Showing posts with label Lord Shiva. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lord Shiva. Show all posts

31 August 2016

Soma Pradosham, Monday, August 29, 2016 -- Arunachaleswarar Temple



The most recent Pradosham to be observed at Arunachaleswarar Temple occurred on Monday, 29 August, 2016. 

Pradosham Vrat has its own benefits according to the day on which it occurs.

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. 



Alankaram of the Lord and Consort

Aarti after Nandi abhishekam, Soma Pradosham

Circumambulation of the Siva Sannidhi

Unnamulai Shrine and Arunachala; devotees completing Prakaram circumambulation

15 August 2016

Soma Pradosham, Monday, August 15, 2016 -- Arunachaleswarar Temple


Over the last few days due to holidays and the celebration of India Independence Day, the town and Arunachaleswarar Temple have been very busy. 


Queue winding its way around the 3rd prakaram, waiting for Darshan at Siva Sannidhi on August 14, 2016

*****************************************



The Significance of Soma Pradosham 

Lord Shiva is also known as Chandrasekhara, which literally refers to the 'Person who wears the moon'. In some cultures the appearance of the new crescent moon has been celebrated as a return of the moon from the dead. This celestial body is a powerful influence on the human psyche. Its influence which is always available at Arunachala is celebrated in disparate ways during Sivaratri and Poornima. It is also recognised in all Pradoshams that fall on Mondays, as did today’s Pradosham Monday 15 August, 2016. 

As you come into Tiruvannamalai via the Chengham Road, in front of the Agni Tank, there is Rotary Club sign proclaiming this place to be “Moon City”. What a wonderful name for our town


Abhishekam Large Nandi, 5th Temple Prakaram

Hinduism propounds the idea that the (nine) Navagrahas (of which Chandra is one) are 'markers of influence'—living energies which put out waves which affect our awareness by seizing our consciousness when we come under their influence. Reports of psychics and seers agree that Grahas cause a direct energy influence upon the energy bodies and minds of all life on earth. The nine planets (Navagrahas) are transmitters of Universal, archetypal energy and the qualities of each planet helps maintain the overall balance of polarities in the solar system. 


Aarti, Soma Pradosham: August 15, 2016

Lord Shiva wears on his head the crescent of the fifth-day moon. Placed near his fiery third eye this shows the power of Soma, the sacrificial offering, which is the representative of Moon and signifies that Shiva possesses the power of procreation co-existent with that of destruction. 


Chandra has the following associations: 

colour: white
gender: female
metal: silver
gemstones: pearl and moonstone
element: water
direction: north-west
season: Winter
body part: blood
food: rice
taste: salt
day: Monday
guna: Sattwa

The Sun is the indicator of the soul and the Moon is the vehicle of the mind that receives the light of the soul. Even though all the Navagrahas are represented at Arunachala, the Moon with its particular association with Lord Shiva (Chandrasekhara) has an extraordinary influence. 


Large crowd of devotees watching Pradosham of Nandi: 5th Prakaram

In one legend, Chandra is considered the son of the ocean as he was one of the fourteen ratnas (Jewels) that emerged from the ocean during its churning and was gifted, by the Gods and Demons to Lord Shiva, who wore the crescent moon on his head. 

Aarti at Nandi, Flagpost outside Siva Sannidhi

The Gods being taken on procession around the 3rd Prakaram

Lord Arunachaleswarar and the Goddess Alankaram

Chandra is a lovable God; pleasing to children as well as elders. Sages and devotees invoke the Goddess in Chandra. A benefic Moon is often found in the charts of doctors, healers or psychologists, as well as good mothers and wives. A strong Moon can give power and creates a good administrator or leader open to the needs of his people and indicates relationship, interchange, and communication. A strong Moon also shows sensitivity, receptivity, caring for others and a nurturing attitude in life. It gives emotional maturity, responsibility and the capacity to have a beneficial effect upon society. 


The Gods being carried on a palanquin

To read a wonderful legend explaining why the Moon's light is so soft, and cool, and beautiful even to this day go to an earlier posting “Moonlight,” at this link here

27 April 2015

2015 Chittarai Vasantha Ursavam



Currently underway at Arunachaleswarar Temple is Vasantha Utsavam; a ten day festival depicting the blossoming of love between Lord Shiva and the Goddess. The Festival this year started on April 23, 2015 and will complete with special functions on Saturday May 2, 2015. 

