2017 Arunachala Karthigai Festival: Online Streaming and Live TV Coverage—December 2, 2017

Karthigai Deepam will be lit on the top of the holy mountain Arunachala at Tiruvannamalai around 6 pm on December 2, 2017 and be visible from a radius of about 35km.

Live online streaming of the 2017 Arunachala Karthigai Deepam can be viewed on the links listed below:-

DD Podhigai:     www.ddpodhigai.org.in/live.html 

Thanthi TV:        www.thanthitv.com 

Jaya TV News:  www.jayanewslive.com 

Sun News:         www.sunnewslive.in 

News7 Tamil:    www.ns7.tv

Polimer News:  www.polimernews.com 

Live coverage of the 2017 Arunachala Karthigai Deepam can also be viewed on the below Tamil TV stations:- 

Jaya TV 
DD Podhigai 
Thanthi TV 
Sun News 
Vasanth TV 
Polimer News 
News7 Tamil 
Sri Sankara TV 
Kalaignar Seithigal 
Captain News 
Makkal TV 
Mega TV 
Raj News 
Lotus News

Zee Tamil

2017 Arunachala Karthigai Festival: RESTRICTIONS climbing Arunachala on Deepam 2 December, 2017

This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire

The Madras High Court today directed authorities to permit only 2,500 devotees atop the Annamalai Hill in Thiruvannamalai during the December 2 Karthigai Deepam festival. 

Justice K Ravichandrabaabu said passes for the devotees will be distributed at special counters on first come first serve basis from 6am on Saturday. The judge passed a direction to this effect on a petition filed by devotees assailing the district collector's decision not to permit any devotee to climb atop the holy hill this year. 

Justice Ravichandrabaabu commended advocate-general Vijay Narayan for coming out with a suggestion to allow 2,000 devotees and then revising the number to 2,500. 

It, however, laid down conditions for pass holders undertaking the uphill trek during the festival. 

One of the conditions was that they should not light the deepam in any place atop the hill, except pouring the ghee at the designated Kopparai where the Karthigai deepam is lit. 

The devotees should not carry camphor, crackers and other inflammable materials. 

The 2,500 passes will not include VIP passes, the judge said, adding that the district administration should open special counters to distribute them to devotees who must come in queue. 

The judge directed the district administration to deploy adequate number of police personnel atop the hill to see that no untoward incident took place during the festival. 

Suitable arrangements must be made without giving room for any complaint from any quarters, the judge added. 

The devotees took exception to the collector's order that no devotee would be allowed to climb the hill during the Deepam festival, because previous festivals had seen loss of lives, accumulation of garbage and spoiling of flora and fauna, thereby causing pollution and threat to ecology. 

In the petition, the devotees said the centuries-old practice of climbing the holy hill to light the Deepam should not be curtailed all of a sudden, that to without getting the views and opinions of devotees and general public. 

Justice Ravichandrabaabu pointed out that sentiments of devotees and threat to environment were at loggerheads and the court needed to decide the issue with great care and caution. 

The judge praised the advocate-general for having come up with a solution.

"The fair, impartial and balanced role played by the advocate-general is deeply appreciated and recorded," the judge added.

2017 Karthigai Deepam Festival Day One—Flag Hoisting: Thursday November 23, 2017

The Flag Hoisting ceremony which took place at Arunachaleswarar Temple this morning on Thursday, 23 November, 2017 marks the first day of the 2017 Karthigai Deepam Festival at Arunachala.

Symbolically, hoisting the flag suggests setting out to conquer—and  a devotee comes to the Temple to conquer his ego and gain control over his baser nature with the help of the Supreme Being. The Sanskrit word for the flag is ‘Dhvaja’ and it means whatever is raised. In the religious sense, whatever raises man to a higher level of understanding and activity is a ‘Dhvaja.’ The flag also suggests hope and desire to overcome ignorance. A Temple visit invigorates the devotee, recharging him with strength and bravery to face hardships knowing that ultimately those who have surrendered to the will of God find victory.

Kings of old in order to exhibit their Lordship over their kingdom and proclaim their continuing rulership would hoist a flag above their battlements or palace. The Dhvaja which suggests the victory of good over evil is a symbol of victory and superior wealth. It signifies commanding respect, patriotism and kingship. The flag nowadays is raised to honour God who is seen as the King of Kings—the  Supreme Power.

The history of a Temple flag on the Dwajasthambam (Dwajasthambam—Flag Pole) is that it marks an inauguration of a major Utsava at the Temple. The flag also serves as a signal to indicate to the people and visitors of the town that an Utsava is underway. Dhwajarohanam is a public act of sankalpa (an action made to impress an idea on the mind) which indicates a vow undertaken (in this case) by the people of the town to celebrate Brahmostavam.

