A Sorry Looking Max

Oh dear. Max my greedy boy has finally gone and done it. He has a stone lodged in his upper intestines making him very uncomfortable. Have been trying to wean him of his stone chewing habit . . . but it seems one stone passed us both by. Yesterday took Max to the Government Animal Hospital in town for an x-ray to confirm the obstruction. Yes, the stone is there. He has been put on a 3 day course of purgatives and if that doesn't do the trick, the old daftie will have to have the stone surgically removed. 

Ram Prasad who works at the Animal Shelter in Ramana Nagar making sure Max stays on the table

He is feeling immensely sorry for himself . . . with very little either going in or coming out. Poor thing. Well its almost over . . . only 2 more days to go after today before the matter is resolved one way or another! 

Max, looking sorry for himself

Max is at about 60% of liveliness, so is still performing his duties of retrieving as his name (Labrador Retriever) alludes. We are waiting for the heavy rains of the monsoon to start, in the meantime small ponds on the Eri are drying up and fish are dying from lack of oxygen. To help the land birds, everytime we see a dead fish in one of the ponds, Max jumps in and brings it to the shore for the birds to snack on. Today we got out two such dead fish from one pond. The fish are quite large, you can get an idea of their size from the fish on the ground next to little blackie Winnie. 

Winnie having a good look at a dead fish in front of her

Winnie guarding the fish. Max taking a well deserved cooling-off

The drying-up pond with Arunachala as background

Morning walk under Arunachala's Loving Eyes

Even though there is ongoing development throughout the Tiruvannamalai area, still some lovely spots exist in which one can relax and enjoy. The bottom photographs are of a morning's excursion with my doggies at the Samudram Eri. As previously mentioned in many earlier postings, over the last eight years industrial level sand quarrying is being undertaken in many areas of the 750 acre Eri. 

About a month ago a halt was made to the sand quarrying, whether this is a temporary or permanent halt, only time will tell. But the halt has already been long enough for life to calm down after years of continuous noise and noxious fumes from the many sand diggers and heavy truck earth movers that have been infesting the Eri. So lets just enjoy the peace and see what happens. 

Nearby State Reserve Forest adjacent to the Eri

Acres of undisturbed Reserve lands

Artifical lakes have been created by the sand digging which are now hugely popular with both domestic and migratory birds

Fabulous Banyan Tree on Bund of Arunachala Eri

My little Holly lost in all the greenery

Magnificient darshan of Holy Arunachala

Darshan of the Arunachaleswarar Temple's Raja Gopuram bottom of Hill slope

Numerous artifical lakes and ponds have created by sand exacuvations. My doggie Max having a leisurely swim!

Parvathamalai Hill in background. Hope to be visiting and performing the 25 km girivalm soon. Will post photos

Large number of Fork Tail Kites on the Eri in the mornings

White doggie Max, black doggie Winnie, manoeuvring for stick rights!

Side of Eri: Preparing fields in the old fashioned way for Paddy planting!!!

A BLESSED AND AUSPICIOUS 2015 FROM ARUNACHALA

Early morning set out in the drizzle with my doggies on our daily walk. To begin with Arunachala was almost totally obscured by mists. As we progressed further on our walk the mist lessened and we were able to clearly discern the shape of the Hill. 

By the time we got home, normal service was resumed and we were able to enjoy a truly magnificent darshan from the roof of our house. 

WISHING ALL FRIENDS OF ARUNACHALA 

A MOST BLESSED AND JOY-FILLED 2015 

Walk on Samudram Lake with Bhagavan

Regular readers of Arunachala Grace will have noticed how often I write about the Samudram Eri, which is located almost directly south of the reclining aspect of Arunachala. For me this is one of the most beautiful and inspirational places at Arunachala. Below is an evocative narrative of a Ramana devotee describing his visit to the flooded Samudram Eri with Sri Ramana and teachings that were given by the Sage at that time. 

"The Samudram Lake at the foot of Arunachalam and near Sri Ramanasramam is a very extensive one, the summer rains nor the winter monsoon in Tiruvannamalai rarely fill up this tank except once in a way when it overflows. 

Thus it overflowed once long ago. The sight of it was very grand and the overflow at the outlet was as wide as a river. The tank really seemed a sea (Samudram). Bhagavan told us that it was called “Samudram” because a certain local ruler had this tank constructed as a miniature sea to give an idea to his Queen of what a sea would look like; for she had never seen one and she a carrying queen now desired to. 

