The importance of observing Pradosha is described in the Pradosha
Mahatmyam from the Shiva Purana. Pradosha indicates the meeting of the Sun and the
Moon in a horizontal line during their movement on their Axis.
The first Pradosham of July, 2023 fell today Saturday (July 1) and is
thus known as Shani Pradosham or Shani Pradosham Vrata. According to Hindu
astrology Saturn is known to affect one adversely on occasions when it placed
in a certain position in one's horoscope. A prayer to God, especially on
Saturdays, is said to mitigate one’s hardships. Thus, it is believed that by
observing a Vrata (vow) and offering prayers to Lord Shiva on Shani Pradosham,
one can escape from the ill effects of Lord Shani (one of the Navagrahas or
nine celestial Gods).
4th Prakaram Chinna Nandi
Shani Pradosham is classified into Uthama Shani Pradhosham, Mathima Shani
Pradhosham, and Athama Shani Pradhosham.
Uthama Shani Pradhosha is the Shani Pradhosham that comes during the
Tamil month of Chithirai, Vaigasi, Ayppasi and Karthigai during the waxing
period. Mathima Shani Pradhosham occurs during the Tamil month of Chithirai,
Vaigasi, Ayppasi and Karthigai during waning period. All other Shani
Pradhoshams come under the category Athama Shani Pradhosha.
Kodi Kampathu Nandi, 3rd Prakaram
Abhishekam occurred
upon all 5 Temple Nandis i.e. Pradosha
Nandi in the Moolastanam, Ratha Vilaku Nandi in the Second Prakaram, Kodi
Kampathu Nandi in the Third Prakaram (near Flagpost), Chinna Nandi in the
fourth prakaram and Periyar Nandi that stands in front of the Vallala Gopuram
in the Fifth Prakaram.
To understand the significance of Mahashivaratri visit an earlier posting at this link here which gives an indepth explanation of the legends associated with this great Festival.
Below isan extract from the Skanda Purana Chapter 9,
verses 34-50 which explains the significance of Arunachala girivalam.
The 2022 dates and timings for full moon auspicious
girivalam are also listed below.
If anyone regularly
circumambulates the Lord in the form of Sonacala, he has no rebirth. He shall
certainly attain eternity.
If a person takes even a
step by way of circumambulation, the entire earth is sanctified by coming into
contact with the dust of his feet.
With palms joined in
reverence he should make obeisance in every direction. He should then meditate
and eulogize. He should circumambulate slowly without his hand touching anyone
else.
Without any agitation,
without even hearing the sound of his own steps, the devotee should
circumambulate in the manner of a woman walks when delivery is imminent.
The learned devotee
should put on a clean dress after bath. He should apply sacred ash over his
body and adorn himself with rudraksa beads. Remembering Siva he should take
steps slowly.
He should think about the
likelihood of collision with thousands of Devas, invisible Siddhas and others
of gaseous forms. He should be a true devotee and go ahead slowly putting down
his steps along the path.
Or the devotee should
circumambulate along with other devotees chanting the names of Siva, singing
excellent songs and dancing like Siva.
Or he should, with his
mind not dwelling on anything else, listen respectfully to my greatness and
circumambulate slowly feeling the thrill of the bliss.
He must offer different
kinds of charitable gifts. He must perform meritorious deeds. He should render
assistance to supplicants. He should be pious and merciful in a manner he
thinks best. Thus he should move around.
In Krtayuga the Linga is
fiery. In Treta it is a jewel mountain. In Dwapara one should think about it as
golden and in Kaliyuga it is an emerald mountain.
Or he can meditate upon
the red crystalline form that is self-luminous. Meditating thus, he will be
freed from all sins. He shall go to the city of Siva.
This Linga with the name
of Arunachala is the greatest on account of its inscrutability resulting from
its state of not being an object of speech and mind and also because of its
fiery nature. It is unapproachable. But I become approachable immediately to
the person who circumambulates after meditation.
The cauldron on top of Arunachala for the 2021 Karthigai
Festival was alight for 11 days. At some times during the History of this
Festival, the pot used to remain undisturbed on the Hill until its condition
made it necessary for it to be brought back down the Hill for repair or
replacement.
