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24 November 2017

2017 Arunachala Karthigai Festival: Day 2. Morning—Surya Perai Vahana



On the morning of Day Two of the Karthigai Festival, Surya Perai is the Vahana for the Lord. Surya is the representation of Fire (or Agni) and the fourth element of the Panchabhutas. The essential character of Fire is to generate heat and according to Hindu Mythology, Agni is one of the Eight Guardians that guard our Universe (known as Asta-dik-palakas).

During each procession the panchamoorthies are seated on their respective Vahana. The word “Vahana” denotes “that which carries, that which pulls” and signifies the mount of the God. The mount represents a Divine attribute associated with the God.

Arunachala is replete with mythology connected with the Surya, the Sun God. To find out more about Surya’s connection with the Hill, go to this link.




The Panchamoorthies being carried through the Temple

The Gods being moved away from the front of the Alankaram Mandapam

Darshan of the Lord on Surya Perai Vahana

Rukku next to her own, Lord Ganesha

Procession of the Gods through Tiruvannamalai

The Lord on His Surya Perai Vahana

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