15 January 2013

Cow Pongal 2013

Beautiful darshan of Arunachala from the ARS


The third day of Pongal is dedicated to cattle and is called Mattu Pongal. People offer prayers to the bulls, cows and other farm animals. Cows and bulls have always held a special place in India. Cows give nourishing milk while bulls and oxen help plough the fields. Thus, Mattu Pongal is a day when cattle are given a well deserved day of rest and are given pride of place. Therefore the farmers honour their cattle friends by celebrating it as a day of thanks-giving to them.

Front Gate to ARS

Special Kolam Decorations Throughout

I decided to celebrate Mattu Pongal (Cow Pongal) at the Annamalai Reforestation Society as I knew that it would be a good occasion watching them bathe and decorate their nine cows and bullocks. 


Charming Shrines at the ARS


Legend for this day: Lord Ganesh and Goddess Parvati are worshipped and Pongal is offered to them in the 'puja'. According to a legend, once Shiva asked his bull, Basava, to go to the earth and ask the mortals to have an oil massage and bath every day and to eat once a month. Inadvertently, Basava announced that everyone should eat daily and have an oil bath once a month. This mistake enraged Shiva who then cursed Basava, banishing him to live on the earth forever. He would have to plough the fields and help people produce more food. Thus the association of this day with cattle. 


Beautiful Healthy Bulls at the ARS
Bath Time -- one for each

On this celebratory, joyous day cattle are washed, their horns are painted and they are fed with Pongal and given a day of quiet and rest. 









I was particularly fascinated to watch their feed being prepared in the custom made troughs at the ARS. I have been informed that the ingredients are as follows: Bran Husk, Groundnut Oil Cake, Black Gram Powder, Fried Gram Skin, Rock Salt, Urad Dhal Powder – all mixed up with water into a nice soup. From the gusto that the cows and bulls approached their feed – can definitely state that they approved of lunch. 

Yummy Lunch Being Prepared

How beautiful with their flowers and blue horns!

Mani manager of Farm with lady helpers

14 January 2013

2013 Pongal Arunachala



Pongal was originally a Harvest Festival for the farming community but today it is celebrated by all. It follows the solar calendar and is celebrated on the same days each year. With the end of the wet month of Margazhi (mid December to mid January) the new Tamil month of Thai heralds a series of festivals. 

According to the calendar based on the solar system the year is divided into two halves following the apparent movement of the Sun northwards and Southwards. The former is termed Uttarayanam and the latter is Dakshinayanam. Uttarayanam marks the Sun’s movement northward for a six month period and all important events are scheduled during this time. On the first day of Thai, the Sun leaves the zodiac sign of Sagittarius and enters that of Capricorn, the latter is known as Makaram. The event thus is celebrated as Pongal. 

There is a Tamil saying; "Thai peranthal Vali Perakum" – which means - with the dawn of the month of Thai, there will be peace, happiness, prosperity, brightness and harmony in the life of everyone. 




Four festivals will be celebrated at Tiruvannamalai (and throughout Tamil Nadu) for four consecutive days during Pongal Festival. Bhogi Pongal on January 13th, Surya Pongal on January 14th, Maattu Pongal on January 15th, and Thiruvalluvar Day (Kaanum Pongal) on January 16. 

On Bhogi old clothes and materials are thrown away and set on fire, marking the beginning of a new life. The second day of Pongal, is celebrated by boiling fresh milk early in the morning and allowing it to boil over the vessel - a tradition that is the literal translation for Pongal. The third day, Mattu Pongal, is meant to offer thanks to the cows and buffaloes, as they are used to plough the lands. The fourth day of this Festival is called Kaanum Pongal. In a few places this day is also known as Karinaal or Thiruvalluvar Day. 


[Above photograph taken early this morning January 14 with the dew still on the Hill and on the ground. This is exactly how Arunachala looks early in the morning this time of year]

 

12 January 2013

The Cult of the Hill



The below narrative is an abridged extract from “The Cult of the Hill,” by Kenneth Grant. To read more about Kenneth Grant's mystic writings on Arunachala go to this link here.



