5 December 2011

Wishfulfilling Cow and Tree


One of the most popular of the processions over the Deepam Festival, is that of the Kamadhenu, the wish fulfilling cow, and the Kalpavriksha, the wish fulfilling tree. Both of which emphasis the wish fulfilling aspect of Arunachala.



Kamadhenu, Wish Fulfilling Cow


The Kamadhenu is a divine cow-goddess described in mythology as the mother of all cows. She is the giver of plenty and provides the owner with whatever he desires.

Theories as to the origin of the Kamadhenu are two-fold. One scripture describes her as the daughter of the creator god Daksha, and another narrates that Kamadhenu emerged from the churning of the cosmic ocean.



Kalpavriksha, Wish Fulfilling Tree


The Kalpavriksha is a mythological divine tree said to fulfil all desires. Its mythology narrates that the wish-fulfilling tree also originates from the churning of the ocean of milk afterwhich the god Indra, returned with the tree to his paradise.



Kalpavriksha





2 comments:

Divya said...

Nice Blog! Where exactly is this temple located? WAny close landmarks? Driving directions are also welcome!

Meenakshi Ammal said...

The Arunachaleswarar Temple is located at Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. It takes up a large part of the town so easy to locate.

Unfortunately the statues I mentioned in the posting are not on view throughout the year -- and are only available for darshan during Deepam each year.