Arunachala as Manipura

The Skanda Puranam is recognised to be the definitive scripture setting out the history and importance of Arunachala, however the Hill is mentioned in countless other scriptural sources. In the Vyaghrapura Mahatmya (15.18-33) various holy places in India are referred to as corresponding to particular chakras, and Arunachala is designated the chakra of Manipura.

Varanasi = Ajna
Kalahasti = Vishuddi
Cidambaram = Anahata (heart)
Arunachala = Manipura
Jambukesvara = Svadhisthana
Tiruvarur = Muladhara

Deities connnected with the Manipura:

counterclockwise bottom: Vahni, Rudra, Lakini

"On the physical plane the Manipura Chakra signifies metabolism, the process whereby we turn food (matter) into energy and action.

Digestion troubles, stomach troubles, hypoglycemia, diabetes, ulcers, or addictions to stimulants (such as caffeine) are all related to malfunctioning of the third chakra. Weight problems may also be an indication that the body is not properly turning its matter into energy.

We can also assess the health of this chakra by examining our body structure at this level: tight, hard stomachs, sunken diaphragms, or large potbellies are all indications of third chakra excess or deficiency.

Examining your relationship to the properties of fire can give further clues to the nature of your third chakra. Are you frequently cold, physically or emotionally? Do you get overheated, hot-tempered? Is your style quick and energetic, or slow and lethargic?

When the third chakra is closed down, one may feel tired, afraid, shaky, quiet, or withdrawn. There is a fear of taking risks, confronting people or issues, taking charge, and with all this, a lack of energy. There may be too much seriousness and not enough laughter, ease, or fun, all of which help the third chakra open and relax. Pleasure, from the chakra below, helps make the fire warm and easy; without it, our fires are cold and hard.
If the chakra is too open, then we have a kind of bully archetype—someone who always needs to be in control, to dominate, to seek power, prestige, ambition. As the lower chakras in general are more ego-oriented, third chakra excess can make a person narcissistic or self-centered.

An appropriate concept for a healthy balance in this chakra is the archetype of the warrior—standing strong, staying in touch with feelings, confronting only when appropriate and quietly maintaining a sense of power. A healthy third chakra can take on a task and complete it, take on a risk and not be bound by perfectionism, or act in the role of leadership without domination or self-aggrandizement."

(With thanks to A. Judith)

Nithyananda Ashram

“A grand inauguration ceremony was conducted at the new ashram in Tiruvannamalai on April 19th 2008. With the majestic Arunachala as backdrop this is one of the most beautiful and going forward will be the most visited Nithyananda ashram in India. Being a full moon day, the day was also celebrated in Tiruvannamalai as Giri-Dakshina Giri Valam (14km barefoot circumambulation of Arunachala). At least 1 million people have been estimated to have walked around the mountain that day and almost everyone who walked were drawn into the ashram by the intense energy field of 1008 shiva lingas and an inner circle of deities all placed strategically in a circle around the main deities Sri Anandeshwara and Anandeshwari, Subramanya and Ganapathy.”

Abhisheka to Gods Anandeshwara and Anandeshwari

Swami Nithyananda

To read further and for a full compilation of photographs of the Inauguration of Nithyananda’s Ashram at Tiruvannamalai on April 19 th, 2008, to this link here>>>

Animal Shelter Update

At the Arunachala Animal Sanctuary there are seven staff members and a part-time cook (lots of doggie meals to make!). In the below photograph, the two Animal Shelter vets, both with post graduate degrees from the renowned Chennai (Madras) Veterinary College. Dr. Pushpalata (the lady) focuses primarily on clinic duties and Dr. Rajasekaran’s main focus is the ABC Sterlization Programme.

This is a before photograph of a little monkey named Baby, currently resident at the Shelter. You can read more about him at this link.

And now below the wonderful 'after' photographs of Baby. He is sitting with a friend (another injured monkey brought into the Shelter by a member of the public). Baby is in the foreground and see how all those terrible wound have healed -- his new friend is sitting in the back with a very loving hand on Baby's arm.

There is even a third young monkey resident in the 'monkey cage' at the Animal Shelter. So lots of playtime!

Below one of the resident Shelter dogs, checking out all the noise and commotion coming from the 'monkey cage'.

The Shelter comprises two main buildings. One houses a sterile operating theatre, a modern clinic examination/treatment room, a small isolation ward, a small dispensary, a reception verandah, and a large retaining cage. The other building has three large retaining cages -- and a fully equipped kitchen.

A painting on the outside wall of the Animal Sanctuary, shows Mahatma Gandhi with his famous humantarian words: "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

In utilising an ABC and Anti-Rabies Programme, the Animal Shelter aims to control population and eliminate rabies. Homeless street dogs are captured, brought in, sterlized, given anti-rabies injections and allowed to remain at the Shelter for up to six days to recuperate and are then returned to their original territory. Since the opening of the Centre well over a 1,000 dogs have been sterlized and given anti-rabies injections.

