Postings on my Arunachala Blogs from Thursday January 1, 2015 to Saturday March 7, 2015

Readers may wonder why I write so frequently about Arunachaleswarar Temple on Arunachala Grace. It is because in the Puranas and Holy Books and from advice and guidance of Saints and Sages, it has been established throughout the history of this place, that there is absolutely no difference between Arunachala Hill and Arunachaleswarar Temple. 

In the legend of Shiva as a manifested column of light, which neither Lord Vishnu or Lord Brahma could find from whence it came or to where it went, in answer to the prayers of the Gods, Shiva himself created a lingam for the devotees to worship on the southeast plain in front of Arunachala Hill. Legend reports that it is this very lingam that Lord Shiva created, around which our own Arunachaleswarar Temple has developed. 

I am currently working on a comprehensive Arunachaleswarar Temple section for my website Arunachala Samudra, which will include narratives, rare information, photographs, and interactives. More details and information on this work’s progress soon. 

As well as the continual development of Arunachala Grace, in 2015, I will be making regular postings on Arunachala Birds, Arunachala Mystic, Arunachala Land and the new blog; Arunachala Satsang.

Arunachala Grace 

Soma Pradosham, March 2, 2015 -- Arunachaleswarar Temple: Explanation about significance of Soma Pradosham. Narrative and Photographs. Legend of “How the Moon fell in love with the Sun”.

Walkabout in Tiruvannamalai: Morning shopping in the streets near the Big Temple. Narrative and Photographs. 

Photographs of  2015 Mahashivaratri at Arunachaleswarar Temple: Narrative (with links) and observance of devotees during Mahashivaratri at the Big Temple. Including Lingodbhavamurti Puja.

2015 Mahashivaratri at Arunachaleswarar Temple: Photographs and narrative (with links) of the night of Mahashivaratri as celebrated at the Big Temple.

February 16, 2015 Pradosham at Arunachaleswarar Temple: Narrative and photographs of the first Pradosham in February, 2015 at the Big Temple.

2015 Arunachaleswarar Temple Mahashivaratri Programme: Times and Schedule of the functions at Arunachaleswarar Temple during the night of Mahashivaratri.

Visit to a village shrine: Goddess Shrine off the Nallan Pillaei Petral village road. Narrative and Photographs.

View of all 9 Temple Gopurams: Explanation and photographs of where to stand inside the Arunachaleswarar Temple from where one can see all nine Gopurams of the Temple.

Life of Ammani Amman (Arunachaleswarar North Gopuram): Life of the woman Saint who constructed the North Gopuram of Arunachaleswarar Temple. Photographs of Gopuram and saint Samadhi.

2015 Maruvoodal -- Arunachaleswarar Temple: Narrative and Photographs of the renunion of the Divine Couple.

2015 Arunachaleswarar Thiruvoodal Enactment: Narrative with links about the enactment of the “tiff” between the Gods here at Arunachala. Photographs.

Happy 2015 Pongal from Arunachala: Explanation about Pongal and Uttarayana in Tamil Nadu. Photographs of decorated Nandis Arunachachaleswarar Temple. Narrative.

Thiruvathira Festival and Saint Manikkavacakar: Festival of Saint Manikkavacakar poet of the Hindu bhakti revival movement. Information and Photographs.

Nataraja Abhishekam during 2015 Arudra Darshanam: Arudra Darshan, also known as the Thiruvathira Festival, celebrated in a grand manner at Arunachaleswarar Temple during the Tamil month of Margazhi. Photographs and Narrative.

January 2, 2015 Pradosham -- Arunachaleswarar Temple: Photographs of puja and crowds at Temple for Pradosham.

Sorgavasal Thirappu 2015: Mukkoti Ekadasi or Sorgavasal Thirappu (Celebration of Lord Vishnu) at Arunachaleswarar Temple. Narrative and Photographs.

A Blessed and Auspicious 2015 from Arunachala: Greetings and photographs of New Year Arunachala. 

Arunachala Mystic 

Visit to Siva Siddhar Mona Swamigal: Narrative of a visit to this Swami. Photographs of him and his Ashram in the Arunachala countryside.

Uttarayana – Hoisting of Flag at Temple: Explanation of Uttarayana and photographs inside Arunachaleswarar Temple of hoisting the Flag.

