Annamalai Swami

[The words of Annamalai Swami who lived and worked with Sri Ramana Maharishi until 1938]

Arunachala 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. There is water everywhere under the ground, but there are some places where it is easier to get to. Likewise, 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. 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. All beings are ultimately searching for undisturbed peace, so it is surprising how few people ask directly for it.

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.

Bhagavan Sri Ramana himself said that Arunachala is greater than all other religious places. There are other holy, powerful places in the world, but none have the power of Arunachala. Bhagavan has continued to write about this. There is a huge amount of shakti, or spiritual energy, here. We can take as much as we want, but no matter how much we take, the original amount is never diminished.

Even before Bhagavan came here, there were innumerable sages who discovered the power of Arunachala's liberation for themselves. Many came here, realized the Self and attributed their realization to the power and grace of the mountain. Bhagavan always maintained that the power of this mountain was not a matter of belief. He said that if you sit in the shade of a tree, whether or not you believe in the shade, it is a physical fact. He said, "If you go around this hill enough times, it will give you grace, even if you do not want it."

Water Problem

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 juidicious 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 a full report on the Tamil Nadu water problem please check this link]

Motorbike Loaded

This is a great picture of the common site of a loaded two wheeler. On this particular bike there are 4, but with a bit of adjustment the folks on board probably could have squeezed in another small 'un! When overseas visitors come to Tiruvannamalai they are first amazed at the apparent lack of driving restrictions and regulations and once over the shock; jump on in at the deep end! In this respect I have only ever seen an overseas visitor just the one time, wearing a protective crash helmet whilst operating a two wheeler.

To read a funny, satirical related article please check out an earlier post on this Blog: Indian Rules of the Road.

Arunachala-Sai Baba

Sri Sathya Sai Baba's history and love of Arunachala is very well known amongst many that visit Him or study his works. In this respect the first spiritual teaching Sri Sathya Sai Baba is reputed to have given to the world was at the age of 14 years when he left his home and took a seat on a great boulder outside his Puttaparthi village. It was at the boulder (which would later mark one of the boundaries of Prashanti Nilayam; his vast desert Ashram), that Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai sang:

Manasa Bhajorey Guru Charanam

Dusthara Bhava Sagara Tharanam

Guru Maharaj Guru Jai Jai

Sai Natha Sad Guru Jai Jai

Om Namah Shivaya, Om Nama Shivaya,

Om Namah Shivaya, Shivaya Namah

Om Arunachala Shiva, Arunachala Shiva,

Arunachala Shiva Aruna Shiv

Om Omkaram Baba, Omkaram Baba,

Omkaram Baba,Om Namo Baba

'O mind, worship the Lotus Feet of your God and Supreme Teacher that will take you safely across the ocean of life and death. Victory to our Lord and supreme Teacher, Sai Nath!

Mind, also chant and worship; the Divine name of Lord Shiva and Arunachala mountain (which is no different to Shiva) and Baba whose form is OM.'

In the bhajan, Bhagavan exhorts devotees to worship the feet of the spiritual perceptor and explains that there is no difference between the Pranava Om (the sound which pervades the Universe), Arunachala and the Lord. Bowing to one is as bowing to all.

As well as his love of the Holy Place Arunachala, Sri Sathya Sai Baba often guides people (as did Ramana Maharshi) in the method of Self Enquiry. He has been reported to have said:-

"All agitation will cease the moment one enters on the enquiry. 'Who am I?' This was the sadhana that Ramana Maharshi achieved and taught to his disciples. This is also the easiest of all disciplines." [Sri Sathya Sai Baba]

Sparsa Hotel

I first mentioned construction of the new hotel, Sparsa Tiruvannamalai, a couple of weeks previously. Recently I went back to check on progress and see whether the Hotel was on target to open up within the coming months. There is a huge amount of work to do, but substantial progress has been made. Its particularly helpful that there are several Companies involved in separate projects. Most of the construction work is being done by a Company from Kerala, the thatched roofs by individuals from Tiruvannamalai, and the swimming pool is contracted out to a private Company. As always in India, workers on sites do not wear protective clothing. Here is a lovely young girl labourer wearing her pretty pink blouse.

The day I visited the site, the sky was overcast, which I expect was a welcome relief to many of the labourers who would be otherwise toiling under a harsh and hot sun. Here is a view of the swimming pool and in the background the multi-cuisine restaurant with attached Conference Hall.

