Showing posts with label 2013. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2013. Show all posts

9 March 2014

Arunachaleswarar Temple, East Side


A short time back I visited the area east of the Temple specifically to take photographs of the gutted spot left by the devasting December 2013 fire which occurred very close to the main Raja Gopuram entrance. A compilation of various reports reads thus: 

“Late in the evening on Thursday, December 13, 2013, a major fire broke out in a metal shop located a few yards away from the Rajagopuram of Sri Arunachaleshwarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai, on Sannathi Street. Goods worth about 70 lakh was destroyed in nine metal shops. It has been suggested by officials that the shops greatly exceeded the limit of their storage capacity. 



Local metal shop untouched by fire


Front of gutted area now boarded up


Sanyasis sleeping in front of the metal shops noticed thick smoke emanating from M Veeratalingam’s Gandhimathi Metal Store around 11.45 pm on Friday. The sanyasis informed a group of shop owners and workers, who were working nearby. 

Shop remains

The fire quickly engulfed nearby shops. A distress call was received by the District Fire and Rescue Station, located 7 km out of town, at 12.05 am and it took the fire service personnel 16 minutes to reach the spot. However, the fire had spread and fire personnel found it difficult to bring the blaze under control as each of the shops locked with two or three locks. An official said, “It took over 6 hours for the fire to be brought under control and 47 personnel were engaged in the operation. Electric short-circuit is suspected to be the cause of the fire.


9 metal shops razed to the ground

Two fire tenders from Tiruvannamalai, one each from Polur, Chengam, Keelpennathur, and Thandrampet fire station were engaged in the dousing operation.” 


Gutted shops east of Raja Gopuram

Raja Gopuram East Gate, Big Temple

While spending time in the area around the East Gopuram, I checked to find out whether flower and archana stalls have been allowed back into the area. Previous to the 2013 Deepam Festival, very stringent regulations were enforced limiting the presence of stalls in and around the major entrance to the Big Temple. Locals and pilgrims were surprised that the most important Shiva Temple in India should effectively be banning the sale of puja requirements near the main entrance to Arunachaleswarar Temple. 


Car park in front of Temple main entrance

It was even more puzzling that the area previously dedicated to the service and assistance of visiting pilgrims, should have been transformed into a carpark for shop owners and V.I.Ps. 




The shops and stalls have not returned to the area previously dedicated to the sale of archana items, but happily some tradespeople have set up mobile shopping areas were pilgrims can purchase flowers, coconuts, camphor, agarbatti and other archana necessities. 


Flower garlands again available outside Big Temple

Hope things return to normal

Beads, Rudrakshas and Threads for sale


In front of Main Temple Gate

The December 2013 fire outside the big Temple was not an anomaly. There had been in fact another recent fire, which took place in 1996 and destroyed the then 16 pillared mandapam (which is meant for Murtis during processions). That mandapam has been replaced by the now current 44 pillared mandapam.


New Mandapam in front of Temple East Gate

Mandapam with a variety of uses

Resting and chatting being a most important use

Many sadhus and saints have slept in and around the Big Temple

Some things have remained the same from days of yore

17 January 2014

Postings on my Arunachala Blogs October 17, 2013 to January 17, 2014


Below are links and short extracts of postings on my various Arunachala Blogs from Thursday, October 17, 2013 to Friday, January 17, 2014 


Arunachala Grace 

Thiruvoodal Festival 2014, Pongal: Legends of the enactment of a martial tiff between Lord Shiva and his consort. Photographs

Happy Pongal 2014: Pongal Greetings from Arunachala Grace to all readers.

Garuda Puja, 12 January, 2014: Celebration and Puja of nesting Brahminy Kites on Samudram Eri. Photographs.

Animal Sanctuary Homam, January 2014: Homam performed at the Arunachala Animal Sanctuary and Rescue Shelter. Photographs.

January 10 -- Puja at Animal Shelter: Information about programme of upcoming puja to be performed at Animal Sanctuary.

Happy 2014 from Arunachala: Greetings and photographs on New Year’s Day 2014 from Arunachaleswarar Temple and Rajarajeshwari Temple, Girivalam Roadway

Rukku Gone on Holiday: Information about Rukku, our Temple elephant on her way to rejuvenation camp and vacation. Photographs.