In addition to ABC sterlization programmes for homeless dogs, many locals bring in dogs (both street dogs and pets) to the Shelter’s Clinic for veterinary attention. As well as dogs, all small animals (and sometimes farm animals in emergency situations) are provided with care and assistance. The Arunachala Sanctuary is open seven days a week and provides emergency services 24 hours a day.

The Shelter also provides hospital facilities especially in the case of animals who need isolation or have to be kept in retaining areas. For animals that cannot survive on their own, the Shelter offers them sanctuary for the rest of their lives. Dying animals are given intensive loving care at the Shelter; including IV’s, pain killers, antibiotics and lots of good food.

The grounds of the Shelter are now grass-covered and filled with plants and saplings. Around the grounds are coconut leaf huts for dogs to hide during those hot summer days. Lots of space and room for puppy and doggie games and fun.

Below is a photograph of Leslie Robinson, co-founder of the Animal Shelter. A lover of animals who hails from Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S. He worked as an Actuary in the States until he met his guru, Swami Muktananda in 1975. The meeting was to totally change his life and Leslie travelled with Swami Muktananda and spent ten years in Swami’s ashrams in the States and India. Leslie is currently living at Tiruvannamalai.

And here is Gina Suritsch, co-founder of the Shelter. Gina was born in Vienna, Austria. In the late 70's Gina relocated to Findhorn, Scotland where she lived for five years. After several years in Italy living at Ananda Community, Gina started visiting India in 1985. She now spends much of her time at Tiruvannamalai.

If you are not yet a subscriber to the monthly Arunachala Grace News, please check out the facility at the left margin of this site. This month we are featuring information on Wesak, the upcoming Buddha Festival, Arunachala Tidbits, a short narrative on a very unusual Bear, narratives on the Indian Treepie (common in Tiruvannamalai District), and Erythrina Indica and its properties (Indian Coral Tree). As well as some features about the mythology of Arunachala -- Arunachala Grace News will also have a narrative on the history of the Animal Shelter and why Leslie Robinson and his friends felt compelled to create the Sanctuary. Arunachala Grace News, May 2008, issue will be sent out direct to subscribers email inboxes within the next few days -- remember to sign up for your free subscription.

What's the Best Distance?

(Nandikesvara tells Markandeya)
"There is in the Southern Region, O ascetic, in the land of Dravidas, a great sacred place named Aruna associated with the Lord with the crescent-moon for his crest-jewel.

It extends to three Yojanas. It is worthy of being adored by Sivayogins. Know it to be the heart of the earth, attractive and thrilling to Siva.

There the Lord Sambhu himself has assumed the form of a mountain. He has the name Arunachala. He is conducive to the welfare of the worlds."

[Chapter 4, The Greatness of Arunachala

Skanda Purana -- I.iii(U).4.12-23]

Siva said:

"I ordain that residence within a radius of three Yojanas of this Hill shall be itself suffice to burn off all defects and effect union with the Supreme."
[Skanda Purana]

A yojana is a Vedic measure of distance used in ancient India. The exact measurement is disputed amongst scholars with distances generally being given in the order of 7-8 kilometres.

The etymology of the word ‘yojana’ is derived from the same root that gives us both the English word ‘yoke’ and the Indian term ‘yoga’. It is thought that ‘yojana’ initially meant ‘being yoked’, and that it was used as a unit of measure to indicate the approximate distance that a cow could pull a cart to which it was yoked.

The yojana is used extensively in ancient descriptions of Buddhist cosmology (and, presumably, Hindu cosmology as well). The size of layers of the Earth, the heights of mountains, and the depths of seas are all described using yojanas.

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SO HERES THE GREAT NEWS. It is still possible to buy beautiful land, silent, pristine, undeveloped and countrified close to Arunachala and at AFFORDABLE PRICES.

Our website, Arunachala Land will be posting information of beautiful land all within 30 kms of Arunachala perfect for an ashram, farm, country living, community or animal facility.

Today Arunachala Land has posted information about two such great parcels of land. The first within ten kilometres of Arunachala with a beautiful view of the Hill and comprising up to thirty acres of pristine land.

The second parcel of land is approximately twenty five kilometres from Arunachala and comprises up to ninety acres of immaculate land with impeccable water supply. In both cases it is not necessary to buy the whole parcel.

At the beginning of this post I quote from the definitive scriptural work 'Skanda Purana' about the area of power radiating from Arunachala as being three Yojanas (approximately 30 kilometres). So heres the best thing of all, YOU CAN AFFORD to live in a large, unspoilt environment and also be in the ambit of Arunachala's Grace.

