Museum Progress

Wondering how progress on the Museum/Visitors Centre at the Mountain of Medicine was going, so decided to drop by and have a look. The Park is located a short distance on Chengam Road, west of Ramana Ashram. Below is the front gate of the Mountain of Medicine.

Currently work is underway on improving the beginning of the (inner) mountain path around Arunachala and developing walkways; trees are being planted, and lovely paintings of local birds and wildlife are being placed in strategic spots around the walks and parks.

Lots of young saplings and plants both for the Mountain of Medicine and for sale to the general public for their own homes and land.


And the next series of photographs show the progress of the Visitors Centre.


The Visitor's Centre will be the focal part of the Mountain of Medicine eco-park. As soon as agreement was reached with the District Collector regarding the development of this Centre, an architect set to work and came up with a concept envisaging three separate blocks in one harmonious complex.



The blocks will house; a museum, environmental centre and office with herbarium of Hill plants, library, craft shop and cafe. To make use of the cooling mass of the earth, the buildings will be into the ground around the base of a small hillock in the eco-park.

Cow Lakshmi Puja Photos

As mentioned in my own posting, there was a Puja at the shrine of Cow Lakshmi on Monday morning, July 14, which is her Samadhi Day by the Hindu Calendar. To view the official Ramana Ashram photographs of the function click here and to watch the video of the puja go to this link here.

The Guru

But a Guru need not always be in human form. First a person thinks he is an inferior and that there is a superior, all-knowing and all-powerful God who controls his own and the world’s destiny, and worships him or does bhakti. When he reaches a certain stage and becomes fit for enlightenment, the same God whom he was worshipping comes as Guru and leads him on. That Guru comes only to tell him. “The God is within yourself. Dive within and realise.” God, Guru, and the Self are the same.”
[Ramana Maharshi]

Guru Poornima

The day of full moon, in the month of Ashadh is traditionally observed as Guru Poornima. This year, that day falls on Friday, July, 2008 (1:29 p.m. in India) and celebrates the anniversary of Sage Vyasa’s birth. (Vyasa is believed to have edited the four Vedas, written the 18 Puranas, Mahabharata and Srimad Bhagavata).

Ganesha is believed to have written the Mahabharata to Veda Vyasa's dictation. When the sage asked Ganesha to write down the epic, the learned god agreed on condition that his pen should not stop moving until the story was completed. Vyasa agreed but said that Ganesha should write only if he completely understood what was dictated. So whenever Ganesha stopped to consider Vyasa's complicated compositions, the sage would use the time to compose more verses.

Spiritual Gurus are revered on this full moon day by remembering their life and teachings. And a period of 'Chaturmas' (four months) begins at this point. In the past, wandering spiritual masters and their disciples used to settle down at a place to study and discourse on the Brahma Sutras composed by Vyasa, and engage themselves in Vedantic discussions.


“Guru is understood to be the awakener of the dormant spirit of the aspirant to the consciousness of the immortal Self or God. Guru is the guide and the leader. What does the Guru say to the soul in tribulation? He exhorts: “Go within yourself and behold therein the splendour and glory of the eternal Truth. Therein resides your ultimate home of perfect release, happiness and peace. Therein find the life that never fades, that never changes, but ever blesses and sanctifies. Be in tune with that Reality, if you sincerely crave of the highest consummation of life.” It is thus the Guru awakens you, and thereafter you are always awake. This is the real conception of a Guru.”
[Swami Ramdas]

A Mother's Love

Bonnet Macaque monkeys can be found throughout Tiruvannamalai District. The ones that frequent Tiruvannamalai and the outlying suburbs, are smart and socialised. They have little fear of people, but are wary of dogs in large groups. As they are so intelligent and opportunistic, its very important not to tempt them with interesting looking bags and packages. They also seem to relish nice shiny things like watches and glasses. I feel its a honour and blessing sharing this place with them.

