Through a combination of various social reasons, over the last centuries, Temples and Shrines throughout India fell into disuse and decay. This certainly occurred at Tiruvannamalai where the situation became so bad that even the Asta Lingams were taken over by squatters and homesteaders.
In 1968 an Arunachala devotee named Moopanar Swami came to Tiruvannamalai who understood the significance of the neglected, dilapidated condition of the Asta Lingams.
The Hill which is octagonal in shape is surrounded by a total of 8 Lingam Temples (Asta Lingams). Each of these Temples are located at the four cardinal and four inter-cardinal points. Moopanar Swami was convinced that the restoration of the Lingam Shrines was essential to the revitalisation of specific fields of energy and influence surrounding the Hill.
South West, Niruthi Lingam, Growth
Ancients originally constructed the Asta Lingams at their 8 cardinal and inter-cardinal points to represent, characterise and vitalise certain aspects and qualities of life, namely:
East, Indra Lingam, Sun
South East, Agni Lingam, Fire
South, Yama Lingam, Death
South West, Niruthi Lingam, Growth
West, Varuna Lingam, Rain
Northwest, Vayu Lingam, Air
North, Kubera Lingam, Wealth
North East, Easanya Lingam, Peace
North, Kubera Lingam, Wealth
Restoration of the actual Asta Lingams is now complete; although development of attached land still continues. Many people believe that the revitalisation of the Lingams is in some way responsible to the sudden revival of interest in Arunachala. It certainly is a fascinating coincidence!
2 comments:
Now and then I wonder if different cultures throughout the world, have similiar inner meanings of the directions and locations? If the ancient basis is the same, there should not be too many differences. I suppose the research must have been done by someone.
Very often there are similarities in the relevance of direction in different cultures and countries. If you want to check out sacred sites best place is www.sacredsites.com
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