International Earth Day

Throughout the World on April 22, Earth Day will be celebrated, a date which marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. This is not a day that is reserved for activists in wealthy Western countries, it is in fact a day that needs to be observed by everyone in every place. Certainly here at Arunachala, we need to become aware of how the expanding population is having a serious and deletrious affect on the quality of life of animals and people.

"Earth Day is the first holy day which transcends all national borders, yet preserves all geographical integrities, spans mountains and oceans and time belts, and yet brings people all over the world into one resonating accord, is devoted to the preservation of the harmony in nature and yet draws upon the triumphs of technology, the measurement of time, and instantaneous communication through space.

Earth Day draws on astronomical phenomena in a new way – which is also the most ancient way – using the vernal Equinox, the time when the Sun crosses the equator making night and day of equal length in all parts of the Earth. To this point in the annual calendar, Earth Day attaches no local or divisive set of symbols, no statement of the truth or superiority of one way of life over another. But the selection of the March Equinox makes planetary observance of a shared event possible, and a flag which shows the Earth as seen from space appropriate."

[Margaret Mead]

To find more about Earth Day you can visit the official site of the International Earth Day, at this link.

Wesak Festival

Wesak Valley, North India

Full moon during Karthigai Deepam is regarded as the most powerful Arunachala poornima of the year. However the upcoming Wesak Festival (Taurus full moon) is globally considered to be the most powerful full moon of the yearly cycle. It is the time of the Buddha's Blessings. In this respect it is also considered to be a particularly auspicious time to perform Arunachala giripradakshina. This year (2008) we actually have two dates for Wesak; Sunday, April 20 10:27 GMT, the Theosophical Wesak and Tuesday, May 20 02:13 GMT the Buddhist Wesak which celebrates the true sideral or cosmic date. An ancient legend (see below) says it is during Wesak, i.e., the Taurus Full Moon that the Buddha leaves the High place where He works and dwells to return to the earth and BLESS the WORLD. This festival is not only celebrated at Wesak, North India, but also at spiritual centres throughout the world.

The three major spiritual Festivals which form a high point in the annual cycle: Festival of Easter (at the Aries full moon) Festival of Wesak (at the Taurus full moon) Festival of Goodwill (at the Gemini full moon)



Wesak and the Moon -- Part One

Wesak and the Moon -- Part Two

The Wesak Legend
[Alice A. Bailey]

"There is a valley, lying at a rather high altitude in the foothills of the Himalayan-Tibet ranges. It is surrounded by high mountains on all sides except towards the northeast, where there is a narrow opening in the mountain ranges. The valley is bottle-shaped in contour, with the neck of the bottle to the northeast, and it widens very considerably towards the south. Up towards the northern end, close to the neck of the bottle, there a huge flat rock. There are no trees or shrubs in the valley, which is covered with a kind of coarse grass.

Approaching the time of the full moon of Taurus, pilgrims from the surrounding districts begin to gather. The holy men and the lamas find their way into the valley and fill the southern and the middle parts, leaving the northeastern end relatively free. There, so the legend runs, gathers a group of those great Beings Who are the Custodians on Earth of God's Plan for our planet and for humanity.

This group of knowers of divinity are the main participants in The Wesak Festival. They arrange Themselves in the northeastern end of the valley, in concentric circles, and prepare for a great act of service. In front of the rock, looking towards the northeast, stand Those Beings Who are called by Their disciples The Three Great Lords. These are The Christ, Who stands in the center; the Lord of living forms, The Manu, Who stands at His right; and The Lord of Civilization, who stands to His left. These three face the rock upon which rests a great crystal bowl, full of water.

Behind the grouped Masters, adepts, initiates and senior workers under God's Plan are to be found the world disciples and aspirants in their various grades and groups (either "in the body" or "out of the body"), who at this time constitute the New Group of World Servers. Those present in their physical bodies have found their way there by ordinary means. Others are present in their spiritual bodies, and in the dream state. The "dream", which they later relate, has been uniformly registered by people throughout the world, and bears the testimony to the recollection of an inner spiritual happening.

As the hour of the full moon approaches, a stillness settles down upon the crowd, and all look towards the northeast. Certain ritualistic movements take place, in which the grouped Masters and Their disciples of all ranks take up symbolic positions, and form on the floor of the valley such significant symbols as the five-pointed star, with The Christ standing at the highest point; of a triangle, with The Christ at the apex; or a cross, and other well known formations, all of which have a deep and potent meaning. This is all done to the sound of certain chanted words and esoteric phrases, called mantrams.

The expectancy in the waiting, onlooking crowd becomes very great, and the tension is real and increasing. Through the entire body of people there seems to be felt a stimulation or potent vibration which has the effect of awakening the souls of those present, fusing and blending the group into one united whole, and lifting all into a great act of spiritual demand, readiness, and expectancy. It is the climax of the world's aspiration focussed in this waiting group. These three words; demand, readiness and expectancy, best describe the atmosphere surrounding those present in this secret valley.

