Thursday 6 July, 2017: Guru Vrat Pradosham Arunachaleswarar Temple

The below photographs of Nandi abhishekam at Arunachaleswarar Temple are of the Big Temple Pradosham observed on Thursday (Guru Pradosham) 6 July, 2017. 

Abhishekam of Periyar Nandi

Aarti of Periyar Nandi

Aarti Nandi at Flagpost

Aarti, Arunachaleswarar Temple Pradosham

Lord Shiva enshrined in Nandi's Heart

Pradosham means the “removal of sins”. These times are the windows of opportunity to remove karma or karmic energies that limit our potential in this current life. Pradosham occurs on the 13th lunar day (Trayodashi) during the waxing and waning phase of moon in the Hindu lunar calendar. It is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva on this day will relieve the devotee from sin and gives Moksha. 

The importance of observing Pradosham is described in the Pradosha Mahatmyam from Shiva Purana. Pradosham indicates the meeting of the Sun and the Moon in a horizontal line during their movement on their Axis. 

Among the pujas performed by the devotees of Lord Shiva, Pradosham puja is considered to be the most auspicious. It is believed that during this period all universal beings and Gods come down to earth and attend the worship. 

During pradosham abhishekam of Lord Shiva the following are considered fruitful. 

Milk Gives Long life 

Ghee gives Moksha 

Curd gives good children 

Honey gives melodious voice 

Rice Powder gives free from debts 

Sugar Cane Juice gives good health 

Panjamrutham gives wealth 

Lemon removes fear of death 

Sugar removes enmity 

Tender Coconut gives enjoyment 

Cooked Rice gives gives majestic life 

Sandal gives Lakshmi’s grace