Below is the master thatcher; a local man who has brought his own crew to thatch all the roofs of the new 3-star Eco-centric Heritage Resort at Tiruvannamalai being built by Auromatrix, Operators of Days Inn, India. All thatching material, including the long grass, is local, and comes from around Arunachala. In the background you can see a roof shell over one cottage, thereafter a layer of bamboo leaves are tied on top of the shell and the whole thing is finally covered with a tight thatch, which I was told was expected to last for around 7 years. The thatched roof is not only aesthetic, it is also functional as it will help regulate the temperature in each unit, thereby conserving on air conditioning.

Here is a finished thatched roof and very nice it looks too.

Below gives an idea of the look of the cottage units. This roof has its primary bamboo leaves and is awaiting thatching. The granite all comes from Adi Annamalai (which is northside of Arunachala). I was curious as to exactly where at Adi Annamalai the granite comes from and in this respect spoke with the friendly master mason who comes from that area and who is in charge of all stone work. I look forward to soon visiting his quarry and checking out operations there.

I couldn't resist taking a photograph of the sink in one of the bathrooms, mainly because I would very much like a similar sink with its nice,rustic look, in my own home.

As the day outside was so overcast and electricity in rooms not yet operational, the below picture didn't come out too clearly but it gives some idea of the atmosphere and rustic ambiance of the of the rooms. I thought the sample room charming and the greens and browns set off by the indigenous granite blocks, very restful. Of course the rooms will be completely up-to-date with air conditioning and room fridges.

I will check back at Sparsa Tiruvannamalai construction site in a few more weeks to check up on progress.

Chiropractic Care

In order to popularise natural healing methods in this area, The Satya Chetana Educational Trust has invited Dr. Rhea Zimmerman from the U.S. to provide Chiropractic care free to the public.

This method, which is beneficial for people of all ages, will be available at:

Satya Chetana International School

(near bus depot and A.S. Motors)

1525 Kanchi Road,

Tiruvannamalai 606604

Date and Time:

Saturday, February 24, 2.30p.m. to 5p.m.

Sunday, February 25, 9.00p.m. to 12.00noon and 2.30p.m. to 5p.m.

Walk to Dentist

So, I am off to have a procedure performed at the dental clinic in the Rangammal Hospital compound. So with as much enthusiasm as one would expect from someone heading to a dentist office (wherever that dentist may be located!) I decide to take a nice, peaceful walk through the countryside instead of going by noisy auto rickshaw.

These workers are getting fields ready for the planting of paddy (rice). The workers are probably local coolies hired by the day. Its unlikely that they would be owners of the land.

Above a very nice photograph of a woodpecker trying to further demolish a damaged and beaten up tree.

The areas surrounding Tiruvannamalai are all working, agricultural lands. Now its time for rice planting. In this area there is also cultivation currently of peanut, sunflower, marigold, chilli plant, root vegetable and legumes. But in the above picture, definitely paddy is on the agenda!

Coming up to the statue of Periyar, a very revered and now deceased political leader of this area who did a vast amount to raise and uplift hitherto depressed communities.

Made it to the compound of Rangammal Hospital. Here is some of the nice, peaceful grounds of their 6 acre compound. Local, indigenous trees that don't require huge amounts of water are planted and Hospital visitors and outpatients, enjoy relaxing in the peaceful and well maintained compound.

Made it to the Dental Clinic. Oh, Well! I always have that beautiful walk home to look forward to!

Glory of Trees

"But the Glory of Trees is more than their gifts;

It is a Beautiful Wonder of Life that lifts.

From a wrinkled seed in an earthbound clod.

A column, an arch in the Temple of God.

A Pillar of Power. A Dome of Delight.

A Shrine of Song, and a Joy of Sight.

Their roots are nurses of Rivers in Birth.

Their leaves are alive with the Breadth of the Earth:

They shelter the dwellings of man and they bend,

O'er his Grave with the look of a Loving Friend".

The District

Tiruvannamalai District came into existence on 30th September 1989 after the bifurcation of the erstwhile North Arcot District. The District lies between 11.55 (degrees) and 13.15 (degrees) North latitude and 78.20 (degrees) to 79.50 (degrees) East longitude. The District is bounded on the north and west by Vellore District, on the southwest by Krishnagiri District, on the south by Villupuram District and on the east by Kanchipuram District.

The Total Geographical Area of Tiruvannamalai District is 6191 sq.kms, comprising the Revenue Divisions of Tiruvannamalai and Cheyyar. The District has six taluks viz; Tiruvannamalai, Chengam, Polur, Arni, Cheyyar and Vandavasi. There are 18 Blocks, including one tribal Block, Javvadhu Hills constituting the district under Rural sector and four Municipalities viz; Tiruvannamalai, Arni, Cheyyar (Thiruvathipuram), Vandavasi representing urban sectors along with Polur selection grade Town Panchayat.

