The Gates of Heaven

Vaikunta Ekadasi (Ekadasi is synonymous with fasting and abstinence) is an auspicious day dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It occurs in the month of Margashirsha (between December and January). In Tamil Nadu the festival is known as Mukkoti Ekadasi or Sorgavasal Thirappu.

On this day, fasting is an important aspect associated with this Festival. The austerity is associated with much deeper aspects associated with the following legend:

During the Krita Yuga, also termed the golden age, an asura called Muran harassed both devas and mortals. Unable to bear his tyranny, the devas sought refuge in Shiva. He directed them to approach Vishnu. Vishnu agreed to help the devas and went out to battle with Muran. During the long battle, which lasted one thousand celestial years, Vishnu needed to rest for a while. He entered a beautiful cave called Himavati in Badarikashrama to sleep.

Muran wanted to strike Vishnu while he was sleeping. However, Shakti (Vishnu's female energy) emerged out of his body and assumed the form of a beautiful damsel who fought Muran and vanquished him. When Vishnu awoke he was very pleased and named this maiden as Ekadasi and granted her a boon. The maiden said, "O Lord, if You are pleased with me and wish to give me a boon, then give me the power to deliver people from the greatest sins if they fast this day". Vishnu granted her the boon and declared that people worshipping her would reach Vaikunta. Thus, it is said, was born the first Ekadasi and devout people have since observed the Ekadasi fast.



Swarga Vaasal


Here, the demon Muran represents the tamasic and rajasic qualities in us. The import of the Ekadasi vrata is that one can conquer rajasic and tamasic tendencies through fasting (fasting means abstaining from anything that feeds the senses). This helps us reach our ultimate destination, Vaikuntha, which is the place or stage of no 'kuntitha' or dullness, stupidity and misery.



Venugopal with Devis believed taken
from Samudram Village


On this day, the Vaikunta Dwaram or the Swarga Vaasal, ‘The Gates of Heaven’ are believed to be kept open. The area encircling the sanctum is referred to Swarga Vaasal and devotees throng to gain entry into the Temple, to seek the Lord. The day of Ekadasi is to be spent in prayers and japam and, visits to the temple.

As the Lord Vishnu is celebrated as the founder of the Arunachaleswarar Temple, and Lord Brahma as the founder of the Adi Annamalai Temple, it is not surprising that this Vishnu festival is celebrated in such a grand style.



Lord Vishnu



There is also a fascinating story connected to the idols of Venugopala (with Rukumini and Satyabhama) whose shrine is immediately behind the Siva Sannidhi.

It is believed that the statues were originally in a small Vaisnava temple near Samudram Erie (lake) some 2 miles southwest of Arunachaleswarar Kovil. During certain festival, the villagers used to carry statues of their God to the large Vishnu temple at Tirukoilur (20 kms).





However, whenever Saiva idols from Arunachaleswarar temple passed, Vishnu devotees from the Samudram village would make a disturbance. As a response of continuous complaints, the King ordered the people of the Vasinava village to go in procession to Tirukoilur. When they were gone, he had the images of Venugopal (Krishna with flute) and his Devis removed from the Samudram Temple and installed instead in a shrine immediately at the back of the Siva Sannidhi at Arunachaleswarar Temple.

Arunachala Samudra Website

Below is the Home Page of the newly designed Arunachala Samudra website. The website is already nearly 60 pages in size, and is expected to grow in content appreciably over the next year.

For a photograph-rich report of the 2011 Arunachala Karthigai Deepam, please go to this link here.

2011 Mahadeepam Photographs

Below are a number of photographs from the 2011 Mahadeepam taken on Arunachala in the afternoon and evening of December 8th, previous to the lighting of the Deepam in the evening, and of the event itself.

The first photograph is taken of devotees clambering up the hill in order to secure a good vantage point for the Deepam lighting. From the town, the lines of devotees climbing up the side of the Hill (usually via the roadway past Virupaksha Cave) look like thousands of tiny little ants.






The next photograph is of Arunachaleswarar Temple and the town of Tiruvannamalai taken from the top of Arunachala.





The next sequence of photographs are of the preparation of the Deepam Cauldron with its ghee-coated cloth wick.