Chittarai Vishakam Festival 
Day 1: Thursday 23rd April, 2015 
Day 10: Saturday 2nd May, 2015 

To those hoping to attend the last day of the Festival at Arunachaleswarar Temple, the schedule for Day 10 will be: 

Morning: Bath of the Gods at Ayyankulam Tank (Outside Arunagirinathar Temple) 
Evening: Special Puja and Abhishekam at Gopal Vinayaka Temple (near State Bank of India) 
Night: Around 10.00 p.m. at Flagpost, Siva Sannidhi, Arunachaleswarar Temple. Manmathan Dhaganam Function with crackers and fireworks 

To read the legend about this festival and functions celebrated at this time go to these links here, here, here and here


Chittarai Poornima crowd in an earlier year


Chittarai Poornima girivalam (May 3rd, 2015) after the Festival will be the most heavily attended poornima girivalam (after Karthigai Deepam) of the year’s calendar at Arunachala. It will be VERY CRUSHED. 

Chittarai Poornima is dedicated to Chitragupta, the Keeper of Deeds in the house of Yama, (God of death) and to Indra, the leader of the Devas. Lord Brahma created Chitragupta through the Sun God and He is considered as the younger brother of Lord Yama. Chitragupta (Chitra=picture, Gupta=hidden) represents the hidden picture of life that is vital, yet unknown. 

Chitragupta keeps a register of every birth (good or bad) and according to ancestral belief, it is he who tallies one’s positive karma against one’s negative karma and declares the result to the Judge on High. It is believed to be the right time to gain blessings to wash away sin and accrue virtue. 


16 February 2015

2015 Arunachaleswarar Temple Mahashivaratri Programme


Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai 
Mahashivaratri Festival Celebration Invitation 
Tuesday February 17th-18th, 2015. 




Details of the programmes in the Temple Auditorium on the evening of Tuesday February17, 2015 and early morning of Wednesday 18th February, 2015. 


Cultural Programme Timings:
6.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. Devaram poems with music 
7.05 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Bharatnatyam Dance 
8.05 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. Bharatnatyam Dance by Sri Krishna Kalamandhir (Vellore) 
9.05 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. Bharatnatyam Dance 
10.05 p.m. to 11.05 p.m. Bharatnatyam Dance 
11.05 p.m. to 12.05 a.m. Violin and Saxophone music of devotional songs (Sri Mani Thilaka Group) 
12.05 a.m. to 1.00 a.m. Devotional songs 


Mahashivaratri Night Puja Programme: 
1st Kala Puja 8.30 p.m. February 17 
2nd Kala Puja 11.00 p.m. February 17 
3rd Kala Puja 2.00 a.m. February 18 
4th Kala Puja 4.00 a.m. February 18 


Night of Mahashivaratri February 17-18 at 12 midnight Commencement of the Sri Lingodbhavamurti (at back of Siva Sannidhi) 

Special Abhishekam Lakshana Archana on Tuesday February 17, 2015 from morning 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Moolasthana 


17 January 2015

2015 Maruvoodal -- Arunachaleswarar Temple


The below photograph is of the part of the Thiruvoodal Festival known as the Maruvoodal . . . which marks the reunion of the Divine couple in their abode at Arunachaleswarar Temple. 




When Lord Shiva completes his pradakshina he returns to Arunachaleswarar Temple early the next morning. He wishes to have reunion with his consort. This part of the Festival is known as Maruvoodal. The point of the Maruvoodal myth is to show the world that even a Celestial Couple has differences between them. But in the end there should only be reunion, even at the cost of a loss in finances which is represented by the loss of the jewels the night previously. 

Returning to his residence, Shiva knocks at the door but it has been bolted by Parvati. Lord Shiva asks, 

‘Oh my darling why have you locked the door?’ 

‘Sir after we came to an understanding still you went without me. And see now look you have lost everything there is no ornament or clothes. Not, only that but you went and gave darshan to all kinds of people. So, I am now requesting you must establish your manliness to me and retrieve everything that is lost and give the special one-legged dance.’ 

 Shiva starts the dance, Parvati forgets everything and opens the door. Their reunion is complete. 

28 October 2014

Anna Abhishegam November 5, 2014 -- Festival Invitation



Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Tirukovil Tiruvannamalai 


In worship of Shiva on each Tamil month pujas based on stars (nakshatras) with respect to materials belonging to each star are performed to Lord Shiva. 

In continuation of this in the month of Ippasi on Ashwini Star, as declared by Lord Shiva puja is to be performed with cooked rice and rice food items. 






As by Lord Siva’s words:

“I myself like this food as it gives energy to the whole Universe and goodness to all. Do puja to me with this food and don’t forget food is my special roopam (i.e. form).” 

