2016 Arunachala Karthigai Festival: Online Streaming and Live TV Coverage—December 12, 2016

Karthigai Deepam will be lit on the top of the holy mountain Arunachala at Tiruvannamalai around 6 pm on December 12, 2016 and be visible from a radius of about 35km.

Arunachala Deepam from a previous year

Live online streaming of the 2016 Arunachala Karthigai Deepam can be viewed on the links listed below:-

DD Podhigai: www.ddpodhigai.org.in/live.html 

Thanthi TV: www.thanthitv.com 

Jaya TV News: www.jayanewslive.com 

Sun News: www.sunnewslive.in 

News7 Tamil: www.ns7.tv 

Puthiya thalaimurai TV: www.puthiyathalaimurai.tv 

Polimer News: www.polimernews.com 

Deepam at Arunachaleswarar Temple with Arunachala background from a previous year

Live coverage of the 2016 Arunachala Karthigai Deepam can also be viewed on the below Tamil TV stations:-

Jaya TV 
DD Podhigai 
Thanthi TV 
Sun News 
Vasanth TV 
Puthiya Thalaimurai TV 
Polimer News 
News7 Tamil 
Sri Sankara TV 
Kalaignar Seithigal 
Captain News 
Makkal TV 
Mega TV 
Raj News 
Lotus New

Kumbhabhishekam Isanya Desikar Math: 8 a.m. December 9, 2016

Tomorrow, Friday December 9th, 2016 at 8.00 a.m., kumbhabhishekam will be performed at the Sri Isanya Math here at Tiruvannamalai. To those Arunachala devotees unfamiliar with Sri Isanya, he is regarded as of one of the great saints of Arunachala (1750-1829). 

His Samadhi located at an Math dedicated to him, is opposite the Isanya Lingam (one of the Asta Lingams). To learn more about this mahatma, go to this link here. 

Below is a story about the famous saint and how he helped his British devotee Ayton (who was the District Collector of the area at that time), overcome dangers in his efforts to safely attend a Deepam Festival. 

Deepam: a Saint and a District Collector 

The story goes thus:- 

Isanya Desikar, whose math is located just outside Tiruvannamalai on the old pradakshina road, was a distinguished yogi who, like many before and after him, felt the spiritual call of Arunachala. He was born in 1750 in a small village called Rayavelur in northern Tamil Nadu. He came and settled at the foot of Arunachala only late in his life, but nevertheless, by virtue of his intense and personal relationship with Arunachaleswarar, he is regarded as one of the major saints of Arunachala. 

Isanya Desikar had a western devotee, who is now recalled by the name of Ayton. He was the then District Collector for the region that extended from Tiruvannamalai to Vriddhachalam. Ayton had heard about the greatness of Isanya Desikar and approached him in the hope of getting a cure from the tuberculosis from which he had been suffering for many years. 

Isanya Desikar smiled and after a brief pause spat on the ground. The moment he spat, Ayton was cured of the disease. Ayton then spoke to the holy man with both trepidation and devotion. 'Swami, I have recently acquired a large amount of land, I would like to offer your holiness as much as you need. It can be a permanent endowment in your name.' Isanya Desikar smiled and asked tauntingly, 'Will your land yield crops even during a drought?' Then, pointing his finger towards Arunachaleswarar and Apeetakuchamba, he added, 'Here is a householder with two children and a large family. It is proper to give him any amount of land, but it is not proper to gift it to me, a sannyasin.' 

Ayton took leave of him but returned on many occasions. He got into the habit of addressing him reverentially and affectionately as 'Tata', which means 'grandfather'. It is said that before he began any new project he would always meditate on Isanya Desikar and invoke his blessing by saying, 'Tata, please lead me in this work. It is your work.' At Deepam Festivals Ayton would take the lead in dragging the huge temple chariot through the streets of Tiruvannamalai. However, before moving the chariot for the first time he would pick up one of the ropes and exclaim loudly: 'Tata, you hold the rope and lead us!' The local people were all astounded that such a prominent British official should have such devotion towards a naked sannyasin. 

