the seventh day of Thinnans worship. When he arrived at the Lingam he was shocked to see that one eye of the Diety was bleeding. While worrying about his inability to find a solution, he remembered an old saying flesh for flesh. So, immediately Thinnan plucked out one of his own eyes with a sharp arrow and placed it onto the bleeding eye of the Lords. Thinnan jumped up and down in excitement when the bleeding from the Dietys eye stopped.

But as it stopped in the right eye, it started from the left. After a moment Thinnan told himself, 'I know the medicine. I have one more eye. That should cure this'. But when he was about to pluck out his remaining eye, he realised the difficulty of placing the eye in position once he took out his remaining eye. So he held his foot on the Dietys eye as a mark, and raised the arrow to take his remaining eye out.

The Lord Himself was not able to bear this great action, and appeared and holding the devotee's hands to stop him from plucking the remaining eye, called out:

'Oh halt Kann Appa, Kann Appa Since you gave your own eyes for me, you will be called Kannappan (the person who gave eyes to the Lord) hereafter.' And with that contact the devotee's sight was fully restored and the Lord pleased with his devotion granted him eternal bliss.

Although a hunter and meat-eater, Kannappar had such great devotion to Siva that he offered him his eyes. And in Guru Vachaka Kovai, verse 164, Sri Bhagavan gives the meaning of this story.

164
Kannappa, ripe in love, scooped out
And in the Lord's face planted his eyes.
But till he plucked and planted them
He too retained a trace of price
In those bright, beautiful orbs of his.
Attachment to the body dies
Hard, very hard indeed.

165
Why did the three-eyed Lord ordain
That Kanappa should pluck and plant
Those eyes of which he was so proud?
It was to save him from the death,
The deadly folly of deeming he
Was flesh inert. Such is the might
Of Siva.

Glistening Like An Iridescent Gem

When The Parties Over!

This year the first night of the lighting of the Deepam flame will be December 3rd.

The Arunachala Deepam remains burning until dawn. Every evening for about 8-10 days, the Hill Cauldron is relit at dusk and fed ghee and offerings throughout the night.

Once the festival is over the Cauldron is brought down the Hill and remains in storage at the Arunachaleswarar Temple UNTIL THE NEXT YEAR!

Arunachaleswarar Temple

The Arunachaleswarar Temple, faces east and is situated at the base of Arunachala. It is unique on account of its stately towers, high rampart walls, broad quadrangles, spacious gateways, large mantapams and fine tanks. With the hill as background, from a distance. the Temple looks very much like a fort.

Arunachaleswarar Temple has four Towers on each side of it’s high stone walls.

Eastern Tower - Rajagopuram (highest at 217 feet)
Southern Tower - Thirumanjangopuram
Western Tower - Peygopuram
Northern Tower - Ammaniamma Gopuram

The temple occupies an area of approximately 25 acres. The walls on the East and West measure 700 feet each. Arunachaleswarar Temple is one of the biggest and grandest temples in South India

Radha at Arunachala

As part of a series of holy people and sadhakas at Arunachala, here is a post of a lady named Radha. She originates from Bangalore where she was successfully working in a Computer Organisation but, on deciding to give up the world some years ago, she moved to Arunachala. Her husband became one of her devotees and she set up a small enclave just off the pradakshina road on the Northwest side of the Hill where she lived with several of her sannyasins. She has now moved to another location near her original place.

She is generally available to pilgrims in the season (late September-March) at which time she gives daily satsang lasting between 1-2 hours outside the Sri Kannappa Temple. She seems to attract mainly Western devotees.

Recently land was purchased on the south edge of Lake Samudra and work has already started on building a perimeter fence. Quickly planned will be the construction of five cottages for devotees and a large prayer/meditation hall. At this time no special facility on the land is being made for Radha Ma, who is taking an active interest in the development of the site and goes regularly to check progress.

An Indian Swing

Took this picture this afternoon from my rooftop. Every second Saturday of the month, maintenance is performed on the Citys electricity system. So that means no electricity for most of the day; and no fans! So to cool down, some local kids tied up an old sari (sling style) to the branches of a tree at the side of an old, abandoned well and took turns to have a swing.

The sling hammock is the method used by most Indian ladies with small babies. From my experience there are very few families that buy children-specific items, like cribs or cots. No, most everything in this country is multi-functional. So when a sari gets too old then it is time to make a sling hammock for the baby, perfect!

[Arunachala is the green background of this picture]

Full Moon Pradakshina

If you want to walk around Arunachala, quietly and peacefully then don't come during Full Moon (Poornima). Each month the crowds get larger and more boisterously enthusiastic. There is a tremendous vitality and passion in the mainly Tamil crowds that come to Arunachala to circumambulate the Hill. The experience is stirring yet fun; not at all the sedate walk around the Mountain 'like a Queen in her last month of pregnancy' so often advocated by saints and sages. If you want peace and silence then come on an ordinary day and set out at 3 a.m. and that's as close as you will get to experiencing a traditional, historic giripradakshina.

