Pathala Lingam Photographs

I have made previous posting referring to the famous Pathala Lingam at Arunachaleswarar Temple, the most recent of which can be found at this link here.


On a recent visit to Arunachaleswarar Temple with friends who were visiting Tiruvannamalai for the first time, took the below photographs of the Pathala Lingam itself.


The below is of the Pathala Lingam in the 1940s before its renovation. Its condition is similar to how it would have been during the time Sri Maharshi performed his tapas at the Lingam.

"The background of Sri Pathala lingam is connected to a mutt that belonged to the Thondaimandala Vellalas where the thousand pillared hall stands. The head of the mutt, Azhiavradam Poonda Tambiran lived here, worshipping the Sivalinga and spreading Saiva philosophy. The Sivalinga he worshipped was the samadhi of a jnani. When Krishna Deva Raya of Vijayanaar wished to build the thousand pillared hall in the Temple, he purchased the mutt from the Vellalas and gave them lands to build another mutt. Inscriptions inside this hall describe this event. Not wishing to disturb the lingam, the construction workers raised the floor around it. The lingam then came to be at a lower level and was henceforth called Pathala Lingam. This shrine become the meditation place of Sri Ramana Maharsi soon after he came to Tiruvannamalai in 1896."

[Extract from “Arunachalam” by Shivani]

In the next photograph the Pathala Lingam is in the foreground and the background corner is where Ramana Maharshi sat in meditation.

“Eventually he moved into an underground cell in the courtyard of the first prakaram of the Thousand Pillared Mandapam of the Arunachaleswara Temple. The dark, sheltered spot was known as Pathala Lingam and it was here that became his place of meditation. Sitting in that dark, damp cell for hours at a stretch completely lost in samadhi, his body developed sores and worms crawled out of his raw flesh. Local urchins began to pelt him with stones. The intensity of the Swami’s tapasya started to receive attention and it was at this time that Sri Seshadri Swamigal entered Venkataraman’s life.” To read this short biography of Sri Ramana Maharshi click here.

Kali Yuga

Poll elections for upcoming elections for the Tiruvannamalai Lok Sabha will be focussed on issues such as proposed mining activities around the Tiruvannamalai Hills and the launching of industrial units in such places as Chengam. To find out more about the iron ore controversy currently underway in Tiruvannamalai refer to this earlier posting.

Whether or not this mining enterprise actually materialises, the fact that discussions are already well advanced about the possibility of iron ore mining around the sacred Tiruvannamalai Hills, is indicative of the immense greed of our society in this Kali Yuga. To illustrate the significance of this time, I include below an illustrative story about this period in which ‘people will stoop to any depths to get wealth.’

Kali Yuga

“Satya Yuga and Treta Yuga had ended and it was the Dwarapa Yuga. Only one month remained for Dwarapa Yuga to end and after that would begin the age of the Kali Yuga. Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Mahesh and Dharma Raj went to Kali and said, “Your age, the Kali Yuga will begin after one month. How will this new age be? What will be your influence on it? “I will tell you now that during my time wealth will reign supreme. There will be treachery and fraud. People will stoop to any depths to get wealth.”

Before Kali could say anymore, the Gods witnessed the following scene: A merchant was holding a large copper vessel filled with treasure. He said to the Brahmin, “After I bought your house, I found this vessel filled with treasure. I think your forefathers must have buried it in the house. Therefore, it belongs to you.” The Brahmin said, “This treasure is not mine. As, I sold the house to you, along with the earth below it and the sky above it. Therefore, whatever you get from it, belongs to you alone.” “No,” said the Merchant, “It belongs to you.” “Of course not,” argued the Brahman, “It belongs to you only.” Soon the argument turned into a quarrel between the Merchant and the Brahmin.

At last they decided to give the treasure away to the Village Head. But even the Village Head refused to accept the treasure. So they went to the King, and said, “Your Highness, this treasure does not belong to anyone. So please deposit it in the State Treasury.” But even the King refused to deposit it in the State Treasury. After a long debate, it was decided to keep the treasure with a money lender for a month.

Everybody there present said, “We will think about this after a month.” And in their presence the money lender buried the treasure deep in the ground. One month passed and the Kali Yuga had begun. And with the beginning of the Kali Yuga, the merchant thought, “I found the treasure in my house, so it belongs to me.” Meanwhile the Brahmin thought, “The treasure was buried by my forefathers so it belongs to me.”

