2016 Mahashivaratri Pictorial Report

Disappointingly because of work currently underway at Arunachaleswarar Temple in the way of restoration, cleaning and renovations, and according to the Sastras, certain traditions usually observed in these parts during Mahashivaratri, had to be dropped. In this respect the lighting of the 1000 jyothis around the Temple tanks and compound floors did not occur as it was felt that there was a fire hazard with the many flammable materials around the Gopurams and Shrines. 

Also as work is currently underway at the Temple's major Shrines, this year the tradition of the giant salt crystal Kolams on the Temple Compound Floor was also postponed. Happily after the upcoming Mahakumbhabhishekam Function scheduled for June 2016, the traditions of Festivals will once again be observed at Arunachaleswarar Temple. 

Early on March 7, crowds start milling around at Temple Flagstaff

Devotees queuing to enter the Shiva Sannidhi for darshan

Devotees performing puja on "floating lingam" on plinth outside Siva Sannidhi

Although the 1,000 jyothis around the Tanks and Temple floors were not allowed this year, some devotees lighting their individual jyothis near Flagstaff outside the Siva Sannidhi

As the day of March 7 develops into dusk the queues for Lord Siva's darshan extend into the 4th Prakaram

 

Dusk descending and the night of Mahashivaratri commences

Cultural program inside the 3rd Prakaram

Varied and inspirational devotional music and singing throughout the night

Young girls performing Bharat Natyam dancing in cultural programme

In evening the Gods on procession giving darshan

Outside Flagstaff at Siva Sannidhi

2016 Mahashivaratri Temple Invitation

Below an invitation from Arunachaleswarar Temple with details of the upcoming 2016 Mahashivaratri programme at the Temple over March 7-8, 2016, including details of the cultural programme at that time. 

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 

Quo Vadis Harmony

Quo Vadis,has arranged a cultural programme to take place between 6 and 8 p.m., June 21st, 2007 at the venue of the Danish Mission School (near Periyar Statue, Tiruvannamalai).

The forthcoming event, will comprise a music, cultural, and performing arts function put on by the 42 members of 'Quo Vadis Forum'. This event to be known as 'Quo Vadis Harmony' will be the engagement of 'music and arts to promote cultural dialogue'. It is proposed that Quo Vadis Harmony will have similar cultural programmes at least twice a year.

The upcoming programme will include an 'arangettram' (debut public musical recital) of 12 violinists trained by Rt. Rev. Dr. Gideon Devanesan, and will be a combination of both Indian and Western musical traditions. After the recital, certificates will be given to the 12 musicians by Richard Bhaskaran, Secretary of Arcot Lutheran Church. The 'Quo Vadis Harmony' programme will also include dance dramas and skits.

The guests at the function are to be Rev. David (from Chennai) who will be also covering the event on behalf of the Tamil TV station, Thamizham, Rt. Rev. Dr. Gideon Devanesan and his son Mr. Prasanna David, a computer engineer and missionary in Nepal.

All are welcome to 'Quo Vadis Harmony' an inaugural cultural event of music and arts to promote cultural dialogue.