Robert Adams at Arunachala

'During the Fall of 1946, Robert arrived by train to the town of Tiruvannamalai, a few miles from Arunachala Mountain, where lay Ramanashram and his future teacher, Ramana Maharshi. He took a bullock cart to the Ashram, was admitted, and stayed the night. Early the next day while walking back from the mountain, towards the Ashram, he spotted Ramana walking down the path towards him. An electrifying energy coursed through his body, and the last of what men call an ego left him. He felt completely surrendered, completely open. As Ramana got closer, Robert stripped off his clothes, approached Ramana and dropped to his guru's feet. Ramana reached down grabbing Robert by his shoulder, and looked into Robert's eyes with complete love and said, 'I have been waiting for you. Get up! Get up!' Robert said had Ramana asked him to leap over a cliff at that moment, he would have done so gladly.

Robert stayed at Ramana Ashram for a little over three years, during which time he bought a jeep for the Ashram to bring supplies from town, and helped build a large hospital at the Ashram using money from an inheritance.

. . . During the late 1940's, Ramana was almost constantly ill with severe arthritis and other ailments, including the cancer that eventually killed him. Few visitors were allowed to stay for more than a few weeks at the Ashram, so Robert lived mostly in the caves above, which also allowed him to avoid the crowds.'

Great Glory

Light of Arunachala

. . . It is not an ordinary hill. It is spirituality Itself. It has a powerful, magnetic pull to the Self. Seekers who come to this place with the intention of realizing the Self will have untold benefits to do pradakshina on a full moon.

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. This is why so many people come here on a full moon night and walk around it. But very few people come here and ask for their complete freedom, for undisturbed peace.

Arunachala is a light. It shines whether or not you believe in it. It is the light of the Self, and the light of the Self will continue to shine on you whether you believe it or not. Arunachala is greater than all other religious places. There are other holy, powerful places in the world, but none have the power of Arunachala . . . There is a huge amount of shakti, or spiritual energy, here.

By Annamalai Swami

Deepam at Arunachala

This year, the first night of the lighting of the Flame on top of Arunachala Hill, during Karthigai Deepam Festival, will be celebrated on December 3rd.

During Karthigai the image of Lord Arunachaleswara is taken out in procession morning and evening along with those of Lord Ganesha, Lord Subramanya, Goddess Unnamulai and Chandikeswara. Different vahanas (mounts for the images are used). Some of these mounts are unique features of Arunachaleswara Temple. There is the Kamadhenu-Kalpaka Vriksha (the wish fulfilling cow and wish yielding tree) and the Vrishaba (silver bull).

The processions pass in front of huge crowds of devotees lining four main streets and the finale is when the Deepam is lit on the top of Arunachala.

It is said the Deepam is lit at the precise moment when the moon rises and the setting sun is still visible on the horizon. These elements, sun, moon and fire, symbolise the three eyes of Lord Siva (who is known as Somasuryagni-lochana).

Arunachala Through The Yugas

[picture courtesy of D. McCambridge]

The Hill at Tiruvannamalai, forming part of the Javadi Hill range belongs to the gneiss variety also called igneous rock in Indian tradition through the ages. According to the Saiva text Vidyasarakotirudra-samhita Adhyaya, 20, this Hill:

was of Fire in the Krta-yuga
of Gem in the Treta-yuga
Gold in the Dvapara-yuga
and of Emerald in the Kali-yuga.

We are still in the Kali Yuga or Age of conflicts. According to the tradition, it will end with the incarnation of Kalki, the last Avatar of Vishnu, who on his white horse, must destroy what is to be destroyed.

But as the destruction rains, Sri Siva declares:

Let this perpetual and immobile Fiery Form of mine, famous as Arunadri, be present here forever. (27)

Even at the close of the Yugas the great oceans shall not submerge it, the winds shall not shake it and the fires shall not burn it. (28)
(Skanda Purana)

Vortex in a Vortex in a Vortex

My thoughts on the phenomenon of the vortex (see earlier blog)is that I've always considered India itself to be an immense vortex of spiritual rarefied energy. Thus one could say that Arunachala's place in India is rather like that of a vortex in a vortex. But even here, at Arunachala itself, there seem to be variations of energy and vibration. So much so that many saints have counselled about direction and location regarding the most efficacious spots for sadhana and meditation.

