Tetrad Pheonomenon

Girivalam during the full moon (Poornima) at Arunachala this coming week (April 14) will be even more special because of the unusual and rare phenomenon which is known as Tetrad. The moon itself will be what is known as Blood Red because the light bouncing off the moon is refracted through the Earth’s atmosphere giving it a coppery hue. 

Blood Moon

To read more about the Tetrad phenomenon, visit Arunachala Mystic at this link here.

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

Postings of my Arunachala Blogs from September 2 to September 16, 2013

Below are links and short extracts of postings on my various Arunachala Blogs from Monday, September 2, 2013 to Monday, September 16, 2013 

Arunachala Grace 

Palayam Puja -- Durga Amman Temple, September 2013: Puja conducted at the start of renovations and repairs at the Durga Amman Temple, Tiruvannamalai. 

Aadi Pooram Photographs—Friday August 9, 2013: Photographs of the most beautifully dressed and adorned Goddess Rajarajeshwari in Festival celebrated at that Temple during Aadi Pooram. 

Vinayagar Immersion September 11, 2013: Photographs of Vinayagar procession and immersion in the Tamari Nagar Tank at Tiruvannamalai. 

Nice Clay Ganesha Idols: Photographs of beautiful and eco-friendly clay Ganeshas at Tiruvannamalai.

Ganesha Chaturthi at Tiruvannamalai: Narrative celebrating Ganesha Chaturthi and explaining the importance of making it as eco-friendly as possible. 

What If: Inspirational Poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

Panthakal -- September 8, 2013: Photographs of the function heralding the upcoming 2013 Arunachala Karthigai Deepam.

Soma Pradosham, September 2, 2013: Photographs of Soma Pradosham and narrative about the relationship of the moon with Lord Shiva. 

Tiruvannamalai Womens' Self Help Groups: Art work explaining and popularising Tiruvannamalai Womens' Self Help Groups.

Panthakal Karthigai Deepam 2013: Invitation to Function celebrating the offical beginning of lead up to the great 2013 Karthigai Festival.

Pavala Kundru Temple adjacent to Arunachaleswarar Temple: Spectacular view from inside top of Raja Gopuram of Arunachaleswarar Temple of surrounding Tiruvannamalai.

Home at Last: Celebration of anniversary of Sri Ramana’s arrival to Tiruvannamalai.

Arunachala Birds 

Rock Pigeon or Rock Dove: Narrative and photographs of the Rock Pigeon, including Cycle of Pigeon Hatching. Video of nesting bird. 

Arunachala Land 

House for sale, adjacent Samudram Eri: Newly constructed, modern 3 bedroom house for sale close to Ramana Ashram. 

Adiannamalai House specifications: Details and house plan of house for sale near Adiannamalai Temple.

House for Sale, Adiannamalai: Photographs of house currently under construction and available for purchase located near Adiannamalai Temple and with sublime darshan of Arunachala.

Arunachala Mystic 

Letter to Sri Siva Jothi Mona Siddhar: Letter from Swami’s devotee with details of a dream and its connection with their guru. 

Lord Shiva as Chandrasekhara: Escoteric meaning of Lord Shiva in his manifestaion as Chandrasekhara. 

Postings of my Arunachala Blogs from July 28 to September 1, 2013

Below are links and short extracts of postings on my various Arunachala Blogs from Sunday July 28, 2013 to Sunday September 1, 2013.

Arunachala Grace

Pondicherry Retreat: Pondicherry Programme for Retreat organised by the Fowai Forum for the study of scriptural texts.

Pictures from Ramana Ashram 25 August 2013 Mahakumbhabhishekam: Photographs and report of happenings during the last day of the Mahakumbhabhishekam Function at Ramana Ashram

Mahakumbhabhishekam -- Ramana Ashram -- August 25, 2013: Photographs from an official photographer of the Mahakumbhabhishekam on roof of Ramana Ashram.

Roof of Ramana Maharshi Ashram: Photographs taken on roof of Ramana Ashram the day before the major function, showing final preparations of the Gopuram and two Vimanas.

Ramana Ashram Function 23rd August, 2013: Photographs of homams performed in the Yagasala as part of the 3 day Function at Ramana Ashram. 

