2020 Deepam Festivities at Arunachaleswarar Temple

 

 

After the relaxation of pandemic regulations, around 4,000 devotees have been daily visiting Arunachaleswarar Temple (however during their visit, devotees are not allowed to sit or stand anywhere inside the compound).

 

Arunachaleswarar Temple is currently working on a set of guidelines outlining celebrations inside Temple prakarams for the 2020 Karthigai Deepam. Such arrangements will include the procession of deities inside the Temple with a limited number of persons allowed inside to watch these functions.

 

The decision regarding the exact number of devotees allowed inside the Temple grounds during the Karthigai Deepam Festival is expected to be announced shortly.

 

Because of the ongoing Pandemic, Arunachala girivalam on the day of Karthigai (Sunday, November 29, 2020) is  banned. There will be no processions of the Gods around the Mada Vedhis (perimeter streets) on any of the Festival days.

 

Specifically regarding November 29, 2020 MahaDeepam inside the Temple (both in the early morning and evening) will be observed but open ONLY to special invitees, VIPs, Donors and those connected with the Temple. The lighting of MahaDeepam on top of Arunachala will occur but only participants and special invitees will be allowed to the summit of the Holy Hill.

 

Arunachaleswarar Temple has created a You Tube channel which broadcasts live streaming of certain functions inside the Temple Compound. One of these functions is Pradosham pujas performed at Periya Nandi inside the Temple Fifth Prakaram. 

 

Periya Nandi Puja, 5th Prakaram, Arunachaleswarar Temple

  

In previous years, a number of TV channels have broadcasted Karthigai Deepam festivities. This year, Arunachaleswarar Temple will also be live streaming Karthigai Deepam festivities.

Their channel is at this link here.

 

 

2014 Deepam Festival. Day Six—Night: Silver Chariot

The below four photographs are of the night of the sixth day of 2014 Karthigai Deepam Celebrations here at Arunachala. In this series Lord Arunachaleswarar is being carried across Car Street to the tank on the corner of Sannidhi Street, where his Silver Chariot awaits. 

In the bottom two photographs the Lord in his Silver Chariot is going around the four Mada Streets surrounding the perimeter of Arunachaleswarar Temple. 

2014 Deepam Festival. Day Four—Day: Naga Vahanam

Today we had the procession of Chandrasekhara and Naga Vahanam. The first photo in his gallery is of the newly renovated and plated Naga Vahanam. 

Naga Vahana recently refurbished

Lord Arunachaleswarar on Naga Vahanam, 2014 Deepam

Lord Arunachaleswarar in Mandapam outside Temple Rajagopuram

Procession of the Panchamoorties around the Temple perimeter Streets

2014 Deepam Festival. Day Three—Night: Shima Vahanam

During Festivals the Deities are taken in procession around the Temple. Sometimes, the deity is shown mounted on or riding their vehicle, while at other times, the vahana is shown by the Deity’s side. Many times, this vahana (vehicle) is also represented by way of symbolisms, as a divine attribute. Though the vahana appears to be independent, it is part and parcel of the deity’s presence and has an meaning to it. 

In the case of the Lord on the Simha (lion) vehicle; the creature represents lordly power in general and lordly power of wild beasts in particular. Lion, the royal beast represents the best in animal creation. It can also represent greed for food and hence the greed for other objects of enjoyment, which invariably leads to lust. And as God’s vehicle represents His control of animal instincts in human beings 

The golden skinned lion is an archetypal symbol for the golden rayed sun, the lord of the day, whose appearance kills the demonic forces of the night. The lion has always been important in mythology in India as it symbolises the solar and luminous principle of life and knowledge. 

The lion also expresses the heroism and prowess necessary to defeat asurik forces and represents the heroism and strength required to enter the spiritual path. 

Alagarams left to right: Karthikeya, Shiva, Goddess

Lord Arunachaleswarar on Simha Vahana

Simha Vahana

Panchamoorthies outside Arunachaleswarar Temple

Arunachaleswarar 2014 Adi Pooram Celebrations

Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai 

Adi Pooram Invitation

Dates: 

From: 21-07-2014 Monday 

To: 20-07-2014 Wednesday 

On all days and night from 21-07-20-14 to 29-07-2014 Lord Ganapati and Parashakti are brought out in procession. 

On the morning of 30-07-2014 there is a Panchamoorthi abhishekam and later a function at the Bangle Mandapam. 

In the evening there is a special abshishekam for Parashakti, a procession then Firewalk ceremony conducted in front of the Unnamulai Shrine at Arunachaleswarar Temple. 

