Aadi Pooram Brahmotsavam 2016: Arunachala

Aadi Pooram Brahmotsavam is currently being observed at Arunachaleswarar Temple and Sakthi Temples at Arunachala. The Festival started on 27th July, 2016 and will culminate on Friday, August 5th, 2016. 

As can be viewed in the below programme, at Arunachaleswar Temple everyday in the morning and evening, Lord Ganesha and the Divine Mother are coming out in procession during the days of this Festival. 

Programme for Festival

Adi Pooram Brahmotsavam is celebrated in all Hindu temples in Southern India in the month of Adi, which corresponds to the English months of July-August, when the asterism Pooram (Delta Leonis) is in the ascendancy. It is observed to propitiate the Sakti Goddess who is said to have come into the world on this occasion to bless all. She is thus worshipped in order that one may secure happiness for oneself and for loved ones. 

Aadi Pooram is also dedicated to the birth of Goddess Andal, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. Pooram or Puram is one among the 27 Nakshatras in Hindu Astrology.

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The climax of Aadi Pooram Brahmotsavam at the Big Temple, will be celebrated on August 5th, 2016. The schedule for that day will be approximatelty as follows: 

5.00 a.m. Amman Abhishekam 

6.00 a.m. Alangaram 

6.30 a.m. Flag Hoisting at Mother’s Shrine 

8.00 a.m. Amman from Sannadhi to Vallaikappu (bangle) Mandapam 

4.00 p.m. Amman in Vallaikappu and the worship of Amman by ladies 

4.00 p.m. Abhishekam 

6.00 p.m. Valaikappu (bangle) 

8.00 p.m. Amman goes around the Temple and returns to Vallaikappu Mandapam 

12.00 p.m. Adi Pooram firewalking preparation 

1.30 p.m. Fire walking 

Fire walk at Temple in a previous year

Fire or Agni is the fourth element of the Panchabhutas. The essential character of Fire is to generate heat and according to Hindu Mythology, Agni is one of the Eight Guardians that guard our Universe and are known as Asta-dik-palakas. 

In Indian mythology there are mentions of various types of fires. The four important ones are fire of the earth, fire of the sky, fire of the stomach (can mean hunger and digestive power as well) and the fire we commonly use. 

There is a wealth of mythology attached to Arunachala connected to its association with fire and what is related to fire i.e. light and the sun. 

One such legend is the one in which Lord Surya estranged from his wife Chayadevi visited Arunachaleswarar Temple to propitiate the Lord. A Tamil legend narrates another legend concerning Singavaram and a Temple dedicated to Sri Ranganadha. Here a king named Kandhan, after suffering a defeat, performed a fire walking ceremony in worship of Draupadi (from the Mahabharata). Draupadi, pleased with the worship, appeared before the king and promised that whoever should worship her as he had done would remain unscathed and also obtain whatever they prayed for. From that day onwards the fire-walking festival is observed with great enthusiasm in Tamil Nadu. 

Walk will be performed by approved devotees: front of Mother's Shrine

A special association of Arunachala as Agni Kshetra, is that of fire walking which will be observed this year on the late night of Aadi Pooram i.e. 5th August, 2016. The festival is called Theemithi Utsavam in Tamil Nadu. On the night of this Festival, devotees will walk on burning embers. This is not observed at Arunachaleswarar Temple as per agamic rules. On the night of Aadi Pooram (Pushya) star, the function will be observed immediately in front of the Unnamulai Shrine, 3rd Prakaram of Arunachaleswarar Temple. 

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Sri Rajarajeshwari Temple on Girivalam Roadway, will be holding a bangle ceremony on August 5th, 2016, at their Temple followed by puja and worship of the Goddess dressed in her most resplendent best. For darshan of this Divine Goddess and to avoid crowds, you can visit the Temple after 8 p.m. on Friday, 5th August, 2016. 

Sri Rajarajeshwari on a previous Aadi Pooram

She will be the most beautifully adorned and adored Goddess at Arunachala

10 Day Parvathi Amman Utsavam 2013

This day July 31, 2013 marks Adi Kodietram, the beginning of the 10 Day Parvathi Amman Utsavam. The photographs below are of the hoisting of an emblem of the Goddess on the Flagpole above the Amman Temple (in the Third Prakaram) at Arunachaleswarar Temple.