All around the perimeter of the 14 km walk are Temples, Shrines, Tirthams, Sadhus, Beggars, Roadside Wallahs (sellers), Entertainers, Artists, Fortune Tellers and so on. For now here are some photographs to give you the flavour of Full Moon Pradakshina at Arunachala.

Sadhu sitting in front of shrine. Probably not as idyllic as it looks; must be noisy, and doubtless there is a bad smell and mosquitoes from the standing water!

This silver Gandhi impersonator has been a favourite here for many years. Stands motionless for hours and always with a big crowd watching. Just hope he makes more than his bus fare home!

Nataki meets Bhavani

This is an extraordinary story that will have to be told in many parts. But to begin with I'll tell you how Nataki (an old lady) met Bhavani (a beautiful child) and how their lives have joined.

Bhavani was born on January 24th, 2003 in a small village about 27 kilometres from Tiruvannamalai. Her family are of a good Hindu Tamil caste and are pious devotees of the Devi; even to the extent of participating in fire-walking ceremonies that still take place in Tamil Shrines and Temples dedicated to the Divine Mother.

The day after her birth, Bhavani's Mother (accompanied by a close relative) travelled to Tiruvannamalai to plead with Nataki to arrange for someone to take the child. There was the fear, as already there were three girls in the family, that a near relative might finish off the child with poison.

For someone living outside the harsh, survival realities of the ordinary Indian, it is difficult to conceive that a girl child could be so targeted. The reality is money. In India a girl has to marry and move from the protection of her father's home to that of her husband's. But in order to get a husband, the bride's family has to pay dowry. And where is a simple, ordinary man, living a day-to-day existence, going to get a minimum of Two Lakhs (Rs.200,000/-, i.e. approx U.S.$5,000/-) for his daughter's dowry?

It's tragic but there is a reason why in India having a girl child is regarded as, 'watering another man's garden'. The reason is the girl's family have to actually pay (i.e. dowry) for her to go and live in another man's home (i.e. with the husband and his family).

Nataki, who was born a high caste Brahmin, had remained unmarried throughout her life so as to dedicate her life to God. She had lived permanently at Arunachala since her move in 1950 and had selflessly dedicated her life to the poor, deprived and most disadvantaged in the community.

In 2003, Nataki nearing 70 years of age, had a small room at Ramana Ashram, was serving both in the Mother's Samadhi at the Ashram and also attending to patients at the Ramana dispensary.

With little money, no thought for her own comfort or whether she would even be allowed to live at Ramana Ashram with a tiny new-born child, Nataki unhesitatingly took the child from the distraught Mother and from that day has raised the child as her own. She did in fact have to leave her Ashram room and take accommodation outside for herself and the child.

Bhavani is now 3 years and 5 months old, and as you can see from the photograph a shining, lovely, happy girl.

Lord Muneshwara

This Temple is dedicated to the God Muneshwara, who in these parts is regarded as a Family Deity. This particular shrine is located on the North Side of Arunachala near Adi Annamalai Village and its forecourt plays an important part in village rituals during such festivals as Pongal (harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu).

Outside the small Temple a watchman holds two horses with a small dog sitting quietly near his feet. The watchman, who is the driver of the horses, symbolises the protection and support of the Lord Muneshwara.

King Cobra?

I've been checking out this particular snake shrine for the last 12 years and still haven't seen anything either going in or coming out of the mound. There is supposed to be a big cobra living inside and every so often you see broken egg shells scattered on the sand and other so-called evidence of it's existence!

But even if a snake had once been living in the mound, with the continual disturbance of large pilgrimage crowds, the snake has long gone!

Arunachala Sannyasin

Probably something quickly noticed by the first time visitor to Arunachala, is the number of sadhus and sannyasins that are everywhere. On the pradakshina path, up the Mountain, in the Temple, at the Ashrams; and long may they come too! It's such a blessing to have these wonderful symbols of surrender and dedication to the Divine Principle here with us at Arunachala. They live a hard life and often get abused for the privilege of living it, long may they reign!

Sri Venkateshwara Temple

Photograph of the Sri Venkateshwara Temple which is currently under construction. Before building work started, the earth in the area was raised approximately 20 feet, to add to the elevation and also to give the structure a good perspective from the pradakshina road. This photograph was in fact taken from the outer pradakshina path.

Kamadhenu (from Kama = desire, wish + dhenu, milch cow):

According to Hindu mythology, Devata Kamadhenu is a Divine Cow believed to be the mother of all cows. She can grant any wish of the true seeker and hence is termed the cow of plenty.

If you look closely at the photograph, you will notice that Devata Kamadhenu is bathing the Lingam underneath with milk from her udder.

This shrine is located in the front of the Sri Venkateshwara Temple which is currently under construction.

Palakothu tank and Annamalai Swami

This is a photograph of the Palakothu Tank where many sadhus lived during Ramanas time. In those days there used to be a colony of varying types of residential structures which housed such personnages as Muruganar, Lakshmana Sharma, Paul Brunton and Annamalai Swami.