“Of the outer symbol of Sri Arunachala on earth, Lord Siva says, "Meditate on the fact that in the heart of the Hill surges the spiritual glory, within which the whole world is contained." 

Yet for those who are unable to live within sight of the earthly Arunachala, there need be no regrets, for the Hill itself is but a thought-construction same as any other. If we would grasp the inner significance veiled by the ‘dull’, outer form of its simple contours, we must search within the heart, and establish contact with that regionless bliss, void of all conceptions which the mind is capable of formulating. For Arunachala is the symbol of the void nature of the Self manifesting in so simple a shape as the ‘Hill of the Holy Beacon’. 

And so it is with the ‘Hill of the Holy Beacon’; go near to it in spirit and it is without shape, without colour, without attributes of any kind. It is only distance which lends it the illusory qualities it seems to possess. Really, we impress the void -- It essentially is with the attributes we seem ourselves to possess and then we imagine seeing what is not truly there. Thus it is our attributes we have to slough if we would come close to the sacred symbol and know its real significance, and our everyday life can help us insofar as we regard all things that occur to us in a new light. 



For instance, instead of viewing circumstances and conditions as isolated phenomena occurring to us for no reason at all, we should strive to regard each event as a stone upon the slopes of Arunachala; each trivial repetition of which event constitutes at last that sacred ‘mount of the spirit’ which is our true nature. 

For when Arunachala has been thus truly built into the fabric of our hearts, we shall need to view each separate part no longer as a separate stone of the divine edifice, but as the structure entire in its sublimely simple shape of the ‘holy Hill’. And then, entering into the heart thereof with understanding, we shall know the whole as the embodiment of that spirit of grace and compassion which eternally enlightens our hearts. 

In this way it is possible for the less advanced of us to perform a spiritual discipline while living in the world even though far removed from the outer symbol of divine grace in Tiruvannamalai. 

It is only when we realise that it is we who clothe the formless Arunachala with form, because we view it with the eyes of the body, that we shall begin to search within our hearts for the formless Reality which that form veils.

The underlying Reality shines forth as the pure and perfect void, conceptless and ever blissful. 

As an aid to the realisation of this, it may help the devotee -- if he be remote from the physical sight of the Hill – to create a mental picture thereof and endeavour through such a mandala to pervade the Hill and become one with it. Certain physical supports, such as a mound of actual stones taken from the Hill itself, may further the project and intensify the concentration, and also link the devotee in some subtle manner with the focus of spiritual peace abiding in Tiruvannamalai. 

Yet all this is of no avail if it be not always borne in mind that these accessories are but props for exalting the consciousness to the pitch necessary for contacting the subtle emanations of grace, which spring from the spaceless Arunachala Siva, whose eternal abode is the Heart. For, all takes place in, and is supported by, the void, of which the Hill itself is the perfect and singular symbol.” 

11 January 2013

Tiruvannamalai Artist

During my visit to the ARS (Annamalai Reforestation Society) Model Farm today, my escorts JJ (well known at Tiruvannamalai as a pundit, scholar, musician and also Librarian of Ramana Ashram Library), and Nawaz officer of the ARS since his retirement from the State Bank of India, Tiruvannamalai -- took me to view the studio of Gayatri, an artist from Spain.

She has converted an upstairs room at the Model Farm into a studio in which she can immerse herself in her paintings. To learn more about Gayatri and to view some of her work you can visit her website at this link here.


JJ with Gayatri in her studio



To view more photographs click on below link.

ARS -- January 2013

Today I visited the ARS (Annamalai Reforestation Society) Model Farm located at Samudram Village. The ARS was established over twenty years ago in 1989 and at the beginning the Society focussed primarily on the gardens of Arunachaleswarar Temple. 

Several years later in 1992 an Austrian lady, Marie-Louise Baravelle donated a substantial amount of money to the ARS, which allowed them to purchase 8 acres of agricultural land at Samudram Village, located at the back of the Samudram Eri. 