All preparations have been completed and all that remains is to wait for the fall of dusk and the time for the lighting of the Deepam on top of Arunachala.





And finally the time has come for the lighting of the 2011 Mahadeepam on top of Arunachala.










And those on the Hill can look town at the great Arunachaleswarar Temple and its beautiful, brilliant lights celebrating the 2011 Deepam Festival.






The Arunachala Deepam Cauldron remains lit for a specified period of time of between 7 to 13 days. This year, 2011, it was announced in the newspapers that it would be alight for 11 nights.







And so it happened. And on the 12th day, the cauldron was brought back down the Hill for cleaning and storage at the Arunachaleswarar Temple, until the 2012 Karthigai Deepam, where it will be lit on the top of Arunachala on November 27, 2012.

Rukku's Holiday

Right click on photographs for enlargement


Well the below two photographs are enough to warm the coldest heart. Dear Rukku, the Arunachaleswarar Temple Elephant, is boarding a truck on her way to Theppakadu and a well deserved 48 day vacation.







There will be 36 other elephants at the forest, 35 females and one male, to fun and frolic with, and this is not the first time Rukku has had a vacation from Temple duties, so she will already be familiar with many of the elephants that she will reunite with at Theppakadu, the place which also happens to be where she was born.






It does look like the truck could have been bigger, its going to be somewhat cramped for her on her journey, but no doubt her excitement will buoy her right along.


HAPPY HOLIDAY SWEET RUKKU

Temple elephants embark on a vacation

37 temple elephants have been transported to Theppakadu at Mudumalai Reserve Forest for a 48 day vacation. Our own Rukku from Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai, is part of the vacationing group. In fact for Rukku this is returning home, because Theppakadu is the place where she was born, and where her mother still lives.

The trip took a couple of days and necessitated the elephants travelling in trucks. Some of them were not willing to step into the trucks, and mahouts had a difficult time pacifying the elephants and getting them on board.

A team of 5 doctors from the forest department and animal husbandry department has been deployed to provide round the clock medical aid. And in addition a team of five elephant experts from Kerala, will inspect the camp periodically.




Sweet Rukku, at Arunachaleswarar Temple



The vacationing elephants will be given a rejuvenation diet, basically green fodder including sugar cane, sorghum and cariota leaves. The mahouts and temple authorities will be trained on elephant management to make sure the temple elephants live a stress-free life post-rejuvenation camp, wildlife officials said.

It makes me happy that there is a least this small beginning in trying to improve what is currently an abysmal quality of life for Temple Elephants.

Have a lovely holiday sweet Rukku.

Light on Arunachala

I posted videos earlier of Bharani Deepam on the morning of December 8th and Mahadeepam, as celebrated at the Arunachaleswarar Temple on the evening of that day. I have finally been able to track down photographs of the lighting of the 2011 Deepam on top of Arunachala and also photographs of the simultaneous celebrations inside the Temple.


Right click on all photographs to view enlargements


As the day wanes into dusk and night begins to darken the sky, pilgrims stand or sit, motionless with anticipation, at the base of Arunachala mountain, preparing to worship God Siva as an infinite pillar of light.






By 5:00 in the evening, the area surrounding the Temple flagpole, as well as the adjoining terrace, is packed. People are grabbing seats to observe the dramatic arrival of five exquisitely decorated palanquins, carrying the Hindu Gods Vinayaka, Subramanya, Siva, Amba and Chandikeshwara. The devotees are constantly moving and adjusting their positions to get a better view and to make way for still more people pouring in.

Suddenly, the crowd's attention shifts to the Temple entrance from behind the flag pole. Some devotees jump up to get a better view. The first palanquin arrives with a dramatic flair. It's the Vinayaka Deity, a form of Lord Ganesha. Exquisitely bedecked with a variety of flowers artistically arranged, this relatively small Deity seems magically large in its luxurious setting. More than eight people are carrying the heavy wooden palanquin. They dance with graceful dignity to the accompaniment of temple music, devotional singing and Sanskrit prayers. Soon enough, they reach their designated position in front of the flag pole and come to a stop.

