Lingodbhavamurti Abhishekam 2014

Below are photographs of the 2014 Lingodbhavamurti Abhishekam performed at Arunachaleswarar Temple. 

The manifestation of Shiva in a column of fire with Lord Brahma manifesting as a swan at the top of the Lingodbhava and Lord Vishnu manifesting as a swine at the base of the Lingodbhava, is carved in stone and always enshrined in the rear niche of the sanctum sanctorum in Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Since most Temples face east, the Lingodbhava faces West.

Lingodbhavamurti, Arunachaleswarar Temple

The non-anthropomorphic form of the Shiva Lingam is a representation of an infinite cosmic column of fire, whose origins were not traceable by either Lord Brahma or Lord Vishnu. The Shiva Lingam is the centre of reverence and worship in all Saivite temples.

The bathing of the Lingodbhavamurti with tumeric

The puja celebrating the legend of the Lingodbhavamurti is particularly relevant on the day of Mahashivaratri as it represents the worship of sacred Arunachala itself, which is considered to be the manifestation of this cosmic column of fire as it represents the primordial element of fire as one of the Pancha Bhuta Stalas. 

Bathing of the Lingodbhavamurti with milk

On the night of Mahashivaratri around 8.30 p.m. I circumambulated the Shiva Sannidhi and noticed a large crowd assembled in front of the Lingodbhavamurti that would patiently wait until midnight and start of abhishekam. But really not such a difficult wait, as one isn’t often offered the opportunity to sit undisturbed for hours behind the Sannidhi next to the Lingodbhava. 

Lord Vishnu in form of Boar at base of Lingodbhava

Aarti at 2014 Mahashivaratri Lingodbhavamurti Abhishekam

The day of this Mahashivaratri abshikeham is also significant in that it is the only day in the year that the Ketaki flower (Pinescrew) is allowed to be used in the worship of Lord Shiva. To read the reason for this go to an earlier posting at this link here. 

Ketaki Flower (white celery looking flower) top of Lingodbhava

Lingodbhavamurti Puja and the Ketaki Flower

As promised in an earlier posting, below are photographs of the recent Lingodbhavamurti puja held at Arunachaleswarar Temple on the night of the 2013 Mahashivaratri.

The manifestation of Shiva in this column of fire in front of Brahma and Vishnu, is carved in stone, as the Lingodbhavamurti manifestation of Shiva, and is always enshrined in the rear niche of the sanctum enshrining a Shiva Lingam. Since most temples face east, the Lingodbhava faces West.

The non-anthropomorphic form of the Shiva Lingam is a representation of this infinite cosmic column of fire, whose origins were not traceable by Brahma or Vishnu. The Shiva Lingam is the centre of reverence and worship in all Saivite temples.

Lingodbhavamurti, Arunachaleswarar Temple

The story of Lingodbhava is that of the attempts of Vishnu and Brahma to discover the origins (the beginning Aadi and the end Antha) of Shiva, is stated in three of the Puranas - the Kurma Purana, the Vayu Purana and Shiva Purana.

Vishnu was engaged in his yoganidhra (the slumber of yoga) at the end of a kalpa, in the waters of the great deluge, when there appeared before him, Brahma emerging from a great illumination. Brahma introduced himself to Vishnu as the Creator of the Universe, to which Vishnu replied that he was the architect of the Universe. An argument ensued between both as to their superiority over one another, when there appeared before them - a huge lingam of fire - with tongues of flames blazing out of it.

2013 Mahashivaratri Puja

Curious to trace the origins of this column of fire, Brahma assumed the form of a swan and flew upwards, while Vishnu assumed the form of a boar, and burrowed down into the earth. Eons of search in either direction proved futile, and hence the two Gods surrendered to this column of fire.

The puja celebrating the legend of the Lingodbhavamurti is particularly relevant on the day of Mahashivaratri as it represents the worship of sacred Arunachala itself, which is considered to be the manifestation of this cosmic column of fire as it represents the primordial element of fire as one of the Pancha Bhuta Stalas.

Dressed and garlanded Lingodbhavamurti, 2013 Mahashivaratri

I was eager to post these photographs because of the affinity I share with the sweet Ketaki flower which is an essential part of this puja.

Ketaki Flowers on the top of Lord Shiva's head

It is only on the day of Mahashivaratri (during the third Kala Puja) that the Screwpine flower is used for the worship of Shiva. As a result of a dispute between Brahma and Vishnu, Lord Shiva declared that henceforth the flower which hitherto had adorned his head in worship would no longer be used in his adoration except on the night of Mahashivaratri.