Ayton made it a point always to attend and lead this annual festival, but one year he found himself stranded by floods on the southern side of the River Pennar just before the beginning of the festival. Knowing that he was expected to be at Arunachala to start the chariot on its journey, he called out to his mount: 'Horse, I must see Tata and I must also get the Deepam Festival started. Think of Tata and cross the river!' Without a moment's delay or hesitation, the horse leapt into the raging torrent of water and effortlessly waded to the other side. None of the other people who were stranded dared to follow for they were all convinced that it would be suicidal to enter the surging waters. 

At the moment when Ayton put his faith in Tata and leapt into the water, Isanya Desikar opened his eyes after a long meditation and stretched out his hand in a southerly direction. When one of his disciples asked what he was doing, he replied, 'If someone falls into a river, should we not save him?' 

Ayton arrived safely and took Isanya Desikar's blessings to start the festival. When the news of Ayton's spectacular river crossing and Isanya Desikar's role in it spread among the Deepam crowds, many of them came to the north-eastern side of the hill to see the man who had been responsible for the miracle. Several of the new visitors turned out to be mature seekers who were looking for guidance from a Guru. Isanya Desikar accepted some as disciples, had a small thatched shed built to accommodate them and gave instruction by writing a guide to liberation entitled Jnana Kattalai. 

Invitation to Kumbhabhishekam

Arunachala darshan from Isanya Ashram

Entrance to Sri Isanya Desikar Math

Statue of Sri Isanya Desikar

Scaffolding in preparation to tomorrow's kumbhabhishekam

Scaffolding erected to shrines at the Math

Pujas and rituals being performed in Yagasalai in Math compound

Entrance to Isanya Desikar Samadhi

Samadhi of Isanya Desikar

Sani Pradosham Arunachaleswarar Temple: Saturday, 26 November, 2016

The below is a pictorial report of the Karthikai Maatha Amavasai Sani Prathosam at Arunachaleswarar Temple which took place on Saturday, November 26, 2016. 

Abhishekam of Periyar Nandi, Arunachaleswarar Temple

Periyar Nandi, 5th Prakaram, Arunachaleswarar Temple

Aarti at Periyar Nandi, Saturday 26 November, 2016 Pradosham

Closer look at aarti at Big Nandi, Pradosham

Crowds were huge at the Big Temple watching the abhishekam of Periyar Nandi

Large crowd in the 5th Prakaram for the Amavasi Sani Pradosham

Sani Pradosham, Big Temple

Aarti at Nandi at Flagpost, Arunachaleswarar Temple

Devotees in 3rd Prakaram watching circumambulation of Gods on Sani Pradosham

Sani Pradosham Arunachaleswarar Temple: Saturday, 12 November, 2016

The importance of observing Pradosha is described in the Pradosha Mahatmyam from the Shiva Purana. Pradosha indicates the meeting of the Sun and the Moon in a horizontal line during their movement on their Axis. 

The first Pradosham of November, 2013 fell on a Saturday (November 12) and is thus known as Sani Pradosham or Sani Pradosham Vrata. According to Hindu astrology Saturn is known to affect one adversely on occasions when it placed in a certain position in one's horoscope. A prayer to God, especially on Saturdays, is said to mitigate one’s hardships. Thus, it is believed that by observing a Vrata (vow) and offering prayers to Lord Shiva on Sani Pradosham, one can escape from the ill effects of Lord Shani (one of the Navagrahas or nine celestial Gods). 

Sani Pradosham is classified into Uthama Sani Pradhosham, Mathima Sani Pradhosham, and Athama Sani Pradhosham. 