Hoisting Mother's Emblem

Flagpole, Mother's Temple

During this Festival the Goddess, Apeethakuchambal will be taken every day around the Mahaveedi. On Poornam Natchatram, the Valai Karpoo (Bangle) ceremony will take place in the Valai Karpoo Mandapam (in the Fifth Prakaram). 

Flagpole at Mother's Temple in front of Gopurams and Arunachala

Flagpole, Arunachala

Goddess Apeethakuchambal

At the end of the Festival, Fire Walking will take place around midnight. Hope to give more details of the upcoming programme. 

Preparation for Fire Walking, a previous year

But for now, check the pictorial narrative about a previous Fire Walking Ceremony, at this link here.

Surya Arunachala Mythology

Fire or Agni is the fourth element of the Panchabhutas. The essential character of Fire is to generate heat and according to Hindu Mythology, Agni is one of the Eight Guardians that guard our Universe and are known as Asta-dik-palakas. 

In Indian mythology there are mentions of various types of fires. The four important ones are fire of the earth, fire of the sky, fire of the stomach (can mean hunger and digestive power as well) and the fire we commonly use. 

There is a wealth of mythology attached to Arunachala connected to its association with fire and what is related to fire i.e. light and the sun.

Pushparatheshwara Temple and the Red Lotus

One such legend is the one in which Lord Surya estranged from his wife Chayadevi visits Arunachaleswarar Temple to propitiate the Lord.

Another special association of Arunachala as Agni Kshetra, is that of fire walking. There is a festival called Thee-midi Utsavam in Tamil Nadu. On the day of this Festival, people walk on burning charcoal. That is generally not celebrated at Arunachala as per the agama rules. But in the Tamil month of Aadi on the day of Pooram (Pushya) star, this festival is performed right in front of the shrine of Unnamulai, who is the consort of Lord Arunachaleshawara.

Firewalking Pilgrims outside Mother Shrine,
Arunachaleswarar Temple

To further enhance Arunachala as Agni Kshetra, the Kaman Festival (‘Manmada Dahanam’) is celebrated in front of Lord Arunachaleswarar every spring.

The Skanda Purana, Part III is replete with mythology referencing the significance of Lord Surya (the sun) at Arunachala.

Sun God at Arunachala

On the advice of Brahma, Bhaskara (i.e. the Sun-God) who is a mass of refulgence but who was harassed by Asuras, devoutly worshipped the Lord of Arunachala. 

After plunging into the sanctifying pure Tirtha created by Brahma, he circumambulated Arunachala, the Lord himself. 

After gaining victory over all the Daityas and (the privilege of) circumambulating Meru, he gained supreme refulgence that destroys the brilliance of enemies. [Skanda Purana (P), Chapter 6, Verses 32-34]

Aditya whose shape was formed by Tvastr blazed with brilliance. The Lord of Planets attempted to cross Sonadri. The horses of his chariot lost their power and became tired. Due to the refulgence of Sonadri he became devoid of glory. Even with all the attempted motion of the possessor of cluster of rays (i.e. Sun), he became unable to go to the heaven. On the advice of Brahma he propitiated Arunachala. When the Lord was pleased, he obtained the path of the sky and splendid horses. 

Ever since then the Sun never crosses the mountain named Sona but goes circumambulating him. [Skanda Purana (P), Chapter 6, Verses 45-49a]

Sun God's Charioteer 

When he obstructed the flow of water at the time of the gift of the earth by Bali (to Vamana), Bhargava (i.e. Sukra) lost his eye on being prickled with the top of the Darbha grass held in his hand by Vishnu (i.e. Vamana). He went to Sonacala and performed a very difficult penance. With his soul purified, he regained his eye.

