Under my Bamboo Roof

Big thanks to those who sent best wishes to Max during his recent illness. He is now almost back in perfect health. The below photograph of him crashing out on the roof is because we have returned from a long walk and swim followed by a very large meal. The dog is happy, healthy but exhausted. He sends his best to all out there. 

Gorgeous Max

In the beginning of February I had a nice bamboo cover put on my roof. I have used many bamboo roofers at Tiruvannamalai, but the crew who made my current roof are by far and away the very best Tiruvannamalai has to offer. They work creating bamboo and mandapam structures at; all major Temples (including Arunachaleswarar Kovil), marriage halls, mandapams, restaurants, functions and private homes. 

I have used many different bamboo construction crews in Tiruvannamalai, and through trial and error have now found an excellent craftsman, so am making this posting and including Balaji's mobile phone number. You can reach him at +919486370325.

My roof garden

Balaji, bamboo roofing artisan with strut to add for extra monsoon support

Winds have been very fierce over the last few weeks, and as the monsoon will soon be upon us, asked Balaji to drop by and make a quick addition to my roof. Balaji's family originates from Tiruvannamalai. His father, who is now deceased, was a bamboo roofer and it was by working with him, that Balaji learnt his craft. Since my bamboo roof was constructed in February, it has remained absolutely solid and immovable. Very happy with it. 

Balaji and his brother Bhaskaran

Built in February and looks as good now as then

The roof is one of Max's favourite places

Nice tidy work. Balaji's crew spent a total of 2 days taking down the previous roof and replacing it with this new one

Looking towards the West

Looking towards the East

Additional strut added on for extra monsoon support

Animal Girivalam

Those that have been following Arunachala Grace, already know of my great love for animals. I have six of my own doggies and also daily feed dinner to a number of local doggies -- much to the intense jealous rivalry of my own brood.

As well as having my own doggies, I also feed hundreds of birds who daily visit my garden compound which is located adjacent to the wilderness area of the Samudram Eri. So the below Animal Girivalam -- is all about my love of animals.

Over Deepam Festival I was asked by Yoges, a good friend in Malaysia to look after two of her compatriots, who needed a mentor during their stay at Tiruvannamalai.

On one day during their stay, we rented an auto rickshaw for 4-5 hours to enjoy a nice leisurely auto hill round. During the hill round made sure to stop off at some special Temples to explain to my visitors the mythology connected with the Temple and sometimes just talked about local gossip surrounding various Temple compounds.

Although I had my camera, wasn't really in the mood to take many snaps, except for the below photographs which were of animals we saw at some of the Temples we visited.

Right click to see nesting birds: Adiannamalai Temple

The below extract is from my posting on Adiannamalai Temple on my website Arunachala Samudra.

"Birds nesting at Adi Annamalai Temple 

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

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."

Mating Rose Ringed Parakeets: Adiannamalai Temple

To read more about the Rose Ringed Parakeet which is found in abundant numbers in the countryside around Arunachala, please visit my Arunachala Bird Blog, at this link here.

Its been a long time since I visited the developing Balaji Temple (Lord Venkateshwara) near the Kubera Lingam on the South East side of Arunachala. It is the perfect place to bring young children, because as well as enormous statues of various Gods housed in individual shrines throughout the grounds of the Temple, the Temple is also home to a donkey and horse sanctuary. Below a lovely new-born at the beginning of his sweet life.

Ohhhhh!!!!!

Best place for junior -- right next to Mum

Another Temple which has a fascinating history and mythology is the recently remodelled Pachaiamman Koil. On a personal note, I preferred the Temple previous to its remodelling -- but obviously I am in a minority, as the Temple is very popular as a wedding venue for local couples. Which was delightful for all the local monkeys, as it meant plenty of snacks and fruit for the day.

For a fascinating narrative on the history of this Temple, visit my website at this link.

Monkeys in the Shade!

Munishwaras (Guardians)

Excerpt from my Website Narrative

 

"A legend of Pachaiamman (an aspect of Parvati) has it that after completing her penance at Kanchi, the Goddess started off for Arunachala. She travelled with 7 rishis and 7 virgins (Sapta Kanniyars) as part of a protective entourage. Halfway from Kanchi to Arunachala, the entourage stopped and made camp at the village Vazhapanthal. At that place the local king tried to molest the Goddess and the 7 rishis became as munishwaras (guardians) and killed the king. 

In the Pachaiamman Compound there are 14 statues of Pachaiamman’s warrior guardians set out in two lines, with two representations of each warrior." 

--- oOo ---

With our Animal Girivalam complete, my two ladies from Malaysia and I continued on our auto hillround and stopped off at several other fascinating, mythology-rich Temples - and a very nice time we had of it!

Lord Venkateshwara Temple

Have been following construction progress at the Lord Venkateshwara Temple compound, located just off the girivalam pathway near the Kubera Lingam. Glad to see that since last visiting the compound, lots of progress has been made.

Started off outside the Temple at a small shrine dedicated to Vinayaka and Kamadhenu (the wish fulfilling cow)

Part of the Temple complex, is a hospital, which is currently under construction.

The front of the Lord Venkateshwara Temple at Arunachala.

Some of the land belonging to the Temple Trust, which will be utilised to house a 4-storey structure of 108 apartments available for pilgrims and visitors.

From the angle of the below photograph, it is easier to notice that the Temple is built on an elevation. The elevation is artifically created in order to make it more prominent from the roadway and also to facilitate a better darshan of Arunachala from its precincts.

Another view of the Temple, with one of its Gopruams (towers).

There is a small dairy at the Temple compound. Sitting nearby are a couple of working bullocks, who are taking a rest from hauling carts being used at the hospital construction site.

And below an aspect of the Mother. In Tamil Nadu, its common to have representations of the Goddess (such as Karumariamman) portrayed in this bodiless way - and it signifies that the whole world is the body of the Mother.


The next photograph shows landscaping at the front of the Temple, which is still under construction. The huge idol of Lord Venkateshwara was installed and consecrated a couple of years ago and many pujas occur daily at the Temple.

If you are visiting Arunachala, recommend visiting this beautiful and powerful Temple. As mentioned in an earlier post, the idol of Lord Venkateshwara, is exactly based on the hugely famous Tirupati Balaji.

Balaji at Tiruvannamalai

Visited the beautiful new Temple of Lord Venkateshwara currently being constructed southeast of Arunchala near to the Kubera Lingam.

click to enlarge

The above is a photograph of the beautiful statue in the inner shrine, which is identical in all aspects to the famous Lord at Seven Hills, Tirupati. In front of Balaji are his consorts, Sridevi and Bhudevi. More soon.

Lord Venkateshwara

The Balaji murti (Lord Venkateshwara) in this shrine-room is an exact copy of the Balaji black marble 6 foot statue statue at Tirupati. In front of the statue there are murtis of; Sri Ganesha and Sri Devi and Bhu Devi. This is the first major Vishnu Temple to be built at Arunachala and many people, with a love of Tirupati Balaji, are now coming to this Lord Venkateshwara Temple here at this place. To pray to Balaji is regarded as very auspicious in connection with the answer of worldly prayers.

This Temple, dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, which was only inaugurated about two and a half years ago, is quickly becoming one of the busiest Temples in Tiruvannamalai. It is fortuitously situated right behind the Kubera Lingam on the Northeast side of Arunachala.

On Saturdays, the day particularly loved by Sri Balaji, crowds nearing the thousand are beginning to attend the elaborate pujas and bhajans. The crowds will only get bigger as the Temple construction gets closer to completion.