Tiruvannamalai District is bounded on the North and West by Vellore District and on the South West by Krishnagiri District on the South Villupuram District and on the East by Kanchipuram District.

One sixth of the area of this District is Covered by reserve forest and hills which is part and parcel of Eastern Ghats under Javvadhu Hills. The important hills in this district are Tiruvannamalai (2668ft 79.80 MSL), Javvadhu hills (2500ft MSL) and Kailasagiri (2743ft MSL).

Red loamy soil is predominantly found here. The District has also different types of soils such as ferrogenous loamy and sandy loamy. The general climate is tropical. Tiruvannamalai District receives rainfall from North East and South West monsoons.

As per the most recent population census (i.e. 2001) total population of this District is 2,181,853; comprising 1,093,191 Men and 1,088,662 women. The urban population is 400,549 constituting 18% of the total Population, the remaining 82% ie.1,781,304 is rural population. The density of the population is 352 per sq.km. The total literate among male are 773,367 and that of female 544,284.

There is no perennial river in the district. Cheyyar, Thenpennai, Kamandala Naganathi are only seasonal. SATHANUR DAM is constructed across Thenpennai river in Chengam taluk among Chennakesava Hills.

Tiruvannamalai District is industrially backward. The SLS cotton spinning mill is the only major industry and in Annakkavoor and Polur, sugar mills are functioning. However medium and small scale industries as well as cottage industries, such as modern rice mills, weaving factories, cotton, silk and mat-weaving, coir manufacturing and beedi manufacturing are flourishing. The District is enriched in mineral deposits such as black granites, multi-coloured granites, soap and magnesite deposits. Paddy, Groundnut, Sugarcane, Millets and pulses are the District's major crops and two milk chilling plants are in operation. Tourism and resources for Pilgrimage are becoming increasingly major revenue generators of the District.

Mother Meera

Mother Meera was born on December 26, 1960 in the village of Chandepalle in southern India. The state of samadhi soon became constant for Her. Under the auspices of Her uncle, she lived for some time in Pondicherry. In 1982 she married a German man, and now lives at Thalheim, a village in Germany.

On February 12th and 13th of this year, Mother Meera visited Tiruvannamalai appearing on two consecutive evenings at a local Mandapam Hall to a predominantly Western crowd. It is said of her: "Darshan is Her silent bestowal of Grace and Light through Her gaze and touch. Mother gives darshan in silence. It is Her gift to humanity".

MahaShivaratri

Each month there is day known as Sivaratri and once a year there is Mahasivaratri (maha=great); The Great Festival of Shiva. The dates of these occasions correspond to the phases of the moon and it is believed that the mind (which is adversely affected by the power of the moon) is less susceptible to low, animalistic forces and thus more tractable to the power of meditation and prayer.

It is for this reason that Mahasivaratri is believed to be the one 24-hour period in the year which is of the greatest benefit. It has been stated in the scriptures that if a man fasts, stays awake and meditates for the whole of Mahasivaratri, it will give him his best chance to achieve mastery of the mind and attain liberation.

Mahashivaratri always falls on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of Phalguna (February-March), and is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. (Mahashivaratri this year, 2007 falls on Friday, February 16th). On this day devotees sing Shiva bhajans, recite verses from scriptures, offer prayers in the morning and evening, and some observe fasting throughout the day. People visit Shiva Temples and in the case of Arunachala, premier Shiva site of South India, circumbulation of Arunachala Hill is observed by many.

The name Shiva signifies a quality that means 'Auspicious' or 'The Auspicious One'. To a few, Shiva is Paramatman, Brahman, the Absolute, but many more prefer to see Shiva as a personal God given to compassion for his worshippers, and the dispenser of both spiritual and material blessings. Related to the Absolute concept is Shiva as Yoganath, the Lord of Yoga, wherein he becomes teacher, path and goal. As such he is the Adi Guru or Highest Guru of sannyasins who have renounced the world to attain the Absolute.

One of the early traditions, is Shiva in the form of Dakshinamurti; the South-Facing Guru. In this form, seated on a low platform, with one leg hanging down in front, he communicated the Sanatana Dharma or Eternal Wisdom to the four Kumaras who appeared early in creation. The Guru spoke no words but taught them by the transmission of mind-to-mind, and its purpose was to show that man can realise the Absolute when the human mind is in complete equipoise with the Cosmic Mind.

While almost all other festivals are celebrated during the day, Mahashivaratri is celebrated at night, which stands for all that is evil: injustice, ignorance, darkness, sin, violence, treachery, falsehood, and misfortune. Mythology says that Shiva appeared to save the world from Tamoguna (darkness and ignorance).