Who is Shiva?: Speech by Sri Sathya Sai Baba on Lord Shiva, the Divine Consciousness:

Pradosham Dates, Arunachala: Dates of the remaining 2013 Pradoshams to be celebrated at Shiva Temples at Tiruvannamalai.

Kumbhabhishekam Event at Sri Ramana Ashram, August 2013: Information about the Function at Ramana Ashram.

August 20, Arunachala Poornima: Photographs of August 2013 Poornima crowds at Temple and Girivalam.

Mahakumbhabhishekam Sriramanasharam: Official schedule of Function

Mosquito Repellent Advice Tamil Nadu: Information and suggestions about natural organic, non-toxic mosquito repellents for Tamil Nadu and South India.

Moorvi Compound Completed: Pictorial posting about the now completed Ramana Ashram, Moorvi Compound.

Shakti Fire Walking: Photographs and information about the once yearly fire walking as performed in front of the Unnamulai Shrine, at Arunachaleswarar Temple, Arunachala.

Worship of Divine Mother: Photographs and information about the Parvathi Amman Utsavam Festival as performed at Arunachaleswarar Temple.

Voice of Sri Ramana: Why there is no recording of the voice of Sri Ramana Maharshi.

Adi Pooram Fire Walking Schedule: Full programme of the Fire Walking Function to be performed at Arunachaleswarar Temple in front of Mother Shrine. 

Bamboo Wall Completed: Photographs of the completed bamboo wall in my House Compound at Tiruvannamalai.

Pradosham August 4, 2013: Significance of Nandi during the Pradosham Function.

Kuthuvilakku Puja, Arunachaleswarar Temple: In the month of Adi, communal pujas such as the Kuthuvilakku Puja are performed on Tuesdays and Fridays at various Shakti Temples throughout the State.

Silver Dress for Goddess Durga: Process of how artisans crafted dress covering for Goddess Durga at Ramana Ashram made out of precious metal.

10 Day Parvathi Amman Utsavam 2013: Photographs and information about the beginning of Adi Kodietram, the beginning of the 10 Day Parvathi Aman Utsavam. Flag Hoisting etc.

Replacing Bamboo Leaves at House: Photographs of the process of replacing Bamboo leaves at my house here in Tiruvannamalai.

Arunachala Birds 

White-Browed Wagtal: Narrative with photographs of a very pretty bird who is often nicknamed “dhobin” (or washerwoman) which corresponds to the bird’s name in French i.e. Lavendiere. Believed to have been derived because of its of its fondness for water and comparison with its wagging tale to the battering action by the laundrywoman of clothes on the rocks. 

Coppersmith Barbet: Series of photographs of the Coppersmith Barbet. Descriptive Narrative and Video.

Arunachala Mystic 

Miracle that gave Guruji Siddhis: Narrative about the miracle that occurred in the life of Sri Siva Jothi Mona Siddhar that gave him the siddhi to read people’s minds.

Sun will soon flip its Magnetic Field: Information about ". . . an event that occurs once every 11 years, the magnetic field of the sun will change its polarity in a matter of months.” according to information from accredited observatories. NASA video and explanation. 

Somasutra Pradakshinam 2: Further explanation with diagram of the correct way to peform Somasutra Pradakshinam (special form of Pradosham circumambulation)

Arunachala Land 

Compound Available for Lease: Beautiful 3 acre compound with buildings available for long term Lease in Arunachala Countryside.

Arunachala Postings: 7-27 July, 2013

Below are links and short extracts of postings on my various Arunachala Blogs from Sunday July 7, 2013 to Saturday July 27, 2013. 

Arunachala Grace 

Mahashivaratri Retreat 2014: Information about Torsten Brugge and Padma Woolf Retreat at Mahashivaratri 2014. Venue Sri Nannagaru Ashram, Tiruvannamalai. 

Shani Pradosham July 20, 2013: Photographs of Shani Pradosham at Arunachaleswarar Temple. Mythology of Shani Pradosham Vrata Mahatmyam. Mahakaleshwar Temple and Lingam.

Gods at Ayyankulam Teertham: Function marking the end of the Ani Brahmostavam Festival. Information and photographs about the Arunagirinathar Temple. 