The chanting and the rhythmic weaving grows stronger, and all the participants and the watching crowd raise their eyes towards the sky in the direction of the narrow part of the valley. Just a few minutes before the exact time of the full moon, in the far distance, a tiny speck can be seen in the sky. It comes nearer and nearer, and grows in clarity and definiteness of outline, until the form of The Buddha can be seen, seated in the cross-legged Buddha position, clad in his saffron-colored robe, bathed in light and color, and with his hand extended in blessing.

When The Buddha arrives at a point exactly over the great rock, hovering there in the air over the heads of The Three Great Lords, a great mantram, used only once a year, at The Festival, is intoned by The Christ, and the entire group of people in the valley fall upon their faces. This Invocation sets up a great vibration or thought current which is of such potency that it reaches up from the group of aspirants, disciples and initiates who employ it, to the Being we know as God. It marks the supreme moment of intensive spiritual effort throughout the entire year, and the spiritual vitalization of humanity and the spiritual effects last throughout the succeeding months.

The effect of this great Invocation is universal or cosmic, and serves to link us up with that cosmic center of spiritual force from which all created beings have come. The blessing is poured forth, and The Christ, as the representative of humanity, receives it in trust, for distribution.

Thus, so the legend runs, The Buddha returns once a year to bless the world, transmitting renewed spiritual life, through The Christ. Slowly then The Buddha recedes into the distance, until again only a faint speck can be seen in the sky, and this eventually disappears. The whole ceremonial blessing, from the time of the first appearance in the distance until the moment The Buddha fades out of view, takes just eight minutes.

The Buddha's annual sacrifice for humanity (for He comes back only at great cost) is over, and He returns again to that high place where He works and waits. Year after year He comes back in blessing; year after year, He and His great brother, The Christ, work in the closest cooperation for the spiritual benefit of humanity. In these two great Sons of God have been focussed two aspects of divine life, and They act together as Custodians of the highest type of spiritual force to which our humanity can respond. Through The Buddha, the wisdom of God is poured forth. Through The Christ, the love of God is manifested in humanity, and it is this wisdom and love which pour forth upon humanity each Wesak full moon.

When The Buddha has again disappeared, the crowd rise to their feet; the water in the bowl is distributed in tiny portions to the Masters, initiates and disciples, and they then go their way to their place of service. The crowd, who have all brought their little cups and vessels of water, drink of them and share with others. In this beautiful "water ceremony of communion" is portrayed the symbol of the new age which is upon us, the Aquarian Age, the age of the Water Carrier.

In this ceremony is perpetuated for us the story of the universality of God's love, the need for our individual purification, and the opportunity to share with each other that which belongs to all. The water, which has been magnetized by the presence of The Buddha and of The Christ, carries certain properties and virtues of a healing and helpful nature.

Thus blessed, the crowd silently disperses.”

India Food Production

I think the below extract, taken from an article by an Indian agricultural scientist, most interesting in light of the current crisis in food prices throughout the world. In this respect even with over a billion people to feed, India is totally committed to ensuring internal food production is sufficient to meet the needs of domestic consumption instead of relying upon imports.

“India is in a precarious position with food grain production stagnating. Wheat and rice yields are either stagnating or plummeting, thanks to the combined effect of the environmental fallout from monoculture, degraded soils, escalating soil salinity and drying aquifers and a combination of the mindless use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and inefficent use of water. Cereal availability is down to 400 gm per capita per day compared to 475 gms in 1976. And in the cases of pulses, the per rate capita is 33 gms a day compared to 61 rams a day in 1951.

Instead of despairing about the gloomy situation on the food front, India needs to gear up and:

1. Expand wheat area.
2. Put in place a National Grain Policy. On no account should it allow the acreage under food grains, currently at 69 per cent of total arable land, to shrink.
3. Abolish the concept of the MSP and put in place a market driver price mechanism where Indian wheat farmers get the best price that will help the Government buy enough grains for public distribution and domestic consumption.
4. Put in place a wheat consortium where private millers and government join hands.
5. Throw ay the ‘text book’ knowledge of soil management as India’s fatigued soil is crying out for real attention.
6. Examine crop distribution in the case of sugarcane where a huge surplus is grown for export and thereby depriving land for growth of food for domestic consumption.
7. Extend the wheat area into South India.
8. Redesign the entire fertiliser subsidy programme and make it farmer oriented.”

[With thanks to KP Prabhakaran Nair]

Dhyanapeetam Inauguration

So this morning made my arrangements to visit the function held at the new three acre Nithyananda facility around the Hill.