These photographs were taken yesterday early morning at Ramana Ashram. Mothers having a chat while comparing notes on young infants. The Mums also seem to be having some kind of medical consultation!

Not only was this group sitting at the well, there were also a number of monkeys in the trees, wandering on the grounds and also peering from the roof of the Temple Shrine.

Dhal is sprinkled on the ground in front of the office every morning, an event the monkeys impatiently await for each day. Here one mother with youngster is making a grab of some dhal before the peacocks arrive.

The monkeys and peacocks have a interesting relationship in which they tolerate each other most of the time, but occasionally a skirmish breaks out between them.

And above a youngster exploring the world. He seems absolutely fearless.

Interview with V. Ganesan

We have been supplied with the following information, which we are sharing with readers of Arunachala Grace.

V. Ganesan, will be sharing stories about the life and teachings of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi with an interviewer this Tuesday, the 15th July at 11 a.m. (USA Eastern Time Zone = GMT -5) on WCOM 103.5 FM Carrboro (North Carolina, U.S).

Or live world wide streaming webcast at:

http://www.communityradio.coop/Programs/touchstones.html

Archives @:

http://www.wordtrade.com/essays/touchstones/touchstonesA.htm

V.Ganesan

V. Ganesan grew up till the age of fourteen in the presence of his great uncle, Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi. After the mahanirvana of Bhagavan in 1950, Ganesan went on to get a Master’s Degree in Philosophy. After to return to Arunachala, where he was able to absorb reminiscences of Bhagavan that had never been recorded before. In addition to this, his close contacts with saints, sages and seers like Yogi Ramsuratkumar, Nisargadatta Maharaj and J. Krishnamurti, helped him to deepen and widen his understanding of the essence of Bhagavan’s Teachings.

V. Ganesan is a wonderful story teller with a great memory and a very clear insight into the teachings of Bhagavan. So to those not familiar with V. Ganesan, the interview will be fascinating and highly recommended.

Lakshmi the Cow

As mentioned in an earlier posting, I attended Cow Lakshmi's Ardhana function this morning at Ramana Ashram. It was a very sweet event, especially for those attendees who know something of the history of this cow.

In the below, the President of Ramana Ashram, Sri Sundaram is in front of a chair with a photograph of Bhagavan and Lakshmi.

After the short puja, I thought it would be nice to visit some of the 163 cows that live at the Ashram, some of who are Lakshmi's descendants. The below is of a lovely Rajasthan cow, who was waiting for some bananas to be passed through the gate.

These Rajasthan cows and bulls are exquisite, with skin like silk and a gentle, sweet disposition.

The next photograph are of Punitha's calves. Punitha, who is now deceased was a HUGE favourite with devotees and visitors. Lets hope the kids grow up to be as lovely as their Mum.

Lots of cows everywhere, and here an idyllic scene of several cows hanging out under some trees at the Gokulam.

On Mattu Pongal (Festival of the Cows) celebrated yearly in mid-January in Tamil Nadu, domestic animals are decorated and fed with Pongal. Below follows a narrative of a special Mattu Pongal in which Lakshmi played a prominent part. The narrative is particularly interesting because the writer tries to explain the unique connection Cow Lakshmi had with Sri Ramana Maharshi:

“In the Asramam also yesterday morning several varieties of sweetmeats were prepared and, with garlands made of those sweetmeats, puja to Nandi was performed by drawing ornamental lines with lime powder before the cowshed, by tying plantain trees around the pillars, by hanging garlands of green leaves, by bathing all the cows, by placing tilakam (vermilion marks) on their foreheads and garlands around their necks, and by feeding them with Pongal. Finally pujas was performed to the chanting of mantras and the breaking of coconuts.