He (i.e. Aruna, Garuda's brother) was stationed on the mountain named Bhaskara. By serving the Lord of Arunachala, he became the charioteer of the Sun-God. [Skanda Purana (P), Chapter 6, Verses 51b-53] 

Circumambulation of Arunachala 

One who circumambulates on Sunday becomes liberated. Piercing through the solar disc, he shall go to Siva's city. [Skanda Purana (P), Chapter 9, Verses 57b-64a] 

One shall attain innumerable benefits by circumambulating Sonagiri on equinoctial days, days on which the Sun takes another transit, the transit from one Zodiac to another, on Vyatipata days and other Parvan days [Skanda Purana (U), Chapter 24, Verse 51] 

Beautiful Lord Surya Statue,

Arunagirinathar Temple, Ayyankulam Tank

Holy Rites for Special Attainments 

If anyone worships the Lord of Sonadri on a Sunday with red lotuses, he will surely acquire great imperial magnificence. [Skanda Purana (U), Chapter 7, Verse 1] 

During the Solar and Lunar eclipses a devotee should piously bathe the Lord with Pancantra repeating the five-syllable Mantra of Sonanatha. During the two Ayanas (i.e. transits of the Sun) the deity should be bathed with Pancagavya. The rite of bathing with Gavya shall be performed along with the recitation of the six-syllabled Mantra During the two equinoxes the bathing rite of the Lord of Arunachala should be devoutly performed with milk repeating Pranava (Om). [Skanda Purana (U), Chapter 7, Verses 32-34] 

Sri Siva said: 

Ether, wind, fire, water, earth, the sun, the moon and Puman (man i.e. Hotr) – these are my physical forms, and through these the Universe consisting of mobile and immobile beings shines. [Skanda Purana (U), Chapter 24, Verse 39] 

Parvati's Devotion to Arunachaleswara 

She herself installed a Linga of Sankara. Parvati worshipped it in accordance with the injunction laid down in the Agamas. 

She propitiated the Sun-god by offering seat, making idols and reciting Mula Mantras. She performed the various ancillary rites. In the different quarters she worshipped (the attendants) the chiefs of whom were Dandin and Pingala, Saktis beginning with Dipta, the planets beginning with the Moon in the different quarters. She showed the mystic gestures of Dhenus (cows) etc. The Nirmalya (remnants of the worship) was dedicated to the fierce splendour (of the Sun). She then offered the foodstuffs prepared

. . . . Assuming the lotus-posture in her heart she worshipped Jnana (knowledge), Dharma (Virtue) and others in due serial order. She assigned Vama and other Saktis (power-deities) on the petals (of the heart-lotus). The Sun and god Brahma were posted at the tip of the Petal . . . [Skanda Purana (U), Chapter 18, Verses 59-67] 

Fire Walking Pictorial

As mentioned in an earlier posting, here are some more photographs of Adi Pooram and of the Fire Walking ceremony. You can view the earlier posting at this link here.

In the upcoming Arunachala Grace Newsletter there will be a full information-filled narrative of the history and significance of the celebration of Adi Pooram and Fire Walking at Arunachaleswarar Temple. So if you are not yet a subscriber of the free Arunachala Grace Newsletter (sent direct to your email inbox) please visit the subscribe facility at the left hand column of this page.

Right click to view enlarged version of below photographs.

Flag Hosting Ceremony

Ladies at Vallaikappu Mandapam,
ArunachaleswararTemple

Ladies worshipping Amman at Mandapam

Amman at Vallaikappu Mandapam

Devotees bathing at Brahma Tirtham,
Arunachaleswarar Temple before firewalk

[If you look at the previous posting of the firewalk you will see that the fire embers are red hot. I suspect the grey colour of the embers in the below photographs are because of the position of the photographer.]