A person who performs abhishegam and pujas will derive all goodness as said in the “Siva Kamam”. 

On November 5, 2014 Wednesday evening at Arunachaleswarar Temple abhishegam will be done with special pujas and alankaram. 

All are Invited


12 July 2014

Spiritual Teachings of the Sadguru


The upa-agama, Devilottara is the essence of all Agama Sastra and explains the supreme wisdom to be attained by mature souls and their mode of life, expounded by the Lord Siva to Devi. Am posting this upa-gama today, Guru Poornima as it is a dialogue conveying the highest spiritual teachings between the Sadguru Lord Siva and His most surrendered devotee the Goddess Parvati. 



Invocation 

Meditate in the Heart upon Lord Ganesa — the silent, non-dual, universal witness — who is the nectar of divine bliss and is full of grace, shining as the bountiful flowering of aspirants following the path of spiritual wisdom revealed in Devikalottara, which was expounded by Lord Ishwara into the ears of Goddess Ishwari. 





The Text 

Devi: 
1. O Lord of all celestial beings! I yearn to know that path of supreme wisdom and the code of conduct by adopting which one can get liberation, so that all humanity may attain salvation. I request you to enlighten me on them, out of your grace. 

Ishwara: 
2. O Queen among women! So that everyone may attain knowledge, I shall clearly explain to you today the highest knowledge and the discipline to be followed by which discerning seekers will attain liberation, which is free from any blemish and is difficult to describe. 

3. O Lady with fair countenance! Understand that one who is not able to realise the Truth in his Heart by this knowledge of spiritual wisdom known as Kala Jnana, can never attain it even by studying countless crores of sastras (scriptures) spread out like the sky. 

4. Therefore cast aside all fears (on following this path) and shed all doubts. Giving up attachment or desire for anything, be ardent in seeking the ultimate knowledge with wholehearted devotion and with a clear mind (without any trace of confusion). 

5. Claiming nothing as ‘mine’, filled with compassion, giving protection to all living beings so that no creature fears you, yearning for liberation, absorbed in yoga (union of jiva and Para, fusion of individual self with the universal Self), study this work Devikalottara and follow wholeheartedly and steadfastly the single path shown therein. 

6-7. If one is to describe the person who can bring under control his mind, which is restless and turbulent like a whirlwind, and maintain it in a tranquil state, he is verily Brahma (the God that does the creation), Siva (the saviour who shows the path to salvation) and Vishnu (the sustainer of the world); he is Indra, King of the devas, and Lord Subrahmanya (chief commander of all the celestial forces); he is Brihaspati, the guru of all devas; he is a supreme yogi, and one who has achieved the result of performing all austerities; he is a great scholar (who has mastered all the Vedas and sastras), and an outstanding man; he is one who has achieved the true spiritual goal. 

8-9. The means by which this mind, which is restless and moves about quicker than the wind, can be brought under control, is indeed the means to obtain liberation; it indeed is what is good for those who seek the permanent Reality; it itself is Pure Consciousness and the state of firmness; moreover, it alone is the righteous duty to be followed by discerning aspirants; it alone is the pilgrimage to holy waters; it alone is charity; it alone is austerities. Know that there is no doubt about this. 

10. When the mind moves even a little, that is samsara (worldly bondage); when the mind abides firmly and motionlessly (in the state of Self), that is mukti (liberation). This is certain. Therefore know that the wise man must hold his mind firm by supreme Self-awareness. 

11. The happiness attained in this aloneness is the highest, boundless bliss. Which learned persons will not revel in that Supreme Reality, in which there is absolutely no action? Tell me. 

12. Being rid of the worldly knowledge, the great hero who has acquired pure wisdom, in which there are no sense objects, and which is all pervading and without any form, will attain immutable moksha without fail, even though he may have no desire to attain liberation. 

13. The consciousness (chaitanya) associated with the aspect ‘am’ is called Sakti. The universe shines by its light. The entire creation is Sakti’s sankalpa (thought). The state (of mind) which is completely devoid of all attachment is the pure (wisdom) to be attained. 

14. The void which is the infinite and all-encompassing one whole without a second, which is just the effulgence of pure wisdom, which is completely devoid of visible phenomena and which consists of the aspect ‘I’ is the seed which fructifies as liberation, bestowing salvation by enabling one to unite with the Supreme. 

15. Instead of following this direct path, do not ever contemplate even in the least upon chakras (located in six adharas, centres in the body), nadis (subtle nerves that produce the ten divine sounds such as Pranava), the deities associated with the lotus seats (in the adhara chakras, beginning with Vinayaka), the mantraksharas (potent sound syllables for the worship of these deities) and the diverse mandala murtis (the God-aspects, starting from those controlling the sun, Surya Mandala, the moon, Chandra Mandala, and fire, Agni mandala). 