Abhishekam of Lord Nataraja: Lord Nataraja brought in procession to the Thousand Pillared Hall at the Big Temple. 

Guru Poornima 2013: Photograph and Mantra dedicated to the Guru. 

Rudra Pasupathi Nayanar: Narrative on life of this Nayanar and video of the Sri Rudram: Namakam-Chamakam in Devanagari, English translations 

5th day Ani Brahmostavam Festival: Rishaba (Bull) Chariot Procession through Tiruvannamalai on fifth day of Festival. 

Ani Brahmostavam 2013: Photographs of the flag hoisting at Arunachaleswarar Temple at the beginning of Festival. 

Arunachala Birds 

Indian Birds’ Nests Part 2: Narrative with photographs of unconventional nests of four Indian Birds.

Peacocks at Arunachala: Series of photographs of the Peacock at Ramana Ashram. Links to previous postings. 

Arunachala Mystic 

Uttarayana and Dakshinayana: Esoteric significance of the seasonal calendar delineations of Uttarayana and Dakshinayana. 

Visit to Country Ashram: Visit to the countryside Ashram of Sri Siva Jothi Mona Siddhar, some 20 kms from Tiruvannamalai 

Arunachala Land 

Duplex at Vediappanur: Photographs and information about Duplex for sale at Vediappanur, off Girivalam Roadway, Tiruvannamalai 

Jackfruit Tree: Photographs, mythology and information about the popular Jackfruit Tree of Tamil Nadu. 

Postings: 1st week of July, 2013

Below are links and short extracts of postings on my various Arunachala Blogs from the first week of July: Saturday June 29, 2013 to Saturday July 6, 2013. 

Arunachala Grace

Pradosham Removal of Sins: Photographs of July 5, 2013 Pradosham as observed at the Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai. 

Arunachala Samudra Website: Inviting support towards the development of the Arunachala Samudra Website

Devotion to the Guru: Words of spiritual guidance from Swami Satchidananda of Anandashram

Swami Satchidananda and a Question: Personal experience of interaction with Swami Satchidananda in 1985 and a question posed to him. 

Tiruvannamalai, India—Travel Diary: Video about a group of Russian Pilgrims and their days at Arunachala.

Arunachala Birds 

Working Bird: Photographs of modern day falconry with Rufus the Wimbledon American Harris Hawk.

Nests of Indian Birds: Part One of descriptions and photographs of various Indian Birds’ nests.

Arunachala Mystic 

Soma Sutra Pradakshina: Explanation of how to perform Soma Sutra Pradakshina at time of Pradosham. 

Mother Umadeviar: Vignettes of Mother Umadeviar who was renowned as a channel to Sri Seshadri Swamigal 

Postings: 4th week June, 2013

Below are links and short extracts of postings on my various Arunachala Blogs from the fourth week of June: Saturday June 22, 2013 to Saturday June 29, 2013. 

 

Arunachala Grace 

Ani Brahmostavam: Invitation for upcoming Festival at Arunachaleswarar Temple.

Samudram Eri: Early morning walk on the dry lakebed, Samudram Eri. 

Ramana Ashram Clinic: Narrative and photographs of Ramana Ashram Dispensary.

Arunachala Birds 

The Southern Grey Shrike: Information and photographs of an occasional visitor to the Arunachala area, the Southern Grey Shrike 

Arunachala Mystic

Arunachala Mystic Relationship between Saints: Connection between the Arunachala saints’ Seshadri Swamigal and Ramana Maharshi 

Arunachala Land 

Silk Cotton Tree: Narrative and photographs of the tallest tree in Arunachala.

Postings: 3rd week June, 2013

Below are links and short extracts of postings on my various Arunachala Blogs from week Saturday June 15, 2013 to Saturday June 22, 2013. 

Arunachala Grace 

Murugan Shrine: Small Murguan Shrine located on hillock off Perubakkam Road near Arunachala. 

Sri Tirumular Nayanar: Story of Sri Tirumular a Nayanar from the Periapuranam and his great work the Tirumandiram with link.

Solstice and Pradosham: Synchroncity of these two auspicious events at Arunachala.

Arunachala Birds 

Bird Stories: Narratives illustrating the power the great Mahan Sri Seshadri Swamigal had over birds at Arunachala. 