Ani Brahmostavam

Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Tirukovil 

Ani Brahmostavam Invitation 

Festival starts on 7.07.2013 

Right Click on above to view enlargements



Flag Hoisting: Sunday 6.30 a.m. to 8.05

The 10 Days Festival includes morning and evening procession of Gods  as follows:

06.07.2013 Saturday Vinayaka Procession 

07.07.2013 Sunday Vinayaka, Chinanaynar, Amman Processions 

Days from 08.07.2013 Monday to Tuesday week, 16.07.2013
Processions dedicated to Vinayaka and Chandrasekhara

--- oOo ---

This festival commences on the 21st day of the Tamil month of Ani and runs through 10 days of Dakshinayana which marks the beginning of the sun’s movement in a southern direction. 

A year in the Hindu calendar consists of two Ayanas (which signfy the sun’s direction) that are divided into two periods of six months each. Summer solstice which falls in the month of June (corresponding to Ani) marks the beginning of Dakshinayana, which means in the Earth’s sky the Sun begins to trace a southward movement in the northern hemisphere of the planet.The Uttarayana period which begins on January 14th or 15th ends with Dakshinayana Punyakalam. The Dakshinayanam period ends on Makar Sankranti (i.e. Uttarayana day). 

The Ayana from the beginning of Dakshinayana to the beginning of Uttarayana is known as the sadhana pada. In terms of sadhana, Dakshinayana is for purification, Uttarayana is for enlightenment. 

In the northern hemisphere of the planet, Uttarayana is the time of fulfilment and Dakshinayana is the time of receptivity. They are also understood as – the first six months from January to June to be masculine in nature, and the duration of the southern run corresponds to the feminine phase of the Earth. 

Uttarayana and Dakshinayana have a significant impact on how the human system functions and acordingly aspirants shift their activities in relation to the dominant solar influence. 

2012 Karthigai Deepam Arunachala

Throughout the Festival, there will be processions in the daytime circumambulating the Arunachaleswarar Temple. In addition throughout the Deepam Festival there are scheduled singing and dancing programmes inside the Temple Compound. 

Tickets can be purchased which allows access to the Temple Compound on the day of Maha Deepam. However, tickets are limited in number, so one should make enquiries as early as possible through the Arunachaleswar Temple office. 

Flag Hoisting at Arunachaleswarar Temple is on November 18th, however the Festival actually starts three days earlier at the Durga Amman Temple (which has its own schedule of events) on November 15th at 7.00 p.m. 

Right click on programme for enlargement: 

Festival Programme

18th November, 2012 
Morning: Dwajaroghanam (Hoisting of festival flag) 
Evening: Panchamoorthies Five Deities Silver Chariot 

19th November, 2012 
Day: Chandrasekhar on Surya Prabhi Vahanam 
Evening: Panchamoorthies Silver Indra Vimana 

20th November, 2012 
Day: Chandrasekhar on Pootha Vimana 
Evening: Panchamoorthies, Simha Vahana (Lion Chariot), Velli Anna Vahana 

21st November, 2012 
Day: Chandrasekhar on Naga Vimana 
Evening: Kamadhenu (wish fulfilling cow) and Kapalavriksha (wish fulfilling tree) 

22nd November, 2012 
Day: Chandrasekhar on Kanadi (mirror) Vimana 
Evening: Panchamoorthies, Velli Mushigam, Velli Mayil, Velli Big Rishaba Vahanas 

23rd November, 2012 
Day: Chandrasekhar on Yani (elephant) Vimana with 63 Nayanars 
Evening: Panchamoorthies in Silver Chariot, Indira Vimana and other Silver Vimanas 

24th November, 2012 
Day: Panchamoorthies Wooden Chariots start Temple circumambulation 
Afternooon: Maha Radham (Big Wooden Chariot) starts circumambulation of Temple Perimeter 

25th November, 2012 
Day: Chandrasekhar on Horse 
Evening: Panchamoorthies start with Horse Vahanams. Pichandavar in Golden Meru 

26th November, 2012 
Day: Chandrasekhar on Purusha Miruga (Rishi in Lion Body) Vimana 
Evening: Kailasa Vahana (10 headed Ravana) 

27th November, 2012 
Morning 3 a.m: Bharani Deepam Temple, Theerthavaari Brahma Theertham 
Evening 6 p.m: Maha Deepam on the top of Arunachala. Panchamoorthies, Golden Rishaba Vahana 

28th, 29th, 30th, November, 2012 
Evening 6 p.m: 
On Consecutive days the Gods on Floats, Ayyankulam Tank 

More Maha Radham Photographs

Click on all photographs to enlarge


Further to my posting on December 8th of the Big Car Festival which is part of the annual Deepam Festival, I am posting below more photographs of that day.

The ladies in the next photograph are actually holding on to chains attached to the Big Car and pulling it along -- which is its only means of propulsion.

In the below young lads jump on wooden levers jammed under the gigantic car wheels to give it a 'jump start' whenever it gets stuck.

The car started moving at 2 p.m. around the perimeter of the 26 acre Arunachaleswara Temple compound and by the time it had completed its circumbulation, night had fallen.