The ARS (Annamalai Reforestation Society) is the earliest society at Tiruvannamalai established specifically with the primary mandate of reforestation of the Arunachala Hill and surrounds. 

As well as reforestation, the organisation also grows young saplings for sale to the general public and has several properties that they rent to long staying Tiruvannamalai residents. As well as accepting donations towards the upkeep and development of the ARS, this Society also takes a proactive position in raising funds for their work. In this respect over the years they have allowed their beautiful grounds to be the venue for various ecological courses such as permaculture and also as a venue for groups who wish to facilitate various spiritual and cultural courses. 

Within the upcoming month, I will be posting an in-depth history and report of the work of the ARS on my website, Arunachala Samudra. But in the meantime will be making a few posting on Arunachala Grace, showing the beautiful land and facilities of the ARS. 


Annamalai Reforestation Society



To view more photographs click on below link.

8 January 2013

Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s Discourse on the Mind


Sri Sathya Sai Baba loved Arunachala and sent many devotees to this sacred place. In fact it was because of Swamiji's precise instructions telling me to come and stay at Arunachala that I ended up living here -- previously I had scarcely heard of this place. 

In an earlier posting I mentioned that Sri Sathya Sai Baba gave his first spiritual teaching to devotees when he was 14 years old when he sang the bhajan -- 'Mansare Bhajore Guru Charanam' which states that the feet of the Guru is no different to the 'Om' that pervades the Universe or to Lord Shiva and the great Arunachala.

Throughout his life Sri Sathya Sai Baba gave illuminating discourses on the mind and consciousness, and below is an excellent and extremely helpful dissertation on the nature of the mind.


Discourse on the Mind

The entire world is based on the concept of I. So long as this I-principle exists in you, you will be involved with the outside world. And as long as the world exists in your experience, you will not be able to free yourself from sorrow and misery. During deep sleep you do not have the thought of I and mine. Once the I-thought disappears there is no longer any world for you, and when there is no world there will be no sorrow. Therefore, eradicate the cause of sorrow. Relinquish the feeling of I and mine. Then you will be in Ananda, You will be in unending bliss.


What does being in Ananda mean? Is it related to the possession of health or wealth or power? Aren't there many people in the world who have lots of wealth? And aren't there many also who are blessed with health? And aren't there many others who wield power? But are any of these enjoying real happiness? No. What is the reason for this? The reason is that so long as anyone still has the thought of I and all the desires and attachments that go with it, he will be unable to manifest true joy.

When thirsty animals see a mirage they run to it to quench their thirst; but they cannot find water there, and so they get exhausted and perish. In the same way, man seeks happiness in the objects of the senses and runs after them. But he cannot find the inexhaustible springs of Ananda there, and so he gets exhausted and dies in a most futile and pitiful way.


Sri Sathya Sai Baba


The moment you free yourself from the thought of I, you become God Itself. It has been said 'Brahma Sathyam Jagath Mithyam', that God is real and the world is unreal. But more correctly, the world is both real and unreal. It is an illusion which is unreal, superimposed on God who is real. If you want to understand the nature of the world you must first make an effort to find out who you are and whether you are real or not. The moment you find out your own truth, you will be able to understand the world.

One of the great sayings of the Vedanta which you are enjoined to repeat and meditate on is, 'Aham Brahmasmi', which means 'I am Brahman', 'I am God'. In this saying you use the word I before the word God. Where did this word I come from? What is its meaning? Is it the same I that you use many times every day to refer to your individual self? No, that personal I is not what is meant in the statement, 'I am God'. Beyond the personal I, which is the I-thought, there is another I which stands behind it. That is the true I. That I is your own true nature. That is the true I meant in the statement, 'I am God'.