Aldous Huxley describes the aspect of Lord Nataraja: Video in which the great writer Aldous Huxley (Brave New World, The Doors of Perception etc) describes the "Dancing Shiva" image of Lord Nataraja and its immense significance.

Arunachala Birds 

White Rumped Shama: Narrative and photographs of the life cycle of the White Rumped Shama. Video of this beautiful songster.

Arunachala Bird List 2015: Comprehensive up-to-date alphabetical list of bird species sighted in Tiruvannamalai up to 2015.

Postings on my Arunachala Blogs from Tuesday, November 4, 2014 to Wednesday, December 31, 2014

This year I spent a lot of time on Deepam postings for Arunachala Grace and absolutely neglected my other Blogs: Arunachala Mystic, Arunachala Birds, Arunachala Land and Arunachala Satsang and website Arunachala Samudra. However just because I have neglected postings on my other sites doesn’t mean that I don’t have lots of fascinating narratives to upload . . . so keep checking in to all of the above. 

Regarding the Deepam postings, sometimes there was a delay in preparing photographs for each day’s functions – thus the list below which appears on Arunachala Grace, is not completely in chronological order. In the coming month, the 2014 Arunachala Mahadeepam calendar and pictorial galleries will be uploaded onto my website Arunachala Samudra. In that upload day and night functions of each day of the 2014 Karthigai Mahadeepam will be in the correct order. 

Anyhow to finish off 2014 rightly, below are links and short extracts of postings on my various Arunachala Blogs from Tuesday, November 4, 2014 to Wednesday, December 31, 2014. 

Best wishes to all the readers of my Blogs and Website for a joy-filled, auspicious 2015. 

 

Arunachala Grace 

Annamalai Swami Quotes -- Advaita app: Narrative on life of Annamalai Swami and link to an app connected with this great Saint. 

Pradosham Arunachaleswarar Temple -- December 20, 2014: Photographs of Pradosham at the Big Temple on December 20, 2014.

Arunachala Deepam Cauldron Puja: Puja on the Deepam Cauldron at the end of the 2014 Karthigai Deepam celebrations.

Karthigai Deepam Cauldron back to Temple: Photographs of the Cauldron coming back down Arunachala to the Big Temple.

2014 Deepam at Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram: Photographs of a very nice Deepam display created by Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram.

Rukku Goes on Vacation: As is becoming customary, at the end of Karthigai Deepam, our precious Rukku who is the Arunachaleswarar Temple elephant, goes on a 48 day rejuvenation camp to the forest.

Photographs -- Arunachala Karthigai Mahadeepam: December 5, 2014 Wonderful set of photographs of the night of 2014 Karthigai Deepam. 

2014 Deepam Festival. Day Nine—Night. Kailasha (Ravana) Vahanam: Kailasha (Ravana) or Ravananugraha-murti ("form showing favour to Ravana") is a benevolent aspect of Lord Siva who is depicted seated on his abode Mount Kailash with the Goddess Parvati while the rakshasa Ravana tries to shake the mountain.

Deepam Festival. Day Nine—Morning: Chandrasekhara on Purusha Muni Vahanam: Chandrasekhara on Purusha Muni Vahanam. Legend of Purusha Kapila Muni. 

Day 4 Theepal - Sri Chandikeswar. Deepam Festival December 9, 2014: Fourth and final day of the Theepal observances at the Ayyankulam Tank and part of the festivities surrounding the Arunachala Karthigai Festival.

On the Streets -- 2014 Arunachala Karthigai Deepam Festival: Photographs of some of the sights at Tiruvannamalai during the 2014 Karthigai Deepam Festival.

Day 3 Theepal - Lord Subramanya: Deepam Festival December 8, 2014. Third night of Thirthotsavam (i.e. Water Festival) Lord Subramanya (with his two wives) was taken out on a float on the Ayyankulam Tank.

Day 2 Theepal - Parashakti: Deepam Festival December 7, 2014. Goddess Parashakti was taken out on a float on the Ayyankulam Tank located in front of the Arunagirinathar Temple.

Lord Arunachaleswarar performs Karthigai Girivalam: Traditionally after Karthigai Mahadeepam Lord Arunachaleswarar performs girivalam (pradakshina) of Arunachala.

