2021 Vasantha Utsavam at Arunachaleswarar Temple

When the photographs of each day of this Festival are uploaded to the Arunachala Samudra website, I will provide a link here on Arunachala Grace.

Vasantha Utsavam is a ten day Festival observed at Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai which celebrates the arrival of the spring season and depicts the blossoming of love. It also re-enacts the famed legend of the burning into ashes of Kama, the God of Love and the resurrection of Kama out of the burnt ashes. The festival generally occurs between the end of March and during part of April. In 2021 the date of this festival ran from Saturday April 17 to Monday April 26.

The deity of this festival is Lord Somaskanda, a form of Shiva and Parvathi, whose shrine is located in the south-west corner, second prakaram of the Siva Sannidhi Temple. Traditionally during this Festival, the Gods are gorgeously decorated and with great ceremony taken upon Mahapradakshina i.e. round the sacred Mahila Maram (trees) within the Third Prakaram—ten times every night for ten days = 100 times. The significance of the "Makila Maram" comes from the Tamil verb which means to enjoy and denotes joy and exultation. In addition the word makila is often pronounced makuta which means crown and refers to the coronation of Lord Shiva as the sovereign of the universe.

The third day of Vasantha Utsavam is designated as the day of the birth of Manmatha, also known as Kama the God of love. At 9 p.m. on the fifth and eighth days the Temple lights are switched off so that the procession is in the dark. After going around the sacred Mahila Maram ten times the lights are switched back on to great rejoicing.

During this sacred Festival the Jumbo Keswara Lingam, that is set in stone on the raised platform in the midst of the sacred trees is filled to capacity with water. Plants and flowers are placed to float inside the recess of the Lingam, appearing to make the Lingam levitate and blossom.

   

Kamdev and Rati interrupt Shiva's meditation

Kama, The God of Love

When Lord Siva saddened by the death of his wife Sati decided to renounce the world, the Devas became afraid for the fate of the universe. The Gods went to Brahma and said, "Our foes, the Asuras have once again become powerful. It has been foretold that only the son of Siva can lead us to victory. The Lord has lost his wife and has become a hermit, forsaking us all. We dare not approach him, but it is absolutely essential that he wed again, and beget a son who will be our savior. What should we do?"

Brahma replied that Sati had reincarnated as the daughter of the Himavan king of the mountains and that she had resolved to obtain Siva for a husband and for this purpose had been performing severe penance. To ensure a meeting between the two, the Gods arranged for Parvati to serve Siva while he was performing his austerities.

However Indra became impatient and sent for Kama, the God of love and said, "O Kama, only you can save the Devas. For our welfare, it is required that Siva marry Parvati. She is at present waiting on Siva, but the Lord has not even noticed her presence. Go immediately and make him fall in love with her."

Kama went to the desolate forest where Siva was deep in meditation. He was accompanied by spring, and in an instant the entire forest was transformed into a beautiful garden. The time was ripe and Kama fitted one of his flower-arrows into his bow of sugarcane and let the arrow fly, aiming at the heart of Lord Siva. The arrow struck its target and Siva opened his eyes. He instantly fell in love with Parvati. However, his anger rose when he realized that Kama had interfered. Siva then opened his third-eye, and gazed with blazing anger at Kama, the God of love. Such was the potent power of Siva's gaze that Kama was instantly reduced to ashes.

Seeing her husband's death, Rati fell at the feet of Siva and beseeched him to spare her husband. At last, moved by her desperate pleas, Siva relented and brought Kama back to life but declared that Kama would thereafter be formless.

From that day on, Manmatha has not had a physical form. Neither Gods nor mortals can perceive him. He does his work unobserved, aided by his flower tipped arrows of love.

The death and resurrection of Kama represent the spiritual truth of how after the ego is destroyed, one is reborn as pure eternal Being. The fact that the flames from the third eye of Shiva burn Kama signifies that the third eye of Jnana (knowledge) in one’s heart  must be opened in order for the ego (ignorance) to be destroyed for no darkness can prevail when the light of knowledge shines.

Kama the God of Love

Kama the God of Love is also known as Manmatha, one of the mind-born son of Lord Brahma Dev. Some accounts say he was the mind-born son of Lord Vishnu. Rati was his consort.