Arudra Darshanam Nataraja Abhishekam: Legends and explanation of the Festival celebrating Cosmic Dance of Lord Nataraja. Photographs.

Special Puja, Arunachaleswarar Temple December 14, 2013: Information of Kalasa Abhishekam, Gaja Puja and Maha Rudra Pua performed at Arunachaleswarar Temple. Photographs

December 14, Arunachaleswarar Temple Pradosham: Photographs of the large crowd in attendance at Arunachaleswarar Temple for Pradosham.

Sri Ratu Peranda Visits Arunachaleswarar Temple: Information about the Head of Hinduism in Indonesia and photographs of his visit to our Big Temple. His Teachings. Links.

Holy Christmas to All: Greetings for Holy Season. Link to Arunachala jigsaw puzzles.

Arunachala Deepam Festival Photographs: Pictorial representation of the 2013 Deepam Festival celebrated at Tiruvannamalai. Photographs

Live TV coverage and online streaming video 2013 Karthigai Deepam: Online resources for live coverage of 2013 Deepam.

Hints for 2013 Karthigai Deepam: Hints to devotees travelling to Tiruvannamalai to attend the 2013 Karthigai Deepam festival.

Chariots on Big Street: Renovation being performed to chariots on Big Street. Photographs. Video.

Flag Hoisting, 2013 Arunachala Deepam Festival: Coverage of the beginning of the Deepam 2013 Festival at the Big Temple. Photographs

Deepam Cow Fair, Tiruvannamalai: Information about the annual cow and horse fair at Tiruvannamalai. Photographs of previous years.

2013 Arunachala Deepam Festival Schedule: Schedule and Information of the 2013 Deepam Festival at Tiruvannamalai. 

Deepam 2013 Clean-up: Preparations for the upcoming Festival at Arunachala. Photographs.


Arunachala Birds 

There is a Crow in my Garden: How to deal with pesky crows in the garden. Why crows are honoured in India. Lord Sani and his association with crows. Photographs.

Cattle Egret: Information about the widely seen Cattle Egret and its symbiotic relationship with other animals, including cattle. Photographs. Videos.


Arunachala Land 

Water Sustainability – Less Intensive Crops: Information about Tamil Nadu water situation. Farming in Tiruvannamalai District. Sand quarrying. Photographs.

Real Estate Market: Market in India and how oversupply is affecting real estate sales.

House Construction Costs: Sample new house 920 square feet and its costs. Reason for price escalation in building sector. Photographs.

Adiannamalai House -- More Photographs: House in Adiannamalai newly constructed additional photographs.

Adiannamalai House Photographs: Exterior shots of new house available in Adiannamalai.


17 November 2013

Live TV coverage and online streaming video 2013 Karthigai Deepam


2013 Arunachala Mahadeepam TV and Online Streaming 


Below is information about tv coverage an live online streaming of the 2013 Arunachala Deepam. The coverage is of festivities held inside Arunachaleswarar Temple. 

Jaya TV, Raj TV, Vasanth TV, Podhigai TV, Zee Tamil, SVBC TTD TV, Sri Sankara TV DD Podhigai and Sri Sankara TV 

Live video Streaming of Arunachala Maha Deepam 2013 will also be available on:



2012 Mahadeepam, Big Temple



Live telecast of Thiruvannamalai Karthigai Deepam 2013 

Many TV channels will telecast this Karthigai Deepam 2013 live from Thiruvannamalai. You can watch Barani Deepam 2013 live through Vasanth TV which telecast from 4:00 am on 17th November 2013. 



2012 Mahadeepam, Big Temple



Watch Karthigai Deepam live from Arunachaleswarar Temple go to its official website: 

To watch Karthigai Deepam 2013 on “You Tube” then visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxLY2ZJKqTg 

For devotees of Ramana Maharshi you can watch a live feed from his Ashram at this link here:


20 October 2013

Postings on my Arunachala Blogs from September 18 to October 17, 2013


Below are links and short extracts of postings on my various Arunachala Blogs from Wednesday, September 18, 2013 to Thursday, October 17, 2013 


Arunachala Grace 

Some Favoured Arunachala Temples and Shrines: Selection of some out-of-the-way girivalam Shrines and Temples.