Lakshmi is the queen amongst the cows, is she not? You must see her grandeur! Her forehead was smeared with turmeric powder, and adorned with Kumkum. Around her neck and horns were hung garlands made of roses and several other flowers, as also those made of edibles, and sweets, Besides these, garlands made out of bananas sugarcane pieces and coconut kernels, were put around her neck. Not satisfied with these, the person in charge of the animals brought from his own house another garland made out of some savoury preparation like murukku and placed it on the neck of Lakshmi. When Niranjananandaswami asked him what it was for, he replied with justifiable pride that that was his mamool (yearly custom) to do so. When I saw Lakshmi thus decorated like Kamadhenu, I was overjoyed and felt extremely happy.

Bhagavan, who went out at 9-45 a.m., came to the Gosala (cow-shed) at 10 a.m., to shower his blessings on his children there. While he sat on a chair by the side of Lakshmi, enjoying the sight of the beautiful decorations on her, the devotees gave arati with camphor, chanting Vedic hymns such as “Na Karmana” etc. Some devotees said that they would take a photo of Lakshmi. She was then led into the middle of the Gosala after asking the devotees who had gathered in to a big group, to step aside. Lakshmi stood there, tossing her head in a graceful manner. Bhagavan also got up, came, and stood by the side of Lakshmi, patting her head and body with his left hand, and when he said, “Steady, please, be steady”. Lakshmi slowly closed her eyes and remained absolutely quiet as if she was in a samadhi (trance). Sri Ramana then placed his right hand on her back, and with his walking stick in this left, stood in a dignified manner by the side of Lakshmi, when the photographer took two or three photos. One must see that sight to appreciate its grandeur fully.

Another photo was taken when Bhagavan was feeding her with his own hands fruits and sweetmeats. You can see the photos when you come here. I was reminded of Lord Krishna in Repalle when I saw the grand spectacle of Bhagavan standing in the midst of the cows in the Gosala. Not only this, in Brahma Vaivartha Purana it is stated that Krishna is the Paramatma, the Lord of the cow world, and that Radha is Prakriti. The theory in that Purana is that Radha and Madhava are Prakriti and Purusha – the inseparable pair. Standing with his body bent slightly to the left, and with his left hand on Lakshmi, and with the walking stick in his right hand, looking as if it was a flute, with a sparkling smile on the face like the foam on the waves of the ocean of ananda, with a compassionate look towards the group of devotees that had gathered along with the herd of cows, Sri Ramana, the embodiment of grace, it is no surprise of one were reminded of Lord Krishna Himself standing with crossed legs, resting on his toes and playing exquisitely on the flute. If that Krishna is Ramana, what are we to say of our Lakshmi who appears to have been completely oblivious of this world with her ears hanging down, with her eyes closed and enjoying transcendental bliss caused by the touch of Bhagavan’s hands on her body? Shall I say that she is the embodiment of Prakriti in the shape of Radha? Otherwise, how could she understand human language?

It is no exaggeration to say that we, with human eyes, saw in that congregation what is beyond human sight; a world of cows, and its overlord, Prakriti and Purusha. You would perhaps laugh at my foolish fantasies but take it from me, that sight was so lovely. Every year this worship of the cow is being performed, but this year Bhagavan gave us this blissful darshan by standing by the side of Lakshmi, because the devotees said that they would take a photo of Lakshmi. What a great day! I am writing to you, because I just could not contain my joy.”

[Letters from Sri Ramanasramam]

Adiannamalai Temple

The name of this Temple, Adi Annamalai means ‘first’ or ‘ancient’ Annamalai (Arunachaleshwarar). Its size is small and it occupies only ½ acre in size – compared with the 25-26 acre size of Arunachaleswarar Temple on Tiruvannamalai side of the Hill.

The legend of Adi Annamalai recounts that Brahma, after His dispute with Vishnu about the fiery column, made a lingam and went to the other side of the Hill to worship Shiva. Thus, this lingam is supposed to be the first, ancient and original lingam of Annamalai and hence the name Adi Annamalai.

