Summer Solstice and Pradosham

This month, the Summer Solstice, which is the longest day and shortest night of the year synchronised with the June 21st Pradosham. 

Outside the Shiva Sannidhi

 

The word solstice is derived from the sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still), because at solstice, the Sun stands still in declination; that is, the seasonal movement of the Sun's path (as seen from Earth) comes to a stop before reversing direction. The solstices, together with the equinoxes, are connected with the seasons. Solstice mark either the beginning or the midpoint of winter and summer. 

Circumambulating Shiva Sannidhi in Big Temple

This synchronicity marks the perfect and auspicious time to listen or chant the Aditya Hrudayam, Hymn to the Sun God, which comes from the Ramayana and was narrated to Lord Rama by Sage Agastya to energize him in the battle against Ravana. 

Sulamangalam sisters' joyous rendition of the Aditya Hrudayam

Om Arunachala Application

A very nice application designed for both iPhone and iPad has just appeared on iTunes, which might be of interest to readers. Below is the information on the relevant iTunes page. I include one of the screenshots of the app. The information on the relevant download page explaining the application goes as follows:

"OmArunachala is an universal application designed as an easy reminder for the important days of the Lord Shiva's sacred pilgrimage Thiruvannamalai. This application is created with the Lord's devotees and those who are interested in Hinduism or ancient India's culture, in mind. This app carries with it the most important dates of Thiruvannamalai and let the user add any such date as a reminder to the device. 

screenshot of application

Following list of dates can be viewed for the year 2013 with this app: 

1) Girivalam (Full Moon -- Mountain Walk) 

2) Amavasai or Amavasya (New Moon night) 

3) Karthigai Deepam (Sacred day of the mountain itself; Considered the most important day of the temple and The devotees) 

4) Pradosham (Sacred day of Lord Shiva) 

The chanting within this app offers the divine chanting of Lord Shiva, which according to the ancient text, purifies the soul and increases the concentration of the enchanter. The devotees are advised to chant the Mantra while visiting Thiruvannamalai, Lord Shiva's city of sacrificial fire." 

To go to the relevant iTune page go to this link here.

 

Significance of Pradosham

Significance of Pradosham

Pradosham is a significant day to worship Lord Siva and his consort Goddess Parvati. It falls on the the 13th day (Trayodasi) of the lunar cycle and hence falls two times in a month, once in the waxing period and once in the waning period. Pradosham is joyously and elaborately celebrated at Arunachaleswarar Temple. The date of the most recent celebration was October 13 and below are series of photographs of that day.

History of Pradosham

One time the Devas and Asuras used the serpent Vasuki and the hill Mandhara to try and get Amrutham (nectar) from the Kseerabthi (milk ocean). Their churning made the poison Halahala emerge. In answer to their prayers Lord Shiva came to their rescue and drank the poison and ordered the Devas to resume their churning of the ocean. On the twelfth moon day (Dwadhasi) the Devas were finally able to get the Amrutham.

In celebration they danced and sang but forgot to thank God. On the thirteenth moon day (Trayodhasi) the Devas realised their sin and prayed to Lord Shiva for forgiveness. Pleased, Lord Shiva forgave the Devas and danced between the horns of his bull Nandi. That time is called Pradosham and it is believed that if one prays to Lord Shiva at that time, ones’ wishes will be fulfilled one will be given mukti.

During Pradosham time anointing (Abhishekam) the Shiva deity with the following is considered fruitful:

Offering Milk (for long life) 

Offering Ghee (for Moksha)

Offering Curd (for good children)

Offering Honey (for a melodious voice)

Offering Rice powder (relief from debt)

Offering Sugar cane juice (for good health)

Offering Panjamrutham (gives wealth)

Offering Tender coconut (to acquire enjoyment)

Offering Cooked Rice (to achieve a majestic life)

Offering Sandal (to acquire Lakshmi's Grace)

Offering of Lemon (removes fear of death) 

Offering Sugar (removes enmity and bad relationships).

[Pradosham Purana]

Photographs of Pradosham, Arunachaleswarar Temple, 

October 13, 2012 

Periods of Pradosham 

Waxing Period is the 15 days after Amavasaya or the New Moon Day. 

Waning period is the 15 days after Poornima or the Full Moon Day. 

Pradosham in the waxing period of the moon is supposed to be more significant. Moreover if Pradosham falls on a Monday it is called Somavara Pradosham and is highly auspicious. Pradosham which falls on a Saturday is called Sani Pradosham and that is also very important. If one cannot observe a fast on all Pradosham, at least Somavar Pradosham, Sanivar Pradosham and the ones in the waxing period should be observed for pleasing the Lord. 

The evening of travodasi, i.e., the 13th moon day between 4.30 p.m., and 6.00 p.m. is Pradosham. It is believed that whatever sins we have committed will be forgiven by the Lord if we pray wholeheartedly. 

Pradosham timings are 1.5 hours before sunset and 1 hour after sunset, that is it is observed in the twilight period. Some do Abishekam for the Lingam, some people chant "OM Nama Shivaya", some chant the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra (given below) 108 times and the very pious also read the Siva Skanda Purana Story. But it is said, that just lighting a lamp and praying also please the Lord a lot. 

The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra and its meaning:

Om Tryamlakam Yajamahe 

Sugandhim Pustivardhanam 

Urva rukamiva Bandhanan 

Mrtyor muksheeya Ma amritat 

Om. We worship The Three-Eyed Lord Shiva who is fragrant and who increasingly nourishes the devotees. By worshipping him may we be liberated from death for the sake of immortality just as the ripe cucumber easily separates itself from the binding stalk.