Uthama Sani Pradhosha is the Sani Pradhosham that comes during the Tamil month of Chithirai, Vaigasi, Ayppasi and Karthigai during the waxing period. Mathima Sani Pradhosham occurs during the Tamil month of Chithirai, Vaigasi, Ayppasi and Karthigai during waning period. All other Shani Pradhoshams come under the category Athama Shani Pradhosha. 

Aarti at Big Nandi, Arunachaleswarar Temple

Large crowds watching the worship at Big Nandi

Standing in front of the Nandi statue

Abhishekam of Nandi at Flagpost

Bathing Lord Nandi with milk

Aarti at Lord Nandi

The Gods being carried on circumambulation around the Siva Sannidhi

Large crowds of devotees accompanying the Gods on their circumambulation

2016 Pavala Kundru Temple at Arunachala -- Mahabhishekam

The Pavala Kundru (i.e. Jewel of the Hill) Temple has a fascinating history which starts with the legend of Goddess Parvati and her time on the Hill whilst performing tapas. I have made a number of postings of the famed Pavala Kundru Temple at Arunachala. To read some of its history and view a short video of aarti at the Temple, go to this link here.

Amman Ammani Gopuram, Big Temple. Pavala Kundru on spur right of photograph

Older photograph of Pavala Kundru Temple on Coral Hill, Arunachala spur

To find out more about the invasion of Tiruvannamalai by Tippu Sultan and the role of the Temple during that time, go to this link here.

One of the most unique features of the current Temple is that there is both the Pavalagiriswarar Lingam and a statue of Ardhanariswarar are in the Shrine room. 

Today November 7, 2016 Mahakumbhabhishekam was performed at the Pavala Kundru Temple. Photos below. 

2016 Pavala Kundru Mahakumbhabhishekam 

Arunachala in background

Ganesha Chaturthi: Monday, September 5, 2016

Ganesh Chaturthi is a day on which Lord Ganesha makes his presence known on earth for all his devotees; the day is also termed as, Vinayaka Chaturthi, (it is not the birthday of Lord Ganesha!). 

Ganesha or Ganapati is an extremely popular God. One of his many names is Vigneswara, the destroyer of obstacles. He is often worshipped for success in undertakings and for the gift of greater intelligence. This is a very auspicious day celebrated to pray to Him so that every new activity started is successfully completed without obstacles. Ganesha is the God of education, knowledge, wisdom, literature and the fine arts. 

The date of Ganesh Chaturthi falls on the fourth day of the waxing moon period (Shukla Chaturthi) in the month of Bhadrapada (i.e. August or September). This year the date of Ganesha Chaturthi is Monday, September 5, 2016. The festival is usually celebrated for 11 days, with Ananta Chaturdasi taking place on the last day. 

Ananta Chaturdasi 

Ananta Chaturdasi is believed to be the day when Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Anantapadmanabha, the Ananta Sayana form of Lord Vishnu in which he is reclining on Ananta. 

Reclining form of Lord Vishnu

  

This Ganesha festival is celebrated at home, work and in public. At all these celebrations images are installed and worshipped. At the end of the Festival, the idols are taken in ceremony and then immersed in a well, pond, lake or the sea. 

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Legends of Lord Ganesha 

One version of a legend relating to the source of Ganesha’s elephant head goes that at the behest of the Gods, who needed a deity able to remove obstacles from their path of action, Shiva himself was born from Parvati's womb, under the form of Gajanana. 

According to the Linga-Purana, Ganesha was created by Shiva in order to triumph over the enemies of Gods and the image of a child was born from Shiva’s mind which had the head of an elephant. Looking at the child, Parvati took him on her lap and made the vow that any undertaking, would not be successful unless Ganesha be first worshipped. Shiva declared the child to be Ganapati, Lord of the Ganas (celestial hosts). 

In the Varaha-Purana, Ganesha is depicted as a young man originating from the glittering forehead of Shiva absorbed in deep meditation. Parvati was disappointed that the boy was born without her intervention. So, she wished that his head become the head of an elephant. When she saw the elephant-headed child, she loved him immediately, and declared that any human or divine undertaking, should not be successful unless Ganesha be worshipped first. 