It is reported that the vision of Arunachala from this Temple is known as Siva Yoga Muka Darshan and the great Siddha Thirumoolar saw this darshan. Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi who used to camp at Adi Annamalai for up to 2-3 nights while performing Giri Valam was reported to have said that while there he heard the celestial recital of ‘Sama Veda’.

In spite of its illustrious history and position as one of the foremost Temples at Arunachala, the Adi Annamalai Temple has been sadly neglected this century. The last time Adi Annamalai Temple was renovated was during the years 1903-1918 when work was financed by a group of Chettiar devotees. A subsequent Kumbabhishekam was celebrated in 1967; but the puja was neither proper nor performed in the correct way. Since that time no substantial renovation or maintenance work had occurred at this Temple.

A Swami (well known in this area) would meditate at Adi Annamalai Temple from between 1988-1992 for up to 4 hours a day. While at the Temple he couldn’t fail but notice the whole of it was in a bad condition; there was only meagre lighting as the whole electrical wiring was in a damaged condition and the Temple was full of bats and had a very bad smell. Even though Adi Annamalai Temple falls under aegis of The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, at that time, it was not being properly maintained.

As a result of a near electrocution of an innocent visitor, our Swami became inspired to take action. He found out that the necessary electrical work for the Temple would cost Rs.75,000/-, so went about utilising contacts to raise the amount. Within 6 months money was raised and the work of installing new electrical wiring throughout the Temple completed.

At the electrical inauguration, The Temple Board Deputy Commissioner coincidentally visited Adi Annamalai and while there spoke to Swami saying, “Swami you should now do the full renovation of this Temple and also arrange the subsequent Kumbabhishekam”. Swami was perplexed as he had raised Rs.115,000/- for the electrical work and ceremonies but found that the estimate for the full Temple renovation and lavish Mahakumbabhishekam would come to 30 Lakhs – and there was only Rs.25,000 remaining from the electrical work collection.

However after prayful meditation, Swami became convinced that he had the Grace and Blessings of Sri Ramana Maharshi to undertake the work, so went about raising funds and overseeing all renovation and rebuilding work at Adi Annamalai Temple. Ganesha Puja was performed on January 26, 1993 and in February 7, 1994 Temple work officially started. The work to be undertaken: Wiring, Rebuild crumbling stucco idols in all Towers, new flooring, roof tiled with brick tiles, rooms renovated including all doors and the palanquins (for procession of the idols) had to be repaired and painted. The work altogether took 2½ years to complete and cost approximately the 30 Lakhs that was originally estimated.

Previously few pilgrims visited Adi Annamalai Temple, however nowadays during Poornima (when about 5 Lakhs visit Tiruvannamalai) about 50,000 pilgrims come to take darshan at Adi Annamalai Temple.

Lord Siva manifested himself as the Swayambhu Linga (Self Created) on the eastern side of the Hill. The Temple housing this sacred Linga is known as the Arunachaleswara Temple. On the western side of the Hill at the village Adi Annamalai is situated the Temple of Adi Arunachaleswara established by Brahma.

According to legend Brahma got enamoured of Tillottama, his own daughter (i.e. one of his own creations) and in his mood of infatuation went after her in the form of a dove. When she took refuge in Siva, the Lord confronted Brahma in the form of a Hunter and dispelled his delusion. There is even today a temple to the Lord as Hunter, known as Vediyappan Koil, being called wrongly nowadays as Kannapar Koil. To get himself absolved of the sin committed, Brahma installed and worshipped a Linga of Lord Arunachaleswara. This is also called Adi Annamalai.

In the Arunachala Puranam (Tamil), Brahma says to his son Sanaka, “To remove the unabating Karmas I installed and worshipped a Linga of Lord Arunachala, who is called Ani Annamalai (Ani = Beautiful)”.

