Deepam Temple Lights 2012

On this day of the Festival of Lights, Deepavali, what could be more fitting than posting photographs of the nine gopurams of Arunachaleswarar Temple lit up in full splendour for the 2012 Deepam.

Right click on below photographs for enlargements. 

Bharani Deepam Meaning

Below is a rare photograph of the 2011 Bharani Deepam flame which was taken directly outside the Siva Sannidhi at Arunachaleswarar Temple.


Right Click below photograph to view enlargement

The below narrative is an extract explaining Bharani Deepam.

To read the full report go to this link here:

Bharani Deepam in 2011

“The all-pervading quiet of early morning is suddenly disrupted by a mad clamor of thunderous sound. Ringing bells, pounding drums and piercing nagaswarams (temple horns) almost overpower the belting voices of hundreds of devotees who are singing songs in praise of Siva, the Lord of Arunachala. It is 4:30 am on the 8th December, 2011, and the main sanctum sanctorum of the massive Tiruvannamalai Siva temple in Tamil Nadu is packed with souls who have been waiting all night for this moment.

The chief priest has just finished a simple ritual called bharani deepam and now ceremoniously waves a huge camphor flame in the direction of nearby Arunachala mountain. Although he is chanting Sanskrit slokas, he cannot be heard amidst the deafening furor of devotion that surrounds him. Finally, he touches the flame he is holding to the wicks of five huge, earthen, ghee-filled pots, representing the sacred elements earth, air, fire, water and ether.

As these five flames loom up with red-yellow light, the famous, one-day, South Indian festival of Krittika Dipam officially begins. A single flame is then taken from the pots and kept burning in the Temple throughout the day as a symbol of the merging of manifestation back into God, the one source of all. This single flame is referred to as the Bharani Deepam.

Around 10:00 a.m. this Bharani morning, a group of fishermen were blessed by a priest in a ceremony at the Temple. Amidst ringing bells and temple music, the priest gave the fishermen a lamp in a protected container that has been lit from the Bharani Deepam in the Temple.

This lamp, also called Bharani Deepam, is taken to the top of the Hill by fishermen from hereditary fishing families. Others of the same hereditary fishing family will remain at the Temple and this evening light the Deepam flame outside the Arunachaleswarar Siva Sannidhi.”

Siva Sannidhi Annexe

The new annexe at Siva Sannidhi will be completed by Deepam and will be welcoming guests after this December 2nd, 2012. The new facility will offer a quiet respite close to Arunachala and is also very conveniently located at a two minute walk from Ramana Ashram.

The new annexe adds an additional forty rooms to Siva Sannidhi, of which twenty rooms will be available to outside guests. As you can see from the below photographs, painting and finishing work is still underway. Each room has two single cots, an attached western style bathroom and a small alcove with wash basin. 

The rooms are bright and cheery and have a very nice cool tiled floor. The rooms are spread out over three floors. The second floor is more suitable for groups who need a large area for meetings. 

The direct south view of Arunachala from the roof of Siva Sannidhi is spectacular. 

To make enquiries and/or reservation you can get in touch with me direct at my email address located at the top left corner of this page. 

Standard room with 2 single beds

Bedroom with alcove beyond with bathroom

Separate washing area in alcove

Attached Bathroom, Western Style with Shower

Painting and Finishing Work Underway

Walls are Bright and Fresh

Second Floor with Rooms

Second Floor Suitable for Groups

View of Arunachala from Roof

Spectacular Darshan of Arunachala from Roof

Deepam 2012 Ghee Offerings

Am posting this information because I know many readers will wish to make a ghee offering to the Deepam Cauldron, and thereupon receive prasad taken directly from the inside of the Deepam Pot after the Festival is concluded. Tickets in payment of the ghee offering will be available from the Temple from November 10, 2012. The prasad is a black sticky residue packed individually in small plastic sleeves. 

“Devotees are welcomed to pay and send their offerings towards "Ghee Pots". Devotees can arrange Rs.200/- for a half kg (500gms), Rs.100/- for 250 gms and Rs.50/- for a small offering, in person or through DD (Demand Draft) or MO (Money Order) or Bank Cheque in favour of; "Executive Officer, Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai" Landline: (0)4175-252438. 