Day 1 Theepal - Sri Chandrasekaran: Deepam Festival December 6, 2014 The last of the celebratory observances during Karthigai Festival is Thirthotsavam which literally means “water festival”. 

Photographs, Video 2014 Arunachala Karthigai Mahadeepam: More photographs and video of the 2014 Karthigai Deepam celebrated at Arunachala. 

Cow Festival 2014 Karthigai Deepam Festival Tiruvannamalai: Wonderful pictorial representation of the annual Cow Festival celebrated at Tiruvannamalai during the Karthigai Festival.

Arunachala Karthigai Mahadeepam -- December 5, 2014: Photographs of Mahadeepam at Arunachaleswarar Temple, significance of Ardhanarishvara worshipped at this time. Narrative of function by Swami Abhisktananda 1970.

Bharani Deepam 2014: Photograph of the flame that will light the 2014 Karthigai Deepam on top of Sacred Arunachala

2014 Arunachala Karthigai -- Bharani Deepam: Narrative describing the function and significance of the Bharani Deepam.

Festival of Lights: Photographs of lamps of every description available for sale in the steets around Arunachaleswarar Temple. 

Deepam Puja at Sri Rajarajeshwari Temple: Puja of the Goddess at Sri Rajarajeshwari Temple the day before 2014 Mahadeepam.

2014 Deepam Festival. Day Eight—Night: Arunachaleswarar Horse Vahanam. In Hindu iconography, positive aspects of the vahana (vehicle) are often emblematic of the deity that it carries. Explanation of the horse as vahanam.

2014 Deepam Festival. Day Eight—Afternoon: Pichandavar Lord Shiva in aspect of Pichandavar (beggar) and a story about a legend of this aspect. 

2014 Deepam Festival. Day Eight—Morning: Chandrasekarar on Horse Vahanam God on his horse vahanam visits the Maha Radham which has returned to its permanent spot (near the Temple on Car Street) from its previous day's Temple circumambulation.

Carrying 2014 Karthigai Deepam pot up Arunachala: Photographs of men from the fishing caste carrying Cauldron up Hill and retelling of the legend that gave this caste the honour of charge of the Cauldron.

Puja with Rukku for 2014 Arunachala Karthigai Mahadeepam Cauldron: Puja done early morning on the 2014 Arunachala Deepam cauldron before it is carried up the Hill. 

2014 Deepam Festival. Day Seven—Full Day. Maharadham: Spectacular photographs of the procession of the huge wooden Chariot around the perimeter of Arunachaleswarar Temple.

2014 Deepam Festival. Day Four—Night: Karpavirutcham and Kamadhenu Vahanams: One of the most popular of the processions during the Deepam Festival at Arunachala, is that of the Kamadhenu, the wish fulfilling cow, and the Kalpavriksha (also known as Karpavirutcham), the wish fulfilling tree. Both of which emphasis the wish fulfilling aspect of Arunachala. 

2014 Deepam Festival. Day Six—Night: Silver Chariot: Beautiful photographs (click to enlarge) of the night procession of the Lord on His Silver Chariot.

2014 Deepam Festival. Day Six—Morning. Elephant with 63 Nayanars: A glorious Silver Elephant leads a procession of the great Shiva devotees, the 63 Nayanars.

Live TV coverage and online streaming video 2014 Karthigai Deepam: Links to live TV and online streaming videos of the lighting of the 2014 Deepam.

2014 Deepam Festival. Day Five—Night: Big Silver Rishabam: Big Silver Rishba with beautiful narrative by Swami Abhishekananda, 1970.

2014 Deepam Festival. Day Five—Day Chandrasekhara in Rishabam: Photographs of Chandrasekhara in Rishabam (bull) Vahanam. Click photos to enlarge.

2014 Karthigai Deepam Festival -- Cultural Programmes: Photographs of the cultural programme during the 2014 Karthigai Deepam celebrations.

Crowd Scenes 2014 Karthigai Deepam, Arunachala: Sequence of crowd photographs taken during the early days of the 2014 Karthigai Deepam Festival

2014 Deepam Festival. Day Four—Day: Naga Vahanam Procession of Chandrasekhara and Naga Vahanam

2014 Deepam Festival. Day Three-Night. Shima Vahanam Simha (lion): A creature that represents lordly power in general and lordly power of wild beasts in particular. 