This true I is not just there when you repeat Vedic sayings. It is there behind every I you use. Suppose you say, 'I am a man'. Here also, standing behind the subjective I, there is the true I which is your natural state, your unchanging truth. The word 'man' is the feeling of limitation you impose on that truth. The true I is always full in itself; it is complete and unlimited. But, the word 'man' is partial, incomplete and limited. When the word 'man' with its limitations and boundaries joins the true I which has no limitations or boundaries, then the limited I-thought arises.

The I-thought can be compared to a river bounded by name and form. Once it merges into the limitless ocean it loses its name and form and all its limitations. Before that it had a separate identity as a river. But once it merges it becomes the ocean. In that way, when you remove the I-thought, you as a limited man merge with the unlimited ocean of Divinity and become one with It. Then you as a separate entity called 'man' disappear.

What is the origin of the I-thought? The I-thought takes its origin from the Atma, the true I, the one eternal Self. From the one Self arises the thought of I. And out of this I-thought all the rest of the mind takes form. In truth, the I-thought and the mind belong to the Self; they are both just aspects of the Self. The relationship can best be visualized as the Self being the grandfather, the I-thought, the personal self, being the father, and the mind being the grandson.

Consider a cloth which has been made into a handkerchief. Its basis is cotton, which does not have any specific form. It may be considered as pure and unlimited. From this cotton has come the threads. By joining the threads together a cloth has emerged. In the same way, from the pure and unlimited Atma the I-thought has emerged. From this, in turn, has come the mind. Therefore, your mind and the I have both originated from the pure, unlimited Divinity, the One Reality which is your true Self.

You should be clear about the distinction between the I-thought and the impersonal, immortal Self. The I-thought takes birth and grows; for a time it comes in and is associated with a body; then it disappears. But for the Self there is no birth, there is no growth, no death, no coming, no going. Once you recognize the truth that from the one unlimited Self has emerged the limited I, and from that I the mind has taken birth, then you will realize your true Self and understand the origin of the world and everything in it.

Chaitanya or consciousness is all-pervasive. This consciousness is also the substratum of the mind, but when it becomes associated with the mind it is no longer pure. Mind takes birth, blossoms forth and shines in man. With this mind man tries to analyze and understand the external world. But, unknown to him, that world is only a reflection of the inner thoughts that shape the mind. All knowledge is inside you. All the beauty you see outside is but an image of the beauty already there in your heart. All the research and experiments that you perform in the world are merely reflections of the inner thoughts that are already within you. If you learn to carefully concentrate your mind and go to its very root you will be able to understand the basic truth of everything.

Make an effort to know who you are and what the deeper meaning of this word I is. When you conduct this investigation you will unlock all the secrets of existence. When you examine your own truth, you will discover the very basis of the whole creation, and you will find the source of life itself. Then the Divine Flame inside you will blaze forth and you will realize the truth that the Divinity is your very core. In this you can be your own guru. If you develop a high level of patience and calmness, and remain free from selfishness, the basic truths that are always within you will naturally manifest and shine forth in your awareness.

First you must free yourself from the defects in your vision. Do not try to find fault with the creation. The entire creation is saturated with Divinity. Today, man uses all his capacity and power of vision to see the outside world, but he does not use his abilities to discover his true Self. It is because of the petrified ignorance in his heart that man goes on thinking and worrying about worldly objects and situations. And by diverting his attention only to the manifested world he suffers disappointment and despair.

If you think you can free your mind from worldly thoughts by repeating mantras or engaging in various spiritual exercises you are mistaken. It is only when you recognize your own real nature that you will be able to become free of all worries and misery. Once you know yourself, nothing that can happen in the world will be able to touch you or cause you any anxiety. And once you understand yourself you will be able to understand the world in all its fullness.

No matter how long you go on experimenting to find out what this manifested world is, you will always come back to the realization that the world of name and form consists only of the five basic elements, space, air, fire, water and earth. The body, the mind and the senses are also made up of these same five elements. So, the senses composed of the five elements are enjoying the things of the world made up of the five elements. Of what avail is that? These limited enjoyments are not real; one day or another they must come to an end.  Names and forms made up of the five elements can only give rise to other names and forms which go on changing and finally disintegrate.