The overflow of the Samudram Tank in Tiruvannamalai is such a rare event and people thronged to see the sight. Afterwards they came to Bhagavan and talked about it. 

One morning after breakfast the devotees in the hall expressed to Bhagavan a desire to visit the Samudram. Bhagavan was human enough to accept the suggestion and all of us went for a stroll to see it. The tank bund is over two miles long and we walked from the Asramam to the tank about a mile and then the whole distance of the bund. The presence of Bhagavan and his words were more interesting to us than the brimming tank and the grand view of the lake at the foot of the holy Arunachalam. Bhagavan talked of many things, of which I remember, at this distance of time, only two topics of interest. 

Photograph taken about 10 years ago of flooded Samudram Eri

At one place, Bhagavan pointed out a palmyra tree which had decayed at the grip and embrace of a parasite banyan tree. Some bird had dropped the seed of the banyan into the palmyra and as the banyan began its growth the palmyra got stuck, and cloven and stunted in its growth. Drawing our attention to this phenomenon, Bhagavan remarked that is just the effect of the look of Grace of the Jnani. One look into a soul and the whole tree of vasanas gathered through cycles of births is burnt down and decays. 

Then the reality of the Atman is experienced. In the analogy, the tree of vasanas is the palmyra and the look of the Guru, (the seed of Grace) is the banyan. Thus Bhagavan explained to us the effect of contact with a Mahapurusha. The Supreme Jnana that is obtained by the touch of the Satpurusha, can never be obtained by the study of any number of scriptures or by any store of punya karma (virtuous deeds) or by other sadhanas. Then when we were actually at the outlet of the overflow at the end of the lake, we all marvelled at the width of it which was as wide as a river. We stayed there for sometime and then returned. 

On the return walk, we happened to pass the sluice, at the middle of the bund. Pointing to it Bhagavan remarked, “look at this small outlet as opposed to the big one at the end. But for this small hole through which trickle the stream of water, the huge contents of the lake would not be helpful to the vegetation. If the bund breaks it would be a regular deluge and the entire crops would be destroyed. Only if served, properly regulated through this sluice, are the plants helped to growth. So too, is the Brahmic Consciousness. Unless the Bliss of this consciousness is gifted through the grace of the Guru, in seasoned outlets, the soul cannot be helped to vasanakshaya (the destruction of the tendencies of the mental mode); for in this process, the Atman abiding as such in its oneness with the Brahman, is established in the Astipada (the state of being) of the Guru. Holding on to its aspect of sat-chit the work of vasanakshaya proceeds as and when the thought forms arise to propel the mind into action i.e. in its rajasic nature. This work of vasanakshaya becomes possible only in the proximity of the Guru.

Samudram Eri (bund on right) during Sri Ramana's time

Hence the Guru himself is like the sluice and irrigates the souls with the grace out of His kripasamudram needed for the abidance as the Atman and doing the vasanakshaya. Whereas, if the bund is broken the full force of the whole lake rushes through sweeping everything before it. This resembles a sadhaka receiving the full force of Brahmic Consciousness without the intervening and mitigating grace of the Guru’s sluice and so physically dies without the benefit of effecting the destruction of the vasanas."

[T.K. Sundaresa Iyer--Call Divine April 1, 1958] 

Water Problem at Samudram Eri

Tamil Nadu is likely to face a severe water crisis in the next half century. According to experts, what will contribute to the crisis is the fast-depleting groundwater table, and the increasing pollution of water sources. The crisis in the making in Tamil Nadu would be as much about the quality of water available as its shrinking availability. Experts want Tamil Nadu to reduce its dependence on water from neighbouring States and formulate alternative plans. 

As well as the concern that many rivers are already badly polluted in the State, another area of concern is the general over-exploitation of groundwater. According to experts, too many farmers are cultivating water-intensive crops and are indiscriminately exploiting groundwater for irrigation, which has led to a steep fall in the water table. In this respect agriculture accounts for 85-90% of the total use of water in the State. Even by the judicious planting of less water intensive crops and gaining a 10% reduction in the agricultural sector, would considerably ease the impending water shortage situation. 

To read an excellent and comprehensive report on the Tamil Nadu water problem please go to this link here. 

Encouragingly at this time the Madras High Court has recently stayed 'in-stream' sand mining and mining using machinery at 18 quarry sites in Thanjavur, Tiruchirapalli and Karur districts. The Justices of the Bench while banning in-stream mining in their order, allowed that manual labourers could be used to mine the sand. 