Old customs dedicated that no-one present within the town limits on the occasion of the Dhwajarohanam was expected to leave the town or do any other thing such as marriage etc., until after the end of the Festival. The close of the Festival is marked by the Dhwajavarohanam or the lowering of the flag.

Crowd gathering to view the Flag Hoisting ceremony

Lord Arunachaleswarar coming out of the Siva Sannidhi

Sakthi Amman being carried on palanquin to the ceremony

The God and Goddess positioned to view the hoisting of the flag

2017 Karthigai Deepam Festival: Vinayaka and Chandikeswarar Utsavam—Thursday, November 22, 2017

On the third day previous to the beginning of the 10-day Karthigai Festival, Lord Vinayaka and Chandikeswarar Utsavam is observed. 

The panchamoorthies taken in procession throughout the celebratory Karthigai Deepam Festival are: 

Vinayaka, Arunachaleswarar-Unnamulai, Amman, Kartikeya and Chandikeswarar.  

Chandikeswarar represents all devotees and follows the other murtis in procession as their steward. He is the embodiment of devotion and piety and the position he attained is considered the highest a devotee of Siva is privileged with.

The legend behind the reason for this great honour goes as follows:-

  

“Chandikeswarar, a devotee of Lord Shiva was born in the village of Seynalur on the banks of the river Manni in the Chola country, as a young lad named Vicharasarman.

He was the son of a pious and learned Brahmin named Yajnadatta. Vicharasarman was of great intelligence. One day when the lad was going to school, he saw a cowherd brutally assaulting a cow. Angry at the behaviour of the cowherd, young Vicharasarman took upon himself the duty of tending the cows of the village, to which the villagers acceded. From that day the cows looked happier and yielded more milk. More than the cow’s udders could hold. Vicharasarman, seeing that the milk was being wasted, collected it in vessels, set up lingams made of sand and poured this excess milk to bathe the lingams with intense piety for Shiva. The cowherd who had lost position on account of this Brahmin boy, saw him in this act and found this a good cause for denouncing him. He immediately brought it to the notice of the village elders as well as Yajnadatta, Vicharsarman’s father. The father saw his son pouring milk on small sand mounds and without investigating, kicked one of the lingams in anger. Young Vicharasarman came out of his reverie and cut off the leg of his father with an axe with which he had kicked a linga.

Shiva was pleased with the devotion of this boy and he appeared in person along with Parvati his consort, before the boy. Shiva embraced him and made him in charge of his ganas (devotees or followers). He was also made the steward of his household, naming him Chandikeswarar.”

Lord Vinayaka Alangaram

Chandikeswarar Alangaram

Lord Vinayaka and Chandikeswarar Alangarams

Leaving the Siva Sannidhi

The Lords on their respective Vahanas

Taking darshan of Arunachala

2017 Karthigai Deepam Festival: Durgaiamman Urchavam—Monday November 20, 2017

This year the three days prior to the beginning of the Deepam Festival started on Monday, November 20, 2017 at the Durga Amman Temple, Tiruvannamalai. The reason for the unique connection of the Goddess at Durga Amman Temple with the Karthigai Festival is believed to be because of the Goddess and her fight with the demon Mahisha. 

Go to this link to read ‘The Fight with Mahisasura’.

In the Mahishasura legend, before fighting with the demon, the Goddess appointed four noble Bhairavis (celestial damsels) to keep watch on all four sides of Arunagiri.

Commanding, that:

"Admit only those who have come to worship Arunachala and are tired, hungry and thirsty. Others should not enter. She then appointed strong men to guard the boundaries of Arunachala and continued Her penance at Her ashram."

[The Glory of Arunachala]

In accordance with the mythology of Arunachala, Durga is recognised as Guardian of Arunachala and thus a precursor of the Deepam Festival is always a celebration of this aspect of the Goddess.

Durgaiamman Alangaram

Aarti to Goddess at Durga Amman Temple

Goddess being carried out of the Temple

Goddess on her Kamadhenu Vahana on procession through Tiruvannamalai

Musicians leading the procession of the Goddess through Tiruvannamalai

Solar Eclipse—Monday August 21, 2017

This posting is in response to an email from a reader who wishes to find out what will occur at Arunachaleswarar Temple during the day of the upcoming Solar Eclipse i.e. Monday August 21, 2017. 

In this regard the Arunachaleswarar Temple timings will not change in anyway and no special puja and/or function has been arranged for this day. The upcoming Eclipse will not be visible in Tamil Nadu, but even if it was, Arunachaleswarar Temple does traditionally remain open during such Events. 

A Lunar Eclipse always occurs about 2 weeks before or after a solar eclipse. On some occasions, a Solar Eclipse can be both preceded and followed by a Lunar Eclipse. The preceding paired Eclipse of the August 21, 2017 Solar Total Eclipse is the Lunar Partial Eclipse of August 7, 2017. 