One legend concerning Shivaratri, is of a hunter named Lubdhaka, who after killing birds in a forest, was chased by a hungry lion. The hunter climbed a Bilva tree to save himself from the lion's attack. The lion waited throughout the entire night at the bottom of the tree for its prey. In order to stay awake to avoid falling from the tree, the hunter kept plucking the leaves of the Bilva tree and dropped them below. The leaves fell on a Shiva Lingam that happened to be located at the bottom of the tree. Shiva was pleased by the inadvertent offering of Bilva leaves by the hunter, and saved him in spite of his sin in killing the birds.

On Maha Shivaratri, Lord Shiva is Lingodbhavamurti, the pillar of fire that spans all, with no beginning and no end. The devout believe that they are on their way to oneness with Shiva, that they will join with the Supreme after hours of darkness spent in fasting and prayer. The worship of Lingodbhavamurti is with the leaves of the bilva, gathered from quince trees. The lingam is showered, unceasingly, with basketfuls of these, and other flowers, just as Lubdhaka, the hunter in the above story once did.

Another legend traces the origin of this festival to the churning of the Ocean of Milk by devas (gods) and asuras (demons). It is said that when both gods and demons were churning the Ocean of Milk to obtain amrita (water of immortal life), they came across many unusual substances, including the deadly poison Kalakuta. As soon as they touched the poison, it exploded into poisonous fumes that threatened to envelope the entire Universe with darkness. When the destruction of the Universe seemed inevitable, the gods ran for assistance from Brahma and Vishnu, but neither was able to help. At last they ran to Lord Shiva, who raised his trident and condensed the fumes. In order to save the creation, Shiva swallowed the poison without spilling a single drop. The poison left a dark blue mark on Shiva's throat. The gods praised and worshipped Shiva for saving the universe.

The Ocean of Milk represents the ideal world that is full of peace and happiness for all human beings. Churning the Ocean of Milk signifies the human activity in the world. The amrita symbolizes happiness and the poison represents human greed and selfishness. Shiva symbolizes the atman (self), and worship of Shiva denotes meditation and contemplation by an individual on his or her own self.

Thus the only way to achieve peace and happiness is by worshipping Shiva at night, that is, by meditating on one's own self during the night when the individual is free from the distractions of the physical world. When the individual attains self-knowledge, he or she can live in the world without being affected by anger, greed, and selfishness, the three enemies of one's soul. MahaShivaratri symbolizes the worship of the atman within.

Blog Update

Postings on this Blog have been erratic over the last month due to problems with my computer. Hopefully these difficulties will be soon resolved and thereafter I will be able to keep you more up-to-date with news and information at Arunachala.

Singing Heart Retreat

Coinciding with the festival of Shivaratri, a special retreat that focusses on the 'Exploration of the death process including a safe journey through the seven bodies at the time of death' will be held at the Singing Heart Ashram near Tiruvannamalai (7 kms from Arunachala).

The Retreat will start on 14th Feburary at 4 p.m. and finish the 16th evening with Shivaratri celebrations.

'The retreat will be an opportunity for you to receive a deeper understanding of the death process and will enable you to share your understanding with others who now face death.'

Singing Heart ashram is quiet with a wonderful view of Arunachala. Living conditions are simple. Bed linen and mosquito nets provided. Bring a towel. Meals are served from Anantha Niketan, the ashram next door, mostly South Indian food; not too spicy. Filtered drinking water is available. From more information about conditions and rates please contact the Singing Heart Ashram at +91-(0)-944-3969220

Website: www.cosmicairport.com

Water Dispute

Former Chief Minister Jayalalitha recently accused the current DMK Government of failing to adopt a clever, tactful and courageous approach to finding a solution to river water disputes with Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

In a statement Ms. Jayalalitha said lack of administrative efficiency on the part of the current Government had come in the way of finding a solution to the inter-State water disputes with neighbouring States.

She warned that the Northern Districts, including Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallore, and the suburban areas of Chennai would face serious drinking water shortage if the Andhra Pradesh Government went ahead with its plan to construct a check dam across the Palar.

Tamil Nadu, more particularly the Northern Districts, would experience an agrarian crisis and farmers would suffer serious difficulties.

Local News

Tourist Vehicles

Tiruvannamalai Municipal Council has decided not to collect entry fees for tourist vehicles coming into Tiruvannamalai on all full moon days (Poornimas) and also during the annual 10-day Karthigai Deepam festival. The waiver for all vehicle entry fees would come into effect from April 1, 2007.