Aspire for the eternal joy that has no end. The Vedanta declares, 'Brahmavid Brahmaiva Bhavati', 'Know God and you become God.' Once you know the Divinity you realize you are the Divinity Itself. Then there is lasting joy and fulfillment. That is why it is said, it is not enough to merely hear the Rama story. You must become Rama Himself. You must realize your truth as Absolute Bliss itself.

Therefore, endeavor to understand the principle of Atma. Strive to discover the relationship between the I and the Self and banish the I-thought completely out of your being. So long as that I-thought continues you will not be able to free yourself from attachment and the anxiety and misery that go with it. As was mentioned before, in the deep sleep state you do not have the thought of I. When there is no I there is no world for you. The moment you get up from sleep the I-thought catches hold of you and the experience of world rushes back into your awareness. Once the world reappears sorrow automatically follows.

Your distance from the Divinity is the same as your distance from yourself, your true Self. It is the I-thought that has emerged from the Divinity which separates you from the Divinity. Who is it that declares this I? Is it the body? The body is inert. It cannot have the power to declare its ‘I’ness. Then is it the Self? The one eternal Self does not recognize any second entity at all. If you examine this question carefully you will find that the word I emerges by itself the moment the Self and the body come together. As soon as this I-thought emerges the mind manifests itself and the world appears. At the same time, the impersonal Self, the Atma, disappears from view.

The mind has 50 million different ways of manifesting itself in the thinking process. Behind all these myriad thoughts there is the seed-thought which is the source of all thoughts. This is the I-thought which emerges from the One Self. Everyone, be he a theist or an atheist, says 'I' and believes that he himself exists. Eventually everyone will have to realize the truth of his existence by tracing back to the very root of that original I-thought and discover there his true Self. Spirituality is nothing more than that. It is recognizing your true nature. It is abiding in the very heart of the Reality and enjoying it.

I bless you that you will steadily inquire into the Divine Principle and realize the Ananda which is your own natural state.


6 January 2013

At Papaji’s Cave


The below short video is of a clip from “River of Silence” (English subtitles) – which is a documentary project about the search for silence, truth and spiritual awakening. 

The film accompanies a small group of travellers from Germany and Switzerland to North India. The group is led by two spiritual teachers Padma Wolff and Torsten Brügge -- who are well known in the growing Satsang-Movement in Germany. Padma received her spiritual name from her teacher H.W.L. Poonja (1910-1997) – also called Papaji. 

Papaji was an awakened Master, who lived in the city of Luknow and liked to spend his time in the forested area near Rishikesh. The cooler area in the hills close to the Ganges served as his summer resort.





In the interview at “Papaji’s Cave” Padma and Torsten answer questions about the relevance and importance of visiting spiritual places, contemplation, and of nature as teacher. 

Padma Wolff and Torsten Brugge regularly bring Retreat groups to India. To find out more about their upcoming Retreat to Rishikesh from February 23rd to March 8th at Laxman Jhoola, Rishikesh check out this link here. At that link there is also contact information in connection with their 2014 Retreat to Arunachala. 

1 January 2013

Happy New Year, 2013



HAPPY 2013 WITH BLESSINGS OF LIGHT AND GRACE FROM ARUNACHALA 














Photos taken at 8.00 a.m. today, January 1, 2013.

28 December 2012

Arudra Darshinam


During the Arudra star in the Tamil month of Margazhi (Dec 15 – Jan 15) is believed to be the time when Lord Shiva’s energy is very close to the earth; hence it has been given the importance of being His birthday. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Nataraja in this month which is also observed as Lord Nataraja Urchavam at Arunachaleswarar Temple.




The month of Margazhi is also known as the ‘Twilight’ in Heaven (the time that the sun is in Sagittarius), and is considered the most appropriate time in which the Gods can rest and rejuvenate. This year, 2012, Arudra Darshan was observed today December 28.  