The Village Head thought, “Neither the Merchant nor the Brahmin wanted the treasure so it belongs to the Village. We can use the money to have a lavish feast for the village. And by hosting the feast I can make some money.” The King thought, “The people have no right over any treasure. Whatsoever is found under the ground belongs to the King.”

And so with the beginning of Kali Yuga, everybodies way of thinking changed. Their intentions were no longer noble. They became selfish, greedy and dishonest. As decided earlier, the work of digging up the treasure began in the presence of all who had taken part in the debate about the treasure. When the vessel containing the treasure was pulled out and opened, everybody was shocked and surprised as the casket was only full of charcoal. Kali said to the Gods, “Did you see that? The money lender cheated everyone. Did you see my influence?

. . . During the Kali Yuga, all go on pilgrimages, meditate, perform penances and fast to show they are virtuous . . . But very few speak the truth.”

[Adapted from Vikramaditya stories]

Whoops!

After visiting Sudama House in Ramana Nagar I headed into town towards Subham Printers as I had been told that they had a high quality scanner suitable for large documents. Well, it wasn't true but while there had a fascinating time popping into all their rooms checking out their various printing activities. And they really do print the best wedding invitations.

In the next photograph I am standing on the balcony in front of Subham's looking at all the new buildings that have appeared in the skyline.

And then I look to my left . . .

Whoops!

Sudama House

Today I visited Sudama, which is the house Yogi Ramsuratkumar lived in before his Ashram was built. And it was on February 20, 2001 at 3:19 a.m. in his Ashram at Tiruvannamalai, Bhagavan Sri Yogi Ramsuratkumar attained mukti.

His devotees have very nicely arranged this house displaying many of the items used during his life. I very much enjoyed visiting Sudama and recommend it to visitors and pilgrims. The house is located in Ramana Nagar at the back of the Post Office and across the road from the new Shiva Sannidhi facility.

"On December 1st, 1918, the child Ramsurat Kunwar was born into a righteous and devout religious family. His birthplace in Bihar was a village close to the sacred river Ganges, not far from Varanasi (Benares). From childhood, the child evinced an intense spiritual thirst and had extraordinary devotion towards the river Ganges. Playing along its shores brought him happiness and contentment and he would often fall into a deep, peaceful sleep by the banks of the sacred river." To continue reading the biography of Yogi Ramsuratkumar go to this link here.

Story of Sudama

The house is named “Sudama” after the famous story of Sudama and Krishna. The legend states that Sudama and Krishna were childhood friends. Krishna grew up and became king of Dwarka while Sudama got married and lived in abject poverty in another kingdom. Nevertheless, a great childhood love existed between them. Sudama received an invitation to visit Krishna in his Kingdom. It was customary that invitees carry a gift as a token of appreciation but as Sudama was poor he had no money to buy a gift and hesitated to accept the invitation. His wife, however, encouraged him to go and packed the family’s last handful of rice as a gift. Sudama gained enough courage to visit his childhood friend but felt ashamed about the gift.

After a long and tiresome journey on foot, Sudama arrived at the gates of Krishna’s palace tired and hungry. The King’s guard reluctantly carried the message to the Krishna that someone by the name Sudama had come by invitation. On hearing the name Sudama, Krishna dismissed his engagements, begged leave, and hurried to the gate where his old childhood friend was waiting. Krishna, on seeing Sudama, relinquished all protocol by bowing and hugging his childhood friend.

Krishna himself assisted in refreshing Sudama with a bath and clean comfortable clothes. After the exchange of past memories, Krishna asked Sudama what he had brought for him. Sudama summoned all his courage and in a moment of weakness handed Krishna the handful of rice wrapped in cloth. Sudama watched in eager anticipation, as Krishna opened the rice and lovingly chewed on the first helping to the amazement of Sudama and the curious guests. Krishna ate the rice with great love with a contented smiling face, showing the happiness of meeting his childhood friend.

Krishna was greatly pleased to see his old friend and treated him royally and with much love. Overwhelmed Sudama forgets to ask for what he actually came to ask. But the Lord realises what His friend needs, and the lord's consort Rukmini incarnation of Lakshmi, gifts him with his desires. On his return journey, Sudama ponders his circumstances and is thankful for the great friend he has in Lord Krishna. When Sudama finally returns to his home, he finds a palatial mansion instead of the hut he had left. He also finds his family dressed in extremely nice garb and waiting for him. He lives an austere life after that, always thankful to the Lord.

