Bhaanu Vaara Pradosham Arunachaleswarar Temple: 17 July, 2016

Pradosham Vrat is observed on the thirteenth day of each lunar fortnight. The most recent Pradosham to be observed at Arunachaleswarar Temple occurred on Sunday, 17 July, 2016. 

Nandi, 3rd Prakaram during abhishekam

Aarti to the Gods, Lord Nandi at 3rd Prakaram

Procession of Lord Arunachaleswarar on Golden Rishaba

Pradosham Vrat has its own benefits according to the day on which it occurs. These Pradoshams are known as follows: 

1. Soma Pradosham: When Pradosham Vrat falls on a Monday, it is known as Soma Pradosham. If the Pradosham Vrat falls on a Monday, all the desires of Lord Shiva’s devotee are fulfilled and they become a positive thinker. 

2. Bhaum Pradosham: When Pradosham Vrat falls on Tuesday, it is known as Bhaum Pradosham. The benefit of Bhaum Pradosh Vrat is that it gives relief from health problems and enhances physical health. It also brings prosperity. 

3. Saumya Vaara Pradosham: When Pradosham Vrat falls on a Wednesday, it is known as Saumya Vaara Pradosha. This day of Pradosham Vrat endows a person with education, knowledge, fulfillment of wishes and progeny. 

4. Guruvaara Pradosham: When Pradosham Vrat falls on a Thursday, it is known as Guru Vaara Pradosham. On this day, Divine blessings are received from the ancestors or Pitru. All existing dangers get eliminated by observing a fast on this day. 

5. Bhrigu Vaara Pradosham: When Pradosham Vrat falls on a Friday, it is known as Bhrigu Vaara Pradosham. This Pradosham Vrat benefits by removing negativity and opposition; resulting in success and happiness. 

6. Shani Pradosham: When Pradosham Vrat falls on a Saturday, it is known as Shani Pradosham. The benefit of Shani Pradosham Vrat is it brings promotion. Lost wealth is received if Shani Pradosham Vrat is observed. 

7. Bhaanu Vaara Pradosham: When Pradosham Vrat falls on a Sunday, it is known as Bhaanu Vaara Pradosham. If Pradosham Vrat falls on this day and is observed by devotees, it results in the attainment of peace and longevity. 

Aani Bramotshavam Theerthavari -- July 16, 2016

The culmination of the 10 day Ani Brahmostavam Festival completed on Saturday July 16, 2016 with a function at Arunachaleswarar Temple followed by a procession of the Gods to the Iyyankulam Tank where a Theerthavari ceremony was observed. 

Procession of the Gods

The Gods Alankaram

Since the tragedy at the Ayyankulam Tank during a previous Theerthavari in connection with the Mahadhaya Maha Punniya Kalam ceremonies, safety precautions have been enhanced at Ayyankulam Tank. Subsequently the most recent function was successfully and peacefully completed. 

The Priests with the anointed Sulam

Priests in Pandal at the Ayyankulam Tank

Aani Thirumanjanam Arunachaleswarar Temple: July 10, 2016

Aani Uthiram, or Aani Thirumanjanam, is an auspicious day in the Tamil Month of Aani (June -July) and is dedicated to Lord Nataraja (Shiva). It is believed that Lord Nataraja gives darshan to his devotees in the months Aani and Margazhi. 

The word "Thirumanjanam" means Holy bath. The festival is observed on the Uthiram Nakshatram day. In 2016, this day fell on July 10th. 

The Lord's form demonstrates his five-fold functions: creation, preservation, destruction, concealment and salvation. The rattle (udukkai) in his right hand represents creation; his raised right arm with the open palm (abhaya hastam) protection; his left hand holding fire destruction; his firmly placed foot concealment; and his other, slightly lifted, leg salvation. Lord Nataraja is given six abhishekams in a year. 

This planet takes 365 days to complete one full circle around the sun. That duration is divided into six seasons: 

Marghazhi-Thai—early winter 

Maasi-Panguni—late winter 

Chittirai-Vaikasi—early summer 

Aani-Aadi—high summer 

Avani-Purattasi—autumn 

Aippasi-Karthikai—rainy season. 

This six-season year of humans is said to be one day for the immortals. A day has six periods: dawn, morning, noon, afternoon, evening, and night. These are when the six daily poojas (Kaala Pooja) in temples are performed. During each of these six parts, an Abhishekam has been ordained for Lord Nataraja. One of these is Ani Thirumanjanam, the pradosha abhishekam on the evening of the day of Uthiram star in the Tamil month of Aani (June-July) is believed to be the best time for worshipping Lord Shiva. 

