Showing posts with label 2017 Arunachala Karthigai Festival: Day 8. Night—Lord Somaskanda on Big Horse. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2017 Arunachala Karthigai Festival: Day 8. Night—Lord Somaskanda on Big Horse. Show all posts

1 December 2017

2017 Arunachala Karthigai Festival: Day 8. Night—Lord Somaskanda on Big Horse



In Hindu iconography, positive aspects of the vahana (vehicle) are emblematic of the Deity that it carries. In this procession as well as the Lord having the horse as his vahana, each of the panchamoorthies also carry a whip in their hand.

The main characteristic of the horse is its loyalty, industriousness and swiftness. It is symbolic of energy and effort and also symbolises the air or prana which runs through the channels of the body and is the vehicle of the mind. That means, with God as driver, there is the possibility of controlling the mind and guide it in any direction and at any speed. The neigh of a horse is also symbolic of the power to awaken the tamasic mind for the practice of sadhana and righteousness.



Throughout the Deepam Festival preparations for decorating Temple Shrines, Deities and Vahanas continue

Banana Trees for decorating a Shrine

Alangaram Aarti on Day 8. Night of the Panchamoorthies

The Panchamoothies being carried on palaquins around the Siva Shrine (3rd Prakaram)

Lord Somaskanda at the Yagasala Shrine (3rd Prakaram) for adornment of Pottu

The Panchamoorthies giving darshan at the Alankaram Mandapam in front of the Temple and adjacent to Car Street

Lord Somaskanda on Big Horse