FIREWALK

Schedule of Adi Pooram and Fire Walking
at Arunachaleswarar Temple

5 a.m. Amman Abhishekam

6 a.m. Alangaram

6.30 a.m. Flag Hoisting

8.00 a.m. Amman from Sannadhi to Vallaikappu Mandapam

4.00 p.m. Amman in Vallaikappu and the worship of Amman by ladies

4.00 p.m. Abhishekam

6.00 p.m. Valaikappu

8.00 p.m. Amman goes around the Temple and returns to Vallaikappu Mandapam

12.00 p.m. Adi Pooram firewalking preparation

1.30 p.m. Fire walking

Fire Walking Arunachala

Fire walking is still a regular event in Tiruvannamalai and other South Indian towns. Usually wood or charcoal is burnt and the smouldering embers laid out onto the ground. Commonly the ceremony is held under the auspices of a Temple, and in the case of Arunachaleswarar Temple the occurrence takes place once year. This year the Fire Walking ceremony took place around 2 a.m. this morning in front of the Unnamulaiamman Shrine at the Arunachaleswarar Temple, which was specially kept open for the function.

To view enlarged version of all photographs right click on each snap

Many hundreds of devotees turned up for the ceremony, but the fire walking itself was only undertaken by devotees of the Divine Mother who had been observing special procedures over the previous 30 days (including fast) in order to prepare themselves for the ‘test of devotion’. Those who participated were ordinary householders and largely non-Brahmins. In some cases devotees were given a mantra to recite during their fire walk.

In all Temples, where the fire-walking ceremony is practised, it is a Goddess that is worshipped. In the case of the Arunachaleswarar Temple, it is the Goddess Unnamulai that is duly placated.

The actual ceremony occurs on the paved courtyard in front of the Unnamulaiamman Shrine, inside the compound of the Big Temple, a fixed day during the month of Adi (mid-July to mid-August). At that time a fire of burning embers is spread out after midnight for people to walk upon.

A Tamil legend narrates the story that in Singavaram there is a Temple to Sri Ranganadha. Here a king named Kandhan, after suffering a defeat, performed a fire walking ceremony in worship of Draupadi (from the Mahabharata). Draupadi, pleased with the worship, appeared before the king and promised that whoever should worship her as he had done would remain unscathed and also obtain whatever they prayed for. From that day onwards the fire-walking festival is observed with great enthusiasm in Tamil Nadu.

In the upcoming Arunachala Grace Newsletter there will be a narrative explaining the history and esoteric significance of the fire walking ceremony as it is performed at the Unnamulaiamman Shrine at Arunachaleswarar Temple.

If you are not receiving your copy of the bi-monthly Newsletter direct to your email inbox, please visit the Newsletter subscribe facility which you can find at the left column margin of this page.

High quality professional photographs of the actual fire walking will be posted in the upcoming week. Please keep checking back to view updates of this ceremony.

Shakti Fire Walking

[The photographs are of the firewalking ceremony of a previous year in front of the Unnamulai Shrine, Arunachalaeswarar Temple].

Fire walking is still a regular event in Tiruvannamalai and other South Indian towns. Usually wood or charcoal is burnt and the smouldering embers laid out onto the ground. The ceremony is usually held under the auspices of a Temple, and in the case of Arunachaleswarar Temple held once a year during this the month of Adi. In this respect the fire walking ceremony will actually take place this week at different Shaktis Temples at Tiruvannamalai and in respect of the Arunachaleswarar Temple, the fire walking ceremony will occur in front of the Unnamulai Shrine in the Arunachaleswarar Compound.




Those who participate are ordinary householders and are largely non-Brahmins. In some cases the devotees are give a mantra to recite and may fast for some days before the ritual. In all temples where the fire-walking ceremony is practised it is a Goddess that is worshipped. In the case of the Arunachaleswarar Temple, it is the Goddess Unnamulai that is duly placated. The actually ceremony occurs on the paved courtyard in front of the Temple of Unnamulai, inside the compound of the Big Temple, on the full moon day of the month of Adi (mid-July to mid-August). At that time a fire of burning embers is spread out after midnight for people to walk upon.




There is a Tamil story that in a place in Singavaram, there is a temple to Sri Ranganadha. Here a king named Kandhan, after suffering a defeat, performed a fire walking ceremony in worship of Draupadi (from the Mahabharata). Draupadi, pleased with the worship, appeared before the king and promised that whoever should worship her as he had done would remain unscathed and also obtain whatever they prayed for. From that day onwards the fire-walking festival is observed with great enthusiasm in Tamil Nadu.