Three Tamil Saivaite saints whose shrine face the Nataraja shrine inside the Arunachaleswarar Temple are revered at the same time as worship of the Lord and his Goddess, and deeparadhana is performed by priests at the shrines of the Gods and Saints, which face each other. This is known as Arakattu Utsavam and only happens at this time. 

In preparation of the Holy Bath on Uthiram Nakshatram Lord Arunachaleswarar and Goddess Shivakami are brought out of the Temple in procession and taken to the 1000 pillared hall where they are installed in a special shrine. It is at this place that the sacred bath (Thirumanjanam) is performed. 

It is popularly believed that it was on Aani Uthiram day that Lord Shiva appeared before Sage Manikkavachakar under a Kurundai Tree and offered upadesha (advice). Sage Manikkavachakar is the author of Thiruvachakam. 

Below photographs of 2016 Aani Thirumanjanam at 1000 Pillar Hall, Fifth Prakaram, Arunachaleswarar Temple.

Lord Nataraj and Goddess Shivakami

The Gods being carried out of the 1000 Pillar Hall on Palanquins

Devotees waiting outside the 1000 Pillar Hall, Fifth Prakaram, Big Temple

The Gods exiting the 1000 Pillar Hall

Sani Pradosham: Saturday -- July 2, 2016

Below are photographs of Sani Pradosham observed at Arunachaleswarar Temple on Saturday, July 2, 2016. 

Saturday is dedicated to Lord Saniswaran, one of the nine celestial Gods (Navagrahas). The planet Saturn is considered an agent of Karma who delivers many difficult trials in our lives in order to help refine and evolve our souls. 

 It is thought that on the day of Sani Pradosham Lord Siva has more influence over Saturn and can cause him to release some of our karmic bonds. 

Abhishekam of Lord Nandi, 4th Prakaram, Big Temple

Nandi at Flagpost, Shiva Sannidhi, Big Temple

Circumambulation of Gods around the 3rd Prakaram, Arunachala background

Procession of the Gods in 3rd Prakaram, Big Temple

Nataraja Alankaram and Puja: Friday April 29, 2016

Lord Shiva, in his incarnation of Nataraja, is believed to have been born on full moon day in the constellation of Ardra, the sixth lunar mansion. 

Chidambaram is one of the Panchabootha Sthalams, where the Lord is worshipped in his manifestation as five boothas (elements): earth (Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram), water (Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval), fire (Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai), wind (Kalahasti Temple, Srikalahasthi) and space (Sri Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram). 

At Chidambaram, where the Principal Deity is Lord Nataraja, Lord Shiva is bathed only 6 times a year. At that place year six anointing ceremonies (mahabhishekams) are performed for Lord Nataraja. 

Lord Nataraja Alankaram, Arunachaleswarar Temple

Lord Nataraja Chittirai Thiruvonam

Chittirai Thiruvonam in April-May performed here at Arunachaleswarar Temple indicates the third pooja of these six anointing ceremonies. 

First Pooja Marghazhi Thiruvaadhirai (December - January ) 

Second Pooja fourteenth day after the new moon (chaturdasi) of Masi (February - March) 

Third Pooja (or uchivkalam) is Chittirai Thiruvonam (April- May) 

Fourth Pooja Uthiram of Aani (June–July) also called the Aani Thirumanjanam 

Fifth Pooja chaturdasi of Aavani (August-September) 

Sixth Pooja (Arthajama) month of Puratasi (October-November) 

Goddess Sri Sivakami Ambal

Devotees outside Sri Nataraja Shrine, Arunachaleswarar Temple

The six Mahabhishekams of Sri Nataraja 2016-2017 

29.04.2016 Friday Chithirai Onam 
10.07.2016 Sunday Aanithirumanjanam 
15.09.2016 Thursday Aavani Chathurdhasi 
14.10.2016 Friday Purattasi Chathurdhasi 
11.01.2017 Wednesday Aarudhraa Abhishekam 
11.03.2017 Saturday, Maasi Chathurdhasi 

Deepa Aaradhanai, Sri Nataraja Shrine, 2nd Prakaram, Arunachaleswarar Temple

Tamarind Rice Prasad at 2nd Prakaram, Big Temple

Chithirai Pradosham: Tuesday 19 April, 2016

Today Chithirai Pradosham was observed at Arunachaleswarar Temple. Pradosham on Tuesdays is also known as Bhauma Pradosham and is renowned for providing relief from disease and improving one’s financial situation. As always the crowds were large at the Temple on this special Chithirai Pradosham day. 