Pradosham Photographs: Pictorial report of Pradosham at Arunachaleswarar Temple.

Aarti at Pavala Kundru: Photographs of the beautiful Temple on Coral Hill spur, Arunachala. Video. 

Navaratri Kolu Celebration: Visting two homes of Arunachaleswarar Temple Priests to view their Kolu displays.

Navaratri Alangarams, Arunachaleswarar Temple: Amman Lingam Alangaram and Saraswati Alangaram, Mandapam Hall, Big Temple.

2013 Arunachala Navaratri Functions: Information and links of Navaratri Pujas at Ramana Ashram.

Visit to an Elephant: Time with elephant from Trichy at Seshsadri Ashram who was going to participate in the Raja Parivara Puja on Girivalam Roadway.

Rudra Pasupathi Nayanar: Famed devotee of Lord Shiva, who made a practice of chanting the Sri Rudam, while half immersed in water.

Pradosham, October 2, 2013: Photographs of the large crowds at Arunachaleswarar Temple attending Pradosham.

Counting the Cash: Photographs of Temple appointees counting Hundial donations.

Mahapuja for 18 Siddhars, Arunachala: Raja Parivara Puja to be performed for the 18 Siddhars at Tiruvannamalai.

Mottayan Swami and Kootankuchi Swamigal: Information about two holy beings residing off the Girivalam Roadway, Arunachala.

Tremors felt at Tiruvannamalai: After a gap of almost 25 years, Tiruvannamalai experiences a small earthquake.

Whisper into my Ear: The method and benefits of talking into sacred Nandi’s ear.


Arunachala Birds 

House Sparrow: Description of the most common bird in India and resident at Arunachala. Photographs and Video

Ways to deal with Bully Birds: Modern bird feeders and hints of how to control bully birds in the garden.


Arunachala Land 

Act for Seed and Food Freedom: Information and links about the agricultural independence of India

Tiruvannamalai Puja Flowers: Tiruvannamalai trees and shrubs, flowers of which are used in Temple pujas.


Arunachala Mystic 

Significance of Arunachala Girivalam Asta Lingams: Story of Mooppanar Swami, and his work restoring the Asta Lingams on Girivalam Roadway.

Sri Siva Siddhar Mona Swami Birthday Function: Photographs, video and report of Swami’s birthday celebrations at his Ashram

Mouna Swamigal, Girivalam Roadway: Photographs and narrative of a Swami residing off the Girivalam Roadway


6 October 2013

Visit to an Elephant



Being that I love elephants and also enjoy a nice, celebratory procession, I visited Sri Seshadri Ashram yesterday (Saturday October 5, 2013) in order that I could view the procession connected with the Raja Parivara Puja, which was scheduled to leave that Ashram at 4.00 p.m. As things usually get off to a slow start I turned up at Sri Seshadri Ashram at about 4.30 pm. But was disappointed to see that neither the horse nor cow (for the puja) had arrived, and that arrangements for the procession seemed to be delayed.

Fortunately the sweet elephant from Trichy was on time and was waiting patiently at the Ashram whilst snacking on some nice greens. I was told that she had been transported from Trichy by lorry, which I suppose in these days of speeding vehicles on overburdened roadways is the safest solution. In quieter times elephants would have a nice walk to functions. In days previously whenever Sri Sathya Sai Baba was switching from his Puttaparthi Ashram to his Whitefield Ashram, his elephant Geeta, would be taken between those stops by a long, leisurely walk. 

I waited at Sri Seshadri Ashram till about 5.00 p.m. but as not much progress was being made starting up the procession, decided to leave and go upon my household shopping duties. 



Having a little munch

Checking it all out

Wearing freshly painted face decorations

Pots inside Sri Seshadri Siddhar Hall

Young lads with their musical instruments


The sweet elephant wearing her "fancy dress" outfit

4 October 2013

Pradosham, October 2, 2013



It can be seen from the below photographs of the October 2, 2013 Pradosham at Arunachaleswarar Temple, that the number of visitors attending this bi-monthly function seems to be increasing exponentially.