The story including the Ketaki Flower goes thus:

Dispute of Brahma and Vishnu In the days of antiquity a controversy arose between Brahma and Vishnu as to which of the two was greater. Brahma said to Vishnu, "I have created the five elements and all the living beings with their endless differences in form and sound. Therefore I am the Absolute God." Vishnu said, "The whole universe is but an aspect of mine. Of what use is your creation if I do not protect it? It is my thought-power that creates, sustains and destroys the whole Universe. So I am the Absolute God" Their dispute resulted in misery in the manifested world. Supreme Being Parameshwara saw this and was filled with compassion. To settle the discord and subdue their pride, Lord Shiva appeared before them in the form of blazing column of light and a voice issued from it asking them to seek its upper and lower limits and he who found either of these is the superior one. Both gods stopped fighting and decided to explore the ends. Brahma took the form of a swan and flew up to reach the top of the column of light, whereas Vishnu became a boar and started burrowing into the earth to find its base.

A thousand years passed as Vishnu dug deep into the nether worlds and the journey seemed endless. With all this power he could not discover the base and he got lost in meditation with the result that he experienced the Supreme Light which dwells in the hearts of all. He soon realised and recognised that his true strength was derived from this Supreme Light, that is Lord Shiva. He prayed to Shiva seeking His pardon and then returned to earth. Brahman who flew up as a swan was mounting the sky and the higher he soared, the column of light rose higher before him. He was growing despondent and was about to return when he saw a fragrant flower called Ketaki (screw-pine) falling towards the earth. On asking from where it had come, the flower revealed that it had come from the crest of the fire column that was none other than Shiva himself and that it had been descending for thousands of four-fold Yugas. Brahma requested the flower to say that both of them came down after seeing the crest and thus the flower swore to Vishnu in the presence of the Column of Effulgence that Brahma had reach the summit.

Splitting asunder the column of Light, Shiva appeared before the two Gods. When the lotus-eyed Vishnu saw him, he danced with joy. The guilty Brahma on seeing the Lord’s true form was confused and frightened. Mahadeva said, "The two of you need not be ashamed for having transcended your limits. Hari (Vishnu) pondered deeply and became enlightened. But Brahma has uttered falsehood and I now cut off his fifth head for that perjury. Brahma shall not hereafter be installed in any Temple. And this flower, which bore false witness, shall never again find a place on my head and shall not be used for my worship." After cursing Brahma and the screw-pine flower thus, Shiva turned to Vishnu and said, "Child! Be composed, I am pleased with you. You are one of my foremost devotees. You originated from me and are my sattwic part. At the end of the kalpa you shall merge in me." 

Brahma and Vishnu prayed to Shiva to abide there forever as a Tejo Lingam. In answer to their heartfelt request, Parameshwara established himself as the Arunachala Hill and also as a small Siva Lingam at the eastern foot of the Hill for the welfare of the world and for those who desire to worship Him and obtain illumination. 

[Abridged – The Glory of Arunachala] 

Thazhampoo, Ketaki, Screwpine

It is only on the day of Mahashivaratri (third Kala Puja) that the Screwpine flower is used for the worship of Shiva. As a result of a dispute between Brahma and Vishnu the Lord declared that henceforth the flower which hitherto had adorned his head in worship would no longer be used in his adoration.

The story of the dispute goes like this:


Dispute of Brahma and Vishnu

In the days of antiquity a controversy arose between Brahma and Vishnu as to which of the two was greater. Brahma said to Vishnu, "I have created the five elements and all the living beings with their endless differences in form and sound. Therefore I am the Absolute God." Vishnu said, "The whole universe is but an aspect of mine. Of what use is your creation if I do not protect it? It is my thought-power that creates, sustains and destroys the whole Universe. So I am the Absolute God" Their dispute resulted in misery in the manifested world. Supreme Being Parameshwara saw this and was filled with compassion. To settle the discord and subdue their pride, Lord Shiva appeared before them in the form of blazing column of light and a voice issued from it asking them to seek its upper and lower limits and he who found either of these is the superior one. Both gods stopped fighting and decided to explore the ends. Brahma took the form of a swan and flew up to reach the top of the column of light, whereas Vishnu became a boar and started burrowing into the earth to find its base.

A thousand years passed as Vishnu dug deep into the nether worlds and the journey seemed endless. With all this power he could not discover the base and he got lost in meditation with the result that he experienced the Supreme Light which dwells in the hearts of all. He soon realised and recognised that his true strength was derived from this Supreme Light, that is Lord Shiva. He prayed to Shiva seeking His pardon and then returned to earth. Brahman who flew up as a swan was mounting the sky and the higher he soared, the column of light rose higher before him. He was growing despondent and was about to return when he saw a fragrant flower called Ketaki (screw-pine) falling towards the earth. On asking from where it had come, the flower revealed that it had come from the crest of the fire column that was none other than Shiva himself and that it had been descending for thousands of four-fold Yugas. Brahma requested the flower to say that both of them came down after seeing the crest and thus the flower swore to Vishnu in the presence of the Column of Effulgence that Brahma had reach the summit.