Kama directing arrow at Lord Siva

Kamadeva is represented as a young, handsome winged man with green skin who wields a  bow and arrows with a parrot as his vehicle. His bow is made of sugarcane with a string of honeybees, and his arrows are decorated with five kinds of fragrant flowers.

The flowers on his arrows are: Aravinda (White Lotus), Ashoka, Cuta (Mango Flower), Navamalika (Jasmine) and Nilotpala (Blue Lotus). Also known as Unmada, Tapana, Shoshana, Stambhana and Sammohana.

Kamadeva has five arrows which are sometimes associated with five effects that desire has on one afflicted by it. Kamadeva's five arrows are said to be fascination, disturbance, burning, desiccation and destruction.

White Lotus

Ashoka Flower

Mango Flower

Jasmine Flower

Blue Lotus

Notice for 2021 Chitra Poornima Girivalam

The Tiruvannamalai district administration announced devotees would not be allowed to go on Chitra Poornima girivalam on April 26 and 27.

According to a press release, every Chitra Poornima (full moon day), more than 10 lakh devotees visit the Tiruvannamalai Arunachaleswarar temple and circumambulate the hill.

The State government introduced new restrictions in regards to the pandemic, which are in force till April 30. This includes night lockdown from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. and full lockdown on Sundays.

An official stated that, "Since girivalam for Chitra Poornima is scheduled between 12.16  p.m. on April 26 to 9.59 a.m. on April 27, devotees will not be allowed to circumambulate the hill."

 

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Its disappointing devotees will not allowed to perform circumambulation of Arunachala during the 2021 Chitra Poornima as after Karthigai Deepam Poornima, Chitra Poornima is traditionally the most popular and best frequented Arunachala Poornima of the year.

Below is information about the significance and legends attached to this special time.

 

Chitra Poornima, 2021

Chitra Poornima is dedicated to Chitragupta, the keeper of deeds in the house of Yama, (God of death) and to Indra, the leader of the Devas. This full moon observance of girivalam at Arunachala, is usually the most heavily attended of the year (other than Karthigai Mahadeepam Poornima).

Chitra Poornima is a day sacred to Chitra Gupta, the Keeper of Deeds. Lord Brahma created Chitragupta through the Sun God and is considered to be the younger brother of Lord Yama. Chitragupta (Chitra means picture, Gupta means hidden) represents the hidden picture of life that is vital, yet unknown. 

Chitragupta, Keeper of the Register

Chitragupta keeps the good and bad registry of every birth and according to ancestral belief, it is he who tallies a person's positive karma against their negative karma and declares the result to the Judge on High. It is believed to be the right time to gain blessings to wash away sin and gain virtue. 

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Legend of Chitra Poornima

Brihaspati was the Guru of Indra, the King of the Gods. When Indra disobeyed Brihaspati, Brihaspati relinquished his role of instructing and guiding Indra. Consequently during the period of the Guru's absence, Indra committed many evil acts. When the compassionate Guru resumed his role, Indra wanted to know what he should do to expiate the wrongs he had done in his Master’s absence. Brihaspati asked Indra to undertake a pilgrimage.

One day during this pilgrimage, Indra had the sudden realisation that he had been redeemed from his sins. He looked around and noticed a Shiva Lingam under a Kadamba tree. Feeling sure that it was Lord Shiva who had helped him alleviate his sins, he worshipped the Lingam. Suddenly golden lotuses appeared in a nearby pond as a manifestation of God’s pleasure and blessing. This legend is ascribed to have occurred on the day of Chitra Poornima, at Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

This special day has come to be known in Tamil Nadu as Chitra Poornima. It is advised that during Chitra Poornima one should remember this story. With intense faith and a contrite heart it is believed that if one admits to one’s sins and resolves never to commit such errors in the future and also pledges to always obey the Guru, then one’s previous sins will be forgiven. 

  

Lord Siva Column of Light: Siva Purana

Most devotees are familiar with the legend of the manifestation of Lord Siva as an effulgent column of light without beginning or end, as represented in the Skanda Purana. Below is the legend as represented slightly differently in the Siva Purana.

Chapter Seven

(Siva manifesting as a column of fire in the battlefield)

Isvara said:—

1. Dear children, hail to ye. I hope the universe and the race of the deities, under my suzerainty, flourish in their respective duties.

2. O Gods, the fight between Brahma and Visnu is already known to me. This agitation on your part is like a redundant speech.