To see animations and information as to what the total Solar Eclipse will look like at its maximum i.e., over most of continental United States, go to this link here.

 

The upcoming Solar Eclipse on Monday August 21, 2017, will NOT BE VISIBLE in South India. However even though the Event will not be visible from Tamil Nadu, the fact that it is occurring will affect us in many ways, which exponentially decreases the further away we are from the epicentre of the Event. 

Esoteric Significance and Observances during Eclipse 

Such periods are regarded as inauspicious for initiating significant activities. One should refrain from travelling or beginning long journeys. 

During an eclipse there is heightened level of energy that impacts both the environment and our internal environment in many ways. Digestive power is reduced and therefore its best to eat lightly. Many animals and birds refrain from eating and are drawn to sleep during an eclipse. 

According to scriptures and tradition at the time of Eclipse, one should bathe in sacred rivers and do charitable acts. 

Lunar and Solar Eclipses are regarded as specially beneficial opportunities for performing sadhana (spiritual practices) as there is a profound inward pull on our consciousness. During the time of the eclipse those that do Japa or meditate, derive great benefits. 

The most recommended ritual to be done on the day is believed to be Tarpanam, which is a ritual performed to appease the souls of ancestors. 

On eclipse day one should wear Pearls or Moonstone Gems, Green Emeralds or Green Jade. 

Energetic effects of the Eclipse can occur up to 2 or 3 days both before and after the Eclipse. Due to energy released by an Eclipse, emotions can be heightened and mishaps can happen more easily. Be careful.

The day after the Eclipse one should feed the poor, Brahmins and Sadhus. 

It is said that the effect of an Eclipse lasts for three months during which time one is affected by the waves of its influence. 

Hindu Eclipse Legend 

"When the gods and the demons churned the milky ocean in days of yore, nectar came out of it. Lord Vishnu assumed the form of Mohini, a charming lady, deluded the demons and distributed the nectar only among the gods. But Rahu had disguised himself as a god. The sun and the moon pointed this out to Mohini who immediately slashed off the demon’s head. 

Rahu holding bits of the Sun and Moon in his hands

Since the nectar had by then already reached up to the neck, he did not die. Thus the head came to be known as Rahu and the body as Ketu. To avenge this betrayal, Rahu and Ketu periodically eclipse the Sun and the Moon". 

Rajarajeshwari Temple Bangle Festival: Adi Pooram - Wednesday 26 July, 2017

This Tuesday morning I visited with Arasu, the Chief Priest and member of the Founding Family of the Rajarajeshwari Temple on the Arunachala Girivalam Roadway. He reminded me that tomorrow, Wednesday 26 July, 2017 between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. the Temple will be holding their Adi Pooram Bangle Festival.

All are welcome.

Below are photographs of the Goddess that I took today. In my opinion this is by far the most loved and Loving Goddess in all of Tiruvannamalai. Go to this link for details of this lovely Temple. And make sure to visit next time you are at Arunachala.

Goddess Rajarajeshwari

The Loving Smiling One

Varuna Japam at Arunachaleswarar Temple: Sunday 9 July, 2017

Varuna japam and yagam was performed on Sunday 9 July, 2017 at Arunachaleswarar Temple. The rendition of Varuna Japa whilst immersed in the Arunachaleswarar tank, is a ritual meant to propitiate the rain god (Varuna) to bestow copious rain and banish famine, is also aimed at appeasing the Almighty to ensure common good and world peace.

Priests at Arunachaleswarar Temple Theertham

Varuna Japam in Temple Tank

Varuna Japa comprises many rituals. Some scholars stand for hours in chest deep water in a Temple tank whilst chanting the Varuna mantra or other mantras. Some perform abhisheka to the Lord's processional deities, others conduct homam to propitiate the rain Gods, do japa or recite the Vedas and sanstras.

God Varuna

Varuna in the Vedas is a powerful God. He is the guardian of cosmic order (rta=rhythm=ruth=truth) and in charge of the oceans, water sources and rains. He is worshipped by seagoing people and fishermen. His vahana (vehicle) is shark fish or crocodile. Tamils have always believed in his control over rains and worshipped him for rains. In this respect one of the oldest Tamil book “Tolkappiam” says he is the God of littoral areas/Neithal.

Lord Varuna on Crocodile Vahana

On another level Varuna is in charge of the West direction, (Lord Indra controls the East). Mitra and Varuna are paired in Vedic hymns which to the belief of interpreting them as Day and Night, Sun and Moon, Light and Dark, and Positive and Negative energy. The Tamil saint Agastya (who made a grammar of the Tamil Language) is considered to be the son of Varuna and Urvasi.

In Valluvar’s Tirukkural, it is said:

Couplet 18 "If rains fail, festivals of the year and the daily worship of the gods will cease".

Couplet 19 "Charity and devotional practices will not be observed in the world unless rain falls."