16. Those who seek everlasting liberation need not endeavour to practise repetition and countless verse mantras (repeating potent scriptural words or texts to gain various ends), and methods of yoga such as breath-control (pranayama), breath retention (kumbhaka) and concentration. 

17. There is no room for performing puja (worship of deities), namaskaram (paying homage like prostration), japa (incantation), dhyana (contemplation) and so on. Hear from me that the highest truth acclaimed in the Vedas can be known only through jnana; hence, there is absolutely no need to know anything outside of oneself. 

18. For those whose minds are constantly expanding, clinging to external objects, factors will always arise causing increasing bondage. If the outward-wandering mind is turned inwards to stay in its natural state, know that one will not undergo any suffering in the world. 

19. Unite with that one totality, which is all-pervasive, which has no inside or outside, which is bereft of all (concept of) directions such as above, below and in between, which assumes all the forms in creation and yet is itself formless, which can be known only by itself, and which is self-luminous. 

20. People perform their actions having their own aims in mind, and they accordingly reap the consequences of their actions by attaining those aims. Therefore do not engage in such actions which are not free from flaws (leading to bondage). Turn the attention completely away from external objects and concentrate only upon that (the Self) which cannot be seen. 

21. In our natural state, actions, cause and result of such actions, and all the various other theories propounded (in the scriptures) do not exist. In fact, even the diverse world does not exist. As such even the worldly individual who is attached to (the various attractions of) the world is also nonexistent. 

22. This entire universe is nothing but the niralamba (the reality which exists without any support). Further, it shines being illumined by the niralamba. The yogi (with his mind turned inward) merges with this whole one by making every object in this world one with it. Know this. 

23. If any person does not meditate on this great all-pervading void, which is the space of consciousness (chidakasa), he will be a samsari (a worldly individual) forever in bondage to worldly attachments, like the silkworm in its self made cocoon. Understand this. 

24. All living beings, of whatever genus, undergo great misery over and over again. Hear from me. In order to avert all this suffering and sorrow, meditate on the great void constantly without any break. 

25. Good actions and good conduct have been prescribed only to guide the seeker towards the path of acquiring knowledge. Therefore, giving up even salamba yoga in which an object (such as a mantra or a form of God) is meditated upon in the mind, stay steadfast in your real state (sahaja swarupa), where the outside world is not perceived. 

26. One who can destroy all the tattvas (principles) from patalaloka (the nethermost world) to Sakti (one of the highest tattvas), which are all interdependent, by the arrow of sunyabhava is a man of great valour. He has attained supreme wisdom which is beyond matter. 

27. The mind, hankering after things of the world, is more restless than a monkey. If one controls it from wandering after external things and holds it in the void of non-matter one will attain liberation directly. 

28. The full Consciousness (purna chit) which is not other than the true import of the word ‘I’, being non-different in all the principles (tattvas) and being other than the sense ‘I am the body’, is the all-pervading Reality. 

29. This complete wholeness pervades inside and outside all creations like ether, merging with them, and is itself formless. Dear, those who are submerged in this supreme bliss become that supreme bliss themselves. See, how wonderful! 

30. The expanding mind will attain peace, becoming still of its own accord, if it is deprived of something to hold on, just as fire gets extinguished gradually if not fed with fuel. 

31. You must realise that the four states of infatuation, delusion, swoon (due to shock) and dreaming, as also sleeping and waking, are all to be dispelled. 

32. If one meditates that the one Consciousness (chit) is different from the prana (life-force), which has subtly attached itself to this gross body, from the mind, from the intellect and from the ego, one will become established in that Consciousness. 

33. Due to sleep and due to thoughts the mind always loses its sharpness, its foolishness increases, and it goes to ruin. Awakening this mind with effort, and without allowing it to wander, establish it in the state of Self. Persevere in this effort by fixing the mind again and again in its natural state. 

34. When once the mind becomes steady, it should not be disturbed in any way. There is no need to think even in the least of anything else, entertaining any doubts. Fixing the mind firmly in that state (of Self-awareness), keep it still. 

35. Make the mind, which always clings to some support (attaching itself to sense-objects), devoid of all such supports. Making the mind, which is restless in clinging to external supports, motionless, do not disturb that tranquillity even a little. 

36. Meditate on the peerless Self which pervades all the various forms, yet remains without any blemish (being unaffected by them), just as ether, pervading all the creations made up of the five elements, remains unsullied at the time of their dissolution. 