Lord Ganesha

Another Puranic legend tells that Parvati longed for a child and informed Shiva about her desire. He requested she observe a one-year penance. Thus, the Sage Sanatkumara submitted Parvati to various tests in order to ascertain the force of Her will. Eventually a glorious child was born and the Gods and nine Planets (Navagrahas) went to Mount Kailash to admire him. One of the Planets, Shani (Saturn) would not raise his eyes to look at the child. Parvati requested him to view and admire the baby. When Shani raised his eyes and looked at the child, the baby's head instantaneously separated from the body. 

In response Vishnu left on his vahana Garuda to search for a new head to replace the lost one. On the banks of the Pushpabhadra River, he met a herd of sleeping elephants. Choosing a resting animal, whose head was turned northwards, he cut if off and brought it back. According to a version of this legend, this elephant was actually a Gandharva who desired to obtain liberation from his terrestrial life. 

On Vishnu’s return, the elephant head was attached to the child and Vishnu gave him the following eight names: Vighneshvara, Ganesha, Heramba, Gajanana, Lambodara, Ekadanta, Soorpakarna and Vinayaka. 

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Tiruvannamala begins its Preparations 

Many Ganeshas created for the Festival

This Ganesha looks very jaunty!

A whole army of Ganeshas with lots of help to give!

Umbrellas for Ganesha idols for home and office

Families purchasing their idol for home worship

Lord Ganesha's favourite Wood Apple for sale

Fruit Sellers on Car Street near Arunachaleswarar Temple

Communal Kuthuvilakku Puja: July 29, 2016

In the month of Aadi, communal pujas such as the Kuthuvilakku Puja are performed on Tuesdays and Fridays at various Shakti Temples throughout the State. The pujas are performed for the well being of home and family or sometimes for the fulfilment of individual desires, such as a young girl wanting a husband or desiring children in a marriage. 

The most common among all lamps is the Kuthuvilakku. The name is derived from the fact that these lamps were originally spiked into the ground. They are now stand-alone pieces with ornate decorations, but the name has remained through the ages. The lamp has five bowls on the top and there is a trim pedestal fixed firmly on a heavy circular base. 

 

These lamps are used in common households and are also used on ceremonial platforms. The Kuthuvilakku is usually decorated on the top with structures of the "hamsa" (mythical swan) or with other religious symbols.

The photographs in this posting, are of the Kuthuvilakku Puja performed on Friday, 19th July 2016 in the Kalayana Mandapam, 3rd Prakaram of Arunachaleswarar Temple. 

To find out more about the different types of lamps used in Tamil Nadu homes and Temples, go to this previous link here. 

To find out how to perform a Kuthuvilakku Puja at home, go to this link here.

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Devotees get benefits by performing Mahalaxmi Thiruvilakku Pooja. However specific benefits for each month are listed below: 

Chithirai: Blessed with increased production of Pulses.

Vaigasi: Blessed with Money 

Aani: Blessed with Marriage 

Aadi: Blessed with Long Life 

Aavani: Blessed with New Born Children 

Purataasi: Blessed with more Cows 

Aipassi: Blessed with Food 

Karthigai: Blessed with Moksha 

Margali: Blessed with Good health 

Thai: Blessed with Victory in life 

Maasi: Blessed with removal of sins. 

Panguni: Blessed with Dharma 

Thiruvillaku Pooja can also be performed on Ammavasi and pournami days. 

Guru Poornima Tuesday, 19 July, 2016

Guru Poornima is traditionally celebrated on full moon day in the month of Ashadh (July-August) of the Hindu calendar. Guru Poornima (which falls this year on Tuesday, July 19th) is the day on which the Guru is revered by devotees. Sri Dakshinamurti is an aspect of Lord Siva as the primordial master, the personification of ultimate awareness, understanding and knowledge. At Arunachala the manifestation of Lord Siva as Dakshinamurti is celebrated as the ‘silent Guru’. 