The month of Maargazhi (December-January) is considered the pre-dawn hour of the gods (Brahma Muhurtha). Saint Manickavachakar sang his immortal “Thiruvembavai’ at Adi Annamalai. This song of bridal mysticism is sung all over Tamil Nadu every morning of Maargazhi month. There is a Temple and pond dedicated to this saint at Adi Annamalai.

Vision of Sri Ramana Maharshi

Describing a vision Bhagavan Sri Ramana once said:

“I was wandering about aimlessly when I found at one place a big cave. When I entered the cave, I saw a number of waterfalls, beautiful gardens with tanks and well laid paths shining with bright lights and everything about it was very pleasing. As I walked more into the cave I saw a Siddha Purusha (realised person) seated like Dakshinamoorthy under a tree on the banks of tank. Around him, a number of saints were seated. He was answering to their deep questions. That placed appeared to me familiar. That is all. I opened by eyes. Subsequently after some time when I saw Arunachala Purnanam in Sanksrit, I found the following slokas where Lord Siva says:-

‘Here I always abide as the Siddha and I am worshipped by devas.

In the interior of my Heart is transcendental glory with all tell the luxuries of the World.

My effulgent form in its mellowed appearance is known as the Aruna Hill. Meditating on this might Linga of mine one should do pradakshina (go around it) slowly.’

In these two slokas that cave and that Siddha Purusha have been described and so I was surprised that what appeared in a trance was to be found in that book. So I wrote their translation in Tamil: ‘Angiyuru Vayumoli Mangugiri yaga’? Its meaning is ‘though you are in the form of Fire, you have kept away the Fire and have taken the shape of a Hill mainly to shower your blessings on the people. You are always living here in the form of a Siddha’. The cave that appeared to me is in you with all the luxuries of the world. Not long after this vision the Temple renovation work at Adi Annamalai started (1903-1918). The workers accidentally uncovered a passage in a covered pit on the eastern part of the Temple. When devotees reported about this to me, I visited the place and was surprised to find that it was this very passage that I saw in the vision. Then I thought, that which is in the Purana appears to be true and that the tunnel is the way to places I have seen. I asked them not to investigate further but to close and seal the entrance.”

[Sri Ramana Maharshi]

With thanks for information of Adiannamalai Temple to Swami Ramananda, to find out more about him and his history with this Temple, go to this link here

[Photographs courtesy of Richard Clarke – to view more excellent photographs of Adi Annamalai Temple go to his link here]

The Pumpkin People

Samudram Lake is empty and will remain so until the monsoon rains, channelled off the Hill, fill the 750 acre reservoir to a level in some places of up to five feet. The ladies in the below photograph are watching their cows graze on the mineral rich grass.


A goat herder, on his way home, is bringing his flock down the side of the lake embankment.

My doggies are playing peacefully, and hopefully will continue to give the goats a very wide berth.

These two ladies are part of the group that I have nicknamed the 'pumpkin people'; a bunch of local villagers who have been awarded short term rights by the local Government to grow vegetables on the Poramboke Land (Government Land) until the rains come.

The pumpkin people have put up several temporary shelters for shade during the daytime while they watch their pumpkin crop.

Below a small pumpkin. I remember a couple of years ago, even though a group of villagers put in a huge amount of work cultivating the Samudram, the crop was not good, so I hope it works out better for them this year - they've all worked so hard.

In the next photograph some of my doggies on a fishing expedition.

Oh goodie, they found some nice little fingerlings.

By this time of year, Samudram Lake is generally dry - as a result of being constantly drained to irrigate adjacent agricultural lands and losing water through evaporation. Sadly many little fishes get cooked in the increasingly shallow water. Quickly the beached fish, dry out in the sun, and become a very tasty snack for dogs and birds alike - and what other animals prowl around the lake once the sun has gone down!

My own doggies always look forward to their regular fishing expedition and help in daily decreasing the large quantity of fingerlings all around the dried out Samudram.

We walk to the back of the empty Samudram Lake, and climb the embankment. In the distance are some beautiful hills which look very inviting.