37. When one adopts the practice (sadhana) by means of which one’s mind, which is restless like the wind, is made still perpetually, then the purpose of taking birth as a human being is fulfilled. That is also the mark of a true scholar. 

38. Do not practise meditation by fixing the mind on the six adhara chakras, the ones that are up or down or in the middle, or anywhere else. Giving up all such meditations,make the mind always devoid of any support (either inside or outside). 

39. If the mind falls asleep, awaken it. Then if it starts wandering, make it quiet. If you reach the state where there is neither sleep nor movement of mind, stay still in that, the natural (real) state. 

40. The state in which the mind is bereft of any support to cling to, ever faultless and pure, and devoid of worldly attachments, is the nature of liberation attained through knowledge. Keep this firmly in mind. 

41. Dispelling all attachments completely, and fixing that mind in the Heart firmly, persist in your practice always in order to strengthen the awareness, which then shines forth with great effulgence and clarity. 

42. Know that whoever meditates on that supreme void, and becomes established in it by virtue of constant practice, will definitely attain the great state which is beyond birth and death. 

43. Gods and goddesses, merits, demerits and their fruits, which are likewise anya (other than oneself), objects of attachment and the knowledge of those objects — all these will lead one to bondage in mighty samsara. 

44. All objects of attachments are said to be pairs of opposites (happiness and misery, good and bad, profit and loss, victory and defeat, and so on). When one rises above those pairs of opposites, one realises the Supreme. Such a yogi is a jivanmukta, liberated from bondage. On discarding the body, he becomes a videhamukta. 

45. A wise man should not give up the body out of aversion to it. Know that when once the prarabdha karma (result of accumulated actions) which was responsible for the creation of the body ceases, the bodily burden will automatically fall off. 

46. The Consciousness which shines as ‘I’ in the Heart-lotus is pure (flawless) and perfectly steady (without a trace of movement). By destroying the ego, which rises (from that Consciousness), that Consciousness itself bestows the supreme joy of liberation. Be sure about it. 

47. With great devotion meditating constantly that ‘I am that Siva the form of the one Consciousness that is always unsullied by any adjunct,’ dispel all your attachments. 

48. Giving up all notions about country, caste, blemishless community, asrama (status as a bachelor, family man, ascetic or one who has renounced the world) and associated matters, hold on to and practise always meditation upon the Self, your own natural state. 

49. I alone am. No one belongs to me; nor do I belong to anyone else. I can see no one who can call me his; neither can I see anyone who is mine. I am all alone. 

50. Know that the person who experiences the firm conviction, ‘I am the Supreme Brahman, I am the Master and Lord of the Universe!’ is the real mukta (one who has attained liberation), and that the one following conflicting paths is in bondage. 

51. The day one is able to see oneself with his inner eye as not the body, all his desires vanish, and he experiences perfect peace. 

52. He who is described in the scriptures as the unborn and Lord, I am He, the Atman (Self), who is forever without form or qualities. There is absolutely no doubt about it. 

53. I am pure Awareness, immaculate, perfectly liberated; and forever present everywhere. I am indeterminable. No one can grasp me or leave me. I am free from sorrow. I am always brahmamayam (of the nature of Brahman). 

54. I am the Self which is Consciousness, absolute completeness, deathless and self-established, and which is other than this insentient body, limited between the top of the head and the sole of the foot, and which, beginning with the antahkaranas (the inner instruments such as mind and intellect) is bounded by the covering of the skin. 

55. Thinking, ‘I am the Lord of all creations, moving or stationary, I remain as father, mother and father’s father for the universe’, aspirants for mukti contemplate with concentration and ardour only upon Me, who am that great turiya state (the substratum of the waking, dream and sleep states). 

56. I am the one who is worshipped through sacrifices and penances by all celestial beings beginning with Brahma (the Creator), the heavenly damsels who are themselves sought after, humans, yakshas, gandharvas, nagas and other groups of superhuman beings, and also by many others. Know that everyone worships only Me. 

57. By many kinds of rare austerities and charities, everyone worships only Me. Know that this vast creation, moving and stationary, and all objects, are nothing but Me, the Infinite One. 

58. I am not the gross body, nor am I the subtle body. I am also not the causal body. I am the kinsman of the universe. I am the One who is of the nature of transcendental knowledge. I am moreover the eternal One, the Lord, the taintless One, the One who is devoid of the states (of waking, dream and sleep), the One who is devoid of the universe. 