[Extract from article by London Swaminathan] Below is an audio of the proper chanting of Varuna Japam 

Amurya upa surye 

Yabhirva surya saha 

Ta no hinvantvadhvaram 

Apo devirupa hvaye 

Yatra ghava pibanti na 

Sindubhya kartva havi 

"May waters gathered near the Sun, and those wherewith the Sun is joined, speed forth this sacrifice of ours. I call the Waters, Goddesses, wherein our cattle quench their thirst; oblations to the Streams to be given". 

Tat tva yami brahmaa 

Vandamanastada saste 

Yajamano havirbhi 

Ahe amano varueha 

Bodhyurusasa ma na 

Ayupra moi 

"I ask this of thee with my prayer adoring; thy worshipper craves this with his oblation. Varuna, stay thou here and be not angry; steal not our life from us, O thou world-ruler". 

Varuna Lingam one of the Arunachala Asta Lingams 

Arunachala is surrounded by eight lingams (Asta Lingams) each residing in one of the eight directions of the four cardinal points (South – Yama, West – Varuna, North – Kubera, and East – Indra) and four intercardinal points (South East – Agni, South West – Niruthi, North West – Vayu and North East – Esanaya). 

The arrangement of the Asta Lingams around the octagonal perimeter of Arunachala reflect the geometry of a Cosmogram. The octagonal shape is surrounded by a total of eight Lingam Temples (Asta Lingams). Each of these Temples are located at the four cardinal and four inter-cardinal points. This was also believed by the ancients who originally constructed the Lingams at their eight cardinal and inter-cardinal points to represent, characterise and vitalise certain aspects and qualities of life in relation to specific fields of energy and influence. 

Varuna Lingam has the West as its directions. This lingam is situated on the outer girivalam pathway about one kilometre before the village of Adi Annamalai. 

Lord Varuna Lingam

Varuna’s vehicle is Makara (that lives both on land and water) which is an animal with the head and front legs of an antelope and the body and tail of a fish. 

This Lingam has Lord Shani as its dominant Navagraha. Varuna Theertham, a holy tank, is located here. Devotees are protected from illness, particularly water related diseases. 

Legend has it that the eye of Varuna is Surya and when Surya appears in the constellation of Makara, its a special event and honoured as Makara Sankarathi. This day falls each year in mid-January and is celebrated as Pongal Festival in Tamil country. 

Varuna is the king of appreciation and enjoyment. He governs the whole world. He is the God of rain and God of all the waters in the three worlds. He surveys the deeds of man according to his karma and keeps them under his control. Placating Varuna is believed to wash away accumulated sins. 

King Vallalan's Funeral Rites: March 12, 2017

King Vallalan was an ardent Saivite who made many improvements to Arunachaleswarar Temple. What is now known as Tiruvannamalai was located near the geographical centre of the King’s empire, which led him to often make long stays at this place. It is generally believed that during the last fifteen years of his reign he permanently resided at Tiruvannamalai.

In a concluding verse on King Vallalan in the Arunachala Puranam, Lord Siva undertakes to perform King Vallalan’s funeral rites for him, a task which is normally performed by the son of the deceased. The promise is still remembered in Tiruvannamalai and each year King Vallalan’s funeral is re-enacted to commemorate the event. 

This annual commemoration which occurred this year on Sunday 12 March, 2017; began with Temple priests reading out the news of King Vallalan’s death to Lord Arunachaleswarar. Then the Lord was carried in procession to the village of Pallikonda Pattu, close to Tiruvannamalai, for performance of the King Vallalan's sraddha rites. 

This year's immersion occurred in a specially created water tank at Pallikonda Pattu. 

The connection between Pallikonda Pattu and the life and death of King Vallalan is no longer known. It is unlikely he lived at that place, since his palace is thought to have been located about a mile to the east of the main Temple. Until about a hundred years ago the last remains of what was reputed to be his palace could still be seen there, but around the turn of the century the land was levelled and cultivated and the railway line from Villupuram to Tirupathi now runs across the site. 

King Vallalan

Vallala Gopuram

Procession from Arunachaleswarar Temple to Pallikonda Pattu

Specially created tank for immersion

The Sulam being immersed in tank

After immersion, abhishekham is performed on the Sulam

After abhishekam, aarti offered to Sulam

Broadcasting Preparations underway for 2017 Arunachaleswarar Temple Mahakumbhabhishekam

The erection of scaffolding (in order to facilitate the priests consecrating Shrines and Vimanas with sanctified water) at Arunachaleswarar Temple is complete. 

Proceedings on February 6, 2017 will be broadcast on 20 large LED screens both in the Temple and in strategic spots around Tiruvannamalai. In this respect technicians have been busy setting up their camera and sound equipment around the Temple compound.

As soon as the broadcasting schedule is announced will post details on Arunachala Grace.