In this respect, from my own experience, I believe there are two extraordinary powerful additional energy vortexes. One being the Annamalaiyar (Shiva) Shrine at the Big Temple (Arunachaleswarar Koil) and the other spot the Meditation Hall at Ramana Ashram. In regard to the former it seems as if the Temple Shrine is generating its own extraordinary, luminous aura. As to the latter, I've always wondered at the astonishing force in the Ramanasharam Meditation Hall. It has often been said that, 'Sleep is the ordinary man's (ordinary i.e. unenlightened) samadhi'. If this is true maybe that's the reason so many sadhakas often fall into a drowsy-like condition in that Hall!

In Search of Secret India

. . . I stand at the door and look up at the Hill of the Holy Beacon - Arunachala, the Sacred Red Mountain, as the people of the countryside prefer to call it. It has become the colourful background of all my existence; always I have but to raise my eyes from whatever I am doing, whether eating, walking, talking or meditating, and there is its strange, flat headed shape confronting me in the open or through a window. It is somehow inescapable in this place, but the strange spell it throws over me is more inescapable still. I begin to wonder whether this queer, solitary peak has enchanted me. This lonely hill holds me in a powerful thrall, despite the fact that I have been others infinity more attractive. This rugged piece of Nature, with its red laterite boulders tumbled about in disorderly masses and glowing like dull fire in the sunlight, possesses a strong personality which emanates a palpable awe creating influence.

[by Paul Brunton}

Herbs on the Hill

'The herbs growing on the hill sides are supposed to possess the power to satisfy hunger, slake thirst, cure diseases, bring the dead back to life and turn base metals into gold. However a search for these herbs by people with base motives will be futile and they can be espied only by the most devoted. Devotees walking round the hill are benefited by the breeze wafting over the herbs'.

Its interesting to note that similar phenomenon have been noted in other 'power spots'. Sun Dagger site at Fajada Butte in the U.S., has a special sort of power. The Butte creates an environment that grows a variety of plants used by the indigenous population for spiritual and ritual purposes, plants that are not generally found on the surrounding plain. Special plants also grow on the mounds of the ruins of the ancient Native American astronomers that once inhabited the area. Although some feel the plants are equally powerful wherever they grow, the power of the plants is said to be increased by being on the butte.

Animals and Medicinal Plants

Arunachala Hill abounds in medicinal plants and herbs. Practitioners of traditional Indian medicine roam about the slopes of Arunachala in search of herbs and leaves. It is interesting to watch the monkeys' behaviour and habits. One can watch groups of them, particularly during the evening, gather round certain plants and munch their leaves and seeds. The elders of the monkey family coax the youngsters of their group, sometimes by administering physical rebukes, into consuming the leaves. Other animals too possess intuitive knowledge about local herbs and their use.

Amritanandamayi and Devotees, 1982

Extract from Karthigai day at Tiruvannamalai, 1982 when Amritanandamayi and devotees are doing giripradakshina around Arunachala.

'That day Mother suddenly bolted out of our residence all alone. This was obviously an escape; she clearly did not want anyone to follow Her ... Having witnessed Mother's lack of body-consciousness, I knew that she might very well get lost. I followed her from a distance as she walked around Arunachala Hill, obviously in an intoxicated mood, Mother was walking at a very rapid pace and gradually she disappeared into the distance, leaving us behind.

We started driving around Arunachala Hill, looking intently for Amma. The previous day, while climbing the hill with her, we had come across many caves on both sides. Amma had gone into some of them to meditate and it was only after much urging that she could be persuaded to come out. While descending from the mountain, Amma had said, 'I don't feel like coming down, but thinking of you children I am restraining myself.'

We suddenly caught a glimpse of Amma's form, walking far ahead of us on the road ... It was a glorious sight to see Amma. She was swaying to and fro while walking, as if drunk. Her whole body was vibrating, and Her hands were forming sacred mudras. Her eyes were half closed and a blissful smile glowed on Her face ... After we had followed Amma for some distance ... slowly Amma came down to our level. Soon she was laughing and talking with us affectionately ... thus we all walked for the full eight miles around the hill.'