3. Thus the consort of Amba consoled the concourse of devas with honey-like speech sweetened with a smile in the manner of appeasing children.

4. In that very assembly the lord announced his desire to go to the battlefield of Hari and Brahma and accordingly issued His directive to a hundred of the commanders of his attendants.

5-6. Different kinds of musical instruments were played to announce the start of the journey of the Lord. The commanders of the attendants were in readiness fully bedecked in their ornaments, seated in their respective vehicles. The lord, consort of Ambika, mounted the holy chariot shaped like Omkara from front to the back and embellished in five circular rings. He was accompanied by his sons and Ganas. All the devas, Indra and others, followed.

7. Honoured suitably by the display of banners of various colours, fans, chowries, scattered flowers, music, dance and the instrument players, and accompanied by the great goddess (Parvati), Pasupati (Siva) went to the battle-field with the whole army.

8. On espying the battle, the lord vanished in the firmament. The play of the music stopped and the tumult of the Ganas subsided.

9. There in the battlefield Brahma and Acyuta desirous of killing each other were awaiting the result of the Mahesvara and the Pasupata weapons hurled by them.

10-11. The flames emitted by the two weapons of Brahma and Visnu burned the three worlds. On seeing this imminent untimely dissolution the bodiless form of Siva assumed the terrific form of a huge column of fire in their midst.

12. The two weapons of fiery flame potential enough to destroy the entire world fell into the huge column of fire that manifested itself there instantaneously.

13. Seeing that auspicious wonderful phenomenon assuaging the weapons they asked each other "What is this wonderful form?"

14. "What is this column of fire that has risen up? It is beyond the range of senses. We have to find out its top and bottom."

15. Jointly deciding like this, the two heroes proud of their prowess immediately set about assiduously in their quest.

16-18. "Nothing will turn up if we are together". Saying this, Visnu assumed the form of a Boar and went in search of the bottom. Piercing through the netherworlds and going very far below, Visnu could not see the root of the fiery column. Utterly exhausted, Visnu in the form of a Boar returned to the former battle-ground.

19. Dear one, your father, Brahma who went high up in the sky saw a certain bunch of Ketaki flower of mysterious nature falling from above.

20-21. On seeing the mutual fight of Brahma and Visnu, lord Siva laughed. When his head shook, the Ketaki flower dropped down. Although it had been on its downward course for many years, neither its fragrance nor its lustre had been diminished even a bit. The flower had been intended to bless them.

22-23. (Brahma said) "O lord of flowers, by whom had you been worn? Why do you fall? I have come here to seek out the top, in the form of a swan." (The flower replied) "I am falling down from the middle of this primordial column that is inscrutable. It has taken me a long time. Hence I do not see how you can see the top."

24-25. "Dear friend, hereafter you must do as I desire. In the presence of Visnu you must say like this. O Acyuta, the top of the column has been seen by Brahma. I am the witness for the same." Saying this he bowed to the Ketaki flower again and again. Even falsehood is recommended in times of danger. So say the authoritative texts.

26. (Returning to the original place) on seeing Visnu there, utterly exhausted and lacking pleasure, Brahma danced with joy. Visnu, in the manner of a eunuch admitting his inability (to a woman), told him the truth (that he could not see the bottom). But Brahma told Visnu like this.

27-28. "O Hari, the top of this column has been seen by me. This Ketaki flower is my witness." The Ketaki flower repeated the falsehood endorsing the words of Brahma in his presence. Hari, taking it to be true, made obeisance to Brahma. He worshipped Brahma with all the sixteen means of service and homage.

29. The Lord taking up a visible form in order to chastise Brahma who practised trickery, came out of the column of fire. On seeing the lord, Visnu stood up and with his hands shaking with fear caught hold of the lord's feet.

30. It is out of ignorance and delusion about you whose body is without a beginning or an end that we indulged in this quest prompted by our own desire. Hence O, Sympathetic Being, forgive us for our fault. In fact, it is but another form of your divine sport.

Isvara said

31. "O dear Hari, I am pleased with you, because you strictly adhered to truth in spite of your desire to be a lord. Hence among the general public you will have a footing equal to mine. You will be honoured too likewise.

32. Hereafter, you will be separate from me having separate temple, installation of idols, festivals and worship."

33. Thus, formerly, the lord was delighted by the truthfulness of Hari and offered him a footing equal to his own even as the assembly of the devas was witnessing the same.