Deepam Festival. Day Three-Day. Bootha Vahanam. Lord Chandrasekhara on the Bootha Vahanam procession.

Deepam Festival. Day Two—Night: Lord Shiva on Indira Vahanam who as God of thunder and rain and a great warrior is a symbol of courage and strength. 

2014 Deepam Festival. Day Two—Morning: Surya Perai Vaghanam Photographs of morning procession of the Lord on Surya Perai Vahanam.

2014 Deepam Festival. Day One—Evening: Adhikara Nandi Vahana Procession of Siva with his vahana of Adhikara Nandi – aspect of Nandi in the form of a bull-head human standing on two legs.

Day One 2014 Deepam Festival -- Panchamoorthy Silver Vimana procession: This procession followed the flag hoisting ceremony marking the beginning of the 2014 Karthigai Deepam.

Flag Hoisting, 2014 Arunachala Karthigai Festival: Flag Hoisting ceremony at Arunachaleswarar Temple took place, marking the first day of the 2014 Deepam Festival at Arunachala.

Vinayagar Ursavam—November 25, 2014: Celebration in evening at Arunachaleswarar Temple of the Vinayagar Ursavam.

Pidari Ursavam, 2014 Karthigai Deepam Festival: Pidari Ursavam was observed at Shrine. This Goddess is an aspect of the ferocious Goddess in a rural setting and regarded as being a consort of Siva through being an aspect of Kali. 

Durgai Ursavam—November 23, 2014: Reason for the unique connection with the Goddess at Durga Amman Temple to the Karthigai Festival

2014 Karthigai Deepam -- Temple Preparations: Last touches of preparation at Arunachaleswarar Temple for the upcoming 2014 Karthigai Deepam Festival. 

2014 Karthigai Temple -- Arunachaleswarar Temple Illumination: Beautiful photograph of the illuminated Temple during Mahadeepam. Click to enlarge.

Take a Virtual Tour of Arunachaleswarar Temple: Links of virtual tours of Arunachaleswarar Temple and some of its shrines. 

Pradosham November 19, 2014: Photographs of the recently observed Pradosham at Arunachaleswarar Temple on Wednesday November 19, 2014.

2014 Major Karthigai Deepam Functions: Major functions with photographs that will be enjoyed over the 2014 Karthigai Deepam Festival.

2014 Deepam Preparations Underway: Photographs of spring cleaning at the Arunachaleswarar Temple. 

2014 Arunachala Deepam Preparations: Photographs and preparation for Deepam with illuminations and new Theepal.

Significance of Rice Puja: During the month of Aippasi on Ashwini Star, as declared by Lord Shiva puja is performed with cooked rice and rice food items. 

Pradosham -- Tuesday November 4, 2014: Photographs were taken on Pradosham as observed at Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai.

New Arunachala Blog: New Blog starts authored by an Australian lady (Apeetha Arunagiri) who lives in India each year from July to December

Sadhus and Sannyasins at Raghavendra Shrine: Arunachala Feeding of sadhus at Sri Raghavendra Shrine, Girivalam Roadway.

2014 Karthigai Deepam Arunachala Programme: Arunachaleswarar Temple Programme for 2014 Karthigai Deepam.

  

Arunachala Mystic 

Shirdi Sai Baba at Arunachala: Beautiful photographs of the Shirdi Sai Baba shrines at Arunachala. Narrative entitled ‘Complete surrender to Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi.’

Meeting of Ramana Maharsi and Paramahansa Yogananda: Information about the meeting of these two great saints.

Postings on my Arunachala Blogs September 7, 2014 to October 30, 2014

Below are links and short extracts of postings on my various Arunachala Blogs from Sunday, September 7, 2014 to Thursday, October 30, 2014:- 

Arunachala Grace 

Anna Anbhishegam November 5, 2014 -- Festival Invitation  Invitation for puja to be performed at Arunachaleswarar Temple as declared by Lord Shiva; puja is to be performed with cooked rice and rice food items. 