Nowadays the pot is taken up the Hill a couple of days
before Mahadeepam and remains there for a day at the end of the Festival in
order for it to cool. Thereupon the pot is returned to the Temple for storage.
The Cauldron is more lightweight than at previous times (to make it easier to
carry up and down the Hill), however its lack of robustness ensures that it has
to be replaced more frequently.
2021 Cauldron carried down Hill after completion of Mahadeepam
After the Cauldron is carried down from the Hill
puja is performed for it, by way of a consecration ceremony at the Thousand Pillar Hall (Fifth Prakaram, Arunachaleswarar Temple).
Consecration of the Mahadeepam Cauldron at Arunachaleswarar Temple
However the ultimate purification ceremony occurs on the summit of Arunachala. In this regard in earlier times four purification ceremonies (prayascittas)
were observed at the top of Arunachala, for which priests used to go to the summit of
the Hill. Nowadays the only prayascitta ceremony regularly observed on the
summit of Arunachala is after completion of the Karthigai Festival.
Tiruvannamalai is one of the major sacred places of Tamil
Nadu not only because of its great mountain Arunachala, but also because of its
huge Arunachaleswarar Temple dedicated to Lord Siva and also to the many and
frequent festivals which occur at this place.
The mythology of the Lingodbhavamurti, the column of light
(which is unvarying in all its parts whether it be the top or bottom)
commemorates that there is no actual difference in the vibrational power of any part of Arunachala.
However even though Arunachaleswarar Temple is fully identified with
Arunachala, for which it is also a substitute—certain variations between the
bottom and top of the Hill were previously recognised four times a year by
observance of purification ceremonies (prayascittas) for which priests used to
go to the summit of the mountain.
Those four times were: Mahashivaratri Festival acknowledging
the supremacy of Lord Siva, the Marriage Ceremony celebrating the union of Lord
Siva with the Goddess, Karthigai Festival with its multitude of legends and symbolism,
and the fourth and last purification ceremony represents separation from the
Goddess and the renewed manifestation of the supremacy of Siva the great Yogi.
However over the years the difficulties of the climb for
aging Gurukals and other factors has led to less emphasis being paid to these
purification ceremonies occurring on the Hill itself and nowadays the only
prayascitta regularly observed on the summit of Arunachala is after completion
of the Karthigai Festival.
After completion of prayascitta ceremony on Arunachala Summit
The below photographs are of the observance of Karthigai
Mahadeepam at Arunachaleswarar Temple on Day 10, Friday November 2021. After
the photographs there is a narrative explaining the Function and a video of the
function is embedded thereafter.
Narrative of the Function
As the day wanes into dusk and night begins to darken the
sky, pilgrims stand or sit, motionless with anticipation, at the base of
Arunachala mountain, preparing to worship God Siva as an infinite pillar of
light.
By 5:00 in the evening, the area surrounding the Temple
flagpole, as well as the adjoining terrace, is packed. People are grabbing
seats to observe the dramatic arrival of five exquisitely decorated palanquins,
carrying the Hindu Gods Vinayaka, Subramanya, Siva, Amba and Chandikeshwara.
The devotees are constantly moving and adjusting their positions to get a
better view and to make way for still more people pouring in.
Suddenly, the crowd's attention shifts to the Temple
entrance from behind the flag pole. Some devotees jump up to get a better view.
The first palanquin arrives with a dramatic flair. It's the Vinayaka Deity, a
form of Lord Ganesha. Exquisitely bedecked with a variety of flowers
artistically arranged, this relatively small Deity seems magically large in its
luxurious setting. More than eight people are carrying the heavy wooden
palanquin. They dance with graceful dignity to the accompaniment of temple
music, devotional singing and Sanskrit prayers. Soon enough, they reach their
designated position in front of the flag pole and come to a stop.
In a few minutes, the next palanquin arrives “Subramanya”.
It's a little bigger. Unmindful of its weight, those who are carrying this
celestial cargo somehow manage to dance with abandon, rocking the Deity
joyously.