Chapter Eight

(Siva's forgiveness of Brahma)

Nandikesvara said:--

1. Mahadeva then created a wonderful person, Bhairava, from the middle of his brows to quell the pride of Brahma.

2. This Bhairava knelt before the lord in the battle-field and said—"O lord, what shall I do? Please give me your directives quickly."

3. "Dear, here is Brahma, the first deity of the universe. Worship him with our sharp-pointed quick-moving sword."

4. With one of his hands he caught hold of the tuft of Brahma's fifth head that was guilty of haughtily uttering a falsehood, and with the hands he furiously shook his sword in order to cut it off.

5. Your father trembled like a plantain tree in a whirlwind, with his ornaments scattered here and there, his cloth ruffled and loosened, the garland displaced, the upper cloth hanging loose and the glossy tuft dishevelled, and fell at the feet of Bhairava.

6. Meanwhile the sympathetic Acyuta desirous of saving Brahma, shed tears over the lotus-like feet of our lord and said with palms joined in reverence just like a child lisping words of entreaty to its father.

Acyuta said:—

7. O Lord, it was you who gave him five heads as a special symbol, long ago. Hence please forgive him his first guilt. Please favour him.

8. The lord thus requested by Acyuta relented and in the presence of all devas asked Bhairava to desist from punishing Brahma.

9. Then the lord turned to the deceitful Brahma who bent down his neck and said "O Brahma, in order to extort honour from the people you assumed the role of the lord in a roguish manner.

10-11. Hence you shall not be honoured, nor shall you have your own temple or festival.

Brahma said:—

O Lord, be pleased. O flourishing one, I consider this sparing of my head itself a great blessing and a boon. Obeisance to Thee, the lord, the kinsman, the originator of the universe, the forbearing, the forgiver of defects, the benevolent one, wielding the mountain as his bow.

Moonlight -- A Legend

One day Sun, Moon, and Wind went out to dine with their uncle and aunts Thunder and Lightning. Their mother (one of the most distant Stars you see far up in the sky) waited alone for her children's return. Now both Sun and Wind were greedy and selfish. They enjoyed the great feast that had been prepared for them, without a thought of saving any of it to take home to their mother - but the gentle Moon did not forget her. Of every dainty dish that was brought round, she placed a small portion under one of her beautiful long finger-nails, that Star might also have a share in the treat.

On their return their mother, who had kept watch for them all night long with her little bright eye, said, "Well, children, what have you brought home for me?" Then Sun (who was eldest) said, "I have brought nothing home for you. I went out to enjoy myself with my friends - not to fetch a dinner for my mother!" And Wind said, "Neither have I brought anything home for you, mother. You could hardly expect me to bring a collection of good things for you, when I merely went out for my own pleasure." But Moon said, "Mother, fetch a plate, see what I have brought you." And shaking her hands she showered down such a choice dinner as never was seen before.







Then Star turned to Sun and spoke thus, "Because you went out to amuse yourself with your friends, and feasted and enjoyed yourself, without any thought of your mother at home--you shall be cursed. Henceforth, your rays shall ever be hot and scorching, and shall burn all that they touch. And men shall hate you, and cover their heads when you appear." And that is why the Sun is so hot to this day. Then she turned to Wind and said, "You also who forgot your mother in the midst of your selfish pleasures - hear your doom. You shall always blow in the hot dry weather, and shall parch and shrivel all living things. And men shall detest and avoid you from this very time." And that is why the Wind in the hot weather is still so disagreeable.

But to Moon she said, "Daughter, because you remembered your Mother, and kept for her a share in your own enjoyment, from henceforth, you shall be ever cool, and calm, and bright. No noxious glare shall accompany your pure rays, and men shall always call you 'blessed."

And that is why the Moon's light is so soft, and cool, and beautiful even to this day.

[An old legend]

Happy Pongal 2009

The festival of Pongal, the harvest festival of South Indian, is believed to be over a 1,000 years old and celebrated in Tamil Nadu and by Tamilians worldwide. Although it started as a farmers festival, nowadays it is an important festival in urban areas as it is in rural ones. It follows the solar calendar and marks the auspicious beginning of Uttarayana, the Sun's movement northward for a six month period and all important events are scheduled during this 6-month period. Four festivals are celebrated at Tiruvannamalai (and throughout Tamil Nadu) for four consecutive days during Pongal; 'Bhogi' on January 13th, 'Pongal' on Jan 14th, 'Mattupongal' on Jan 15th, and 'Thiruvalluvar Day' on Jan 16th.