In a few minutes, the next palanquin arrives “Subramanya”. It's a little bigger. Unmindful of its weight, those who are carrying this celestial cargo somehow manage to dance with abandon, rocking the Deity joyously.

Now another palanquin is arriving, rocking to and fro. "Swami, Swami," the crowd shouts. Here, "Swami" is referring to Siva. Amba (Goddess Parvati) is right behind, followed by Chandikeshwara. Within about 30 minutes, five palanquins have arrived in all their spiritual pageantry.



Lord Annamalaiyar and Goddess Unnamulai


Finally, the appointed moment arrives. Against the backdrop of a sunset sky, crowned with the rising star of Kartika, thundering firecrackers, ringing Temple bells and a frenzy of rhythmic chanting merge to create a cacophony of chaotic splendor. Camphor is lit in a cauldron by the Temple flag pole, signaling priests on top of the mountain to light their flame.








The timing is perfectly synchronized





The air is charged as the overpowering sight of light, signifying Siva in the form of Jyoti (divine light), merges with Parvati to become Siva/Sakti. Now, finally, Ardhanarishvara is brought out of the Temple with great ceremonial fanfare. This is the only day of the year that this particular Deity is ever moved. It is most auspicious.






When that flame is seen by the thousands of devotees below, the entire countryside explodes with flashing luminescence. Bonfires, lamps, neon lights and fireworks light the night like day as a surging, thronging, emotionally charged mass of devotees chant, "Arunachala Siva," "Annamalai” and "Annamalai Harohara”. The sight of the Krittika Deepam is magical. It brings an inexplicable joy. People are ecstatic, mesmerized by the light.

[Narrative Fire on the Mountain]


It was announced that the Deepam on top of Arunachala would remain alight through 11 nights.

Tenth Night and Ayyankulam Tank

Right click on photographs to view enlargements


The light still blazes through the night on the top of Arunachala, but the festivities of the Deepam Festival are over. Below are a few photographs of the latter days of the Festival. The first two photographs are of the evening of the 10th day.




Murtis of the 5 Gods giving
darshan to devotees outside the Temple



Golden Rishaba (bull) procession
rounding Temple perimeter walls


The lighting of the Mahadeepam takes place on the 10th day of the Festival after which in the evenings of the following three nights, the Gods are taken for a sailing trip on the waters of the very large Ayyankulam Tank.

The Ayyankulam is the tank of the famous Arunagirinathar Temple, which is the third most renowned Shiva Temple at Tiruvannamalai after Arunachaleswarar Temple and Adiannamalai Temple. The Arunagirinathar Temple is in fact one of my favourite Tiruvannamalai Temples and I encourage more pilgrims to visit it while at Tiruvannamalai.



Crowds at the Ayyankulam Tank
to watch the Gods on their float


To view photographs of Temples and Shrines on the perimeter of the Ayyankulam Tank, go to this link here. And to see the view from Ayyankulam Tank, go to this link here.



The Gods float setting
out on the Ayyankulam Tank


Most of the crowds have left Tiruvannamalai, and the town is slowly returning to normal. And yet we can look up and still see the blazing beacon on top of Arunachala, and look in and see the Blessing hand of Annamalaiyar.




The Blessing hand of Annamalaiyar
at 2011 Deepam

2011 Karthigai Maha Deepam

The below extract and video is a narrative about the celebration of Karthigai Deepam at the Arunachaleswarar Temple. I hope to soon post either photographs or a video of the lighting of the 2011 Deepam cauldron at the top of Arunachala. But for now, this is what happens at the Temple:

“All across India, millions of bonfires are lit on hills and in temples on Krittika Deepam. But nowhere is this festival celebrated like it is at Tiruvannamalai. Here it is unique. Krittika Deepam occurs annually in the lunar month of Kartika, which occurs in November/December, on the last day of the 10-day festival called Brahmotsavam.

It is on this auspicious day that, at approximately 6:00 in the evening, a sacred fire is lit on top of the 2,668 foot Arunachala mountain to symbolize the merging of all manifest existence back into the one source of all things. It is said that those who witness this sacred ceremony personally receive the blessings of Siva and Parvati. All of the traditional temple rituals that are performed during Brahmotsavam create a spiritual fervency that culminate with great power on Krittika Deepam as a grand congregation of devotees, holy men, officials, police personnel and media squeeze together, shoulder to shoulder, to witness the festival's magnificent consummation.