The spiritual significance of this event reveals that when charity is given from the heart without expectations of name, fame, appreciation or recognition, then the rewards multi-million fold. This is the characteristic of a karma yogi who performs actions relinquishing the fruits of the actions. The myth of Sudama is symbolic of God’s descent on earth to destroy evil, protect the virtuous and re-establish dharma in preparation for the birth of Krishna. It represents souls who assisted God to impart the message of the Gita to destroy the vices of anger, greed, ego, lust and attachment and thus transform themselves.

Rural Arunachala

A couple of days ago on Ugadi (Telegu New Year) visited my friends at their farm south of Arunachala. But absolutely need no excuse to visit their place which is located about 8 kms from the base of Arunachala (as the crow flies).

They have a couple of acres of their farm currently under rice cultivation.

And below a worker winnowing the rice.

And next some of the beautiful cows at my friends' farm.

And more of their large herd of cows, peacefully grazing in front of Arunachala.

Some of the young 'uns foraging amongst some nice 'tasties' in a nearby field.

My friends have 11 doggies, most of whom have been with them since birth. Below is one of their large doggie contingent. As always when visiting the farm make sure to take lots of snacks for the doggies -- probably the reason I'm always welcomed by them with such a great fanfare.

One of the doggies making friends with the goats on the farm.

Nearby the farm are Reserve Forest Hills, which are excellent for a day's hiking and walking.

All in all a lovely way to welcome the New Year albeit Telegu New Year!

For information and photographs of agricultural land available in the same area as the farm, visit this link here.

One Look

In an earlier posting, Samudram Evening, I mentioned various interesting facts about this water reservoir area located south of Arunachala. Its a significant spot for many reasons and has several stories associated with it. I include below the narrative, 'One Look' - by T.K. Sundaresa about a conversation during a walk to Samudram Erie with Sri Ramana:

‘Bhagavan talked of many things on that walk [to the Samudram Lake] with us, but at this distance of time I remember only two topics that interested me.

At one place He pointed out a palmyra tree which had decayed in the embrace of a parasitic banyan tree. Some bird had dropped a banyan seed into the palmyra, and as it began to grow the palmyra became cloven and stunted in its own growth. Drawing our attention to this phenomenon, Bhagavan remarked that this is just what the look of Grace from a Jnani does. One look into a soul, and the whole tree of past tendencies and prejudices (vasana), gathered up through long cycles of past births, is burned up and decays away. Then the reality of the Self is experienced.


Thus He explained to us the effect of contact with the Great and He said the supreme Jnana obtained with the touch of the Saint can never be won through the study of any number of Scriptures, or by any store of good deeds, or by any other spiritual practices and efforts. Later, on return to the Ashram, I put this in verse form as below:

“A bird drops seed upon a tree and causes its decay.
So Guru's grace rays knowledge into the seeking mind.
Replacing ego-shadows with resplendent Jnana's light.”’

[T.K. Sundaresa Iyer -- At the Feet of Bhagavan]

Visit to Arunagirinathar Temple

Visited Arunagirinathar this morning for a function and was happy for the opportunity to spend time at this ancient, fascinating Temple. The large Iyyankulam Tank next to the Temple is famous as the venue for the Gods to leisurely enjoy some evenings during Deepam Festival on floats on the Tank.

Right-click on all photographs to view enlargement.

Today I climbed to the roof of a neighbour's house in order to take some photographs -- below is a very fine photo of the Temple Gopuram with Arunachala as background.

The below photograph is also taken from the neighbour's roof.

Renovation of this ancient Temple began about seven years ago. The Temple's independent Trust has done a great job in raising funds for its restoration and development.

I hope to soon post information about the mythology and history of this important Shiva Temple.

David Frawley on Self Enquiry

I have often mentioned Dr. David Frawley in issues of Arunachala Grace News, the free newsletter sent out direct to subscriber’s email inbox. Dr. Frawley is a regular visitor to Tiruvannamalai and many here have been fortunate to attend his talks and meetings.

Dr. Frawley is an author on Hinduism, Yoga and Ayurveda, and founder and director of the American Institute for Vedic Studies in Sante Fe, New Mexico, which offers courses on Yoga philosophy, Ayurveda, and Hindu astrology. He is Professor of Vedic Astrology and Ayurveda at the International Vedic Hindu University. He also a Vaidya (Ayurvedic doctor), and Jyotishi (Vedic astrologer).

To find out more about David Frawley you can read a short biography at this link here.

