2021 Karthigai Deepam Arunachaleswarar Temple—Sri Chandrasekhara Theppal

On the evening of Saturday, November 20 (the day after the lighting of the Deepam on the summit of Arunachala), Sri Chandrasekhara Theppal took place on the Brahma Tirtham inside Arunachaleswarar Temple.

 

 

2021 Karthigai Deepam Festival: November 14, 2021—Day Five

 

The below photographs are of Day 5 of the 2021 Karthigai Deepam Festival celebrated at Arunachaleswarar Temple which shows the procession and darshan of the Gods in the Temple prakarams

 

Progress of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Shrine construction Girivalam Roadway: August 2021

 

The below photographs were taken last Friday, August 13, 2021 and show the progress of the Sri Shirdi Sai Shrine construction, located on Girivalam Roadway where it meets Kanji Road. The Trustees of this upcoming Shrine, plan to instal the statues of Lord Ganesha and Lord Murugan on Ganesh Chaturthi, Friday, September 10, 2021.

The Plastic Cow

 

The Karuna Society for Animals and Nature has been established in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, South India since 2000. The Karuna Society (Karuna = compassion) works for animal welfare and the environment by providing free medical care and shelter for sick, injured, abandoned and abused animals. Since 2002 Karuna has rescued more than 700 cows, buffaloes, donkeys and horses.

 

Around a decade ago, 35 cows suddenly came into Karuna Society's care—when one cow died unexpectedly, a post-mortem examination revealed a huge amount of plastic and other garbage in its stomach. Further surgeries on the remaining animals found that all had plastic in their abdomens. Since then Karuna Society has performed rumenotomies on around 60 cows.

 

An estimated five million cows roam India's cities, with many gorging on the vast amounts of plastic litter on the streets. There is no official, nationwide data on how many cows die every year from ingesting plastic. But in 2017, a Times of India report cited veterinary officials and animal welfare groups estimate, that around 1,000 cows die annually just in the city of Lucknow from eating plastic.

 

A case In Faridabad, North India highlights the country's twin problems of pollution and stray cattle. A cow was rescued after a road accident by the People For Animals Trust Faridabad. A vet soon noticed the pregnant bovine was struggling. In a four-hour operation, vets found nails, plastic, marbles and other garbage in its stomach. Vets at that organisation attempted to induce labour of the pregnant cow but were unable to save her calf—three days later the mother cow also died.

 

The Karuna Society have produced a documentary entitled The Plastic Cow about animal rights, which looks at the impact of man's dependence on plastic and how it is used and carelessly discarded each day. Not only is this plastic an environmental threat, it also ends up in the stomach of discarded cows; who have to fend for themselves by foraging for food from community garbage dumps and the streets.

Much excellent animal welfare work is being undertaken by such organisations as the Karuna Society at Puttaparthi but please understand the phenomenon of the Plastic Cow is serious and widespread throughout India and most certainly includes Tiruvannamalai and Tamil Nadu.

Lingodbhavamurti Puja—2021 Mahashivaratri, Arunachaleswarar Temple

 

The manifestation of Lord Shiva in a column of fire in front of Brahma and Vishnu and carved in stone, is known as the Lingodbhavamurti manifestation of Lord Shiva. It 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-anthromorphic form of the Shiva Lingam is a representation of the infinite cosmic column of fire, whose origins could not be traced by Brahma or Vishnu. This representation of the Shiva Lingam is the centre of reverence and worship in all Saivite temples.

On the night of Mahashivaratri the Lingodbhavamurti is bathed and anointed in the ritual of abhishekam and puja.  This ritual conducted on the night of Mahashivaratri represents the worship of sacred Arunachala itself, (which is considered to be the manifestation of this cosmic column of effulgence) as it represents the primordial element of fire (Agni); one of the Pancha Bhuta Sthalams.

For more information about the significance of this worship, please visit an earlier posting at this link here.

2017 Arunachala Karthigai Festival: Day 3. Day—Lord Chandrasekharar on Bootha Vahana

On the morning of Day 3 of the 2017 Karthigai Deepam Festival at Arunachala the procession of Lord Chandrasekhara on the Bootha Vahana is observed.