Pradosham -- October 21, 2014  Photographs of the Tuesday October 21, 2014 Pradosham as observed at the Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai 

Parvathamalai Hill and Temple  Legends and narrative about the famous Parvathamalai Hill and Temple just 25 kms from Tiruvannamalai. Photographs of the ascent and of the sacred and powerful Mallikarjuna Temple on the summit. View of Javadhu Hill and Arunachala in the distant

October 2014 Poornima, Arunachala  Photographs of the crowds of pilgrims both at the Arunachaleswarar Temple and performing girivalam during the October 2014 Poornima at Arunachala 

October Pradosham Arunachaleswarar Temple  Photographs of the Monday October 6, 2014 Pradosham at Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai 

2014 Karthigai Deepam Panthakal  Photographs and information about the Panthakal ceremony. Blessings in front of the recently completed renovation on the Maharadham which will be used during the 2014 Karthigal Deepam celebrations 

2014 Panthakal Invitation, Arunachaleswarar Temple  Invitation and details of the event of the Panthakal Ceremony at the front of Arunachaleswarar Temple which marks the official beginning of the 2014 Karthigai Deepam Festival

Sing to the Mountain  Video of song to the mountain. Extract from the Green Ant Ceremony at Uluru, Australia

2014 Navratri at Ramana Ashram  Photographs and links to video and information about the 2014 Navratri Festival as celebrated at Ramana Ashram, Tiruvannamalai 

Reunion Beat X Band, IIT Madras  Information about the Renunion Beat Band at Madras, with band member on the drums being Ramana Ashram Library’s Chief Librarian J Jayaraman. Photographs and Video

Alangarams Shakti Temples 2014 Navratri  Narrative explaining the origins and traditions of the Navratri Festival. Photographs of alangarams at major Shakti Temples at Tiruvannamalai

2014 Navaratri Kolu Display at Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram   Beautiful pictorial representation of the elaborate Kolu (Golu = doll) displays during the 2014 Navaratri at Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram

September 21, 2014 Temple Pradosham  Photographs of the recently concluded Pradosham at the Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai

2014 Navaratri Function at Arunachaleswarar Temple Invitation and information about the Navaratri Functions which will take place during the 2014 Festival at the Big Temple

Relocation of Swami Nithyananda Primary Ashram  Report about the relocaction of Swami Nithyananda primary ashram from Bidadi, Karnataka to Tiruvannamalai

Development of Arunachala Samudra Website Information about sections under development on our website Arunachala Samudra 

Arunachala Mystic 

Thavathiru Veera Vairakiya Moorthy Swamigal and Parvathamalai  Story about the great saint Veera Vairakiya Moorthy Swamigal, his life on Parvathamalai and his miracles at Arunachaleswarar Temple 

Jerzy Grotowski's Journey to Arunachala  Narrative of famed international Theatre Director Jerzy Grotowski and how his life led him to his final resting place at Arunachala

Vedic Birthday Mobile App.  A Vedic Birthday mobile app brought out by the Vedic Society, Pondicherry that calculates one’s Vedic birthday

Help from Yogi Ramsuratkumar  Information about the statute and power of Yogi Ramsuratkumar at his Ashram in Tiruvannamalai. Photographs. 

A Meeting with Mookupodi Swamiyar  Fascinating narrative submitted by a reader about his meeting and experience with the Arunachala living siddhar Mookupodi Swamiyar 

Shani Pradosham September 6th, 2014   Photographs and narratives of the Shani Pradosham celebrated at Arunachaleswarar Temple on Saturday, September 6, 2014 

Arunachala Birds 

Indian Pitta (Pitta Brachyura) Narrative with photographs and video of the Indian Pitta (Pitta Brachyura) known in Tamil Nadu as Arumani Kuruvi (the six-o’clock bird)

Arunachala Land 

57 Cent Parcel near Vediappanur road   A 57 cent (just over half an acre) parcel of agricultural land up for sale at Kottangal Village near Vediappanur Road at Tiruvannamalai. Beautiful darshan of Arunachala

Beautiful parcel of land at Devanandal  Information and photographs about a beautiful 1.75 acre parcel of land avalable for purchase at Devanandal at Arunachala

Steps in Buying Property  Information and narrative with link about the steps necessary in buying property in Tamil Nadu

Postings on my Arunachala Blogs August 4, 2014 to September 5, 2014

Below are links and short extracts of postings on my various Arunachala Blogs from Monday, August 4, 2014 to Friday, September 5, 2014:- 

Arunachala Grace 

An Ordinary Day in a Temple Town: Video of an ordinary day at Arunachala. Many scenes from the Arunachaleswarar Temple and sadhus in the area.