As the day wanes into dusk and night begins to darken the sky, pilgrims stand or sit, motionless with anticipation, at the base of Arunachala mountain, preparing to worship God Siva as an infinite pillar of light.

By 5:00 in the evening, the area surrounding the Temple flagpole, as well as the adjoining terrace, is packed. People are grabbing seats to observe the dramatic arrival of five exquisitely decorated palanquins, carrying the Hindu Gods Vinayaka, Subramanya, Siva, Amba and Chandikeshwara. The devotees are constantly moving and adjusting their positions to get a better view and to make way for still more people pouring in.

Suddenly, the crowd's attention shifts to the Temple entrance from behind the flag pole. Some devotees jump up to get a better view. The first palanquin arrives with a dramatic flair. It's the Vinayaka Deity, a form of Lord Ganesha. Exquisitely bedecked with a variety of flowers artistically arranged, this relatively small Deity seems magically large in its luxurious setting. More than eight people are carrying the heavy wooden palanquin. They dance with graceful dignity to the accompaniment of temple music, devotional singing and Sanskrit prayers. Soon enough, they reach their designated position in front of the flag pole and come to a stop.

In a few minutes, the next palanquin arrives “Subramanya”. It's a little bigger. Unmindful of its weight, those who are carrying this celestial cargo somehow manage to dance with abandon, rocking the Deity joyously.

Now another palanquin is arriving, rocking to and fro. "Swami, Swami," the crowd shouts. Here, "Swami" is referring to Siva. Amba (Goddess Parvati) is right behind, followed by Chandikeshwara.

Within about 30 minutes, five palanquins have arrived in all their spiritual pageantry.

Finally, the appointed moment arrives. Against the backdrop of a sunset sky, crowned with the rising star of Kartika, thundering firecrackers, ringing Temple bells and a frenzy of rhythmic chanting merge to create a cacophony of chaotic splendor. Camphor is lit in a cauldron by the Temple flag pole, signaling priests on top of the mountain to light their flame.

The timing is perfectly synchronized

When that flame is seen by the thousands of devotees below, the entire countryside explodes with flashing luminescence. Bonfires, lamps, neon lights and fireworks light the night like day as a surging, thronging, emotionally charged mass of devotees chant, "Arunachala Siva," "Annamalai” and "Annamalai Harohara”. The sight of the Krittika Deepam is magical. It brings an inexplicable joy. People are ecstatic, mesmerized by the light.





The air is charged as the overpowering sight of light, signifying Siva in the form of Jyoti (divine light), merges with Parvati to become Siva/Sakti. Now, finally, Ardhanarishvara is brought out of the Temple with great ceremonial fanfare. This is the only day of the year that this particular Deity is ever moved. It is most auspicious.

To learn more about the 'Legend of Ardhanarishvara' at Arunachala go to this link here.

The Temple is closed for a day after Krittika Deepam, because it is believed that, when Arunachala manifested Himself in the Deepam, He temporarily shifted His abode from the temple to the hilltop.

Long-time pilgrims assert that, even years later, the very thought of an otherworldly moment like this recreates it, just as if it is happening fresh and new.“

[Edited extract from ‘Fire on the Mountain’]

Bharani Deepam 2011 video

The below is an excellent, recommended video taken of Bharani Deepam two days ago on December 8, 2011. Bharani Deepam occurs early in the morning, before daybreak, and is an essential part of the day's proceedings. Go to this link here for my earlier posting on the 2011 Bharani Deepam

Maharadham - Big Chariot

To watch a short video of this year's Maharadham procession, check out the below video. Gents pull the chariot from the right, and ladies from the left.







So how does it all work? First off we have the sweet Rukku, the Temple elephant surveying the area. She precedes many of the chariot processions and activities throughout the Deepam Festival.






From early morning, devotees have lined up, in order to enter the top of the Big Chariot, so that they may take darshan of the gods Annamalaiyar and Unnamulai. To reach the Gods, devotees have to climb to the top of a connecting building and cross a tunnel that leads directly into the top of the Big Chariot.





