Anyhow that Tuesday morning I arrived with two bullock carts (each with two bulls) early at Arunai Anantha Hotel. Already the days are getting warm, so we wanted to make an early start to avoid spending the afternoon in the sun. Everyone wrapped up nicely to venture out in the chilly early morning.
First off we stopped at Nirudhi Lingam (the SW Asta Lingam) so we could look at the descriptive lingam map painted on the outside of the Lingam Shrine. During the course of the morning we did in fact visit: Nirudhi Lingam, Varuna Lingam, Asta Lingam, Kubera Lingam and Yama Lingam.
Our next port of call was the favourite
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.” To read further go to this link here.
Its interesting to view the progress of the developing Swami Nithyananda’s Ashram from the vantage point of
The below photograph was taken from the Panchamuka shrine from where one can see the five faces of Arunachala. R. Henninger in his interesting book ‘Arunachala – Holy Hill,’ remarks that the faces are:
Top dedicated to Ishana – Pure Crystal
East dedicated to Tat Purusha – Yellow, the face
South dedicated to Agoram – Black, the heart
North dedicated to Vamadeva – Red, the navel
West dedicated to Sadyojatha – White, the foot
This part of the hillround roadway was quite peaceful and the bullocks were moving along quite perky and unstressed. We had already fed them with some bananas during a stopover, and they were co-operating quite earnestly.
We definitely had to stop at the Idukku Pillayar Shrine and test the legend that those who succeed in passing through the narrow passage while uttering a wish, will have that wish fulfilled. Well just about all of the group went through the opening – so they will be able to test the wish-fulfilment part first hand. Anyhow all the group had a good laugh.
Once we got near the Tiruvannamalai Bus Stand, traffic started to get heavy and the bullock drivers really needed to concentrate and put their power into guiding the bullocks. It was a hair raising experience for us – can’t imagine what it was like for the poor bullocks.
It was getting hot and late and the roads were busy with traffic. Deciding time was too short to make the hike up the Hill to visit Pavala Kundru, we instead visited the beautiful Durga Amman Koil and from there we could look up and also see part of the 'Jewel of the Hill,' (i.e. Pavala Kundru).
The Goddess remained and bestowed her favours on her devotees. Since then, the sacred tank has had a regular water inflow. It is at this
Pavala Kundru background at top left
Pavala Kundru
Pavala Kundru (The Jewel of the Hill) is a beautiful
To read vignettes and stories about Puranic mythology of Arunachala go to this link here and this link here.
In more contemporary times Ramana Maharshi lived in one of the two small rooms located at the side of the
2 comments:
- The Hill course is to get exercise. Using bullock carts is something I never seen. Anyways I understand that you guys won't be able to withstand the noon temperature.
- Being a native, myself dont know the names of the Lingam. You got a good memory.
- Above all, visiting Tamilnadu won't be a good memory without a friend from that region (not a guide).
Good to see you people having bullock cart ride.
There is an important lingam called Gupera Lingam on the left side of Pavazha Kundru.
You can see Kupera Lingam on the entrance of Pavazha kundru othavadi street from Big Street. This lingam is half burried into the concrete structure created by local body. This street is existing on the northern side of Arunachala temple.
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