59. The beginningless Consciousness is unborn, whole and, residing forever in its natural home of the Heart-cave, is without form, world or impurity. It is beyond comparison and completely unattached. It cannot be comprehended by the mind nor can it be seen or felt by the senses. 

60. Repeatedly see thus: ‘I am He, the eternal, omnipresent Reality which is Brahman’. Meditating thus for a long time, whoever abides imperturbably will become the Supreme Brahman, thereby attaining immortality. 

61. Having thus explained the nature of knowledge to enable everyone to attain liberation, which is always available, I shall now proceed to describe the conduct to be adopted by seekers. Noble Lady, listen to them calmly. 

62. O Queen among women! Know that bathing in holy waters, repeating holy names or words (mantras), performing daily homa (sacred offering in specially prepared fire), worship, other oblations in lustrous fire, or any other means (sadhana) to be followed after great study, are never required for him (the earnest aspirant seeking liberation). 

63. Niyamas (strict rules of conduct such as what to eat, when to eat, how to eat, what to wear, where to sit and so on), worship of deities in sacred places, nama archanas (worship of deities by reciting sacred names), pitru karmas (oblations, etc., carried out for the sake of forefathers to help them reach a high state), pilgrimage to holy places which have come forth on earth, and observance of great vows, are all not for him (the earnest aspirant), if considered deeply. 

64. He does not reap the fruit of actions, good or bad. Important dates and special observances zealously followed by the world are not for him. Give up all actions and all kinds of worldly codes of conduct. 

65. Renounce completely all religious edicts and disciplines. Since all kinds of action result in bondage, give up all action plans, mental conflicts, and attachment to one’s caste duties. 

66. Even if the aspirant acquires many kinds of supernatural powers and magical powers such as visualising what is buried underneath the earth, and can demonstrate them before the world, he should give up mental attachment to them. 

67. All these (powers) are only bondages to the individual soul. Further they drag one to follow a low path. The supreme joy of liberation does not lie in any of them, but only in the Infinite Consciousness. 

68. One must engage unfailingly in yoga (the practice of Self-abidance) in all conditions, without allowing any special event to affect one adversely. If, due to doubts, delusion arises in the form of attraction to worship in holy places and temples (on account of past practices and vasanas), reject it immediately. 

69. Listen to me, Lady! Know that only the wise man who never does anything which leads to the destruction of any form of life, such as insects, worms, birds or plants, is a person who is seeking true knowledge. 

70. He (the true aspirant) should not pull out tender roots (of fragrant plants, which is often done for worship); he should not even pluck the leaves; he should not harm any living thing out of anger; he should not heartlessly pluck even flowers. 

71-72. He should worship Lord Siva using only flowers that have fallen naturally. He should not indulge in vile practices such as marana (causing destruction through the use of certain mantras) uchadana (driving one out with the force of mantras), vidveshana (causing mutual hatred between friends), the well known sthambana (freezing one’s capabilities), causing fever, putting into action evil spirits, causing agitation, wrongly taking control of others, attracting and infatuating others, and so on. Abandon the worship of stones, wooden objects and similar articles. 

73. Having relinquished the great mudras which are adopted in order to fix the mind on the devatas (deities) residing in holy places and temples, and the associated sacrifices, get rid of the vasanas also which may have accumulated on account of such practices in the past, and cling only to the Self, the all-pervading real Consciousness. 

74. Maintain a neutral attitude towards all things; do not get infatuated with anything; maintain equanimity whether in happiness or suffering; be the same to friends and enemies; treat alike a broken piece of mud pot and a piece of gold. 

75. Know that a flawless yogi is one who does not ever allow himself to be swayed by desire for the pleasures of the senses, who frees himself at heart from mamakara (treating things as ‘mine’), who has a steadfast mind, who is free from desires and fear, and who always revels in the Self. 

76. Being unaffected by either praise or slander, treating alike all creatures, he should always unfailingly maintain an equality of vision (sama drishti), considering all living beings in the world as himself. 

77. Avoid unnecessary arguments and worldly associations. Do not create misunderstanding among others. Do not join religious bodies well versed in many scriptures (sastras). Give up both words of abuse and words of praise. 

78. Gradually and completely get rid of jealousy, slander, pomp, passion, consequent hatred, desire, anger, fear and sorrow. 

79. If a man is free from all the pairs of opposites and always lives in Solitude (established in himself alone), he gains perfect wisdom even while in the present body and shines forth with great effulgence. 

80. Liberation is attained only by knowledge (jnana). By other powers (siddhis) such a fruit is unattainable. However, aspirants become enchanted with blemishful worldly enjoyments and thaumaturgic powers (siddhis) and go after them with desire. 