Swami Paramatmananda's book "On the Road to Freedom, part two:

Arunachala Puranam

'All stones in that place [Arunachala] are lingams. It is indeed the Abode of Lord Siva. All trees are the wish-granting trees of Indra's heaven. Its rippling waters are the Ganges, flowing through our Lord's matted locks. The food eaten there is the ambrosia of the Gods. When men move about in that place it is the earth performing pradakshina around it. Words spoken there are holy scripture, and to fall asleep there is to be absorbed in samadhi, beyond the mind's delusion. Could there be any other place which is its equal?'

Different Names For Tiruvannamalai

The Tiruvannamalai sthala is also known by the names, Arunagiri, Annamalai, Arunachala, Arunai, Sonagiri and Sonachala. Arunai is only the corrupt form of the name Arunagiri, Arunamalai and Arunachalam. All these names signify 'Fire Mountain'.

Dr. Manickam

Yesterday afternoon I met Dr. Manickam for the first time. Dr. Manickam who is a Herbologist and specialises in herbal medicines, prescribes effective remedies for physical illnesses, and is also reputed to have considerable healing gifts.

Picture above shows Oliscevadi (Palm Leaf Writings) one of the resources Dr. Manickam consults whilst treating patients. The Leaves are over 700 years old. Certain Siddha remedies and ingredients for ayurvedic medicines are contained on them.

Much more about Dr. Manickam to follow in later Blogs. But for a fascinating story in his own words:

'I was born at Pavalakkundru in Tiruvannamalai as the last child of my parents. My mother Alamelu and father Venu were both ardent devotees of Sri Bhagavan. They have sat at the Maharshi's feet a number of times to learn from him the secrets of herbs and herbal medicine. The Master would give them detailed instructions on the preparation methods of various medicines which my parents duly and faithfully recorded.

Once, during a conversation with Bhagavan, my father told him that the castor plant did not possess enough juice. It was also hard to find the plant in the environs of Tiruvannamalai. Bhagavan then asked my father to go to Athimur on the Javadhu Hills, near Polur. There was a lake there and the plant could be sighted on its banks and ample juice could be extracted. My father went to Athimur, and found the plant on the exact location mentioned by Bhagavan.'

Indian Mongoose

Now that the water is quickly receding on the lakebed, the emphasis is changing from the aquatic to the land animal. In the dry season the reservoir area is replete with rabbits, foxes, snakes and mongoose. But with the excessive flooding this year, a lot of animals had to migrate from their burrows and seek safety on higher ground.

So it was with great satisfaction that a very nice Indian Mongoose crossed our path during our walk early this morning. My dogs were so startled by the intrepid and never-before-seen critter, that they were immobilised whilst it made a very easy escape into some thick undergrowth.

The Indian grey mongoose is found throughout India and prefers areas of bush and tall grass. The Indian grey mongoose, which is also known as the common grey mongoose, is generally a grizzled grey or tawny in colour, with a lighter underside, darker feet, and dark red tail tip. They have a reddish tint to their head. Their tail length equals their body length. Males are significantly larger than the females.

Among the better-known mongooses are those of the genus Herpestes, which range from southern Europe into Africa and southern Asia. The Indian gray mongoose, H. Edwardsi, which may reach 50cm (20in) long plus a 41cm (16in) tail, and weigh about 2.3kg (5lb), is the one portrayed in Kipling's Jungle Book.

This mongoose feeds on mice, rats, lizards, and snakes, but will eat some fruit. They have been known to attack domestic poultry. They are popular for killing poisonous snakes, which they kill with speed and agility. The Indian grey mongoose is diurnal. They are found in fields and open forests, often close to humans. They live in burrows, which can be anything from a hedgerow to rock crevices and drains. They are usually solitary or sometimes in pairs.

Kannappa Temple and Mandapam

Kannappa Temple
This is a current picture of the Kannappa Temple which was mentioned at length in an early entry. This Temple is built on rock and lies flush against Arunachala Hill. Kannappa Temple was recently restored to this immaculate state by the efforts of devotees from Shantimalai Ashram here at Tiruvannamalai.