My doggies and I walk towards Arunachala and home.

Juggernaut DVD

Juggernaut a film by Rob Das, photography by Daan de Boer and funded by the Dutch Film Fund, is available through this site. The film filmed at Arunachala Karthikai Deepam and produced in Holland, is a high international quality DVD (lasting about 50 minutes).

“The Karthikai Deepam chariot festival is one of the most important Hindu festivals of the year. Annually thousands of devotees assemble in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, to take part in the many street ceremonies and to offer sacrifices to Shiva. The film Juggernaut observes these events from close range and so transports the viewer to an unfamiliar world. In a voice-over one of the pilgrims tells us about his life. He is a sadhu, a holy man, travelling from one temple to another, begging his way around the country. Following the death of his wife and daughter he left all his worldly possessions behind and now all he owns are the clothes on his back. But he is at peace with his ascetic existence. His faith, which is not restricted to a single God, is all he needs. He worships Jesus, Allah and Shiva equally, depending on the Temple he visits.

As the film starts the town appears calm. A man is washing himself at a well, a woman is sweeping her porch, the last licks of paint are applied to the colourful chariots. But the crowd quickly grows and before long the main street is a pulsating throng of people. The high point of the festival is when a towering chariot, a temple on wheels, is pulled through the town by hundreds of men and women, using enormous chains.

Using very few words, juggernaut respectfully portrays a town engulfed with religious devotion and dedication and shows the terrific power and energy released by communal rituals like these. It concludes with amazing close-up shots of the preparation of the Deepam Cauldron on the top of Arunachala and at dusk, amidst throngs of chanting devotees, its lighting.”

For ordering information of the Juggernaut DVD please go to this link

This is definitely the best quality DVD video of Karthikai Deepam which is currently available. The footage of the lighting of the cauldron is truly extraordinary - just like being there!

Cow Lakshmi Day

On Friday, the fifth of Ani, in the Year Sarvadhari (June 18th, 1948), the twelfth day of the waxing moon, under the asterism Visakha, the cow Lakshmi attained mukti. This year Cow Lakshmi Aradhana will be celebrated at Sri Ramana Ashram on July 14th and will be, as always a lovely function (there will be photographs posted at that time).

In the meantime here is a short narrative about Cow Lakshmi and her life at Ramana Ashram.

“The most favoured of all the animal devotees of Bhagavan was the cow Lakshmi. She was brought to the Ashram as a young calf together with her mother in 1926 by one Arunachala Pillai and presented to Sri Bhagavan. A devotee offering to look after the cow and calf, kept them at his place in town for about a year and then one day came to have darshan of Sri Bhagavan and brought them with him on a visit.

The calf seems to have been irresistibly attracted to Sri Bhagavan and to have noted the way to the Ashram because she returned alone next day and from then on came every morning and returned to town only in the evening. Later, when she came to live in the Ashram, she would still come to Ramana, going straight up to him and taking no notice of anyone else, and he would always have bananas or some other delicacy for her. For a long time she would come to the hall daily at lunch-time to accompany him to the dining-hall, and so punctually that if he had been occupied by anything and sat beyond the hour he would look at he clock when she came in and find that it was time.

Ramana Maharshi with Lakshmi

She bore a number of calves, at least three of them on Bhagavan’s Jayanthi (birthday). When a stone cow-house was built in the Ashram it was decided that Lakshmi should be the first to enter it on the day of its inauguration, but when the time came she could not be found; she had gone to lie by Sri Bhagavan and would not budge until he came too, so that he entered first and she behind him.

Not only was she uncommonly devoted to Bhagavan, but the Grace and kindness he showed her was quite exceptional. In later years, there were a number of cows and bulls at the Ashram but no other that formed such an attachment or elicited such Grace. Lakshmi’s descendants are still there.