Lord Siva and His Worship 

During the absence of Devi, when Lord Siva was alone, the sons of Brahma, (sages: Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana and Sanatkumara) went to have Darshan of Lord Siva. They prostrated before Him and entreated the Lord to teach them how to remove avidya and attain salvation. They admitted that in spite of their vast study of scriptures they had no internal peace and needed to learn the inner secrets -- by knowing which they could attain salvation.

Lord Dakshinamurti

"Lord Siva, hearing this appeal made by the sages, assumed the form of Dakshinamurti and remaining as the Guru Supreme, began to teach them the inner secrets by keeping Mouna and showing the “chinmudra” by His hand. The sages began to meditate on the lines shown by the Lord and attained the state of inexpressible and illimitable joy. Thus Lord Siva came to be known as Dakshinamurti". 

[By Swami Sivananada] 

Shiva: The Adiyogi

The sacred day of Guru Poornima marks the first transmission of the yogic sciences from Shiva – the Adiyogi or First Yogi – to the Saptarishis, the seven celebrated sages on the banks of Lake Kantisarovar (near Kedarnath Temple in the Himalayas). Thus, the Adiyogi became the Adi Guru or the First Guru on this day. The Saptarishis carried this knowing offered by Adiyogi throughout the world. Even today, every spiritual process on the planet draws from the  "knowing" created by Adiyogi. 

The story goes that over 15,000 years ago, a yogi appeared in the upper regions of the Himalayas. Nobody knew what his origins were but his presence was extraordinary. He exhibited no signs of life, but for occasional tears of ecstasy that rolled down his face. After the crowds of onlookers dispersed, seven men remained. When the yogi opened his eyes, they pleaded that he share his experience with them. He ignored them, but as they persevered the yogi gave them a simple preparatory step and closed his eyes again. 

Adiyogi

Days rolled into weeks, weeks into months, months into years, but the yogi’s attention did not fall upon them again. After 84 years of sadhana, on the summer solstice that marks the advent of Dakshinayana (the earth’s southern run), the yogi looked at them again. They had become shining souls that could be no longer ignored. On the next full moon day, the yogi turned south and sat as guru to these seven men. Shiva thus became Adi Guru and expounded spiritual truths to the seven disciples. The seven were to be known as Saptarishis, who took their knowledge around the world. 

Guru Purnima is held sacred in the yogic tradition because the Adiyogi opened up the possibility for a human being to evolve consciously. The seven different aspects of yoga that were put in these seven individuals became the foundation for the seven basic forms of yoga, something that has still endured. 

In honour of this divine personage, spiritual aspirants and devotees either perform Vyasa Puja on this day, or worship their own spiritual preceptor. Saints, monks and men of God are honoured and entertained with acts of charity by householders with faith and sincerity. The period Chaturmas (the "four months") begins from this day; Sannyasins stay at one place during the ensuing four rainy months, engaging in the study of the Brahma Sutras and the practice of meditation. 

The day of Guru Poornima is supposed to herald the settling in of the rains and is thus a time that aspirants commence or resolve to intensify their spiritual disciplines. The Srutis say: "To that high-souled aspirant, whose devotion to the Lord is great and whose devotion to his Guru is as great as that to the Lord, the secrets explained herein become illuminated". 

Spiritual Teachings of the Sadguru 

The upa-agama, Devilottara is the essence of all Agama Sastra and explains the supreme wisdom to be attained by mature souls and their mode of life, expounded by the Lord Siva to Devi. 

Lord Shiva instructs Parvati

This dialogue conveys the highest spiritual teachings between the Sadguru Lord Siva and His most surrendered devotee the Goddess Parvati. 

To read these teachings go to this link here.