Showing posts with label 2020. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2020. Show all posts

2 December 2020

Ardhanarishvara—Arunachaleswarar Temple: November 29, 2020

 
 

Significance of Ardhanarishvara

There are many subtleties and esoteric meanings connected with the mythology and legends of Arunachala. One of the most famous being that of Ardhanarishvaraa form of the Divine which is particularly celebrated at Arunachala and not more so than during the festival of Deepam.

"At the mystic hour of dusk when devotees have gathered in the courtyards and roofs of the Temple, the deity Ardhanarishvara is brought out and placed on the stairs of the Temple close to the big Deepam. This is the only day of the year that this particular Deity is ever moved. It is most auspicious.

In the Deepam Festival the union of Shiva and Parvati in the form of Ardhanarishvara is reflected. Once the Goddess in play covered the eyes of Lord Shiva with her hands, and thus the whole world was plunged into darkness. However, Shiva opened his third eye on the request of the Gods, and light was restored.

Goddess Parvati was ashamed of her behaviour, and retired from Mount Kailasa to Kanchipuram to do penance and purge herself of her sin. Shiva then directed her to go to Tiruvannamalai to worship him there. Parvati became an anchorite and did severe penance and performed girivalam around Arunachala with deep concentration on the holy name of the Lord.

Shiva was pleased and told Her that she was now relieved of the sin of causing the untimely pralaya (destruction of the world). He blessed Her saying, 'Come and unite with me,' and disappeared into the Hill.

On Kartikeya day the Lord appeared as a blazing light, a jyoti on the top of Arunachala and asked Parvati to circumambulate the hill. She did so, and when she rounded the western side of the hill, Shiva appeared on his white bull and blessed her. When she rounded the hill on the north-western side he absorbed her into the left half of his body. Thus came into being the form of Ardhanarishvara, the deity that is represented as half male and half female."

 

 




 

18 November 2020

Arunachaleswarar Temple Pradosham November 12, 2020

 

When pradosham falls on Thursday it is known as Guru Pradoshpradosham on this day is regarded as ideal for propitiating Lord Siva and getting wishes fulfilled. 

 






 

24 September 2020

Arunachala Girivalam, Chitra Pournami: May 7, 2020

 

I recently found the below video on You Tube. The video, which lasts 28 minutes is of Girivalam performed on the day of Chitra Pournami, May 7, 2020. 

Its interesting to note that in other years, Chitra Pournami is always the second most attended Girivalam of the year—and only comes after the huge number of devotees of Karthigai Deepam in volume. 

Its an informative video that shows alot of the recent roadworks, new construction, and Temple renovations along the girivalam roadway. 

 

 




22 July 2020

Pradosham July 18, 2020 Arunachaleswarar Temple





The above video is of Pradosham at the Big Temple on July 18, 2020. Usually pradosham is heavily attended at the Temple, so seeing the area around Periyar Nandi so deserted, does seem rather strange. This video was live streamed, and the Temple is putting on some very special programs at this time. So suggest you subscribe to their channel and get very nice darshan.


Periyar Nandi, 5th Prakaram








Kodi Kampathu Nandi, 3rd Prakaram