Nandi
Crowds of Pilgrims in the Temple Compound


Crowd at Large Nandi, which faces direction of the Shiva Sannidhi

18 September 2013

Whisper into my Ear



September 17, 2013 Pradosham, Arunachaleswarar Temple


The first two photographs are of Nandi taken at Arunachaleswarar Temple during Pradosham which fell on September 17, 2013.



Nandi the Bull, Arunachaleswarar Temple



Whisper into my Ear

Nandi is the Gate keeper of Lord Shiva's abode, thus it is believed to be important to seek his blessings before praying to Lord Shiva.

It is thought that by whispering our prayers into Nandi’s ear, it will induce him to act as our interlocutor (messenger) and those prayers will reach Lord Shiva. When whispering into Nandi’s ear, some close one of his ears while whispering into the other, to prevent the wish leaving through the other ear.

When whispering it is believed that one shouldn’t stand in-between Nandi and Lord Shiva while praying. First one touches the feet of the Bull, then whispers into the ear and then goes to Nandi’s back.



Nandi on Girivalam Roadway


As seeing the Sivalingam in the Siva Sannidhi from in-between the ears of Nandi is also said to be a form of worship as it is believed that Shiva is looking at the world from between those ears and head. Thus in the case of Nandi at the side of the Girivalam Roadway, one should stand at the back of the statue and look at the Arunachala Lingam from in-between the Bull’s ears.

Next time you visit Arunachala and perform girivalam (giripradakshina), try whispering your thoughts and needs into the Bull’s ears. I found it a powerful and happy experience.




16 September 2013

Postings of my Arunachala Blogs from September 2 to September 16, 2013



Below are links and short extracts of postings on my various Arunachala Blogs from Monday, September 2, 2013 to Monday, September 16, 2013 



Arunachala Grace 

Palayam Puja -- Durga Amman Temple, September 2013: Puja conducted at the start of renovations and repairs at the Durga Amman Temple, Tiruvannamalai. 

Aadi Pooram Photographs—Friday August 9, 2013: Photographs of the most beautifully dressed and adorned Goddess Rajarajeshwari in Festival celebrated at that Temple during Aadi Pooram. 

Vinayagar Immersion September 11, 2013: Photographs of Vinayagar procession and immersion in the Tamari Nagar Tank at Tiruvannamalai. 

Nice Clay Ganesha Idols: Photographs of beautiful and eco-friendly clay Ganeshas at Tiruvannamalai.

Ganesha Chaturthi at Tiruvannamalai: Narrative celebrating Ganesha Chaturthi and explaining the importance of making it as eco-friendly as possible. 

What If: Inspirational Poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

Panthakal -- September 8, 2013: Photographs of the function heralding the upcoming 2013 Arunachala Karthigai Deepam.

Soma Pradosham, September 2, 2013: Photographs of Soma Pradosham and narrative about the relationship of the moon with Lord Shiva. 

Tiruvannamalai Womens' Self Help Groups: Art work explaining and popularising Tiruvannamalai Womens' Self Help Groups.

Panthakal Karthigai Deepam 2013: Invitation to Function celebrating the offical beginning of lead up to the great 2013 Karthigai Festival.

Pavala Kundru Temple adjacent to Arunachaleswarar Temple: Spectacular view from inside top of Raja Gopuram of Arunachaleswarar Temple of surrounding Tiruvannamalai.

Home at Last: Celebration of anniversary of Sri Ramana’s arrival to Tiruvannamalai.


Arunachala Birds 

Rock Pigeon or Rock Dove: Narrative and photographs of the Rock Pigeon, including Cycle of Pigeon Hatching. Video of nesting bird. 


Arunachala Land 

House for sale, adjacent Samudram Eri: Newly constructed, modern 3 bedroom house for sale close to Ramana Ashram. 

Adiannamalai House specifications: Details and house plan of house for sale near Adiannamalai Temple.

House for Sale, Adiannamalai: Photographs of house currently under construction and available for purchase located near Adiannamalai Temple and with sublime darshan of Arunachala.


Arunachala Mystic 

Letter to Sri Siva Jothi Mona Siddhar: Letter from Swami’s devotee with details of a dream and its connection with their guru. 

Lord Shiva as Chandrasekhara: Escoteric meaning of Lord Shiva in his manifestaion as Chandrasekhara. 