On June 17th, 1948, Lakshmi fell ill and on the morning of the 18th it seemed that her end was near. At ten o’clock Bhagavan went to her. “Amma (Mother),” he said, “you want me to be near you?” He sat down beside her and took her head on his lap. He gazed into her eyes and placed his hand on her head as though giving her diksha (initiation) and also over her heart. Holding his cheek against hers, he caressed her. Satisfied that her heart was free from all vasanas (latent tendencies), he took leave of her. Lakshmi was conscious up the end; her eyes were calm. At eleven-thirty she left her body, quite peacefully.

Lakshmi statue at her Samadhi

She was buried in the Ashram compound with full funeral rites, beside the graves of a deer, a crow and a dog which Bhagavan had also caused to be buried there. A square stone was placed over her grave surmounted by a likeness of her. On the stone was engraved an epitaph that Bhagavan had written stating that she had attained Mukti (liberation).”

[Abridged from Ramana Maharshi and the Path of Self-Knowledge]

Latest on Thiruvannamalai movie

The masala movie Thiruvannamalai, is currently being filmed in other parts of Tamil Nadu. Shooting of the movie will eventually take place in this area. In the meantime, current news on the movie as below. If you are interested in seeing stills from the movie, go to this link here. [I warn you, they don't look so great!]

Speaking about the currently in production movie, Thiruvannamalai, Director Perarasu says:

“Thiruvannamalai will be a commercial entertainer with punch dialogues and mass masala elements. Every man has got problems and for many they are of their own makings. Thiruvannamalai is the story of a confident youth, who fights against evils in society and emerges triumphant. It is not a just an action film but a new attempt too”.

The Director is also handling law and order problems, rowdy activities and the evils of politics. He says, “Since the title is Thiruvannamalai, there are loads of spiritualism in the script as well.” [I like his enthusiasm in this part].

Actor, Arjun plays a cable TV operator, while the heroine Sania Vakil plays an advocate.

Samudram Embankment

Now that Samudram Lake is bone dry, in my evening walk with my doggies decided to walk over to the opposite side and climb up the embankment for a different view of Arunachala.

And here it is. The time is about 6.50 and its getting quickly dark.

The rains won't start up for another 6 weeks, and in the meantime some local villagers are using the rich land to plant pumpkins, which they valiantly defend throughout the day against large numbers of wandering goats and cows.

Below looking from another direction.

The small shrine dedicated to the Divine Mother, is a recent addition.




And in the distance Arunachala.

Shiva as Nataraja

Shiva is often referred to as the Destroyer but since he is often associated with creation that comes out of destruction, he is also a God of Transformation. In addition he has different aspects that appear at different times.

As the destroyer, he appears as a naked ascetic accompanied by demons, encircled with serpents and necklaces of skulls. Sometimes He wanders into crematoriums, body smeared with ash and dances in the light of funeral pyres, reminding all about the transitory nature of material things. Other times Shiva is seen as the god of meditation and asceticism and depicted sitting cross-legged with his eyes half-closed. When the creative force of Shiva is depicted, he is represented as the Linga.

Another common form is that of Shiva Nataraja, The term 'Nataraj' means 'King of Dancers' (Sanskrit nata = dance; raja = king). It is believed that the energy from this dance of bliss (Ananda Tandavam) sustains the cosmos, and when Shiva is finished with this dance, the Universe will end and a new one will begin. The dance is said to symbolize the five divine acts (pancha krityas) of creation, sustenance, dissolution, concealment and bestowment of grace.

During the Tamil month of Ani (June - July) Lord Siva performs the dance of ecstasy in the form of Nataraj at Chidambaram Temple. Chidambaram is one of five holiest Shiva Temples representing one of the five natural elements - space. The other four temples are: Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswara (water), Kanchi Ekambareswara (earth), Tiruvannamalai Arunachaleswarar (fire) and Kalahasti Nathar (wind).