Bootha represents earth as one of the five manifestations of nature; air, water, fire, land and sky. The Lingam to which it is associated is the Prithivi Lingam of the Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram.

During Grand Festivals at Arunachaleswarar Temple, alangaram is performed at the Kalyana Mandapam. The Gods then leave by the front door of that Mandapam, perform circumambulation of the Siva Sannidhi and then stop at the Yagasala Mandapam for adornment and aarthi performed by the priests.

Deities in front of the Yagasala Shrine

 Deities carried through Temple towards egress of Thitti Vassal Gate

Lord Vinayaka on Vahana

Lord Chandrasekharar on Bootha Vahana in procession of mada veedhis

Visit to Sri Siva Jothi Mona Siddhar Ashram

I have written about Sri Siva Jothi Mona Siddhar's Ashram on my Arunachala Mystic blog many times. His Ashram is located off the Vettavalam Road about 20 kms from Arunachala (as the bird flies) but because of the bendy road route, its probably more of a 30 mile drive from town. 

Visited last week bringing Dr. Arun from the Hearty Paws Pet Clinic  Tiruvannamalai to perform neutering operations on the two male dogs residing at Swami's Ashram. While waiting for Dr. Arun and his assistant to do the needful, checked out Swami's developing Ashram. 

The Temple with the huge Shiva statue on the roof is nearly complete as too is the Meditation and Samadhi Hall. Below a selection of photographs of the Ashram and also a video of a recent visit of a group of devotees from Russia.  

Oh! yes. Everything went splendidly and both dogs are fine!

Ashram set in a peaceful, pristine clean country environment

Huge statue of Lord Shiva on roof over Temple doorway

The development of Sri Siva Jothi Mona Siddhar's Ashram

Paintings and murals appearing on walls throughout the Compound

Painting of Goddess Annapurna Devi in the dining hall

Meditation and Samadhi Hall of the 18 Tamil Siddhars awaiting completion

Meditation and Samadhi Hall

Sri Siva Jothi Mona Siddhar

The below video is of group from Russia visiting Sri Siva Jothi Mona Siddhar's Ashram. After individual interaction with each member of the Group, Swami distributes prasad. The video ends with the Group Leader feeding cake to participants. 

To find out more about Sri Siva Jothi Mona Siddhar (whose Ashram is located about 20 miles from Tiruvannamalai) visit my Arunachala Mystic Blog. 

Varuna Japam at Arunachaleswarar Temple: Sunday 9 July, 2017

Varuna japam and yagam was performed on Sunday 9 July, 2017 at Arunachaleswarar Temple. The rendition of Varuna Japa whilst immersed in the Arunachaleswarar tank, is a ritual meant to propitiate the rain god (Varuna) to bestow copious rain and banish famine, is also aimed at appeasing the Almighty to ensure common good and world peace.

Priests at Arunachaleswarar Temple Theertham

Varuna Japam in Temple Tank

Varuna Japa comprises many rituals. Some scholars stand for hours in chest deep water in a Temple tank whilst chanting the Varuna mantra or other mantras. Some perform abhisheka to the Lord's processional deities, others conduct homam to propitiate the rain Gods, do japa or recite the Vedas and sanstras.

God Varuna

Varuna in the Vedas is a powerful God. He is the guardian of cosmic order (rta=rhythm=ruth=truth) and in charge of the oceans, water sources and rains. He is worshipped by seagoing people and fishermen. His vahana (vehicle) is shark fish or crocodile. Tamils have always believed in his control over rains and worshipped him for rains. In this respect one of the oldest Tamil book “Tolkappiam” says he is the God of littoral areas/Neithal.

Lord Varuna on Crocodile Vahana

On another level Varuna is in charge of the West direction, (Lord Indra controls the East). Mitra and Varuna are paired in Vedic hymns which to the belief of interpreting them as Day and Night, Sun and Moon, Light and Dark, and Positive and Negative energy. The Tamil saint Agastya (who made a grammar of the Tamil Language) is considered to be the son of Varuna and Urvasi.