The devotee should include their proper contact address. Devotees who send a Ghee Pot offering will receive the Deepam Cauldron prasad through the post after the Aarudhra Festival which is celebrated during the Tamil month Maarghai (i.e. will be mailed around mid-January).” 

I regularly participate in the Ghee Pot scheme, however I have never done so by post, so cannot give any specific information as to how efficiently the Temple runs the prasad postal scheme. But the ghee will be purchased and offered into the Cauldron. 

The Deepam will be lit at dusk (around 6.00 p.m.) on the evening of November 27, 2012 and thereupon it will be kept alight for between 7 and 13 days (the exact time is calculated by the priests). 

Below are photographs of the preparation of the Deepam pot in the morning of the 2011 Deepam. 

 

Vintage Arunachala Photographs

The below photographs show a relatively recent Arunachala and surrounds, but one which looks very deserted and empty. 

Arunachaleswarar Temple taken from the Hill

The Gods performing Girivalam of Arunachala

Young lad standing in front of Adi Annamalai Temple

Walking to Skanda Ashram before reforestation

Annabhishekam at Arunachaleswarar Temple

Annabhishekam is held only once a year on the Full Moon day in the seventh month of the Tamil year i.e. Aippasi (October/November). This year Annabhishekam was performed during the full moon which fell on October 29th, 2012. 

Annabhishekam which is performed at Shiva Temples, is connected to the rice harvesting time. It is performed at the time of the Full Moon as it is considered to have the enegies of bounty, abundance and expansion. This festival gives an opportunity to people, who believe that God is the creator of food and life, to show gratitude for the bounty they have received. 

The following photographs of the recently performed annabhishekam at Arunachaleswarar Temple were taken of the annabhishekam performed upon the Shiva Lingam at the Kalyana Sundareswarar Sannathi. This Sannathi is located opposite the Periyar Nandi Statue and stands at the southern side of the broad flight of stone stairs leading up to the Vallala Maharaja Gopuram. 

2012 Karthigai Deepam Arunachala

Throughout the Festival, there will be processions in the daytime circumambulating the Arunachaleswarar Temple. In addition throughout the Deepam Festival there are scheduled singing and dancing programmes inside the Temple Compound. 

Tickets can be purchased which allows access to the Temple Compound on the day of Maha Deepam. However, tickets are limited in number, so one should make enquiries as early as possible through the Arunachaleswar Temple office. 

Flag Hoisting at Arunachaleswarar Temple is on November 18th, however the Festival actually starts three days earlier at the Durga Amman Temple (which has its own schedule of events) on November 15th at 7.00 p.m. 

Right click on programme for enlargement: 

Festival Programme

18th November, 2012 
Morning: Dwajaroghanam (Hoisting of festival flag) 
Evening: Panchamoorthies Five Deities Silver Chariot 

19th November, 2012 
Day: Chandrasekhar on Surya Prabhi Vahanam 
Evening: Panchamoorthies Silver Indra Vimana 

20th November, 2012 
Day: Chandrasekhar on Pootha Vimana 
Evening: Panchamoorthies, Simha Vahana (Lion Chariot), Velli Anna Vahana 

21st November, 2012 
Day: Chandrasekhar on Naga Vimana 
Evening: Kamadhenu (wish fulfilling cow) and Kapalavriksha (wish fulfilling tree) 

22nd November, 2012 
Day: Chandrasekhar on Kanadi (mirror) Vimana 
Evening: Panchamoorthies, Velli Mushigam, Velli Mayil, Velli Big Rishaba Vahanas 

23rd November, 2012 
Day: Chandrasekhar on Yani (elephant) Vimana with 63 Nayanars 
Evening: Panchamoorthies in Silver Chariot, Indira Vimana and other Silver Vimanas 

24th November, 2012 
Day: Panchamoorthies Wooden Chariots start Temple circumambulation 
Afternooon: Maha Radham (Big Wooden Chariot) starts circumambulation of Temple Perimeter 