Obviously a lot of folk had done very dedicated service in getting the facility ready in time for the function. I got there myself around 9.45 a.m. (the programme will extend throughout this day) because I was curious to be there for the arrival of Nithyananda.

I recognised alot of familiar faces - well after all Tiruvannamalai is a very small town! Even though it was a blazing hot morning, we were comfortable in our nice shady spots. And around 10.30 a.m. Swami Nithyananda arrived and duly took his seat on the dais.

I hope to post more about the function in the next day or so.

Sri Rajarajeshwari's new jewels

The Rajarajeshwari Shrine on the Hillround Roadway is absolutely one of my favourite places at Arunachala. This Goddess is held as the first God of the Devi Mahatmyam, in which all others are centred, and what is now the Rajarajeshwari Temple has been located at the same .25 acre site, in some form or another, for the last 100 years.

The small and exquisite Temple is located at Parvati Hill, which itself has a very curious association, to read more about it, go to this link here.

If you click on any of these images of this Goddess, they will all enlarge to a nice size. I actually visited the Shrine today as I was in that part of the world on my way to a function hosted by the Nithyananda group, at their new facility located at the foot of Parvati Hill.

Happily on my visit to the Goddess shrine I was able to view her beautiful new jewels and golden dress.

Inside the Mother's Shrine is a Sri Meru Yantra, a 3-Dimensional multi-Pyramid Cosmic Grid signifying unlimited abundance and positive powers. The Sri Yantra is the worshipping place of the form of the Mahatripura Sundari (Rajarajeshwari).

Also located at this beautiful Shakti Shrine are statues of the Dasa Mahavidyas, The Ten Forms of the Goddess representing knowledge (wisdom) and also what is hidden, secret, subtle and sensitive, what has to be searched out and discovered.

If you love the Divine Mother, you will undoubtedly very much appreciate this beautiful Shrine.

Tamil New Year

The month of Chittrai (April - May) embarks the time of festivities in Tamil Nadu and starts off the Tamil year running through to Panguni (March - April), 2009. Tamil's New Year Day “Puthandu” (according to the Gregorian Calendar) is celebrated on April 13 or 14 every year. People greet each other “Puthandu Vazthukal” which means Happy New Year. This auspicious day is also known as “Varusha Pirappuv”, a time upon which, Lord Brahma is believed to have started the creation of the Universe.

The day starts with viewing the “kanni” (the auspicious sight) at dawn, in the expectation that beginning the New Year by looking at auspicious or favourable things will bring good fortune throughout the year. Such auspicious items includes; old and silver jewellery, betel leaves, nuts, fruits and vegetables, flowers, raw rice and coconuts. “Kanni” is followed by a bath and visit to the Temple to pray for a prosperous and happy New Year. After which, the Panchangam (almanac) is read. Ladies adorn the entrances of their houses with “Kolam” (design made with rice flour) and deck the doorway with mango leaves.

It is during the month of Chittirai the marriage of Goddess Meenakshi to Lord Sundareswarar is celebrated as “Chitthirai Festival”.

Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam Inauguration

On April 19th, 2008, there will be a Grand inauguration ceremony of the installation of 'Ananda Linga' By Paramahamsa Nithyananda (who hails from Tiruvannamalai) at Nithyananda Puri (opposite Rajarajeswari Temple, Girivalam Roadway, Tiruvannamalai.

The Schedule for the day starts at 10.00 a.m. and includes:
Inauguration of Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam
Preliminary puja ceremony, as preparation for the installation of Ananda Linga.
Installation of the first set of Shiva Lingas in a series of one crore Shiva Lingas.
Installation of Navagraha deities (deities associated with the nine planets) along with Navagraha trees (trees associated with the nine planets).
Installation of 108 live energy Shiva Lingas.
Preliminary puja ceremony for installation of 108 live energy Shiva Lingas, being made of gold, silver, crystal, and other precious stones.

Koti Lingas Kshetra
The Koti Linga Kshetra is the consecration of 10,000 Shiva Lingas, on each of which will be etched 1000 Shiva Linga forms, thus making it one crore Shiva Lingas or Koti Lingas. (koti - crore and linga - Shiva Linga).

Ananda Linga
In the centre of these one crore Lingas, will be consecrated Ananda Linga - a 21 feet tall Shiva Linga – tallest in the world. This unique Linga is being made completely with Navabhashanam, (an amalgamation of nine rare herbs) and other 1008 different herbs. This Linga will continuously radiate healing energy that can cure all mental and physical illnesses.

Navagraha deities and Navagraha trees
This energy field will also have Navagraha deities (deities associated with the nine planets) along with Navagraha trees (trees associated with the nine planets).

108 live energy Shiva Lingas
Further, 108 live and living Shiva Lingas made of gold, silver, crystal, and other precious stones, and radiating tremendous energy, will also be consecrated here.