In Valluvar’s Tirukkural, it is said:

Couplet 18 "If rains fail, festivals of the year and the daily worship of the gods will cease".

Couplet 19 "Charity and devotional practices will not be observed in the world unless rain falls."

[Extract from article by London Swaminathan] Below is an audio of the proper chanting of Varuna Japam 

Amurya upa surye 

Yabhirva surya saha 

Ta no hinvantvadhvaram 

Apo devirupa hvaye 

Yatra ghava pibanti na 

Sindubhya kartva havi 

"May waters gathered near the Sun, and those wherewith the Sun is joined, speed forth this sacrifice of ours. I call the Waters, Goddesses, wherein our cattle quench their thirst; oblations to the Streams to be given". 

Tat tva yami brahmaa 

Vandamanastada saste 

Yajamano havirbhi 

Ahe amano varueha 

Bodhyurusasa ma na 

Ayupra moi 

"I ask this of thee with my prayer adoring; thy worshipper craves this with his oblation. Varuna, stay thou here and be not angry; steal not our life from us, O thou world-ruler". 

Varuna Lingam one of the Arunachala Asta Lingams 

Arunachala is surrounded by eight lingams (Asta Lingams) each residing in one of the eight directions of the four cardinal points (South – Yama, West – Varuna, North – Kubera, and East – Indra) and four intercardinal points (South East – Agni, South West – Niruthi, North West – Vayu and North East – Esanaya). 

The arrangement of the Asta Lingams around the octagonal perimeter of Arunachala reflect the geometry of a Cosmogram. The octagonal shape is surrounded by a total of eight Lingam Temples (Asta Lingams). Each of these Temples are located at the four cardinal and four inter-cardinal points. This was also believed by the ancients who originally constructed the Lingams at their eight cardinal and inter-cardinal points to represent, characterise and vitalise certain aspects and qualities of life in relation to specific fields of energy and influence. 

Varuna Lingam has the West as its directions. This lingam is situated on the outer girivalam pathway about one kilometre before the village of Adi Annamalai. 

Lord Varuna Lingam

Varuna’s vehicle is Makara (that lives both on land and water) which is an animal with the head and front legs of an antelope and the body and tail of a fish. 

This Lingam has Lord Shani as its dominant Navagraha. Varuna Theertham, a holy tank, is located here. Devotees are protected from illness, particularly water related diseases. 

Legend has it that the eye of Varuna is Surya and when Surya appears in the constellation of Makara, its a special event and honoured as Makara Sankarathi. This day falls each year in mid-January and is celebrated as Pongal Festival in Tamil country. 

Varuna is the king of appreciation and enjoyment. He governs the whole world. He is the God of rain and God of all the waters in the three worlds. He surveys the deeds of man according to his karma and keeps them under his control. Placating Varuna is believed to wash away accumulated sins. 

2017 Ani Brahmotsavam Flag Raising at Arunachaleswarar Temple

The raising of the flag at Arunachaleswarar Temple in observance of Ani Brahmotsavam occurred this morning, Friday 7 July, 2017. 

Ani Brahmostavam festival commences on the 21st day of the Tamil month of Ani and runs through 10 days of Dakshinayana which marks the beginning of the sun’s movement in a southern direction. 

A year in the Hindu calendar consists of two Ayanas (which signfy the sun’s direction) that are divided into two periods of six months each. Summer solstice which falls in the month of June (corresponding to Ani) marks the beginning of Dakshinayana, which means in the Earth’s sky the Sun begins to trace a southward movement in the northern hemisphere of the planet.The Uttarayana period which begins on January 14th or 15th ends with Dakshinayana Punyakalam. The Dakshinayanam period ends on Makar Sankranti (i.e. Uttarayana day). 

The Ayana from the beginning of Dakshinayana to the beginning of Uttarayana is known as the sadhana pada. In terms of sadhana, Dakshinayana is for purification, Uttarayana is for enlightenment. 

In the northern hemisphere of the planet, Uttarayana is the time of fulfilment and Dakshinayana is the time of receptivity. They are also understood as – the first six months from January to June to be masculine in nature, and the duration of the southern run corresponds to the feminine phase of the Earth. 