2014 Ganesha Chaturthi Arunachala, Photographs: Photographs of Ganesha Chaturthi as celebrated at Arunachala.

Greenland Ashram -- Ganesh Chaturthi 2014: Celebrations of Festival at Greenland Ashram. Information about progress in the development of this Ashram. Photographs.

Sri Nannagaru at Arunachala: Narrative and photographs of the August-September visit made to Arunachala by Sri Nannagaru.

Ramana Ashram Radio Channel: Information and link of new radio channel service being offered by Ramana Ashram, Tiruvannamalai.

Dialogue on Puja Flowers: Function and importance of the part of flowers in worship.

August 2014 Supermoon at Arunachala: Explanation of the extra large moon in August. Photographs of girivalam devotees.

Pradosham at Arunachaleswarar Temple, August 8, 2014: Photographs of the August 8, 2014 Pradosham at the Big Temple, Tiruvannamalai.

Sri Nannagaru on a previous Arunachala visit: Narrative and video of a previous visit to Arunachala by Sri Nannagaru.

Greenland Ashram Update August 2014: Photographs and information about progress of development of new Arunachala countryside ashram.

NH66 Petition for Road Completion: Information about an online petition to speed up construction of the NH66 Krishnagiri-Tiruvannamalai Higway.

Walk on Samudram Lake with Bhagavan: Narrative about a Samudra walk made by Ramana Maharshi with some devotees

Arunachala Birds 

The Stately Peacock: Symbolism and legends of the peacock. Photographs, video and links.

Arunachala Land 

Zoning regulations for Tiruvannamalai apartments: Short explanation of the regulations governing apartments in this area. Photographs of new apartment building.

Arunachala Mystic 

Linga Bhairavi -- Feminised Male Aspect of the Divine: Photographs of this unusual statue. Information about its esoteric significance.

Video of Swamis and Sadhus, Arunachala: Beautiful video dedicated to the many sadhus, saints and undoubtedly also secret saints, here at Arunachala.

Life of Shirdi Sai Baba: Short narrative on the life of Shirdi Sai Baba and photograph of his statue at a Temple dedicated to this saint off the Arunachala girivalam roadway.

Swami Vellaiyananda--Life and Tales: Biography of a now deceased famous Swami of Tiruvannamalai. Photographs.

Arunachala the Greatest Monolith: Dedication to Arthur C. Clarke. Discussion about the monolith in the famous “2001: A Space Odyssey” and explanation of monoliths. Photographs. 

Goddess Mariamman and Kasi Swami, Temple Founder: Village patriarch at his small Shakti Shrine. Photographs.

Moola Mantra: Explanation of the Moola Mantra. Sanskrit and English translation. Video.

Postings on my Arunachala Blogs July 12, 2014 to July 31, 2014

Below are links and short extracts of postings on my various Arunachala Blogs from Saturday, July 12, 2014 to Thursday, July 31, 2014:-

Arunachala Grace 

2014 Firewalking at Arunachala: Photographs and information, legend of the Fire Walking ceremony at Arunachaleswarar Temple.

Adi Pooram at Sri Rajarajeshwari Temple: Photographs of the Goddess during the 2014 Festival.

Vallaikappu (Bangle) Ceremony: Pictorial history of the 2014 Bangle ceremony at Arunachaleswarar Temple.

Adi Pooram at Arunachaleswarar Temple Schedule: Information about the timings of the upcoming Vallikappu and Fire Walking ceremonies at Big Temple.

Yogi Ramsuratkumar Siddhi Sthala: Pictorial narrative of the place that Sri Yogi Ramsuratkumar attained samadhi.

God’s Fool: Tale about purity and innocence by Kahil Gibran. 

Adi Pooram Festival 2014, Flag Hoisting: Pictorial narrative of the beginning of the 2014 Festival at the Arunachaleswarar Temple.

Arunachaleswarar 2014 Adi Pooram Celebrations: Invitation and Programme for the Adi Pooram Festival at the Big Temple.