25th November, 2012 
Day: Chandrasekhar on Horse 
Evening: Panchamoorthies start with Horse Vahanams. Pichandavar in Golden Meru 

26th November, 2012 
Day: Chandrasekhar on Purusha Miruga (Rishi in Lion Body) Vimana 
Evening: Kailasa Vahana (10 headed Ravana) 

27th November, 2012 
Morning 3 a.m: Bharani Deepam Temple, Theerthavaari Brahma Theertham 
Evening 6 p.m: Maha Deepam on the top of Arunachala. Panchamoorthies, Golden Rishaba Vahana 

28th, 29th, 30th, November, 2012 
Evening 6 p.m: 
On Consecutive days the Gods on Floats, Ayyankulam Tank 

Karthigai Deepam Festival 2012

Posters with details of Karthigai Deepam Festival 2012 have already been put up around town. In this post I have uploaded the poster showing the programme of major events in the 2012 Deepam Festival. I have also included below, photographs of those major events in 2011. To read a full report of the 2011 Deepam Calendar and also to view many photographs of last year's Festival, please go to my website Arunachala Samudra at this link here. Within the next few days I hope to post the full programme for 2012 Karthigai Deepam Festival.

Right click on all photographs to view enlargements.

Programme of 2012 Karthigai Deepam Festival

Flag Hoisting 2011 Deepam Festival

Flag Hoisting 2011 Deepam Festival

Silver Karpaga Virutcham (Wish Fulfilling Tree) 2011

Silver Kamadhenu Vahanam (Wish Fulfilling Cow) 2011

Silver Rishabha Vahanam (Silver Bull) 2011

Lord Panchamurthigal 2011

Maha Radham 2011

Significance of Pradosham

Significance of Pradosham

Pradosham is a significant day to worship Lord Siva and his consort Goddess Parvati. It falls on the the 13th day (Trayodasi) of the lunar cycle and hence falls two times in a month, once in the waxing period and once in the waning period. Pradosham is joyously and elaborately celebrated at Arunachaleswarar Temple. The date of the most recent celebration was October 13 and below are series of photographs of that day.

History of Pradosham

One time the Devas and Asuras used the serpent Vasuki and the hill Mandhara to try and get Amrutham (nectar) from the Kseerabthi (milk ocean). Their churning made the poison Halahala emerge. In answer to their prayers Lord Shiva came to their rescue and drank the poison and ordered the Devas to resume their churning of the ocean. On the twelfth moon day (Dwadhasi) the Devas were finally able to get the Amrutham.

In celebration they danced and sang but forgot to thank God. On the thirteenth moon day (Trayodhasi) the Devas realised their sin and prayed to Lord Shiva for forgiveness. Pleased, Lord Shiva forgave the Devas and danced between the horns of his bull Nandi. That time is called Pradosham and it is believed that if one prays to Lord Shiva at that time, ones’ wishes will be fulfilled one will be given mukti.

During Pradosham time anointing (Abhishekam) the Shiva deity with the following is considered fruitful:

Offering Milk (for long life) 

Offering Ghee (for Moksha)

Offering Curd (for good children)

Offering Honey (for a melodious voice)

Offering Rice powder (relief from debt)

Offering Sugar cane juice (for good health)

Offering Panjamrutham (gives wealth)

Offering Tender coconut (to acquire enjoyment)

Offering Cooked Rice (to achieve a majestic life)

Offering Sandal (to acquire Lakshmi's Grace)

Offering of Lemon (removes fear of death) 

Offering Sugar (removes enmity and bad relationships).

[Pradosham Purana]

Photographs of Pradosham, Arunachaleswarar Temple, 

October 13, 2012 

Periods of Pradosham 

Waxing Period is the 15 days after Amavasaya or the New Moon Day. 

Waning period is the 15 days after Poornima or the Full Moon Day. 

Pradosham in the waxing period of the moon is supposed to be more significant. Moreover if Pradosham falls on a Monday it is called Somavara Pradosham and is highly auspicious. Pradosham which falls on a Saturday is called Sani Pradosham and that is also very important. If one cannot observe a fast on all Pradosham, at least Somavar Pradosham, Sanivar Pradosham and the ones in the waxing period should be observed for pleasing the Lord. 