In the below photograph, you can see the yellow building connecting to the Big Chariot and the tunnel corridor leading from one to the other.




Devotees are milling about on Car Street around the chariots. But it will be hours before the Big Chariot is ready to move.






The photographs give one an idea of the vast size of the chariot.The devotees at the top of the chariot with their backs to us, are facing the murtis and taking their darshan.





The massive chains that will be used to pull the vast vehicle are lying on the pavement ahead of the Chariot.





Gents will be pulling the chariot from the right side, and ladies from the left side.




The chariot needs help, specifically when going around corners. So to control the direction of the vehicle, wooden chocs are placed under the massive wheels, and a number of lads and young men, jump up and down on wooden levers.




The levers themselves are heavy, solid planks of wood, so to move them under the wheels, a system of ropes and pulleys has been devised.





Progress around the outside of the 26 acre perimeter of the Arunachaleswarar Temple, is very slow, and it will be late in the night when the Big Chariot has completed its circumambulation of the Big Temple.

2011 Karthigai Mahadeepam

Right click on photos to see enlargement

First sight of the Deepam of the 2011 Karthigai Deepam Festival from the Samudram Erie. The sounds of cheers and fireworks ring through the air.




As dusk quickly falls, the light on Arunachala becomes easier to see.




And now, even in the light of the moon that tomorrow will be full, the Deepam on top of Arunachala blazes like a beacon for miles around.




HAPPY AND BLESSED DEEPAM TO ONE AND ALL


Will soon post photographs of the actual cauldron Deepam lighting at the top of Arunachala, do check back.

2011 Mahadeepam Live telecasts

The below TV channels will probably be only available in Tamil Nadu.

Maha Deepam DD Live:
Live telecast by Doordarshan Podhigai (DD1) from 4.15 pm on December 8, 2011 (Thursday).
Vasanth TV will live telecast Maha Deepam from around 4 pm.



On line Live Streaming
One can see live streaming of Karthigai Mahadeepam on:

http://www.vasanth.tv/livetv.php from Temple
http://www.sriramanamaharshi.org/ from Ramana Ashram

and most probably also on websites listed below:

http://www.dinamalar.com/thiruvannamalai_live_video.asp Temple
http://www.svbcttd.com/ Temple
http://srisankaratv.com/ Temple

Sri Nannagaru Deepam Darshan

Sri Nannagaru traditionally visits Arunachala about four times a years. And one of those times (thus far) has generally been over the Deepam Festival. Sri Nannagaru hails from Jinnuru, Andhra Pradesh and visited Arunachala for the first time in 1957. He had taken Sri Ramana Maharshi as his guru, and had come to Tiruvannamalai to visit the samadhi of the great sage. It was while here that Sri Nannagaru began to understand the power of Arunachala. Within a few years of that visit, Swamiji had achieved the state of self-realisation, which he considers was given to him through the grace of Arunachala-Ramana.

Consequently one of Sri Nannagaru's missions in life is to encourage devotees to visit and develop a connection with Arunachala and also to inculcate his devotees with the teachings of Self Enquiry. A number of Sri Nannagaru devotees have now settled at Arunachala, and many others follow Sri Nannagaru from Andhra Pradesh on his periodic visits to this place.





As the puja was going on, buses and coaches continued to arrive at the Ashram filled with devotees who had travelled from Andhra Pradesh.

Today, this morning of Karthigai Deepam, crowds of Sri Nannagaru's devotees awaited his attendance at a puja and cow puja being performed at Swamiji's countryside Ashram.





And now Guruji Sri Nannagaru has come down from his room to attend the ongoing puja and later on the cow puja which was to be performed on the grounds of the Ashram.








The officiating priest was Sridhar, who used to be one of the senior priests at Sri Ramana Ashram.








And after the puja was complete Swami walked amongst many of his devotees to receive their prasad, answer questions and give his blessings.

My Tamil friend from Malaysia, Yogeshwari (who was experiencing her second Deepam Festival at Arunachala) and I waited upstairs outside Swami's room.




We received a word and prasad from Swamiji and thereafter we went back downstairs for a very delicious Andhra style lunch.

A very nice beginning to a very special day.