Adi Annamalai Puja

Over the last couple of weeks I have been spending time with a group of eight ladies from the U.S. showing them Temples and places of interest at Tiruvannamali. On Friday, November 21st, I accompanied three of the ladies to the beautiful Adi Annamalai Temple to participate in a Navagraha Puja, which I had arranged on their behalf -- for the purpose of 'healing and empowerment'. As photographs taken inside the Temple are prohibited, I am instead posting photographs below of the outside of this beautiful and inspiration Temple.

For an aerial view of the Temple go to the link HERE.

In the upcoming Arunachala Grace News, which will be sent out direct to subscriber's email inbox in about ten days, there will be a fascinating report by the facilitator of the visiting group of ladies from the U.S., about some of their experiences at Tiruvannamalai.

The report starts thus:

Click on all photographs to enlarge

"I was inspired to bring a small and intimate group of women to visit Arunachala for a spiritual pilgrimage in November of this year. The group (in addition to myself) consisted of seven women, who were all first-timers to India. Most of the women had a long-time deep desire to come to India for spiritual reasons, but were afraid to travel by themselves. They wished to travel with someone who had a deep connection with India and experience in making the journey." . . . the report continues in Arunachala Grace News . . .
[Virginia Lee]

As well as the upcoming posting in the Newsletter there will be more information on this Blog about the ladies and their experiences during their first visit to Tiruvannamalai.

One of the more enchanting aspects of this Temple are the nooks positioned at the top of the parapet inside the Temple Compound which are constantly utilised as nests for such birds as; rose ringed parakets, white doves, emerald doves, pigeons and also the occasional shy owl.

Shirdi Sai Baba Site

I recently made the posting, 'Travelling to Shirdi Sai Baba,' which is about visiting the development of a Shirdi Sai Baba Shrine, here at Arunachala near Adi Annamalai. In this respect Ramani has kindly got in touch with the link of this excellent Sai Baba website

She also says: "Please visit the site now. You will find that the box has been opened and you can have darshan of the full murthy. You will also notice that construction of the Sai Mandir has started and will be completed in 9 months with Sai's grace."

Safe Nests

With careful attention to detail during renovation of Adi Annamalai Temple, the little openings at the top of the compound walls surrounding the Temple were preserved so they could continue to remain as nesting places for: parrots, doves, pigeons, sparrows, owls and bats.

In the below photograph a very nice little nook which opens up inside the compound wall to provide a secure nesting place for lots of the local birdlife.

A little chap has found his perch for a while.

The unintentional birds' nests from a distance. And the reason they are so popular is that they are safe from the usual local predators such as, monkeys, cats and squirrels - in fact the perfect home!

Lots of prime real estate all around the inside wall of the Temple Compound.



When entering the Temple Compound of Adi Annamalai during bird nesting season, you will often be met with clouds of parrots and doves going on flypast. And looking up you will spot the occasional sleepy looking owl standing sentry at the doorway of its nest.

The name of this Temple, Adi Annamalai means 'first' or 'ancient' Annamalai (Arunachaleshwarar). Its size is small and it occupies only 1/2 acre in size – compared with the 25-26 acre size of Arunachaleswarar Temple on the Tiruvannamalai side of the Hill. The legend of Adi Annamalai recounts that Brahma, after His dispute with Vishnu about the fiery column, made a lingam and went to the other side of the Hill to worship Shiva. Thus, this lingam is supposed to be the first, ancient and original lingam of Annamalai and hence the name Adi Annamalai.