The evening of travodasi, i.e., the 13th moon day between 4.30 p.m., and 6.00 p.m. is Pradosham. It is believed that whatever sins we have committed will be forgiven by the Lord if we pray wholeheartedly. 

Pradosham timings are 1.5 hours before sunset and 1 hour after sunset, that is it is observed in the twilight period. Some do Abishekam for the Lingam, some people chant "OM Nama Shivaya", some chant the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra (given below) 108 times and the very pious also read the Siva Skanda Purana Story. But it is said, that just lighting a lamp and praying also please the Lord a lot. 

The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra and its meaning:

Om Tryamlakam Yajamahe 

Sugandhim Pustivardhanam 

Urva rukamiva Bandhanan 

Mrtyor muksheeya Ma amritat 

Om. We worship The Three-Eyed Lord Shiva who is fragrant and who increasingly nourishes the devotees. By worshipping him may we be liberated from death for the sake of immortality just as the ripe cucumber easily separates itself from the binding stalk. 

Maha Deepam Calendar 2012-2022

This year, as is well know, Mahadeepam will take place on Tuesday November 27, 2012. But for those wanting to keep a record for upcoming dates of Mahadeepam at Arunachala, below is a list of the Mahadeepam dates for the next 10 years.

Lighting of the Mahadeepam, 2011

Arunachala Maha Deepam 2013-2022

17th November 2013 (Sunday)
5th December 2014 (Friday)
25th November 2015 (Wednesday)
12th December 2016 (Monday)
2nd December 2017 (Saturday)
23rd November 2018 (Friday)
10th December 2019 (Tuesday)
29th November 2020 (Sunday)
19th November 2021 (Friday)
6th December 2022 (Tuesday)

The days preceding the lighting on the Mahadeepam are also well visited by pilgrims. The schedule of the Deepam Festival Calendar generally follows the same format each year, to view last year's programme, with photographs of each day go visit my website at this link here

 

Lights of Arunachaleswarar Temple 2011

As soon as the schedule for the 2012 programme is released by the Arunachalaleswarar Temple, I will post it on this site.

Arunachaleswarar Temple Tour

Nowadays there are lots of great videos on such sites as You Tube, connected with Arunachala, Tiruvannamalai, Girivalam and both famous and not so famous saints and teachers.

The below is a nice video taking one on a tour of the Arunachaleswarar Temple. Very soothing and inspirational background music to enjoy while taking the tour. 

Panthakkal Preceding 2012 Deepam

An invitation from Arunachaleswarar Temple for Panthakkal preceding the 2012 Arunachala Deepam, was recently released. 

For those who do not read Tamil, an English translation follows further down this posting:- 

The Government of Tamil Nadu, Hindu Charitable Temple Department of Arulmigu Arunachaleshwarar Temple, Good Morning. 

In the Agni Sthalam (Tiruvannamalai) on 15-11-2012 to 01-12-2012 the Deepam Festival is going to be commenced in regard to that Thiruvalluvar 2043 Nandana Year, Month Purattasi 10, (English date 26-09-2012) on Wednesday Morning between 6.00 a.m. to 7.15 a.m., Panthakkal is to be organised. 

Panthakkal Murutham is to be organised with the blessings of Arulmigu Sambandha Vinayaka. 

At this Shrine in the Temple; Abhishekam and Aarti will be organised. At that time everyone is invited. Come and get blessings from Arunachala. 

Ganesha Going For Immersion

Was in town yesterday on errands, and while there was fortunate to be able to see some very nice Ganesha statues and floats on their way to various tanks and tirthams for immersion. The most popular spot for Ganesha immersion is at the Tamari Nagar tank. To read an earlier posting on Arunachala Grace about the Ganesha Festival and immersion, go to this link here. 

Ganesha on a Bullock Cart near Thiruvoodal Street

Big Temple Gopurams in the background

The lads seem to be having a grand time

Very stately looking Vinayakas

 Vinayaka waiting to be picked up and taken for his immersion

Vinayaka at Ramana Nagar giving darshan to passer-bys