Kannappa Mandapam
Thus far the Mandapam which lies close to the Temple has not been restored and is currently in a derelict condition just off the giripradakshina path.

Ecology at Tiruvannamalai

In the August issue of Arunachala Grace News, our monthly Newsletter, we will be focussing on various reforestation and ecological programmes currently being undertaken at Arunachala. If anyone has questions they would like to pose on this subject, please send in your comments and suggestions to this Blog.

Some of you reading this Blog are already subscribers to our Newsletter, which contains facts on Arunachala and information about the events and people of this place. For new readers if you wish to receive the July issue of Arunachala Grace News, next week, then please put in your subcription request here at: arunachalagrace@fastmail.fm

Paramhansa Yogananda

Towards the end of 1936 Paramhamsa Yogananda visited Arunachala - but it seems his visit was more for the purpose of meeting Sri Ramana Maharshi than for spending time at the Holy Hill:-

'Before leaving South India, Mr. Wright and I made a pilgrimage to the holy hill of Arunachala near Tiruvannamalai to meet Sri Ramana Maharshi. AT this ashram the great sage welcomed us affectionately and pointed to a nearby stack of East-West magazines. During the hours that we spent with him and his disciples, he was mostly silent, his gentle face radiating divine love and wisdom.

To help suffering humanity regain its forgotten states of Perfection, Sri Ramana teaches that one should constantly ask himself: 'Who am I?', the Great Inquiry indeed. By stern rejection of all other thoughts the devotee soon finds himself going deeper and deeper into the true Self, and the sidetracking bewilderments of other thoughts cease to arise.'

Autobiography of a Yogi (p.391)

Arunachala Is Same Throughout

At different times Ramana Maharshi was asked about the power of Arunachala and whether (as is reputed at the Himalayas) it is more advantageous to be at the top of the Mountain than lower down. Ramana Maharshi explained that, unlike other sacred spots, there is no difference between the lower, middle or upper parts of Arunachala. It is all the same. However if there is any particular method that could be followed in accessing Arunachala's power, Sri Ramana always told his devotees that the method was by doing giripradakshina around the Hill in the proscribed manner.

Phenomenon of the Vortex

[Picture by D. McCambridge]

In addition to an earlier blog on Power Spots and Sacred Sites, below are various explanations of the Vortex; in some way a possibility of understanding part of the phenomenon of Arunachala.

'A vortex is a mass of energy that moves in a rotary or whirling motion, causing a depression or vacuum at the center . . . These powerful eddies of pure Earth power manifest as spiral-like coagulations of energy that are either electric, magnetic, or electromagnetic qualities of life force.'

Page Bryant,
Terravision: A Traveler's Guide to the Living Planet Earth

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...Vortexes are areas of high energy concentrations, originating from magnetic, spiritual, or sometimes unknown sources. Additionally they are considered to be gateways or portals to other realms, both spiritual and dimensional. Vortexes typically exist where there are strong concentrations of gravitational anomalies, inturn, creating an environment that can defy gravity, bend light, scare animals, twist plant life into contorted shapes, and cause humans to feel strange. Many vortexes have been shown to be associated with Ley Lines and have been found to be extremely strong at node points where the lines cross.

**********

. . .Vortexes are labelled according to the direction of their energy flow. Up-flow Vortexes, where energy is flowing upward out of the earth; and Inflow Vortexes, where energy is flowing inward, toward the earth.

Up-flow Vortexes are said to boost spiritual skills associated with going to a higher level. They are said to stretch or expand consciousness, like filling a balloon with air. Places labeled as a magnetic vortex are areas of inflow energy. An area labeled an electric vortex is an area of up-flow energy.

Pete A. Sanders Jr. and Richard Dannelley
'Scientific Vortex Information','Sedona Power Spot Vortex'

How It Looks To Him!

As scary as driving in India can be, with all the big lorries and buses and speeding two-wheelers - just imagine how spooky it looks to our four-footed brethern? And he's not wearing any shoes! Think about how it would be to face all of this with bare feet!