12 September 2013

Aadi Pooram Photographs—Friday August 9, 2013



After a long delay I finally connected with Swami at Rajarajeshwari Temple on the Arunachala Girivalam Roadway, and picked up photographs of the Aadi Pooram Festival as it was celebrated at that Temple. 

Below are two photographs of Sri Rajarajeshwari at Arunachala, specially dressed for this most auspicious Festival. I will be posting a more complete narrative with photographs onto my website Arunachala Samudra. To read more about this wonderful Temple, please visit my website at this link here. But for the time being below, two most sublime photographs. 


Right click for photo enlargement








Adi Pooram is celebrated in 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. As the Festival fell on a Friday this year, the occasion was regarded as even more auspicious. This Festival 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.

11 September 2013

Vinayagar Immersion September 11, 2013


The below photographs are of the 2013 September 11, immersion of Vinayagar Statues in the Tamari Nagar community water reservoir.



Procession through town on the way to Tank
 
Nowadays the use of heavy lifting equipment marks a departure from the more rustic, labour intensive immersions of years previously. 


The Big Guy needs a crane for lift off!


Lets just enjoy these photos, and try harder to have an ecologically sound Festival next year!


Tamari Nagar Water Reservoir with Arunachala in background


To give you an idea of labour intensive Vinayagar Immersions pre-cranes, the below is a photo of the 2008 Immersion also at the Tamari Nagar Housing Board Tank at Tiruvannamalai. Nowadays this size statue would be crane assisted!





8 September 2013

Panthakal -- September 8, 2013


Early this morning the Panthakal Function was performed at the Big Temple to mark the official beginning of the rituals and ceremonies preceding the Karthigai Festival (Mahadeepam is November 17, 2013). 

As well as blessing the front of the Temple, outside the Raja Gopuram, the priests also blessed the chariots and vehicles which will be later used in the upcoming Festivals.










7 September 2013

Soma Pradosham, September 2, 2013



Lord Shiva is also known as Chandrasekhara, which literally refers to the 'Person who wears the moon'. In some cultures the appearance of the new crescent moon has been celebrated as a return of the moon from the dead. This celestial body is a powerful influence on the human psyche. Its influence which is always available at Arunachala is celebrated in disparate ways during Sivaratri and Poornima. It is also recognised in all Pradoshams that fall on Mondays, as did the last Pradosham (in the below photographs) which was observed on September 2, 2013.



Gods at Soma Pradosham

Soma Pradosham, September 2, 2013


As you come into Tiruvannamalai via the Chengham Road, in front of the Agni Tank, there is Rotary Club sign proclaiming this place to be Moon City. What a wonderful name for our Tiruvannamalai. 

Hinduism propounds the idea that the (nine) Navagrahas (of which Chandra is one) are 'markers of influence' -- living energies which put out waves which affect our awareness by seizing our consciousness when we come under their influence. Reports of psychics and seers agree that Grahas cause a direct energy influence upon the energy bodies and minds of all life on earth. The nine planets (Navagrahas) are transmitters of Universal, archetypal energy and the qualities of each planet helps maintain the overall balance of polarities in the solar system. 

Lord Shiva wears on his head the crescent of the fifth-day moon. Placed near his fiery third eye this shows the power of Soma, the sacrificial offering, which is the representative of Moon and signifies that Shiva possesses the power of procreation co-existent with that of destruction. Chandra has the following associations: the colour white, gender female, metal silver, gemstones; pearl and moonstone, element water, direction north-west, season Winter, body part blood, food rice, taste salt, day Monday, guna Sattwa. The sun is the indicator of the soul and the moon is the vehicle of the mind that receives the light of the soul. Even though all the Navagrahas are represented at Arunachala, the moon with its particular association with Lord Shiva (Chandrasekhara) has an extraordinary influence. 



Moonlight


In one legend, Chandra is considered the son of the ocean as he was one of the fourteen ratnas (Jewels) that emerged from the ocean during its churning and was gifted, by the Gods and Demons to Lord Shiva, who wore the crescent moon on his head. 