81. Know that the pure flawless person will experience that blemishless Lord (the Supreme Brahman) and positively attain liberation whether attended by the supernatural powers or not. 

82. The body is a form constituted of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air and ether). The one all-pervading Siva is also nicely seated there. Hence the entire universe, right from the indivisible all-pervading Sivam (the highest and most abstract tattva or principle) to this world, is the form of Shankara. 

83-84. My dearest, earnest seekers who see the enlightened one and worship him with all the three instruments (mind, speech and body) in unison, offering him with heart-melting love, sweet-smelling sandal paste, fruits, flowers, incense, good water to bathe, clothes and food, will thus attain liberation. Know that those who worship that jnani reap the fruit of his righteous deeds and those who slander him reap the result of his sins. 

85. I have revealed the truth about knowledge and the conduct pertaining thereto, as you have asked. This entire path is indeed Kalottara Jnana (the knowledge to be revealed at the final stage of maturity). Tell me, O Lady, if you want to ask anything more. 

(Translated by T. K. Jayaraman) 

5 May 2014

Vasantha Utsavam and the God of Love


Below is a very nice narrative of Vasantha Utsavam, the Festival celebrating the blossoming of love, describing some of the rituals and functions observed during the 10 days. I cannot vouch that Arunachaleswarar Temple observes the same schedule as below. To view the programme for the function go to my earlier post at this link here.


“Vasantha Utsavam is a ten day Festival depicting the blossoming of love. During this sacred event, Swami and Amman are gorgeously decorated with jewels. With the Temple Elephant fanning the Divine Couple with Shamara grass, they are taken with great ceremony in Mahapradakshina round the sacred Mahila Maram (trees) within the Third Prakaram – ten times every night for ten days = 100 times. 

On the third day of Vasantha Utsavam is the birth of Manmatha, also known as Kama the God of love (lust). Manmatha is depicted looking for Siva. 

At 9 p.m. on the fifth and eighth days the Temple lights are switched off so that the procession is in the dark. After going around the sacred Mahila Maram ten times the lights are switched back on to great rejoicing. 

Lord Shiva opens His third eye on the final days of the Festival and the burning of Manmatha takes place. 

During this sacred Festival the Jumbo Keswara Lingam, that is set in stone on the raised platform in the midst of the sacred trees is filled to capacity with water. Plants and flowers are placed to float inside the recess of the Lingam, appearing to make the Lingam levitate and blossom. 

Sri Appar Swami’s birthday takes place on Satyam Natchatram day. Sri Appar Swami is taken on a chariot round the Maha Veedi – Seventh Prakaram.” 

[The Light of Arunachaleswarar] 


God of Love shooting his arrow at Lord Shiva


The Story of Kama The God of Love 

“When Shakti became Parvati, daughter of the king of Himalayas, She was doing tapas for Lord Shiva. At the same time the great sages, the four sons of Brahma, Sanakar, Sanandanar, Santanar, Sanatkumarar came to Lord Shiva for enlightenment. The Lord gave them enlightenment in the form of Lord Dakshinamurti. Who are the cause as well as the energy for the whole world are into yoga, the whole world got more inclined to yoga and life sustenance was in trouble. 

Meanwhile the Devas, who were tortured by the Surapadma and his brothers Taraka, Simhamukha, knew that those demons can be killed only by the son of Lord Shiva and Shakti. Disappointed that both God and Goddess were doing yoga instead of marrying, they asked cupid to disturb the meditating Lord Shiva with his arrows in order to induce lust for Parvati. When desperation sets in, reasoning gets pushed down. Can the Supreme be induced with lust by anybody? The cupid refused since he knew that it would be fatal for him. But the other Devas threatened to curse him if he didn't obey. Saying that it is better to be killed by the God of gods than by the curses of Devas, he went with his wife, Rati, to the abode of Shiva where He was in meditation. 

The cupid shot the flower arrow on the Lord. The next moment the fire from the eye in the forehead of the Lord burnt the cupid. Undisturbed He continued His meditation. The cupid is of the reputation that his arrows never fail. But well, it can apply to others, can it be for the Almighty? His arrows were useless in front of the Lord and he too became just a heap of ash! 

Shocked by the death of cupid all the Devas realised their plots would not work out with God. They understood that only sincerity can get showers of His grace and any other pressure can have no affect upon the Lord. They surrendered themselves in front of the Lord and pleaded for mercy. The Lord forgave them and married Parvati and gave Subrahmanya for the destruction of the demons. On their request He also bring back to life Kama, however he would be visible only to his wife and not to others. Because of this reason Kamadeva is called ananga (one without limbs).” 