3rd Police Station at Tiruvannamalai

An additional Police Station will start functioning in Tiruvannamalai from February 2, 2007 making it the third Police Station in Tiruvanamalai after the Town Police Station and Taluk Police Station and the 36th in Tiruvannamalai District.

The new station will have one inspector, three sub inspectors, and 52 constables with a jurisdiction from Saron, Barathi Nagar in Tirukoilur Road, including Kilnathur, Head Post Office, Mathalanguala Streets and Muthuvinayagar Koil Street up to the Bus Stand. From there it will cover Vellore Road and areas on the right side of the road up to the (soon to be costructed) bypass road. The Collectorate, District Police Office and Taluk office complex would also fall under the jurisdiction of the new station.

Post Office Micro-Credit Scheme

In a new scheme, the Postal Department will be lending micro-credit to members of self help groups (SHGs). The programme named 'SHG-Post Office Linkage' will be implemented in Tiruvannamalai, Pudukottai and Sivaganga in the Tiruvannamalai District. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) will be financing the programme.

But, whereas in the case of commercial banks, where NABARD refinance the banks after they actually lend out loans to beneficiaries, in the case of Post Offices, NABARD will directly lend the amount to SHGs and hence, the repayment would also directly go to NABARD.

Battery Chickens

This chicken battery farm at Tiruvannamalai is a sad and depressing sight to come across so deep in the agricultural and farming heartland of Tamil Nadu.

If it wasn't so depressing it would be fascinating to find out exactly how this example of agri-business started up here in this backward area.

Its bad enough to know such dreadful places exist out there in the developed world without having to see them start up in the agricultural heartland of India!

I do hope that an animal welfare organisation comes into Tiruvannamalai and sets up a Branch Office to start monitoring animal welfare and transportation of animals in this area.

Lineman

Here in the countryside electric power fluctuations are all too frequent. To help protect all electrical items in my home (including my computer system) I asked the Electricity Board to send a lineman to put on clamps on my electric lines to try and stablise my power supply. So here is the lineman sent by the EB on top of the pole outside my home. As you can see he does not have much in the way of protective clothing or equipment and clambered up the pole with bare feet and just a few tools.

Now that's over the lineman climbs down in the same way he went up. As you will notice from the below photograph, the cement post is completely smooth with no foothold or handhold help for my brave, intrepid linesman!

Watching the whole exercise with absolutely no interest whatsoever is little Muffin, the young puppy in the family.

Casper, one of the older dogs in our family group, was definitely more interested in the proceedings and didn't leave his perch from the side of the house until the lineman had distanced himself far from our home.

Moon Calendar

This month full moon (Poornima) fell on Thursday, February 1st. If you want to check out upcoming full moons and Deepam dates please check out:

http://www.arunachalasamudra.org/fullmoon.html

The link will give you information about full moon (Poornima) and Deepam dates at Arunachala all the way through to the end of 2009.

Arunachala Aspect

This is a very unusual view of Arunachala which I took from the Polur road near to the turning off going to Pachaiamman Koil. Hope to bring you some nice snaps and a report of Pachaiamman Koil over the next few weeks, as its certainly one of the most colourful and fascinating Temples at Tiruvannamalai.

But for now this rather spectacular view of Arunachala.

Sparsa, Tiruvannamalai

Auromatrix, Operators of Days Inn, India; are currently constructing their new 3-star Eco-centric Heritage Resort at Tiruvannamalai. The Hotel will be called 'Sparsa, Tiruvannamalai', and construction is expected to be completed in the upcoming months.

The Hotel, which will occupy 2 1/2 acres of land is ideally situated just off the pradakshina road on its northside and the NH-66 Highway (to Bangalore) on its southside. The view of Arunachala is unobstructed and the area is peaceful and undeveloped.

To begin with 7 individual cottage units are being built with 4 room units in each cottage comprised of 2 units upstairs and 2 downstairs. The buildings in the complex will be of rough hewn granite locally procured at Adi Annamalai. The facade of the cottages will be completed in red brick and all roofs will be thatched.

There will be an Ayurveda Treatment Centre, a multi-cuisine restaurant, shops, gymnasium, internet cafe and swimming pool all located within the Hotel Complex.

In the above photograph you can see the beginning of the excavation of the Hotel swimming pool.

For myself I've never equated austerity or suffering as a necessary pre-requisite of spiritual life. Personally I think its excellent that different facilities for visiting pilgrims/tourists now exist at Tiruvannamalai. In this respect its very encouraging that the new Hotel will be introducing such features as an ayurvedic treatment centre at their new Hotel. I will keep you informed as to progress of the construction of Sparsa, Tiruvannamalai.