Bhuta Lingams

Decorated Lingam at Arunachaleswarar Temple,
Tiruvannamalai

In India there exists five famous Lingams based on the elements (bhutas): Fire, Earth, Wind, Water and Ether (Sky). The Bhuta Lingams are said to be places where Shiva manifested himself as the natural elements. Each of the five Lingams are situated in celebrated Temple Towns, and are as follows:

Tiruvannamalai: Fire Lingam
Kanchipuram: Earth Lingam
Kalahasti: Wind Lingam
Chidambaram: Sky Lingam
Tiruvanaikka/Jambunath: Water Lingam

The Shivalingam denotes the primeval energy of the Creator. It is believed that at the end of all creation, during the great deluge, all of the different aspects of God find a resting place in the Lingam; Brahman is absorbed into the right, Vishnu to the left and Gayatri into the heart. The Shivalingam is also a representation of the infinite Cosmic Column of fire, whose origins, Vishnu and Bhrama were unable to trace.

Arunachala Morning

Friday 8 a.m., June 9, 2006

Check Moon Phases

To view the daily phases of the moon you can use the link

http://www.calculatorcat.com/moon_phases/phasenow.php

Beasts of Burden

It seems to be increasingly distressful for animals, used as beasts of burden, to travel through the streets of Tiruvannamalai. Over the last five years there has been a huge increase of motorised traffic and what used to be something of a leisurely saunter for bullocks pulling loaded carts, nowadays seems to be more of a war of attrition.

Fortunately, this particular bullock does not have too heavy a load this time but sadly many wagon owners load up their carts with huge weights. At this time PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) does not have a chapter at Tiruvannamalai but let us hope they come soon and start monitoring the enforcement of the animal protection laws that already exist. Thus far PETA is doing sterling work in South India including monitoring working animals and the welfare of animals being transported.

People want to enjoy an improved and modern life style so let us also hope kind attention is also given to working animals who have to deal with situations complicated by hitherto unknown factors, like the guerrilla warfare of modern day city traffic!

That Water Bottle!

Arunachala has always attracted sadhus and pilgrims but now with the huge increase of visitors to this area, particularly during Full Moon (Poornima) and Festivals, an increasingly large number of itinerants, beggars, and mendicants are also beginning to populate the streets of Tiruvannamalai. This area has a very good reputation for sadhu and poor feeding so at least most people can rely on a substantial lunch each day.

In India it is regarded as very auspicious during a pilgrimage to give money and food to both sadhus and beggars. So, as well as the daily free lunch offered by several Ashrams and other Organisations; a comparatively good living can be made on the streets of Tiruvannamalai.

One very charming acknowledgement to modern life in the photograph, is the ubiquitous water bottle, which has become an essential part of everyday life in India.

The Drongo

Photograph of my favourite local bird. In flight the Drongo makes a handsome and striking picture with its long flowing tail and glossy feathers. Unfortunately the reality is that it spends its life on the back of cows and bullocks pecking off as many tasty niblets (insects and mites) as it can find!

Sacred and Pilgrimage Sites

Several people asked for more information about a rather excellent quote about sacred sites in an earlier entry in this blog. Herein I include a link for those who wish to read the original:
www.beliefnet.com/story/191/story_19115_2.html

I also highly recommend Martin Grays brilliant website Places of Peace and Power about Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Traditions of the World. On his homepage the description of his site reads:

'Sacred sites are the most loved and visited places on planet earth. Since prehistoric times they have exerted a mysterious attraction on billions of pilgrims from every region and religion. These holy places have the power to heal the body, enlighten the mind, and awaken the soul. Anthropologist Martin Gray spent 20 years as a wandering pilgrim to study and artistically photograph a 1,000 sacred sites in 90 countries. The Sacred Site features Martin Gray's sacred art photographs and shows the location of sacred places and pilgrimage shrines around the world.'

You can access his brilliant site at:

http://sacredsites.com/index.html

Muthu Vinayaka Temple

A day for Temples. Think this is a wonderful representation of just how integrated spiritual life is in the culture and ethos of this country. This small, rather neglected Temple is named Muthu (money) Vinayaka (Elephant God who removes obstacles), so the Temple's name literally translates as Temple of financial success.

In front of the Temple a bicycle/motorbike mechanic has set up shop and he has arranged a nice little canopy for himself to act as shade in the hot sun. You can notice a large amount of hose stacked up on the top of a tin hut in front of the Temple and a handsomely dressed young woman on the telephone at the right of the picture. Her shopping bags are in a doorway and right behind her is a rather bold movie poster. Well, that's life in India, enjoy!

Temple Today

In this photograph Arunachala is backdrop to the famous and powerful Arulmigu Durgai Amman Alayam which is located south east of Arunachaleswarar Temple.