It said the Tamil Nadu government, which had allowed four quarries to operate in March, should follow the Environment Ministry's guidelines in all quarries and not use machinery. It was pointed out that Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh governments were not allowing mining of sand with machines and had also banned in-stream mining. 

It is heartening that serious steps are being taken to address the water scarcity in Tamil Nadu. But it is important that we here in this Shiva Sthalam take the necessary steps to secure the future for ourselves and our community. 

Tiruvannamalai is a drought area, it has no river or natural water supply and depends almost entirely on the monsoon rains to replenish its ground water. Around the town of Tiruvannamalai are a number of reservoirs and holding tanks, of which the Samudram Eri is one of the largest and most important (approximately 750 acres). During the monsoon, water channels divert rain falling on the Hill into the Samudram, which very quickly turns into a deep lake. As is required the water being held in the natural reservoir is thereafter pumped into the town’s holding tanks. 

With the rapid urbanisation of Tiruvannamalai and fierce competition between developers, many of the channels diverting monsoon rain into the Samudram have been closed up. Water tanks have been filled in, so that land can be rezoned and sold by the parcel, trees have been cut down and vegetation destroyed. 

Government of India websites are supplying us with good information about how to combat desertification. View original narrative at this link here: 

Combating Desertification 

"Land degradation has far-reaching consequences that affect many realms of life, sometimes far away, but land is above all a powerful element of the solution to the major challenges of our time. The major process of land degradation is soil erosion (due to water and wind erosion), contributing to over 71% of the land degradation in the country. Soil erosion due to water alone contributes to about 61.7% and that by wind erosion 10.24%. The other processes include problems of water logging, salinity-alkalinity. 

Land degradation results in soil erosion, decline in water table, reduced agricultural productivity, loss of bio-diversity, decline in groundwater and availability of water in the affected regions. All these affect the lives and livelihoods of the populations, often eventually precipitating forced migration and socio-economic conflicts. 

Unsustainable resource management practices are often induced by population pressures and poverty. People affected by desertification often need to draw on their limited assets in order to survive, which accentuates their poverty. This constitutes a vicious cycle linking deteriorating natural resources to deteriorating livelihoods as people need to encroach further on fragile soils, sparse vegetation and limited water resources to meet their basic needs for food, shelter and livelihood. 

As per the Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas of India published by the Space Application Centre in 2007, about 32.07 % of the land is undergoing various forms of degradation and 25% of the geographical area is affected by desertification. About 69% of the country’s lands are dry lands and degradation of these lands has severe implications for the livelihood and food security of millions."

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However it seems that in Tiruvannamalai, we are doing everything in our power not to combat desertification but to accelerate it. 

In this narrative, “Water Problem at Samudram Eri” I have posted “before” (around 2011) and “after” photographs of the current condition of our major water reservoir, the Samudram Eri where industrial level sand quarrying continues often for 24 hours a day with a plethora of heavy machinery. 

2011 and Before

Samudram Eri in dry season

Open area used extensively for grazing livestock

Samudram at beginning of rains

Thorny trees primary vegetation, can survive easily in flooded lake

Pristine Samudram beautiful homage to Arunachala

Current. April 2014

Samudram being mined by a plethora of heavy machinery

Already the area is looking like moon craters

This is the major water reservoir for Tiruvannamalai -- what could possibly go wrong?

Appropriate for 2014, Homage of capitalism and materialism to Arunachala!!!

For many years I lived in a “dry” house (i.e. one that had no independent source of water) so I am aware of the complications in not having water "on tap". What is currently occuring at the Samudram Eri is disturbing. What needs to happen is:

(1) STOP immediately all sand quarrying. 

(2) Reopen old water channels from Arunachala to the reservoir 

(3) Desilt and clean existing water channels 

(4) Plant trees and curb the further cutting of existing trees around the Eri Bund. 

(5) Ban the closing up of agricultural water tanks in the area around the Eri. 

(6) Increase vegetation around the Eri. 

Lord Muneswarar, Nallavanpallayam

Lord Muneswarar, who is popular throughout Tamil Nadu, is considered to be a form of Shiva and is worshipped as a family deity in many Shaivite homes. His Temples and Shrines are set in village groves where he presides as protector of the community. He can be viewed as either a fierce God or a peaceful God and his Shrines generally incorporate the worship of Shakti. 