28 February 2014

Photographs 2014 Mahashivaratri Big Temple


The below photographs are a short pictorial record of part of the 2014 Mahashivaratri Festival as observed at Arunachaleswarar Temple. As tradition dictates, in the daytime of Mahashivaratri (this year February 27) ladies created beautiful kolams (also known as rangolis) on the floors of the Temple Compound which depicted scenes from the history and mythology of Lord Shiva. 


Outside Unnamulai Shrine, Big Temple


I assumed that the pictures were created in coloured kolam powder, but learnt yesterday that all the kolams at the Temple were made using rock crystal salt. Found the fact surprising as always assumed that salt is regarded as inauspicious during Festivals. But this doubt was easily brushed away by the assurances of several ladies (connected with the kolams) that its just fine to use rock salt as it makes the pictures nice and shiny. Oh! well that's alright then!



Five Face Siva Kolam, Big Temple


Later on around 6 p.m. of the 2014 Mahashivaratri celebrations, the gates to the Temple tank were opened to allow devotees to place and light their deepam clay pots around the perimeter of the tank. The tank gates stayed open till about 9 p.m. But it wasn't just around the Temple Tank that one could observe the small deepam lights, as little ghee deepam pots were twinkling everywhere throughout the Temple compound.


Brahma Teertham, 2014 Mahashivaratri, Big Temple

Line waiting to enter Third Prakaram through Kili Gopuram


The Temple was packed with devotees. I arrived with friends at about eight in the evening. The devotional programmes were already underway in the open air auditorium in front of which a long and densely packed line of devotees waited in turn to climb up the stairway of the Kili Gopuram (parrot tower) and thus enter the Third Prakaram with its Annamalaiyar and Unnamulaiamman Shrines. Very tasty rice dishes were available for purchase near the auditorium and with the easy availability of drinking water, one felt very comfortable and well taken care of. 


Crowd milling around the Fourth Prakaram, Big Temple


Finally we made it into the Third Prakaram, and I was eager to view the special Lingam at the Mahila Maram Sacred Trees located at the side of the Siva Sannidhi. Four round pillars and statues of Dakshinamurthi stand close the Linga and I was disappointed that the pedestal base of the Lingam was not filled with water (as occurs during the Vasantha Utasavam Festival). As I had heard that when the Lingam pedestal is filled with water, it appears that the Lingam is floating. 



Lingam under the the sacred trees


Four Kala Pujas (see my earlier posting at this link here) would occur inside the Shiva Sannidhi during the night of Mahashivaratri. My friends and I didn't even attempt to secure access to any of the pujas. However we did walk around the First Prakaram to view the Lingodbhavamurti which is (as all Shiva Temples) located at the back of the Lord Shiva Shrine room. The puja was scheduled for midnight, and it was only 8.45 p.m. when we walked around, but already all spots facing the Lingodbhavamurti had been taken by devotees  happy to sit and wait for the commencement of the special abhishekam  scheduled to start 2 1/4 hours later.

After circumambulating the First Prakaram, we walked to the Unnamulaiamman Shrine, which was also peopled by large crowds of devotees. Many devotees were lighting ghee deepams close to the Navagraham (nine celestial bodies) Shrine. 



Near Navagraham Shrine, Unnamulaiamman Temple


2014 Mahashivaratri, Lord Shiva and Goddess with Ganesha and Murugan


During Mahashivaratri the marriage of Lord Siva is also celebrated. Below is an extract from the Vamana Purana describing the Lord in a procession with his ganas and retinue proceeding to the site of the marriage. 

“Lord Vishnu, Brahma, the deities and the Ganas were pleased to hear about Shiva's marriage. Lord Shiva went to his abode Kailash Mountain to make preparations for the marriage ceremony. 

Lord Shiva's marriage procession proceeded towards Himalaya Mountain. His appearance was quite terrifying with a tiger skin around his waist and Gorochan Tilak on his forehead. He had a garland of skulls around his neck. Snakes were coiling all around his body. His mount Vrishabh (ox) was walking in a majestic way. The marriage procession comprised of the deities, Yakshas, demons and his Ganas. Lord Vishnu had Goddess Lakshmi by his side and was mounted on Garud (eagle) while Lord Brahma was mounted on Hans (swan) . . ."
[Vamana Purana] 


Lord Siva in marriage procession


Lord Siva and Goddess Meenakshi Kolam at big Temple

If I am able to secure photographs of the Lingodbhavamurti puja, will post later on so please check back.