Splitting asunder the column of Light, Shiva appeared before the two Gods. When the lotus-eyed Vishnu saw him, he danced with joy. The guilty Brahma on seeing the Lord’s true form was confused and frightened. Mahadeva said, "The two of you need not be ashamed for having transcended your limits. Hari (Vishnu) pondered deeply and became enlightened. But Brahma has uttered falsehood and I now cut off his fifth head for that perjury. Brahma shall not hereafter be installed in any Temple. And this flower, which bore false witness, shall never again find a place on my head and shall not be used for my worship." After cursing Brahma and the screw-pine flower thus, Shiva turned to Vishnu and said, "Child! Be composed, I am pleased with you. You are one of my foremost devotees. You originated from me and are my sattwic part. At the end of the kalpa you shall merge in me."

Brahma and Vishnu prayed to Shiva to abide there forever as a Tejo Lingam. In answer to their heartfelt request, Parameshwara established himself as the Arunachala Hill and also as a small Siva Lingam at the eastern foot of the Hill for the welfare of the world and for those who desire to worship Him and obtain illumination.

[Abridged – The Glory of Arunachala]

For those of you interested in learning more about the infamous Screw Pine, which is allowed in the worship of Shiva only during the night of Mahashivaratri, go to this link here.

Brahma and the Lie

In the upcoming Arunachala Grace Newsletter there is a narrative on the Screw-Pine focusing in particular on its ayurvedic and medicinal uses. The Newsletter will be sent out within some days, so if you are not yet a subscriber, please check out the 'facility' at the left hand margin of this page and receive the free monthly Newsletter direct to your email inbox.

Even though the Screw-Pine did in fact lie to Shiva, I've always felt a great sense of compassion towards it - 'It wasn't his fault, he got bad advice! Give him another chance!'.

To find out about the Column of Effulgence (i.e. Arunachala), Brahma and the lie, and also to learn more about the Screw-Pine, read on:

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Brahma:

“. . . saw a white streak approach him and as it came near, he saw that it was a flower of the screw-pine. Though faded, it was very fragrant and pure. Brahma took it in his hands, whereupon the flower spoke to him, “Ah! Why do you stop me? I have been travelling for many thousands of years and am tired. Please let me go.”

Brahma turned to the flower and asked:

“Who are you? Where are you coming from?” It replied, “I am a flower of the screw-pine. I am sentient. I dwelt on the crest of this column for a long time at Siva’s command. I am now coming down as I desire to see the world.”

Brahma asked the flower:

“How far away is the top of this Column of Effulgence?”

The flower of the screw-pine derisively smiled at Brahma and said:

“Who are you? You seem to know nothing. You cannot know the origin of this column. There are crores and crores of Brahmandas inside this column. They are countless. Who can measure its dimensions? I have been coming down for many thousands of four-fold yugas. Yet I have not perceived the earth which is its middle region.”

When Brahma heard this he abandoned his pride, clasped his hands, bowed to it and prayed:

The Column of Light

“O great soul in the form of a flower of the screw-pine! I am Brahman, the Creator. There arose a dispute between Vishnu and myself. Both of us forgot the glory of Shiva. We became proud of our work, creating and sustaining the world. It is said that friendship arises even by exchanging seven words. You are a great soul. You must forgive my ignorance and be gracious to me. We began seeking the top and bottom of this Column of Effulgence in order to establish superiority over each other. Vishnu took the form of a boar and I, that of a swan. I am unaware of Vishnu’s fate. I who came to find the summit have flown for thousands of years and become weary. My life seems to be ebbing.

Friend! Fortunately I have met you. I am helpless. You are now my saviour. Pray, grant my wish. I beseech you. You must utter a life for me, your friend. Kindly avow in the presence of Vishnu that I have seen the summit of the Column of Effulgence and that you were witness to it since you (the flower) always decorates Siva’s head. Further, declare that I (Brahma) am superior to Vishnu.”

Implored thus, the screw-pine supported Brahma in his lie in the presence of the Column of Effulgence that the God had reached the summit. To punish them for this Shiva announced:

“Brahma . . . has uttered a falsehood, and I now cut off his fifth head for that perjury. Brahma shall not hereafter be installed in any Temple. And this screw-pine flower, which bore false witness, shall never again find a place on my head and shall not be used for my worship.”

[Abridged from The Glory of Arunachala]

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Screwpine

The Screw Pine is a shrub with fragrant flowers found wild in Southern India and grows in abundance along seacoasts and banks of rivers.

It is also known by the name of: Umbrella tree, Tamil: Thazhampoo and in Sanskrit: Ketaki. The shrub’s botanical name is Pandanus Odoratissimus of the Screw Pine family: Pandanaceae.

The Pandanus is also known as the Screw Pine due to the swirl of the leaves. It is one of the most useful plants in the tropics. Practically every part of the Screw Pine is used for all types of purposes: clothing, bowls, house building, food, medicine and fragrance.

It is only the male flowers of the tree that have a scent, which has been described as heavily fragrant, unforgettable and something similar to hyacinth-honey. The male flower of the Pandanus Odoratissimus can weigh two pounds or more and is also known as one of the five arrows of Kaman (the Indian Cupid).

Male Flower
A mature flower with opening petals. But, the flower is at its best as a bud.

Unripe Fruit


Ripe Fruit