On Bhogi old clothes and materials are thrown away and set on fire, marking the beginning of a new life. The second day, the 'Pongal' day, is celebrated by boiling fresh milk early in the morning and allowing it to boil over the vessel - a tradition that is the literal translation for Pongal. People also prepare savouries and sweets, visit each other's homes, and exchange greetings. The third day, Mattu Pongal, is meant to offer thanks to the cows and buffaloes, as they are used to plough the lands. On the last day, Kanum Pongal, people go out to picnic. Most families adorn the front of their homes with kolam (rangoli drawings) every day, but during Pongal, the kolams are amazing in their detail, colour and intricacy.

Here are the two most popular legends attached to Pongal celebration

The raising of Mount Govardhan
The first day of the festival Bhogi Pongal connected with Lord Indra (the Vedic God of clouds and rains) and with Lord Krishna. In previous times, people used to worship Lord Indra who was the King of the Gods. This honour given to Lord Indra made him full of pride and arrogance. When baby Krishna came to know about this he thought of a plan to teach Indra a lesson. He persuaded his cowherd friends to worship Mount Govardhan rather than Lord Indra. This angered Indra and he sent forth his rain clouds to flood the land. At that time, Lord Krishna lifted the huge Govardhan on his little finger to protect the cowherds and cattle from the ravaging storm of Lord Indra. The rains continued for three days, till at last Indra realized his mistake and the superior power of Lord Krishna. He humbly begged Krishna's forgiveness. Since then, Krishna let the Bhogi celebrations continue to be celebrated in honour of Indra. Thus the festival also is known as 'Indran' from this legendary story.

The Banishment of Basava
Another legend associated with the festival relates to Lord Shiva. The third day of Pongal known as Mattu Pongal involves Lord Shiva and his mount, Nandi (Basava), the bull. According to the legend, Lord Shiva once asked the bull to go to the Earth and deliver a message to the people, to have an oil massage and bath daily and to eat food once a month. Basava mixed up the message, and told the people to have an oil massage and bath once a month, and to eat food daily. Enraged Shiva cursed Basava and said that due to this mistake there would be shortage of grains on Earth. He banished the bull to live on Earth forever in the form of cattle, and help people plough the fields. Thus, Mattu Pongal has an association with the cattle.

Deepam Legend

The first night of the lighting of the Deepam Flame, 2007, will be November 24th. In this respect, there are two famous myths from the Puranas that describe the history behind the famous yearly Deepam on the top of Arunachala. The first is about Brahma and Vishnu's dispute over the column of light and the other is of the boon given by Shiva for Parvati's penace in atonement for killing the demon Mahisasura, a devotee of Shiva.

It is customary to celebrate Deepam in all Shiva Shrines at the same time that Deepam is celebrated at Arunachala, however the legend for these Siva Shrines is different to that of Arunachala. This other legend goes thus:

The Ghee Lamp, Rat and King:

While Lord Shiva was seated in Mount Kailas with Devi Uma, a ghee lamp was in the process of extinction. A rat nearby approached it to drink the ghee and in that act the wick was pushed out a little, enabling the flame to brighten. This pious act though unintentional, resulted in the rat securing a human birth with huge wealth and the rank of a King.

With that prosperous boon the rat was born on earth as Mabali. Mabali, while reigning in all glory, one day wanted to worship Siva and went to a Siva shrine with all his royal paraphernalia. While in the Temple, a drop from a ghee lamp fell upon Mabali. The King got sores from that one drop and his malady continued for a long time.

It was then Lord Siva proclaimed, "King, thou art very arrogant. Hence you got this trouble through me. From this day on if you light Shiva shrines with ghee, you will be rid of your sores and live happily." Highly delighted on hearing these words the King from that day commenced lighting Shiva Temples and dark places with ghee (clarified butter) lamps. Lord Shiva looking at the king's piety, gave him liberation in the month of Kartigai on star Kartigai during poorva Paksha.

It is for the reason the Lord appeared before the King in the form of Light, that Deepam Darsan is celebrated in all Siva Shrines on this same day every year.