Red Vented Bulbul: Narrative, video and photographs of this Arunachala beautiful bird of the Bulbul family.

Arunachala Mystic 

Healing Miracles of Sri Seshadri Swamigal: Inspirational stories of the great healing miracles of the avadhuta Sri Seshadri Swamigal. 

Postings: 2nd week June, 2013

Below are links and short extracts of postings on my various Arunachala Blogs from week Saturday June 8, 2013 to Saturday June 15, 2013. 

Arunachala Grace 

Mahabhishekam Somaskanda, Big Temple: Information and photographs of  Mahabhishekam Puja performed on the Somaskanda manifestation of Lord Shiva. 

Siva Sannidhi Accommodation Facility: Information about the completed new annexe building of the Shiva Sannidhi with its new forty-nine modern accommodation rooms. 

Peaceful Adiannamalai Temple: Photographs of the famed Shiva Temple on the Northside of the Hill 

Arunachala Birds 

The Asian Koel: Information about the Koel, the most familiar of Indian Cuckoos found at Tiruvannamalai District. 

Arunachala Mystic 

Aurora of Arunachala: Devotee narrative of the mystic lights of Arunachala 

Arunachala Land 

Hiking in Arunachala Countryside: Photographs of nearby unspoilt countryside hills, with wonderful darshan of Arunachala 

The Tamarind Tree: Information and superstitions regarding the Tamarind Tree, familiar all around Tiruvannamalai. 

Postings: 1st week June, 2013

Below are links and short extracts of postings on my various Arunachala Blogs from week Saturday June 1, 2013 to Saturday June 8, 2013.

Arunachala Grace

Mosquito Repellent Advice Tamil Nadu: Practical information for visitors to Tiruvannamalai (and Tamil Nadu) and advice as to chemical free mosquito protection.

Agnihotra Yagam: Information and photographs of a yearly Yagam performed at Arunachaleswarar Temple during the hot Summer Months. 

Thirujnana Sambhandar: Short biography of one of the four great Tamil Saints, the Nalvars, and a narrative of his visit to Arunachala. 

A Tamil Wedding: Photographs and information about a traditional Tamil Wedding performed at Arunachala.

June 6, 2013 -- Pradosham, Big Temple: Photographs and short narrative of the Arunachaleswarar Temple June 6th, 2013 Pradosham. 

Arunachala Birds 

Common Babbler -- Passerine: Extract from 1902 Book on Indian Birds about the Common Babbler accompanied with contemporary photographs of this bird species. 

 

Arunachala Land 

Frangipani: Description and photographs of the beautiful Frangipani Plant and narrative of the Frangipani in Hindu folklore. 

Arunachala Mystic

Nakshatra Offerings to Arunachala: Information and listing of Arunachala offerings appropriate to each of the 27 Nakshatras in connection with the date of one’s visit to the Hill.

Panchamukha Darshanam: Escoteric significance of the Panchamukha located off the girivalam roadway on the northeast side of Arunachala. 

Arunachala Pujas

In response to requests from readers interested in arranging pujas to be performed on their behalf at various private Arunachala Temples, I can now refer you to my new Blog, Arunachala Mystic for photographs of previous private pujas. And invite you to get in touch at the ‘Contact Me’ facility on that Blog for more specific information.

Arunachala Mystic is dedicated to sharing information about the spiritual, esoteric and mystical side of Arunachala; premier Shiva site in all India. As well as giving readers the opportunity to arrange pujas and rituals at various private Arunachala Temples and Shrines, Arunachala Mystic will also give information about more mystical and esoteric aspects of Arunachala. In this respect readers are invited to participate by sharing their own experiences of Arunachala.






The Arunchaleswarar Temple, Adiannamalai Temple, Arunachala Ashta Lingams and many other Temples and Shrines throughout Tiruvannamalai are under the general control of the administration of The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Tamil Nadu Government. For this reason devotees must go direct to the specific Temple controlled by the Department in order to arrange a puja.

Check this contact link to get in touch with Arunachaleswarar Temple regarding pujas. However as their website is not up-to-date I will shortly list details on Arunachala Mystic of specific pujas currently available at the Big Temple.