The hottest part of the year here at Arunachala comes around May and early June and is known locally as Agni Nakshatram ("fiery star") or as Kathiri Veyyil. During this time in all major Shiva Temples at Arunachala, Thara Abhishekam is performed. This abhishekam occurs over the period of Agni Nakshatram, and it is one in which water is held in an overhead container and constantly drips, drop by drop unto the Shiva Lingam.
The photographs are of a Shiva Temple on the girivalam roadway, but the same process is currently occurring at Arunachaleswarar Temple. Those who visit the Shrine during this time can observe the water receptacle inside the Arunachaleswarar Shiva Sannidhi directly over the Shiva Lingam.