Now another palanquin is arriving, rocking to and fro.
"Swami, Swami," the crowd shouts. Here, "Swami" is
referring to Siva. Amba (Goddess Parvati) is right behind, followed by
Chandikeshwara. Within about 30 minutes, five palanquins have arrived in all
their spiritual pageantry.
Finally, the appointed moment arrives. Against the backdrop
of a sunset sky, crowned with the rising star of Kartika, thundering
firecrackers, ringing Temple bells and a frenzy of rhythmic chanting merge to
create a cacophony of chaotic splendor. Camphor is lit in a cauldron by the
Temple flag pole, signalling priests on top of the mountain to light their
flame.
The timing is perfectly synchronized. The air is charged as
the overpowering sight of light, signifying Siva in the form of Jyoti (divine
light), merges with Parvati to become Siva/Sakti. Now, finally, Ardhanarishvara
is brought out of the Temple with great ceremonial fanfare. This is the only
day of the year that this particular Deity is ever moved. It is most auspicious.
When that flame is seen by the thousands of devotees below,
the entire countryside explodes with flashing luminescence. Bonfires, lamps,
neon lights and fireworks light the night like day as a surging, thronging,
emotionally charged mass of devotees chant, "Arunachala Siva,"
"Annamalai” and "Annamalai Harohara”. The sight of the Krittika
Deepam is magical. It brings an inexplicable joy. People are ecstatic,
mesmerized by the light.
[Narrative Fire on the Mountain]
Watch the function of 2021 Karthigai Mahadeepam inside the
Arunachaleswarar Temple filmed Friday November 19, 2021
Each year Navaratri commences on the first day (pratipada) of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Ashvin. The Navaratri festival or 'nine day festival' becomes a 'ten day festival' with the addition of the last day, Vijaya Dasami (day of victory) as its culmination.
In 2021 the dates of this Festival ran between Day 1, Thursday October 7 until Day 10 Vijaya Dasami Saturday October 16, 2021. The celebrations and attendance were limited in the first days at Tiruvannamalai Temples, however as a result of the ruling of a Chennai Court Case, Temples including Arunachaleswarar Temple were instructed to remain open for the last three days of the Festival.
Alangaram of Goddess Saraswati
Origins of Navaratri
There is different mythology connected with this Festival. In one legend Mahishasura, the King of Demons started a war against the Gods. To combat him, the Gods combined their powers to give birth to 'Shakti'. The Goddess fought the demon for nine nights and on the tenth day, the Goddess slew it - thereby achieving victory over evil.
Another legend is that Goddess Uma the wife of Lord Siva and daughter of Daksha - the King of the Himalayas - is said to return home for ten days during Navaratri.
It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya gave upadesa at two primary locations during the installation of a Sri Chakra at Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh) and at Koolurmugambika (Karnataka). At the time of the installations he directed women folk to worship the Goddess and seek Her blessings for the wealth, prosperity and long life for their husbands and overall happiness in the family.
Navaratri is celebrated in many ways, depending on region, local history and family influences. Some see it as a way to commune with one's own feminine divinity. A widespread practice honours the Goddess in every woman by inviting young girls to the family's home and feeding and offering new clothes to the girls. During the Festival, women also perform tapas and selfless acts.
Kolu Displays
Families in Tamil Nadu traditionally prepare in their homes a Kolu, an exhibition of small dolls, figurines and artefacts on a stepped, decorated shelf. At least one murti of Shakti must be present, as well as wooden figurines of a boy and a girl together to invoke auspicious marriages.
For more information and details of the origins and significance of this Divine Festival visit my website at this link here.
To view unique, original photographs of the alangarams of the Divine Mother through each day of the Festival at a variety of Temples at Tiruvannamalai and spectacular Kolu displays at Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram and at the private house of Dr. K. Shanthi, Science Professor at Tiruvannamalai Arts College, visit Album archives at my website at this link here.
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.
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."
--- oOo ---
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.
--- oOo ---
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.