Ayyankulam Tank Immersion July 2014: Photographs and information of the idol immersion at tank at the end of Aani Brahmotsavam Festival 2014.

Greenland Ashram: Photographs and information about a new Ashram in the Arunachala countryside.

Aani Brahmotsavam 2014: Information and photographs of the start of Festival at the Arunachaleswarar Temple.

Reverence for Divination: Story of Paramahamsa Ramakrishna and his brother Ramkumar and powers of divination.

Arunachala Oracle: Information and link to a divinatory Oracle recently uploaded to Arunachala Samudra.

Devilottara text—Spiritual Teachings of the Sadguru: Devilottara a dialogue conveying the highest spiritual teachings between Lord Siva and Goddess Parvati. 

Sri Nannagaru's 2014 Guru Poornima Address: Link and information regarding live streaming address from Guruji Sri Nannagaru.

Guru Poornima Arunachaleswarar Temple: Photographs of Guru Poornima crowds at the Big Temple.

Arunachala Birds 

Happy Time—The Importance of the Bird Bath: Information and photographs about different kinds of garden bird baths.

Arunachala Land 

Ring Road, Pictorial History July 2014: Reports and photographs charting the progress of the Ring Road at Tiruvannamalai.

The Mountain of Medicine July 2014: Information and pictorial report of the current state of the Mountain of Medicine at foot of Arunachala, Tiruvannamalai.

Arunachala Mystic 

Aadi Masam 2014: Escoteric and spiritual significance of the period of Aadi Masam. Links.

Similarities between two great Mahans: Reader’s email noting the 12 significant similarities between Sri Seshadri Swamigal and Sri Shirdi Sai Baba.

2014 Supermoons: Report and significance of three supermoons scheduled for July 12, August 10, September 9, 2014.

Arunachala Oracle: Information about a new divinatory programme on Arunachala Samudra. 

Postings on my Arunachala Blogs October 17, 2013 to January 17, 2014

Below are links and short extracts of postings on my various Arunachala Blogs from Thursday, October 17, 2013 to Friday, January 17, 2014 

Arunachala Grace 

Thiruvoodal Festival 2014, Pongal: Legends of the enactment of a martial tiff between Lord Shiva and his consort. Photographs

Happy Pongal 2014: Pongal Greetings from Arunachala Grace to all readers.

Garuda Puja, 12 January, 2014: Celebration and Puja of nesting Brahminy Kites on Samudram Eri. Photographs.

Animal Sanctuary Homam, January 2014: Homam performed at the Arunachala Animal Sanctuary and Rescue Shelter. Photographs.

January 10 -- Puja at Animal Shelter: Information about programme of upcoming puja to be performed at Animal Sanctuary.

Happy 2014 from Arunachala: Greetings and photographs on New Year’s Day 2014 from Arunachaleswarar Temple and Rajarajeshwari Temple, Girivalam Roadway

Rukku Gone on Holiday: Information about Rukku, our Temple elephant on her way to rejuvenation camp and vacation. Photographs.

Arudra Darshanam Nataraja Abhishekam: Legends and explanation of the Festival celebrating Cosmic Dance of Lord Nataraja. Photographs.

Special Puja, Arunachaleswarar Temple December 14, 2013: Information of Kalasa Abhishekam, Gaja Puja and Maha Rudra Pua performed at Arunachaleswarar Temple. Photographs

December 14, Arunachaleswarar Temple Pradosham: Photographs of the large crowd in attendance at Arunachaleswarar Temple for Pradosham.

Sri Ratu Peranda Visits Arunachaleswarar Temple: Information about the Head of Hinduism in Indonesia and photographs of his visit to our Big Temple. His Teachings. Links.

Holy Christmas to All: Greetings for Holy Season. Link to Arunachala jigsaw puzzles.

Arunachala Deepam Festival Photographs: Pictorial representation of the 2013 Deepam Festival celebrated at Tiruvannamalai. Photographs

Live TV coverage and online streaming video 2013 Karthigai Deepam: Online resources for live coverage of 2013 Deepam.

Hints for 2013 Karthigai Deepam: Hints to devotees travelling to Tiruvannamalai to attend the 2013 Karthigai Deepam festival.