According to certain Puranas, Durgai Amman was Vishnu's sister. We also read in the Puranas, that after the Goddess killed the demon Mahishasura, the lingam she took from his neck, became welded to the palm of her hand. To wash it off, Durga went to a Tank. But as the Tank was dry, she dug a hole with her sword and water gushed forth. She took a bath (in that water) and the lingam came off her hand all by itself. Durga then put the lingam on the edge of the tank and started worshipping it. The Godddess is supposed to have remained at this place to bestow favour on her devotees.

Since that time, the Tank has always had a regular water inflow and has never run dry. A famous celebration known as Dasara is particularly celebrated at this Temple. The festival (famous throughout India) celebrates the victory of the Goddess over evil.

One Little Girl

In the Temple photograph you will have probably noticed lots of clutter, construction material (like everywhere else in Tiruvannamalai), and little wooden planks acting as bridges criss-crossing drains and sewers. So too in this snap there was also a very proud relative clutching a little girl eager to get her into the action.

The curious thing in India is that nobody ever seems to expect a copy of the photographs. In this case I took several photos on a digital camera and immediately showed the pictures to the relative and child, and (by this time) also to a rather large crowd of onlookers. Happily everyone was completely satisfied. There was no suggestion of exchange of addresses or anything of the kind. I would say this is a perfect example of one of the greatest character strengths of Indian people; i.e. living in the moment.

Arunachala Today

Arunachala Thought

By Annamalai Swami
(Annamalai Swami, one of the early devotees of Ramana Maharshi, was instrumental in constructing Ramana Ashram. Annamalai Swami (who many believed was realised) spent his later years in a colony next to Ramana Ashram)

. . . the Self is everywhere; there is no place that is without it, but it is also true that there are certain places, certain people, around which the presence of the Self can be more easily felt. In the proximity of this holy hill the presence of the Self is more powerful and more self-evident than anywhere else.

Indian mythology speaks of a wish-fulfilling tree. If you find this tree and tell it what you want, your wish will be granted. Arunachala also has this reputation.

Arunachala Grace Newsletter

Some of you reading this Blog will have already received (or will soon be receiving) this months issue of Arunachala Grace Newsletter. I hope to bring out this Bulletin during the beginning of each month. It will contain facts on Arunachala and information about the events and people of this place. I would appreciate comments and suggestions on the newsletter so it will become as interesting and informative as possible. If you wish to subscribe to your monthly issue please put in your subcription request here at: arunachalagrace@fastmail.fm

My experience with Sri Nannagaru

Somebody commented in the Sri Nannagaru Blog that I should talk about my own experiences with this saint. Well that is difficult because I still have not been able to figure out how much of the whole interaction with Saints, is projection and transference. For example we have one lady saint at Tiruvannamalai that does not talk at all. So, the question is, when a crowd sits silently before her, how much of what is happening is universal mind and how much her actual influence?

Some years ago I read a brilliant book called Holy Madness by Georg Feuerstein which examines the relationship of gurus with their devotees. It is a penetrating, incisive book which reads like a novel and shines light on the obscure Guru-Devotee relationship. It certainly helped clarify my connection with the Form.

The lingua franca of Tamil Nadu is Tamil. But as Sri Nannagaru is from Andhra Pradesh his native language is Telegu (he can speak English, but rarely does). Consequently his darshans can be frustrating to non-Telegu speakers who (as they do not understand anything being said) would prefer silence! Of course Telegu devotees (and plenty follow him to Arunachala) are always eager for spiritual discourses in their native language.

For the 12 years I have known Sri Nannagaru he has been hugely significant in my life. He is superbly established in the Self as he has been realised for over 40 years. Mostly he is kind and gentle, but when need be, is as implacable and hard as a diamond. He is tender with old people and those weighed down with debilitating vasanas (like alcoholism). In response to someones question about why he is so nice to people who seem undeserving. He replied, If I see a genuine love for God then no matter how ugly the vasana, I will do everything possible to fan and empower the Divine love.

I asked an old school class mate of his (also in is early 70s), When you knew Swami before his realisation, what was he like? His old chum replied, Even then there were two things about Swami that you would notice. Firstly he was always kind and secondly he had a wonderful sense of humour.

Meaning of Pradakshina on certain days

It is beneficial doing giripradakshina (walking clockwise around the Hill i.e. 14 kms) anytime, however it is thought to be even more beneficial to walk around Arunachala during Full Moon, especially if the Full Moon falls on a Monday. Walking around Arunachala on particular days of the 7-day week is reputed to bring different benefits:-


Sunday

The day of the Sun. The Sun rules the life force and physical body. Doing pradakshina on Sunday is beneficial for gathering the forces of Light.