Uttarayana and Dakshinayana have a significant impact on how the human system functions and acordingly aspirants shift their activities in relation to the dominant solar influence. 

Aarti to the Gods

The Gods being carried out of 2nd Prakaram

Flag Hoisting. Gods on right in attendance

Gods watching the Flag Hoisting

2017 Ani Brahmotsavam Flag Hoisting

Meaning of Dakshinayana and Uttarayana

The summer solstice falls in the month of June (corresponds to the Tamil month of Ani) and marks the beginning of Dakshinayana, which means in the Earth’s sky the Sun begins to trace a southward movement in the northern hemisphere of the planet. 

Similarly, the winter solstice, which falls in the month of December, marks the beginning of Uttarayana or the northern run of the Sun. The half of the year from the beginning of Uttarayana in December to the beginning of Dakshinayana in June is known as jnana pada. The other half of the year from the beginning of Dakshinayana to the beginning of Uttarayana is known as the sadhana pada. In terms of sadhana, Dakshinayana is for purification, Uttarayana is for enlightenment. 

The change in the Sun’s relationship with the planet has a significant impact on lives of people, particularly for those who inhabit the region of the earth between eighteen degrees north to forty-eight degrees north latitude, because this part of the earth gets the maximum impact in this shift. A human being cannot escape anything that happens to the planet – I am not talking in environmental terms – because what you call as "myself" is just a piece of this planet, and a more sensitive and far more receptive part of the planet than what is there as earth. So whatever happens to the planet will happen a thousand-fold more within the human system. It is just that it takes some sensitivity and receptivity to experience it and make use of it. 

Many people are making use of it in unconscious ways, not knowing what they are doing. Unconsciously, on certain days they behave in a certain way. Every human being, no matter what level of competency he has reached in his life, either a great athlete or an artist or a musician or a politician or an intellectual, whatever he may be, will for some unknown reason seem to function better on certain days and certain times. And for some unknown reason he does not seem to do the same things as well on another day. This is not just about you. The whole dynamics of the planet and the system is working upon you. 

In the northern hemisphere of the planet, Uttarayana is the time of fulfilment, Dakshinayana is the time of receptivity. They are also understood as – the first six months from January to June are masculine in nature, and the duration of the southern run is the feminine phase of the Earth. The earth changing her fabric from being masculine to feminine is very significant for a sadhaka because we are moving into the six months of sadhana phase where receptivity is good. 

So Uttarayana and Dakshinayana have a significant impact on how the human system functions. Accordingly, spiritual aspirants shift their tone of activity – when the sun is in the northern run they are one way, when it moves to the southern dimension they are in a different way. During the southern run, what is below the Anahata chakra can be purified very easily. During the northern run, what is above the Anahata can be worked much more easily. 

If you look at the chakras as two different dimensions, the lower ones, the Manipura, the Svadhishthana, and Muladhara are more concerned in keeping the body stable, rooted. These are the earth qualities. They pull you to the Earth. It is nature. The more you ascribe your energies to these three centres, the more your qualities will become earthy and in the grip of nature. The upper ones, the Vishuddhi, Agna, and Sahasrara are three centres which are always taking you away. If your energies become dominant in these centres, it is pulling you away from Earth. These centres make you open to another force which we normally refer to as Grace – it is always trying to take you away from Earth. So between the first three and the last three, the first three are pulling you towards the Earth, the last three are pulling you away from the Earth. Anahata is a balance between the two. 

The human body, if brought to a certain level of intensity and sensitivity, is a cosmos by itself. Everything that happens in the external sphere, in a subtle way, manifests in the body. It is happening to everybody, it is just that most people do not notice this. But a more organised and purposeful rearrangement of the human mechanism could be done if one becomes conscious of the external movement and aligns that with the movement that is happening within the human system. If you want this body of flesh and bone to imbibe the nature of the cosmic body, understanding and being in tune with this movement of Uttarayana and Dakshinayana is very essential. 

[By Sadhguru]