This year for the very first time I participated in the pulling of the chariot for most of the length of Thiruvoodal Street (which is famous during Pongal for a celebratory drama -- Thiruvoodal Festival -- between Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati). It was an amazing and thrilling experience.

Deepam Processions

One of the earliest references to Karthigai Deepam festival is found in the Ahananuru, a book of poems, which dates back to the Sangam Age (200 B.C. to 300 A.D.). The Ahananuru clearly states that Karthigai is celebrated on the full moon day (pournami) of the Tamil month of Karthigai. It was one of the most important festivals (peruvizha) of the ancient.

Karthigai is essentially a festival of lamps. The lighted lamp is considered an auspicious symbol. It is believed to ward off evil forces and usher in prosperity and joy and indispensavle for the festival of Karthigai.

After the completion of the preliminary 3 day functions; Sri Durgambal on Kamadenu vahanam, Sri Pidariamman on Lion vahanam, Sri Vinayagar on Mooshiga vahanam, the ten days of Bhrammotsavam which takes place in the month of Kartikai (Scorpio, Nov 15 through December 15), started up today.

Each of these festival days is marked by a procession of the Pancha Murthis (5 God idols) inside the Big Temple and around the streets of Tiruvannamalai. The Gods are; Arunachaleswarar (Shiva), Unnamulaiyaal (Shakti, Parvati), Ganapati, Subramanian (Murugan) and Chandikeswarar in gaily decorated mounts.

Most noteworthy among the proceesions are the Rishabha Vahana Utsavam celebrated on the fifth evening (19th November) of the festival and the Rathotsavam (Maha Radham) Big Wooden Chariot around roads of town, celebrated on the seventh day of the festival (November 21st).

Order of Processions

First Day 15th November
Day: Panchamoorthies
Five Deities Silver Chariot

Night: Panchamoorthies
Mooshigan Mayil (Peacock), Adihara Nandi (Bull),
Sina Rishaba Chariots

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Second Day, 16th November
Day: Sri Vinayagar
Sri ChandrasekaraVimanams
(Chariots) of Sooriya Prabha; the Sun.

Night: Panchamoorthies
Silver Indra Vimanam Chariots


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Third Day, 17th November
Day: Sri Vinayagar
Sri Chandrasekara in new Vahanams

Night: Panchamoorthies
Simha (Lion) Vaahanamam,
Silver Swan etc

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Fourth Day, 18th November
Day: 1008 Sanka Abishekam,Sri Vinayagar,
Sri Chandrasekara Vimanams - Naga (Cobra) Vahanam

Night: Panchamoorthies
Silver Kalpatraru, Kamadenu (Cow of Plenty),
Ruby and Silver Chariots.

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Fifth Day, 19th November
Day: Sri Vinayagar
Sri Chandraskara Glass, Rishaba Vahanams, Silver Elephant

MAJOR PROCESSION Night: Panchamoorthies
Silver Mooshigan,Silver Mayil
Large Silver Bull Rishaba Vahanam

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Sixth Day, 20th November
Day: Sixty-Three Nayanmars (Saints)
Sri Vinayagar, Sri Chandraskara Mooshikan

Night: Panchamoorthies
Indra Vimanam - Silver Car, Etc.

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Seventh Day, 21st November
BIGGEST AND GRANDEST PROCESSION
Big Wooden Chariot -
The Maha Radham around roads of town

Night: Panchamoorthies reach Ashthana Mandapam

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Eighth Day, 22nd November
Day: Sri Vinayagar,Sri Chandrasekara, Silver Chariot

Night: Panchamoorthies start with Horse
Vahanams etc at night 4.p.m. Pichandavar in Golden Meru

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Ninth Day, 23rd November
Day: Sri Vinayagar,Sri Chandrasekara, Glass Vimanam

Night: Panchamoorthies
Kailasa Vahanam,
Kamadenu - Cow of plenty
Raveneswaram Vahanam etc.

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Tenth Day, 24th November
MAHADEEPAM DAY

4 a.m. Maha Barani
Day: Tank Teertham
Ceremony 4.00 A.M.

Dusk: Panchamoorthies in Golden Vimanams
6 p.m. Deepam fire on top of Mountain.
Tank Ceremony


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Tank Ceremony
25th November
Day: Sri Chandrasekara Boating Festival

Night: Panchamoorthies in Golden Rishaba Vimanams.

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Tank Ceremony
26th November
Day: Sri Parasakthi Boating Festival

Night: 7 p.m Sri Arunachaleswara
and Mother Apeethakuchalambal
Sri Chandikeswarar

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Tank Ceremony
27th November
Day: Sri Subramania Boating Festival

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Tank Ceremony
28th November
Day: Sri Chandikeswarar Festival

Night: Sri Chandikeswarar Utsavam
Rishaba Vahanam
Silver Bull.