For more information and photographs go to this link. And to read earlier postings of Swami Nithyananda on this site go here and here

Visitor Graph

Thought it might be interesting to post a current Visitor's Graph showing Country percentage information of visitors to Arunachala Grace. Unsurprisingly 38% of visitors come from India, but the large percentage of 31% hail from the U.S. I didn't realise there were so many Arunachala devotees in the United States. Great news.

Occasionally we even get visitors from China - now thats really global!

Lord Shiva at Arunachala

Although Shiva is primarily worshipped in the form of the lingam (Lingodbhava) at Arunachala, this God also has a particular connection to the Hill, in the forms of: Bhikshtana, ‘the enchanting mendicant’, Ardhanisvara ‘the androgynous deity’, and Dakshinamurti, ‘the one facing south’.

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Lingodbhava

Lingodbhava murthi is an iconic representation of Shiva, installed in the rear niche (devakoshta) of the sanctum (garbagriha) enshrining a Shiva Lingam. Since most Temples face east, Lingodhava faces West.

The story of Lingodbhava is that of the attempts of Vishnu and Brahma to discover the origins of Shiva as a column of fire. Brahma assumed the form of a swan and flew upwards, while Vishnu assumed the form of a boar, and burrowed down into the earth. Days of search in either direction proved futile, and hence the duo surrendered to Shiva.

The non-anthropomorphic form Shiva Lingam is a representation of this infinite cosmic column of fire, whose origins were not traceable by Brahma or Vishnu. The Shiva lingam is the centre of reverence and worship in all Saivite temples. This legend has particular resonance at Arunachala, as it is held that Arunachala Hill itself, is a manifestation of the cosmic column of fire. (Tiruvannamalai, is one of the Pancha Bhuta Stalas, representing the primordial element fire).

There is another interesting aspect to this legend. While Brahma was flying upwards in the guise of a swan, he saw the petals of a ketaki flower drifting down. Tired by the futility of his efforts to reach the top of the mysterious column of fire, Brahma requested the flower to acquiesce to his lie that he had seen the top of the column where the flower had previously resided. Accompanied by his accomplice, Brahma confronted Vishnu and asserted that he had indeed discovered the origin of the cosmic column. An enraged Shiva appeared out of the fiery column and cursed Brahma so that he would not be worshipped in Temples on earth. Thus there are no Temples dedicated to this God of any significance in India.

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Bhikshatana

Bhikshatana is a form of Lord Shiva, when he manifested as an ‘enchanting mendicant,’ a wandering ascetic. The Rishis in Darukavana had become convinced that action was supreme and that there was no need to worship God. To teach them the value of worshipping God, Shiva manifested as a naked mendicant, begging for alms. The wives of the Rishis were enchanted with the naked beggar and followed him. The Rishis quarrelled with Shiva but the matter was resolved when the Rishis were made aware that they were fighting with the Supreme God. As Bhikshatana, the Lord is depicted as naked, with a snake around the hips and sandals on his feet.

Check this link to read about ‘Mohini and the Sages’ (under Thiruvoodal Sagas) as one of the causes for a tiff (i.e. tiruvoodal) between Lord Shiva and Parvati.

Still another version of the legend is that Lord Shiva had to wander as a mendicant in order to expiate the sin of having severed the head of Brahma, till he reached the Himalayas, where he was relieved of his sin.

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Shiva as Ardhanarishvara

In Hinduism, Ardhanari or Ardhanarishvara, is an androgynous deity composed of Shiva and his consort Shakti, representing the synthesis of masculine and feminine energies. The Ardhanari form also illustrates how the female principle of God, Shakti is inseparable from the male principle of God, Shiva. Ardhanari in iconography is depicted as half-male and half-female, split down the middle.

The term 'Ardhanarishvara' is a combination of three words- 'ardha', 'nari' and 'ishvara', meaning respectively, 'half', 'woman' and 'Lord' or 'God', that is, Ardhanarishvara is the Lord whose half is woman, or who is half woman.

Go to this link to read about Arunachala and the legend of Ardhanarishvara and this link to read about Deepam Ardhanarishvara.

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Dakshinamurthi

Is an aspect of Shiva as a guru (teacher) of all type of knowledge, particularly jnana. This aspect of Shiva is his personification as the supreme or the ultimate awareness, understanding and knowledge and also represents Shiva in his aspect as a teacher of yoga, music, wisdom and giving exposition on the shastras.

Dakshinamurti literally means 'one who is facing south'. South is the direction of Death, hence change. In every Siva temple the stone image of Dakshinamurthi is installed, facing south, on the southern circumambulatory path around the sanctum sanctorum. Perhaps, of all Hindu Gods, he is the only one sitting facing south.