Annamalai Swami was born Sella Perumal in 1906 in a small village in Tamil Nadu, Southern India. In 1928, when he was 22 years old, he travelled to Tiruvannamalai to meet Ramana Maharshi who, at that time, lived at the base of Arunachala. He became the Maharshi's personal attendant and was given the name Annamalai Swami (Annamalai is another name for Arunachala) with duties to oversee the ongoing construction at the ashram.

It is believed that in 1938, ten years after his arrival in Tiruvannamalai, Swami Annamalai realized the Self. Five or six years later, sometime in the mid-1940s, Bhagavan instructed him to leave the Ashram and engage in intense sadhana.

Following his departure from Sri Ramanasramam, Annamalai took up an austere life in his own hut in Palakottu. He would occasionally meet the Maharshi on his walks, but never again in the fifty years that followed did he re-enter Sri Ramanasramam. A few years later he built the Sri Annamalai Swami Ashram and lived there until his death on November 9, 1995.

If you look at the picture on the top of this entry you will see at the end of the Palakothu tank a white wall, this wall is one of the perimeter boundaries of Annamalai Swamis own Ashram. A couple of years ago the Trust overseeing the Ashram donated its land and all buildings thereupon to the adjacent Ramana Ashram. So perhaps one could say that Annamalai Swami did in fact finally rejoin his Master at Ramana Ashram!

Unique Sanctity of Arunachala

"Arunachala is truly the holy place. Of all holy places It is the most sacred! Know that It is the heart of the world. It is truly Siva Himself! It is His heart-abode, a secret Kshetra. In that place the Lord ever abides as the Hill of Light named Arunachala."

Ramana Maharshi

The Indian Peacock

Auto Rickshaw

In Tiruvannamalai a common mode of transportation is the auto rickshaw. Unfortunately unlike larger cities, here rickshaw drivers are not compelled to operate meters in their vehicles. With the increased popularity of finance companies and more easily available bank loans, cars and two wheelers are much more prevalent. However for out-of-station visitors, the auto rickshaw is an essential prerequisite for getting around in Tiruvannamalai.

An auto rickshaw is generally characterized by a tin/iron body resting on three small wheels (one in front, two on the rear), a small cabin for the driver in the front and seating for two or three in the rear. Autos are generally fitted with a motorcycle version of a two-stroke engine with a handlebar for control (again like motorcycles) instead of a steering wheel, effectively making them a three-wheeler motorcycle carrying passengers on the rear seat.

For pollution control, some local governments in India are pushing for four-stroke engines instead of the current two-stroke versions. Typical mileage for an Indian-made autorickshaw is around 35 kilometres per litre of petrol.

Safety is a major concern regarding auto rickshaws. Their flimsy chassis make them dangerous to passengers even in accidents that are far from severe. They are also not well-equipped to protect their passengers from rain, air pollution or extremes of temperature. Auto rickshaws are extremely light vehicles considering their capacity.

They have a top-speed of around 50 km/h (about 31 mph) and a cruising speed of around 35 km/h (22 mph). The triangular form of the auto makes maneuvering easy, with the front single wheel negotiating the available gap, and the rear two wheels forcing a larger space.

Paravidya Upanishad

We hold the copyright of two books hitherto unpublished, based on the teachings of Ramana Maharshi. In this respect in May, 2006, Ramana Ashram brought out the first book, The Paravidya Upanishad (The Supreme Science as Taught by Sri Ramana) written by Lakshmana Sharma "Who", an original devotee of Ramana Maharshi. The book comprising over 700 slokas expounds and explains the teachings of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi. Much of the preparatory work in bringing this work to the public was done by a Mr. Sunder Hattangadi, a U.S. resident. Hopefully the second book by Lakshmana Sharma entitled Vedanta Saram of which we also have the copyright, will soon appear in publication.

Swami Ramdas at Arunachala

Either at the end of 1922 (soon after Sri Ramana Maharshi permanently moved to the base of Arunachala) or the beginning of 1923, Swami Ramdas of Kanhangad arrived at Tiruvannamalai and had a brief meeting with the young Sri Ramana Maharshi. The meeting powerfully affected Swami Ramdas and immediately after it, he moved into an unoccupied cave on the Southside of Arunachala. It was in this cave he lived for nearly a month in deep meditation.

... He was actually rolling in a sea of indescribable happiness ... Once during the day, when he was lost in the madness of meditation he came out of the cave and found a man standing a little way from the mouth of the cave. Unconsciously, he ran up to him and locked him up in a fast embrace. This action on the part of Ramdas thoroughly frightened the friend who thought that it was a madman who was behaving in this manner and so was afraid of harm from him. It was true, he was mad ... At times, he would feel driven to clasp in his arms the very trees and plants growing in the vicinity of the cave ... Thus passed his days in that cave. It was altogether a simple and happy life that he led in that mountain retreat.

[Excerpt taken from In Quest of God autobiography by Swami Ramdas] For more information about Swami Ramdas please check link at: http://www.anandashram.org