"In
any given year, the winter solstice, the still point, is the most powerful time
of the solar cycle. It is the conception point, the moment in which the plans
for the entire year are generated from the sun to the earth. It is the parallel
point to each new moon which carries and expands the original solar wave's
energy through the thirteen succeeding cycles of the year.
There
are four points during the year in which the archetypal energies of the sun
"come through" to us to bring consciousness along step by step. These
four points are the solstices and the equinoxes.
Each
of these moments, which last three days, are "neutral force" channels
of tremendous power. They are literal doorways to the infinite, alchemical
cauldrons in which we can bathe ourselves with unconditional love and pure
spiritual energy, and into which we can place our intentions. They are
"time-outs" from normal reality.
Whatever
gets cooked in the winter solstice cauldron becomes the blueprint for the
entire year which is reaffirmed and brought along to completion by the other
three central points. If we carefully align with the intentions of the universe
during the winter solstice we can be picked up by the rising tide of spiritual
energy and carried forward, supported by the power which spirit has brought to
earth at the moment of the "rebirth of the sun" when it joins with
the earth.
The
sun and moon are always in a changing relationship with each other and the
earth, the cauldron in which we are always being alternately "cooked"
and "cooled" by them. At the winter solstice; the sun, yang, spiritual,
masculine energy is at its lowest ebb, pausing before it pulses forward just
like the tide having flowed out to sea pauses, and then begins to aggressively
move out toward shore once more. This alignment of the sun with the most inner
and contracted (yin) point in its cycle is the same as the moment of the new
moon in which the sun's yang and moon's yin move into perfect alignment with
each other and the earth, joining and harmonizing their energies with their
combined force.
As
we step into the solstice we should not carry into it anything from the
past and instead let the purity of the Oneness fill us and allow the spirit to
decide what is in our highest good. As human beings we have goals, things we
want to create, states we wish to experience. All that can be placed into this
great moment with great passion as our heart's desires and released in trust.
"
[By
Alexander]
The Great Conjunction
The Solstice is a time where the
veil between dimensions is thin. It is also a time where we are more open and
connected with the energies of the Earth.
In 2020, December 21st, stands out
as being a potent day, not just because of the Solstice, but also due to a very
rare alignment taking place this year known as the Great
Conjunction. The great conjunction occurs every twenty years or so,
and is when both Jupiter and Saturn align at the same degree of the
zodiac. The great conjunction represents a changing of an era, and a time
where we shift our way of viewing the world. As our world view changes, so
too does society and the way we choose to approach things.
While the great conjunction
happens every couple of decades, the 2020 alignment opens the door to an even
bigger cycle. For the last 200 years, Jupiter and Saturn have been
aligning only in earth signs, but this year, on December 21st, 2020, Jupiter
and Saturn will align in the air sign of Aquarius.
The great conjunction is a key
point on this transition into the Age of Aquarius, and is destined to bring
many ‘Age of Aquarius’ themes into our lives. The great conjunctions now
switching to air signs will give us a focus towards the collective, and a more
community-based approach. Humanitarian efforts will be important, and
technology will be favored. We will see more things created online than in the
physical world.
December 21st, 2020 is a good day
to get clear on what you wish to focus on, and to connect with your own
spirituality and heart-focused intentions.
The Christmas Star
The year 2020 will end with a special astronomical event: the
closest great conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in 397 years. On December 21,
the two planets will almost touch in the sky. As Jupiter and Saturn will
rendezvous just a few days before Christmas forming what will look like a
single bright object in the sky, the 2020 great conjunction is sometimes also
called the “Christmas star” or “Bethlehem star.”
The
December 21, 2020 conjunction will be the closest great conjunction since July
16, 1623. At the great conjunction of 1623, Jupiter and Saturn were slightly
less than 0.1 degrees apart. However, this event would have been
difficult—although not impossible—to observe since the two planets were near
the Sun.
The
last time that the two planets were easily observable when separated by less
than 0.1 degrees was almost 800 years ago, during the great conjunction of
1226.
To watch an online streaming video of the Great Conjunction of
2020, go to the video below.
To
read more about the esoteric and spiritual opportunities of this time, visit
this link here.