Monday
The day of the Moon (Chandra) and doing pradakshina is particularly helpful if one wishes to start a new project, whatever it may be. It will also help the person attain a high elevation and rid themself of fears of death.

Tuesday
The day of Mars, which rules self expression and personality. Pradakshina on Tuesday is good if one requires answers to personal questions. One will also be relieved of all kinds of debts and enjoy Imperial powers.

Wednesday
Mercury is the planet of commerce and communication and a good day for Pradakshina for the thinker and communicator. As a result of going around Arunachala on Wednesday, the person will become highly knowledgeable.

Thursday
The day is ruled by Jupiter, the Guru Planet. Walking around Arunachala on Thursday is beneficial to promote harmonious situations and relationships. Also auspicious day for connecting with ones teacher and guide.

Friday
Venus and Love rules Friday. Friday is an auspicious day for all matters related to love, marriage and attraction. It is also a good day if a person wishes to acquire wealth.

Saturday
Saturn rules Saturday and rules our philosophies, growth and recognition. Doing pradakshina on Saturday will help lead one to greater understanding and enlightenment. Walking around the mountain on Saturday will inspire a person to become a great conqueror.

Reluctant Playmate!

As well as the increase of water birds this season, snakes have also become more common. In this respect the dogs and I recently had an interesting encounter with a very large snake at the waters edge. In size it was massive (like a baby anaconda)the dogs were enchanted with something of such high, entertainment play value.

Fortunately the snake very graciously decided that four dogs and an accompanying biped were just too much to handle, and obligingly slithered quickly up into a tree. Its camouflage was excellent because, in spite of its huge size, it disappeared before our very eyes.

Fascinated I returned home to learn more about our recent friend. Because of its size and markings the idea of an Indian Python immediately came to mind. And checking details; it is a perfect match!

Indian Python

The Indian Python is a highly arboreal snake, once fairly common throughout India. They live in a wide range of habitats, but are dependent on a continuous water supply.

Growing to a length of about 20 feet (6 m) and weighing in at 120 pounds (32-55 kg) they belong to the Boidae family of snakes, which contain the worlds largest snake species also including boas and anacondas.

In the wild Indian Pythons, who have a life span of about 20-30 years, live predominantly on mammals and birds.

Although large, Indian Pythons spend most of their time on the ground but are skilful at climbing and moving through trees, and are very good swimmers. Their dramatic skin pigmentation of intricate earth tones patterns enables Pythons to blend in with their natural setting.

A hungry Python will lie in ambush, patiently waiting for suitable prey to pass. It is a constrictor, a snake that kills its prey by squeezing. Mammals are preferred prey, but Pythons will also eat bird and even fish.

Indian Pythons become sexually mature at about 3 years of age. The female, who is a devoted mother, lays around 20-60 eggs in a single clutch with the young snakes leaving the nest soon after hatching.

New Swimming Pool

Construction on the new swimming pool at the 3-Star Arunai Anantha Hotel is progressing slowly. It was supposed to have been finished by now, but as can be seen from this picture (taken yesterday) there is still a l-o-n-g way to go. The Hotel management are confident that the work, including support facilities i.e. snack bar, changing rooms, shower and toilet rooms will be finished within the next couple of months.The swimming pool will be open to non-residents as well as Hotel guests.

The Hotel plan on having a ladies only time complete with lady pool attendant for a specified period each day.

On its completion, Tiruvannamalai will have two swimming pools. The first pool, which is kept in impeccable condition, was opened about 2 years ago and is a few kilometres south of the Big Temple in town. It too is open to the paying public.

Holly

The last member of our tribe, is the only female of the group and not a blood relation to the other three. Her name is Holly. She obviously is some kind of mix because she is different in shape and size to the Boys.

My Boys

A photo of three of my beautiful dogs. These dogs are ubiquitously known as country dogs in India, a polite way of saying mongrel! Apparently they are supposed to be real dogs; what dogs should look like if left alone to breed themselves. If you watch Cable TV; Animal Planet or Discovery Channel, you will notice the same sort of dog in programmes about the Australian Outback, Africa or Asia, i.e. the natural dog.

As for India, this dog is very much part of Indian life, however most of them will never be allowed inside a house in their whole lives. They are born outside, live outside and die outside. Rabies is not at all infrequent in India, so many villagers are nervous of unfamiliar dogs and generally do not pet adult dogs, even their own!

As this breed has had to live on its wits, the strain is smart and hardy and able to withstand long periods of fasting and all kinds of inclement weather. My own dogs live inside and are shamelessly spoiled. In this snap the boys are having their morning dip. From left to right the boys names are: Wally, Oscar and Casper.