Chandra is a lovable God; pleasing to children as well as elders. Sages and devotees invoke the Goddess in Chandra. A benefic Moon is often found in the charts of doctors, healers or psychologists, as well as good mothers and wives. A strong Moon can give power and creates a good administrator or leader open to the needs of his people and indicates relationship, interchange, and communication. A strong Moon also shows sensitivity, receptivity, caring for others and a nurturing attitude in life. It gives emotional maturity, responsibility and the capacity to have a beneficial effect upon society. 

To read a wonderful legend explaining why the Moon's light is so soft, and cool, and beautiful even to this day go to an earlier posting “Moonlight,” at this link here


Meditations of the Moon 

Half of the human race lives in manifest obedience to the lunar rhythm; and there is evidence to show that the psychological and therefore the spiritual life, not only of women, but of men too, mysteriously ebbs and flows with the changes of the moon. There are unreasoned joys, inexplicable miseries, laughter and remorse without a cause. Their sudden and fantastic alternations constitute the ordinary weather of our minds. These moods, of which the more gravely numinous may be hypostasized as gods, the lighter, if we will, as hobgoblins and fairies, are the children of the blood and humours. But the blood and humours obey, among many other masters, the changing moon. Touching the soul directly through the eyes and, indirectly, along the dark channels of the blood, the moon is doubly a divinity. 
[Aldous Huxley] 


27 August 2013

Pictures from Ramana Ashram 25 August 2013 Mahakumbhabhishekam



The below are photographs I took yesterday at the Mahakumbhabhishekam Function at Ramana Ashram, August 25, 2013. I arrived at the Ashram after the Mahakumbhabhishekam had just completed on the roof of the Ashram, and the crowds on the roof were beginning to file down. And be replaced by other pilgrims wanting to go onto the roof to pranam at the Kumbhas of the Gopuram and two Vimanas. 

There seemed to be so much going on simultaneously. Puja to the various Gods in the Mother Shrine had already been completed. The outside temporary dining area was just about to be prepared with leaves and tumblers for the first lunch sitting. Young workers were carrying out large pots of food to various outside eating areas. Artisans were completing the flower work to enshrine the Sri Ramana Mahaharshi Mahalingam. 

Large crowds were waiting outside the old and new dining-halls in order to make the first sitting in those places. Some other devotees were trying to squeeze into the already congested Samadhi Hall and Mother Shrine, in order to watch the Maha Abhishekams. Even though there was quite a crush, most remained patient and good natured throughout what was a very beautiful and well organised 3-day function at Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram. 



Sri Ganesha Mother Shrine

Lingodbhavamurti outside Mother Shrine

Goddess Durga outside Mother Shrine

Flower artisans crafting flower arrangements for Sri Ramana Shrine

Ready to lay leaves and tumblers inside temporary dining structure

Young workers beginning to carry out heavy food pots

Crowds coming down from roof and milling around


Kumbhabhishekam is a Hindu Temple ritual that is believed to homogenize, synergize and unite the mystic powers of the deity. Kumbha means the Head and denotes the Shikhara or Crown of the Temple (usually in the Gopuram) and Abhishekam is ritual bathing, (hence the term Kumbha + Abhishekam). 

During this elaborate event, homams conducted according to the agamas, are performed by priests in the Yagasala outside the Temple over the preceding days. These homams infuse divinity and spiritual power into kalasas (sanctified pots) filled with consecrated water. 

Divine Power is transferred back to the deities by performing an abhishekam (salutary bathing) to the Vigrahas and Vimanas (pinnacles) on the roof with the sanctified holy waters from the kalasas accompanied by Vedic chanting and special rites. On that day at the designated auspicious time the Kumbha is bathed with the charged and sanctified holy waters contained in the sacrificial pots. 



Kumbhas on top of the Ramana Ashram Gopuram

Young priest trying to escape from the burning hot roof



After completion of the Function, devotees climb the scaffolding

Kumbha on top of Mother Shrine Vimana

Climbing down from Ramana Maharshi Vimana

Kumbha on top of Sri Ramana Maharshi Vimana

Devotees waiting for lunch, first sitting in New Dining Hall

Crowds milling around at front of Ramana Ashram

Maha Deeparadhanai, Sri Ramana Maharshi Samadhi

Maha Deeparadhanai

Maha Deeparadhanai at Matrubhuteswara Shrine

A serene looking little girl at Ashram Function

A little 'un playing in the trees at back of Ashram