As readers will probably already have heard, tragedy sadly occurred at the Ayyankulam Tank, Tiruvannamalai, on the morning of February 8 during part of the Mahadhaya Maha Punniya Kalam 2016 ceremonies. Four people drowned in the Ayyankulam Tank and a number of others were injured when a stampede broke out as hundreds of devotees jostled to bathe in the Theertham on the auspicious occasion of Mahodaya Amavasya.
‘Mahodhaya Punniya Kaalam’ is when the below attributes align together in a single day, an event which occurs only about once every 30 years.
Thithi: Amavasya
Nakshathiram: Thiruvonam
Yogam: Vyathi Patham
Month: Thai
Vaaram: Soma (Monday)
Due to the sad circumstances of the tragic accident, I was uncertain whether or not to post any additional information about the Festival. However this afternoon I received information from someone connected with the Big Temple who was at yesterday's function at the Ayyankulam Theertham.
In his words: -
"We don't feel sad because it was very peaceful and we didn't even know till after the function what had happened. One victim was a Temple Gurukkal and the other three were devotees who have done excellent service over the years to the Temple Gods. It was such a big, important day and what happened was like God just silently taking them home."
As a result of our converation, I feel it is appropriate to make additional postings of the Festival—which I hope will make the incident seem, through Divine Grace, more celebratory than sad.
Below is posting of the Mahabhishekam performed at the Siva Sannidhi of Arunachaleswarar Temple prior to the Theerthavari. Tomorrow I will be making a posting of the Theerthavari itself.
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During the early morning of Mahadhaya Maha Punniya Kalam 2016, Mahabhishekam was performed at the Siva Sannidhi for Sri Arunachaleswarar Samadeha Apeethakumbachambal.
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| Mahabhishekham to be performed upon Sri Arunachaleswarar Samadeha (in union with) Apeethakumbachambal |
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| Items ready for Mahabhishekam |
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| Large crowd attending the 1 a.m. Mahabhishekam in Big Temple |
Below is a pictorial record of that puja being performed.
The significance and representation of some of the items used in the Mahabhishekam are as follows:
Panchagavyam (mixture of milk, curd, ghee, cow’s urine and cow dung): removes all sin
Panchamrutham (mixture of fruits): gives wealth
Ghee: gives liberation
Milk: for long life
Curd: for healthy progeny
Honey: gives harmonious voice
Sandalpaste: for Amman’s Grace
Sugarcane Juice: removes enmity
Tender Coconut: enjoyment and life satisfaction
Sanctified Water: a consecration
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| Mahabhishekam Begins |
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| Lord Shiva holding deer on hand indicates He has removed tossing of the mind (i.e. a deer flits quickly from place to place) |
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| Lord Arunachaleswarar and Sri Apeethakumbachambal |
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| The Goddess |
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