Chariots on Big Street: Renovation being performed to chariots on Big Street. Photographs. Video.

Flag Hoisting, 2013 Arunachala Deepam Festival: Coverage of the beginning of the Deepam 2013 Festival at the Big Temple. Photographs

Deepam Cow Fair, Tiruvannamalai: Information about the annual cow and horse fair at Tiruvannamalai. Photographs of previous years.

2013 Arunachala Deepam Festival Schedule: Schedule and Information of the 2013 Deepam Festival at Tiruvannamalai. 

Deepam 2013 Clean-up: Preparations for the upcoming Festival at Arunachala. Photographs.

Arunachala Birds 

There is a Crow in my Garden: How to deal with pesky crows in the garden. Why crows are honoured in India. Lord Sani and his association with crows. Photographs.

Cattle Egret: Information about the widely seen Cattle Egret and its symbiotic relationship with other animals, including cattle. Photographs. Videos.

Arunachala Land 

Water Sustainability – Less Intensive Crops: Information about Tamil Nadu water situation. Farming in Tiruvannamalai District. Sand quarrying. Photographs.

Real Estate Market: Market in India and how oversupply is affecting real estate sales.

House Construction Costs: Sample new house 920 square feet and its costs. Reason for price escalation in building sector. Photographs.

Adiannamalai House -- More Photographs: House in Adiannamalai newly constructed additional photographs.

Adiannamalai House Photographs: Exterior shots of new house available in Adiannamalai.

Postings on my Arunachala Blogs from September 18 to October 17, 2013

Below are links and short extracts of postings on my various Arunachala Blogs from Wednesday, September 18, 2013 to Thursday, October 17, 2013 

Arunachala Grace 

Some Favoured Arunachala Temples and Shrines: Selection of some out-of-the-way girivalam Shrines and Temples.

Pradosham Photographs: Pictorial report of Pradosham at Arunachaleswarar Temple.

Aarti at Pavala Kundru: Photographs of the beautiful Temple on Coral Hill spur, Arunachala. Video. 

Navaratri Kolu Celebration: Visting two homes of Arunachaleswarar Temple Priests to view their Kolu displays.

Navaratri Alangarams, Arunachaleswarar Temple: Amman Lingam Alangaram and Saraswati Alangaram, Mandapam Hall, Big Temple.

2013 Arunachala Navaratri Functions: Information and links of Navaratri Pujas at Ramana Ashram.

Visit to an Elephant: Time with elephant from Trichy at Seshsadri Ashram who was going to participate in the Raja Parivara Puja on Girivalam Roadway.

Rudra Pasupathi Nayanar: Famed devotee of Lord Shiva, who made a practice of chanting the Sri Rudam, while half immersed in water.

Pradosham, October 2, 2013: Photographs of the large crowds at Arunachaleswarar Temple attending Pradosham.

Counting the Cash: Photographs of Temple appointees counting Hundial donations.

Mahapuja for 18 Siddhars, Arunachala: Raja Parivara Puja to be performed for the 18 Siddhars at Tiruvannamalai.

Mottayan Swami and Kootankuchi Swamigal: Information about two holy beings residing off the Girivalam Roadway, Arunachala.

Tremors felt at Tiruvannamalai: After a gap of almost 25 years, Tiruvannamalai experiences a small earthquake.

Whisper into my Ear: The method and benefits of talking into sacred Nandi’s ear.

Arunachala Birds 

House Sparrow: Description of the most common bird in India and resident at Arunachala. Photographs and Video

Ways to deal with Bully Birds: Modern bird feeders and hints of how to control bully birds in the garden.

Arunachala Land 

Act for Seed and Food Freedom: Information and links about the agricultural independence of India

Tiruvannamalai Puja Flowers: Tiruvannamalai trees and shrubs, flowers of which are used in Temple pujas.

Arunachala Mystic 

Significance of Arunachala Girivalam Asta Lingams: Story of Mooppanar Swami, and his work restoring the Asta Lingams on Girivalam Roadway.

Sri Siva Siddhar Mona Swami Birthday Function: Photographs, video and report of Swami’s birthday celebrations at his Ashram

Mouna Swamigal, Girivalam Roadway: Photographs and narrative of a Swami residing off the Girivalam Roadway