Arunachala darshan from Shrine

There are several Muneswarar Shrines at Arunachala, a major one being near Adi Annamalai near the Vayu Lingam. The photographs below are of a well attended revered, powerful Shrine set in a grove at Nallavanpallyam at the back of the Samudram Eri. 

Shrine set on hillock in Grove

The origin of Lord Muneswarar goes something like this: Sati who was the youngest daughter of the chief of the Gods, Daksha, loved Lord Shiva from her earliest childhood. In the Swayamvara ceremony of the young girl which had been arranged to find her a husband, all the Gods and Princes were invited except Shiva. Sati threw her flower garland into the air calling upon her Lord to receive it; immediately Shiva appeared with the garland around his neck. Reluctantly Daksha, Sati’s father, allowed the marriage to take place. 

Fierce aspect of the manifestation

When a great horse sacrifice was arranged by Daksha again all were invited except for Lord Shiva. His bride Sati suffering from the intense humiliation of such an insulting omission, released her inner fire and fell down dead. 

Lord Muneswarar

Enraged Shiva tore from his head a lock of hair and cast it upon the earth, Virabhadra sprang from it. The Lord directed Vīrabhadra: "Lead my army against Daksha and destroy his sacrifice,” Legend has it that in order to protect innocent souls, Shiva created Muneswarar who was possessed of seven qualities. As Muneswarar is representative of various incarnations, devotees believe that with his blessings they can achieve bliss and good health in life. 

Shakti aspect represented at Shrine

Garuda Puja, 12 January, 2014

Last Sunday January 12, 2014, I attended a local community puja held at the Vishnu Temple on the side of the Samudram Eri. For many years pujas have been held at this time in celebration of our local nesting Brahminy Kites, a bird which is regarded as Garuda, the vahana (vehicle) of Lord Vishnu. 

Previously tables were set up in the fields near the nesting area, and the puja conducted there, however nowadays the puja is conducted most graciously in our small Vishnu Temple. 

Arumurgan distributing Temple prasad

Priest inside Shrine

Lord Vishnu

Coconut Grove

Brahminy Kite nesting in tree

Brahminy Kite, Vishnu vahana

Arunachala Darshan from Temple

Meals after Puja

Community Feast

I have written about Garuda Worship at Samudram Eri several times on Arunachala Grace, and those interested in learning more about the mythology of the Garuda and its worship in the form of the Brahminy Kite go to this link here.

To read my narrative about legendary birds in Hinduism including the Chataka (Pied Crested Cuckoo), the Hamsa (the Swan), the Chakor and Garuda go to this link here.

Garuda, Vehicle of Lord Vishnu

To learn more about the Brahminy Kite, the bird that is believed to be none other than the manifestation of Garuda, go to my Arunachala Bird blog at this link here.

Bamboo Wall Completed

In an earlier posting at this link here, I uploaded photographs of bamboo work going on in my compound. At that time the work around the house had just been completed, and also bamboo and metal sheeting for the first part of the outside wall had been fixed.

The already completed work on side of house

As I have 6 dogs plus the occasional doggie visitor/s to my home, knew that without a metal bamboo sandwich, my fence would last but a few moments, so decided to make a more elaborate dog-proof arrangement in the garden. 

Outside bamboo with inner aluminum sheeting

Below are photographs of the now completed bamboo wall on the outside of my compound. 

The now completed inner bamboo

Dog proof Bamboo-Aluminum sandwich

Now that the work is over, and the bamboo men have left, birds and wildlife have returned to my garden. Below is a White Breasted Kingfisher, a long term resident in our garden, who has happily returned to us and has just had a nice soaking in the birdbath. 

 A very wet White Breasted Kingfisher

Kingfisher perched high in the tree overlooking fence

Close-up of bamboo with Frangipani Plant foreground

Frangipani is a very common plant all through the Arunachala area. It thrives on the hot weather of this area and is a beautiful and fragrant plant to have in one’s garden. I recently wrote a narrative in Arunachala Land about this beautiful plant, and also included mythological stories of the Frangipani as below.

“Many stories are associated with this beautiful plant. In “1001 Arabian Nights” there is a story of this plant which involves the tale of two sisters jealous of their younger sibling, check this link for the story.

Another story related to this beautiful plant appears in the Vishnu Purana; it is entitled 'The Seven Princes,' and the story goes thus . . . "click on this link to continue reading.