Kodi Kampathu Nandi, Third Prakaram

Aarti at the Kodi Kampathu Nandi

Observance of Pradosham at Chinna Nandi, Fourth Prakaram

2016 Arunachala Tamil New Year

The Ner Annamalaiyar Lingam Shrine and Mandapam is located on the Arunachala girivalam roadway in an exact axial line opposite to Arunachaleswarar Temple on the other side of the Hill. 

The early morning sun on Tamil New Year i.e. April 14 (Puthandu Vazthukal) first falls directly onto the Lingam in this Shrine – this phenomenon can only be viewed on this day. Traditionally each year on this date, large crowds gather at this Temple to be first to greet the rays of Surya and seek divine blessings for the coming new year. 

The Ner Annamalaiyar Lingam Shrine at daybreak April 14, 2016

First light of Tamil New Year shining on Lingam at Shrine

First Light Tamil New year 2016

Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram Mahakumbhabhishekam: March 25, 2016

Ramsuratkumar was born in 1918 as Ramsurat Kunwar at Nardara, a small village along the stretches of river Ganges. After his intermediate education, he went in search of spiritual enlightenment. On that quest he visited three important saints of South India — Ramana Maharishi at Tiruvannamalai, Sri Aurobindo in Pondicherry and Papa Ramdas of Kerala. 

Yogi Ramsuratkumar later moved to Tiruvannamalai and asked people to turn inward for spiritual enlightenment. He was hailed as the ‘God Child of Tiruvannamalai’, and renowned as a mystic saint. Many devotees consider him a Siddha Purushar (mystic) in the tradition of the Tamil Nadu Saivite Siddhars. 

Thoughout his life at Tiruvannamalai he lived like a beggar. Dressed in simple clothing and generally with a palm leaf fan he was called Visiri Saamiyaar in Tamil. He would also carry a coconut shell in his hand, wear a green shawl and live very simply. 

To read the biography of this great saint visit my website Arunachala Samudra at this link here.

Bhagavan Ramsuratkumar died at his Tiruvannamalai Ashram on 20th February 2001. Mahakumbhabhishekam of the then newly consecrated Adhishtanam of Bhagavan Yogi Ramsuratkumar was celebrated on 27th June 2004. Subsequently Mahakumbhabhishekam of Bhagavan Yogi Ramsuratkumar was also celebrated this year at his Tiruvannamalai Ashram on Friday, 25 March, 2016. 

Programme of the 2016 Mahakumbhabhishekam Programme

To watch videos of the complete 2016 Mahakumbhabhiskeham programme please visit the official Yogi Ramsuratkumar You Tube channel at this link here. 

 

Yogi Ramsuratkumar

Below are photographs of part of the celebratory programme recently observed at the Ashram. 

Wonderful decorations welcoming devotees to the Ashram

Specially constructed hall for the yagasalai programme

Main entrance to the Hall

Inside the Hall

Statue of Yogi Ramsuratkumar

It is the experience of many that this statue of Yogi Ramsuratkumar has a powerful energy and a particularly blessed place to visit if one needs help and inspiration in one’s life. To read more visit this link here.

Story of the Statue

Sri Yogi Ramsuratkumar Mahasamadhi

Daily Programme: 

Bhajans 10 a.m. to 12 Noon and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

Pooja and Abishekam for the Sivalingam morning and evening. 

Temple open from 5 a.m. to 12 Noon and 4 p.m. to 8p.m. 

Special Poojas on Thursdays and Festivals 

Group of Senior Devotees

As always the devotees of Yogi Ramsuratkumar created a beautiful, loving function dedicated to his name. The decorations and facilities at the Ashram for visiting Pilgrims were excellent. 

This Ashram always creates wonderful Divine Displays and Functions during Festivals and Holy Times. In particular the Kolu displays during the Navaratri Festival and the representation of Arunachala Hill during Mahadeepam are always special and should be visited by Arunachala pilgrims. 

Line for Meals during the Festival

Great attention was given to the comfort and care of visiting devotees

Shamiana tents specially built for visitors during the Mahakumbhabhishekam Functions

You can visit the Official Website dedicated to Yogi Ramsuratkumar at this link here. 

To watch a video of Yogi Ramsuratkumar giving darshan please watch the below.