I include below a concise, informative and helpful narrative by David Frawley briefly explaining the path of the Jnana Yoga discipline ‘Self-enquiry’.

Yoga of Knowledge

“The Yoga of Knowledge is not a matter of acquiring theoretical or practical information. It is not the practice of the thinking mind, though it may start out with deep pondering of the primary questions of life (such as “who am I,’ Or “what is God, Truth or Reality?”). It is the practice of meditation, which is the mind in the sate of non-judgmental observation. Hence, the classical Jnani, or man of spiritual knowledge, is quite different than the philosopher straining at subtle ideas. He is often silent, impersonal and inactive, like the natural sage of Lao-Tse. Yogic knowledge is the state of awareness itself, which has not object and seeks no end, which relies on no book but reads the message of life moment by moment.

Hence, there is little theory to the Yoga of knowledge. Its prime statement is simple – Know Thyself. It usually avoids all metaphysical theories and discussions, including how did the world begin or what is the order of creation. Some knowledge teachings do not even require belief in God, guru, or any religions faith and are outside of any formality or ceremony. They state that all explanations of things belong to the mind. The truth is something that cannot be put into words, which is beyond all theories, outside of all beliefs. It has to be experienced in the state of seeing, which can only be learned through choiceless observation. Hence, Jnana Yoga is very simple, though very hard to do, as it requires going beyond our very mind and habitual though process.

Self Enquiry

The most basic practise of the Yoga of Knowledge is Self-enquiry (Atma Vichara). It consists of tracing the self or “I” thought to its origin. If we observe our minds carefully, we see that all thoughts are based upon the “I-thought.” We cannot think about anything without first having an idea about ourselves. But if we look deeply, we see that the “I” itself is something unknown to us.

We are constantly projecting our identity on some external object or quality: “I am this, this is mind.” We are constantly mixing this unknown “I” with some known thing. “I am good or bad; I am wise or foolish; I am happy or sad; I am a Hindu, Buddhist or Christian; I am an American or Russian: I am black or white or yellow.” All of these are thoughts in which the “I” is referred to an object that is really different from it. What the “I” is in itself we do not know and cannot know as long as we are projecting it on to something.

Our most basic projection is our self-image, which is our “I am the body” idea. Yet, we can observe our body grow and decline. We can perceive it as an instrument or vehicle we use but as different from who we really are. If we are perceptive, we can discern that our basic consciousness or state of seeing is ever pure, beyond all external changes. Though our body may age and our thoughts may change, our seeing is external. As long as we are identified with the body, or through it with any external thing, we must suffer, because all external things are transient and we long for eternal and permanent happiness. Our very longing for this lasting happiness is proof of our nature in consciousness as blissful and pure.

This does not mean that the body is bad or sinful or to be denied. It is the best vehicle nature can provide. Yet is only a vehicle. It is no more who we are than our car is. In no longer identifying with the body, we come to treat it properly and no longer abuse it for personal gratification.”

Deepam 2009

For those who have been in touch asking about the date of Deepam 2009, I present below Deepam dates for the next four years. The date quoted is that that of Bharani Deepam - the day on which the flame is actually lit on top of Arunachala.

Right-click on photo to enlarge

Deepam 2009 ----- December 1st, 2009
Deepam 2010 ----- November 21st, 2010
Deepam 2011 ----- December 8th, 2011
Deepam 2012 ----- November 27th, 2012

Power of Self Enquiry

Annamalai Swami (1906-1995) since his childhood had a natural inclination towards spirituality. He came to Sri Ramana in 1928 and got a job with the Ashram. After being closely involved in many construction projects he shifted to Palakottu near the Ashram to live alone and meditate:-

‘In 1928, a wandering sadhu gave me a copy a Upadesa Undiyar by Sri Ramana. It contained a photo of the Maharshi. As soon as I saw the photo I had the feeling that this was my Guru. Simultaneously, an intense desire arose within me to go and see him. That night I had a dream in which I saw the Maharshi walking from the lower slopes of the hill towards the Ashram. Next morning I decided to go and have his darshan.

Having arrived at about 1 p.m., when I approached the hall, a part of the dream I had repeated itself in real life. I saw Bhagavan walk down at me in silence for about 10-15 minutes, I had a great feeling of physical relief and relaxation. It was like immersing myself in a cool pool after being in the hot sun. I asked for permission to stay, which was granted and I a got as Bhagavan's attendant. At that time Madhava Swami was doing the job by himself.