The Chidambaram Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva in His form of the Cosmic Dancer, Nataraja, is spread over forty acres in the heart of the city. It is an ancient, historic Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva Nataraja and Lord Govindaraja Perumal, one of the few Temples where both the Saivite and Vaishnavite deities are enshrined in one place.

One of the special features of the Temple is the bejeweled image of Nataraja. It depicts Shiva as the Lord of the dance Bharatanatyam and is one of the few Temples where Shiva is represented by an idol rather than a Lingam.

The gestures of the dance represent Shiva’s five activities, creation (symbolised by the drum), protection (by the “fear not” hand gesture), destruction (by the fire), embodiment (by the foot planted on the ground), and release (by the foot held aloft).

Nataraja dances within the Universe of illusion. The locks of his hair stand out in many strands as he whirls around in a dancing frenzy. Shiva’s unkempt hair, a symbol of a rejection of society, shows him to be an ascetic. His locks are decked with crescent moon, a skull, and are interspersed with the sacred river Ganges that flows in his hair as Shiva as Nataraja, agreed to break the violent power of the sacred Ganga’s fall to earth by catching her in his tangled hair. The fiery ring surrounding Shiva, prahabhamandala, represents the Universe with all its illusion, suffering and pain. The outer edge is fire, the inner edge the waters of the oceans.

Nataraja, the King of Dance, has four arms. The upper right hand holds the drum from which creation issues forth. The drum represents the rhythmic sound to which Nataraja dances and ceaselessly recreates the Universe. The front right hand is in the abhaya-mudra (fear not gesture), the front left hand is across the chest in the gahahasta (elephant trunk) pose, with the wrist limp and the fingers pointed downward toward the uplifted foot in assurance that Shiva’s grace is the refuge for everyone, the way to liberation.

The back left hand carries agni (fire) in a vessel or in his hand. The flames represent the destructive energy with which Nataraja dances at the end of each age, cleansing sins and removing illusion. The right leg, representing obscuring grace, stands upon Apasmara, whom he has killed; in this role he is called Natesa. Apasmara, the dwarf demon, represents a soul temporarily earth-bound by its own sloth, confusion and forgetfulness. The uplifted left leg is revealing grace, which releases the mature soul from bondage. The circle of fire represents the cosmos and especially consciousness.

The cobra around Nataraja’s waist is kundalini shakti, the soul-impelling cosmic power resident within all. Snakes are also used to symbolise reincarnation as their natural process of molting and shedding their skin is symbolic of the human soul’s transmigration from one life to another.

“O my Lord, They hand holding the sacred drum has made and ordered the heavens and earth and other worlds and innumerable souls. Thy lifted hand protects both the conscious and unconscious order of they creation. All these worlds are transformed by They hand bearing fire. Thy sacred foot, planted on the ground, gives an abode to the tired soul struggling in the toils of causality. It is Thy lifted foot that grants eternal bliss to those that approach Thee. These Five-Actions are indeed Thy Handiwork.” [Chidambara Mummani Kovai]

Shirdi Sai Baba Site

I recently made the posting, 'Travelling to Shirdi Sai Baba,' which is about visiting the development of a Shirdi Sai Baba Shrine, here at Arunachala near Adi Annamalai. In this respect Ramani has kindly got in touch with the link of this excellent Sai Baba website

She also says: "Please visit the site now. You will find that the box has been opened and you can have darshan of the full murthy. You will also notice that construction of the Sai Mandir has started and will be completed in 9 months with Sai's grace."

Sapota Milk Shakes

In response to a comment made by a reader regarding the earlier post Yummy Sapota:

"that this fruit is also known as "Chikoo" in northern India. Chikoo Milk Shake, and Chikoo ice-cream are very famous in the country."

Sapota (Chikoo) Milk Shake

I herein include a wonderful recipe for Sapota Milk Shake. To check it out go to this link here

To visit the excellent 'Indian and International Vegetarian Recipes' that includes the above, go to La Gourmet Chef