In his aspect as Jnana Dakshinamurti, Shiva is seated upon a deer-throne and surrounded by sages who are receiving his instruction. He is shown as seated with his right foot on a demon (which represents ignorance) and his left foot lies folded on his lap. In his upper arms, he holds a snake or rosary or both in one hand and a flame in the other; while in his lower right hand is shown in vyakhyanamudra, his lower left hand holds a bundle of kusha grass or the scriptures. Dakshinamurthi is portrayed as being in the yogic state of abstract meditation - and as a powerful form brimming with ever flowing bliss and supreme joy.

Significance

Indian tradition accords a special reverence to the Guru or the teacher. Dakshinamurthi, is regarded as the ultimate Guru - the embodiment of knowledge and the destroyer of ignorance (as represented by the demon being crushed under the feet of the deity). The Jnana Mudra is interpreted in this way:- The thumb denotes God and the index finger man. The other three fingers stand for the three congenital impurities of man; arrogance, illusion and bad deeds of past births. When man detaches himself from these impurities, he reaches God. The Abhaya Mudra, a gesture with the hand lifted above thigh with palm facing out, fingers pointing, is interpreted as His grace upon His students. The rosary or the snake signifies Tantric knowledge. The fire represents illumination, removing the darkness of ignorance.

Go to this link to read some words by Sri Ramana Maharshi about Dakshinamurti.

Shiva - Lord of the Earth

Rudra-Shiva is the ultimate symbol of the environment. In which is combined the forces of nature and Pancha Bhutas: air, water, earth, fire and space. The five elements or Pancha Bhutas are represented by five Shiva lingas, which are famous Temples and pilgrimage centres.

Many natural forces are imprisoned in Shiva's person: his flowing tresses represent the forests themselves, trapping within them the mighty river Ganga, the source of perennial water and life. His vibhuti or sacred ash is the symbol of fertility, a gift of the earth.

Lord Shiva is Pashupati, Lord of Animals. He is accompanied by Nandi the bull and viewed generally beneath the Bilva Tree. He is Bhupati, Bhuteshvara or Bhutanatha, Lord of the Earth. Bhuta is the spirit of the earth worshipped in rural India.

As the ascetic Rishi meditating on a hill, the mountains become the sacred home of Shiva. Several Shiva temples are found on hills. From Kailasha in the Northern Himalayas to Tiruvannamalai in the South.

By sanctifying them, important watersheds were conserved, preserving forests and providing water for existence.

Shiva holds Agni or fire on the palm of his hand. It symbolises the energy released during creation. The drum represents the sound Om, the origin of creation. The Trishula or Trident in his hand represents the feminine half of creation. Every aspect of this deity invokes nature.

[Thanks to N. Krishna]

History of Money

In Indian National papers there have been articles discussing whether Gold is a safe haven for investors. With western countries undergoing serious financial meltdowns and banks failing – people are seriously questioning the intrinsic value of money in the form of currency. I recall about fifteen years ago Sri Sathya Sai Baba is reported to have advised students that: “In the future there will be a world financial crisis, so don’t leave your money in Banks or Trusts, decide where you want to be and make yourself as self sufficient as possible.’

In this respect Land and Property are the two items with the most intrinsic value – because with them you have a place to live and where to grow food. It certainly would be grand to have that safe haven situated here at Arunachala! Anyhow curious as to the history of gold and the financial underpinning of ‘society’, I decided to do some research:-

The history of money consists of three phases:

(1) Commodity money, in which actual valuable objects are bartered
(2) Representative money, in which paper notes (often called 'certificates') are used to represent real commodities stored elsewhere; and finally
(3) Fiat money, in which paper notes are backed only by the traders' "full faith and credit" in the government, in particular by its acceptability for payments of debts to the government (usually taxes).

To continue reading go here.

April 13 - Auspicious Transit

On April 13th at 1.50 p.m., GMT, a rare astronomical event will occur that happens once every 1,000 years. The happening takes place as the Sun moves into the sign of Aries and simultaneously, the moon will be in the Pushya star constellation (in Cancer).

Yogis say that during this celestial conjunction, the left and right hemispheres of the brain will undergo a radical change and will be able to receive greater intelligence. In Yoga, the left brain is associated with the Sun and the right brain with the Moon. Astrologers predict that this rate astronomical event with affect the subtle body as well as the physical brain. It is believed to be an auspicious time for change.

In Indian mythology it was at the auspicious time that the moon was in Pushya that Dasartha appointed his son Rama to be ruler of Dasaratha:

“In the morning, when the moon traverses Pushya, I shall appoint my son, Rama, who is the supreme support of religion, as successor to the throne.”[Ayodhya Kanda-- Canto II]

Dedicated to Arthur C. Clarke

On March 19, 2008 at the age of 90 years at his home in Sri Lanka, the great Science Fiction writer, Sir Arthur C Clarke died. As a young child I read many of his books and short stories and he (and other Science Fiction writers) powerfully influenced my spiritual impetus. In this respect the transformational movie, ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’, a 1968 science fiction film written by Stanley Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke and dealing with human evolution has been hugely influential to many in a very similar way.

