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| September 17, 2013 Pradosham, Arunachaleswarar Temple |
The first two photographs are of Nandi taken at Arunachaleswarar Temple during Pradosham which fell on September 17, 2013.
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| Nandi the Bull, Arunachaleswarar Temple |
Whisper into my Ear
Nandi is the Gate keeper of Lord Shiva's abode, thus it is believed to be important to seek his blessings before praying to Lord Shiva.
It is thought that by whispering our prayers into Nandi’s ear, it will induce him to act as our interlocutor (messenger) and those prayers will reach Lord Shiva.
When whispering into Nandi’s ear, some close one of his ears while whispering into the other, to prevent the wish leaving through the other ear.
When whispering it is believed that one shouldn’t stand in-between Nandi and Lord Shiva while praying. First one touches the feet of the Bull, then whispers into the ear and then goes to Nandi’s back.
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| Nandi on Girivalam Roadway |
As seeing the Sivalingam in the Siva Sannidhi from in-between the ears of Nandi is also said to be a form of worship as it is believed that Shiva is looking at the world from between those ears and head. Thus in the case of Nandi at the side of the Girivalam Roadway, one should stand at the back of the statue and look at the Arunachala Lingam from in-between the Bull’s ears.
Next time you visit Arunachala and perform girivalam (giripradakshina), try whispering your thoughts and needs into the Bull’s ears. I found it a powerful and happy experience.
Great info, and very useful to know! I think you are inspiring many others to whisper into Nandi's ear!
ReplyDeleteLovely post. I have whispered into Nandi's ears a few times. Can we have another entry about the significance of Girivilam? I know there are a few but since the November full moon is coming up would be nice. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI am actually working on girivalam information for upload to my website:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.arunachalsamudra.org
But will try to post some interesting Girivalam facts for Arunachala Gracev soon.
Hi Divya:
ReplyDeleteIts good to have personal ways of communicating with the Divine. And the beautiful thing about Nandi is that it gives one the opportunity of making contact with Arunachala in an immediate and special manner.
Speaking from my own experience its very nice whispering in Nandi's ear. But next time I will close up the other side -- don't want him to miss anything!
even in uttarakhand kedarnath temple whispering into the ear of bronze nandi in front of kedarnath is followed to fulfil one's wishes
ReplyDeleteYes, its a wonderful thing to do wherever one does it. So powerful, so personal and so enabling. Nandi is our loving conduit to the Divine.
ReplyDelete