About ten days after my arrival I asked Bhagavan how I could attain Self-realisation? He replied, "If you give up identifying with the body and meditate on the Self, you can attain Self-realisation." As I was pondering over these remarks, Bhagavan supervised me by saying, "I was waiting for you. I was wondering when you would come." As a newcomer I was too afraid to ask him how he knew, or how long he had been waiting. But I was delighted to hear him speak like this because it seemed to indicate that it was my destiny to stay with him.

A few days later asked, "Scientists have invented and produced the aircraft which can travel at great speed in the sky. Why do you not give us a spiritual aircraft in which we can quickly and easily cross over the sea of samsara?" Bhagavan replied, "The path of self-enquiry is the aircraft you need. It is direct, fast, and easy to use. You are already travelling very quickly towards realisation. It is only because of your mind that it seems that there is no movement." In the years that followed, I had many spiritual talks with Bhagavan but his basic message never changed. It was always: "Do self-enquiry, stop identifying with the body and try to be aware of the Self, which is your real nature."’

A Father's Love

Samudram Evening

Walking about Samudram Erie is a favourite for my doggies and I, and I've previously posted many photographs of the hitherto unspoilt area. However things are changing and currently unchecked illegal sand quarrying occurs in this area, not only through the night but also during the day. Hopefully good results (for the sake of conservation) in the upcoming elections might change local dynamics and result in the people currently involved in sand quarrying being prevented from futher damaging our beautiful 750 acre natural reservoir.

The actual name Samudra means - sea of syrup (one of the seven seas), a gathering of the waters above and under the firmament and an ocean of virtues and auspiciousness.

There is an epigraph chiselled in the masonry at the Tiruvannamalai Temple dated 1317 which describes the glory of King Vallaladeva’s reign at Arunasamudra, an ancient name for Tiruvannamalai.

“From the lotus of [Vishnu's] navel arose Brahma, the creator of all men. From his mind was born Atri. Then Soma [the moon] was born in his eye. In [his family] was born the king Someswara. To him was born Narasimha who was like a lion to his elephant-like opponents. From him whose gifts eclipse those of the heavenly tree [the kalpa-vriksha or wish-fulfilling tree] whose wealth eclipses that of Kubera [the god of wealth] … and whose prowess eclipses that of the terrible blaze emanating from the forehead eye of the God having the bull as His vehicle [i.e. Siva] was born the king Vallaladeva.

The illustrious King Vallaladeva, possessing all auspicious things, was staying at his capital, which was distinguished by the name Aruna-samudra (earlier name for Tiruvannamalai), belonging to the Hoysala kingdom, which was established with love by his father, which possessed the wealth of a kingdom, and which was the abode of real riches.”

A Samudram Story

There is a fascinating story connected with the idols of Venugopalaswami and his Devis; Rukumini and Satyabhama, whose shrine is located immediately behind the Siva Sannidhi inside the Arunachaleswarar Temple. The story goes like this:

“It seems the statues were originally in a small Vaisnava Village or Agrahara near the large tank ‘Samudram’ about two miles to the south of Sri Arunachala Temple. The people of the village during certain festivals used to carry the Utsava murtis from there to Tirukoilur about 20 miles away. Tirukoilur is a Vaisnava centre with a large Vishnu Temple having a big gopuram on each of sides with no enclosure walls. The Vasinava inhabitants were over-zealous people. Every time the Saiva idols from Sri Arunachala Temple passed by to go round the hill the Vaisnava villagers would obstruct its progress. Repeated complaints of their behaviour were made to the Chola king of that period. The king himself it is said came to verify the complaint and when he was satisfied he worked out a strategy.

During a certain festival the king ordered that all the people of that village near the Samudram to go in procession to Tirukoilur. When they were gone, he had the images of Venugopal and his Devis removed from that Temple and had them installed immediately at the back of Sri Arunachala shrine. When this news reached Tirukoilur, the Utsava murtis were kept in the Temple there and the agraharam near the Samudram was abandoned by its inhabitants. It is also said that the property of the Temple goes in the name of Venugopala Swami to indicate that Arunachaleswarar is worshipped by Lord Vishnu in this Temple.”

[Extract from ‘Arunachalam’]

Arunachaleswarar Temple Shivaratri 2009

The below photographs are a beautiful pictorial history of Shivaratri 2009 as celebrated at Arunachaleswarar Temple.

Right-click on each photograph for a larger representation.