The reason why ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’, is a particularly fascinating subject in relation to Arunachala, is because of the use of a ‘monolith’ as the transformative tool throughout the movie.

The word Monolith comes from the Greek; "Mon" means 'one' and "lith" means 'stone'. It can be a large block of stone or something such as a column or monument or something suggestive of a large block of stone, as in immovability, massiveness, or uniformity. Monolith can also be a geological feature such as a mountain, consisting of a single massive stone or rock, or a single piece of rock placed as, or within, a monument.

In the movie 2001, the stone is black and in alchemy all things that exist come from the black stone, or the 'prima materia'. The black stone is the stone of transformation and the stone of projection. The Philosopher's Stone. This is the object that can change or transmute mankind, according to alchemical lore. It is rare and, when it makes an appearance, it transforms the seeker.

The movie, ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’, has as its theme, man’s evolution, from ape through earthman to astral being. It starts in prehistoric times where mankind's ancestors are struck by inspiration after a silent black monolith appears in their midst. When the primitive ape-like species is presented with the monolith their curiosity and courage overcomes their fear; and when the innate characteristics of the ape interfaces with the monolithic slab, the species take a dramatic step in their advancement.

***The sun and the crescent moon aligned with each other is a symbol of Zoroastrianism, the ancient Persian religion which predates Buddhism and Christianity and is based on the teachings of the prophet Zoroaster (also known as Zarathustra). This particular alignment symbolises the eternal struggle between light and darkness.***

The evolutionary theme of ‘A Space Odyssey’, from ape through Earthman to astral being, continues millions of years later, when a similar-looking monolith dug up on the moon in 2001, starts to blast a strong radio signal to Jupiter. The culmination of the evolutionary theme occurs when the lone surviving astronaut of a space mission seeking the source of the radio signal has a rendezvous with another monolith and a hallucinogenic journey to the infinite beyond.

With his rasping, dying breath, the Earthman reaches out to the monolith, at last, with deep understanding and wisdom. The body -- container of man's spirit for millions of years, is cast aside forever. And the next evolutionary leap occurs -- the Starchild is born.

'The cyclical evolution from ape to man to spaceman to angel-starchild-superman is complete. Evolution has also been outwardly directed toward another level of existence - from isolated cave dwellings to the entire Earth to the Moon to the Solar System to the Universe. Humankind's unfathomed potential for the future is hopeful and optimistic. What is the next stage in man's cosmic evolution beyond this powerful, immense, immortal, space-journeying creature? "Then he (i.e. the Starchild) waited, marshalling his thoughts and brooding over his still untested powers. For though he was master of the world, he was not quite sure what to do next. But he would think of something"'
[2001 - The Novel]

Throughout the world there are representations of monoliths many of which have spiritual and transformative powers. The opinion of many is that Arunachala is the definitive, transformative monolith, but throughout the world there are other special, sacred monolithic places. For instance Uluru (previously called Ayers Rock) in Australia is a sandstone monolith; 1,143 feet high and 6 miles in circumference.





"This is the working of the ceremony to save the green ants, the aboriginal people and the dreamtime that holds the world together. The white people are too young to know this and too old to understand. Yet, you must listen to these words now and hear with your hearts, the singing of the mountain. The mountain sings. It sings like it has never sung before...it is singing now for you...for us...for every living creature on this beautiful Earth. The mountain sings its first and last song. The music comes from far, far away yet it is inside you...inside the mountain...inside the trees...inside the rising sun...inside the stars...inside the little pebbles in the river... inside the kangaroo...inside the green ants...inside your mother...inside your father...the song is singing by itself inside every living thing. Now, the mountain sings to keep the world alive. When you hear the song inside your hearts, sing back to the mountain. Sing back to the mountain...sing back to the mountain..."
[Invocation of a Chief Uluru Aboriginal Elder]

Thank you Arthur. Take rest now.
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Pranic Healing

Pranic Healer, K. Mahesh from Chennai, will be conducting Pranic Healing Classes in Arunachala, based upon GMCKS (Grand Master Choa Kok Sui) for the whole of April. For further information please conduct K. Mahesh direct at his mobile number +91-9940075161

Sacred Shrine

"In this word though sacred shrines may be in all the four directions yet can they be equal to Arunachala? For a good deed done in this Arunachala will yield benefit a thousand times. Similarly although there might be thousands of sins they will be reduced to one in this place."

[By Guhai Namashivaya]

To read about the life of this Saint who lived at Arunachala in ancient times, see this link here.