Lord Shiva is worshipped in the cosmic dance form as Lord Nataraja, and the full moon night of Margazhi is also the longest night of the year. After this date, days get longer and nights get shorter. To read more about the way seasons and rhythms affect our bodies go to an earlier posting at this link here


The cosmic dance of Lord Shiva represents five activities – Creation, Protection, Destruction, Embodiment and Release. In essence, it represents the continuous cycle of creation and destruction.



"Modern physics has shown that the rhythm of creation and destruction is not only manifest in the turn of the seasons and in the birth and death of all living creatures, but is also the very essence of inorganic matter...For the modern physicists, Shiva's dance is the dance of subatomic matter . . . Hundreds of years ago, Indian artists created visual images of dancing Shivas in a beautiful series of bronzes. In our time, physicists have used the most advanced technology to portray the patterns of the cosmic dance. The metaphor of the cosmic dance thus unifies ancient mythology, religious art and modern physics." 
[Fritjof Capra]

For more information on Arudra Darshan go to any posting at this link here.


Duty Over and Coming Down


I recently received a copy of the below photo of the 2012 Deepam Cauldron on its way down the Hill after completion of this year's Deepam Festival. This year the Deepam Flame was alight for 11 nights. 




Well done to you -- and now time to rest until next year's duty. And that is exactly what will happen as the cauldron will be left undisturbed and carefully stored in a special room at Arunachaleswarar Temple until Deepam 2013. 

18 December 2012

Arunachala Grace Mentor Programme



Arunachala Grace is offering a Mentor programme for individuals and groups who wish to visit Tiruvannamalai and need assistance in arranging transportation and accommodation. In addition Arunachala Grace will arrange talks and tours for those who want to learn more about the history and mythology of Arunachala, its unique and extraordinary Temples, and its lineage of saints and seers. 





We invite you to email Arunachala Grace (top left corner) and begin a dialogue. 

12 December 2012

Whoops -- where's the water?



This year Tiruvannamalai has had very little rain. The monsoon season we were eagerly waiting for, never seemed to happen. And even though its rather nice to have continually azure blue skies, and a toasty sun -- it does mean that the farmers will have crop difficulties next year. 

Tiruvannamalai has several major reservoirs, that act as catchment areas for the water pouring down Arunachala during heavy rains. One of the major catchment areas, and a main source for water for the area is the Samudram Eri. 

The first photograph below shows a Samudram Eri in a previous year, with a good supply of water. 



In comparison the next sequence of photographs were taken recently and show, except for several ponds and large puddles, an almost dry Samudram Eri.


Where's the water gone?

Oscar having a bask in the sun

Some puddles at the back of Winnie
Holly checking out a little pond
Caspar tracking rabbits
A lovely but almost completely dry Samudram Eri

7 December 2012

Animal Girivalam


Those that have been following Arunachala Grace, already know of my great love for animals. I have six of my own doggies and also daily feed dinner to a number of local doggies -- much to the intense jealous rivalry of my own brood.

As well as having my own doggies, I also feed hundreds of birds who daily visit my garden compound which is located adjacent to the wilderness area of the Samudram Eri. So the below Animal Girivalam -- is all about my love of animals.

Over Deepam Festival I was asked by Yoges, a good friend in Malaysia to look after two of her compatriots, who needed a mentor during their stay at Tiruvannamalai.

On one day during their stay, we rented an auto rickshaw for 4-5 hours to enjoy a nice leisurely auto hill round. During the hill round made sure to stop off at some special Temples to explain to my visitors the mythology connected with the Temple and sometimes just talked about local gossip surrounding various Temple compounds.

Although I had my camera, wasn't really in the mood to take many snaps, except for the below photographs which were of animals we saw at some of the Temples we visited.


Right click to see nesting birds: Adiannamalai Temple

The below extract is from my posting on Adiannamalai Temple on my website Arunachala Samudra.

"Birds nesting at Adi Annamalai Temple 
When entering the Temple Compound of Adi Annamalai during bird nesting season, you will often be met with clouds of parrots and doves on fly-past. And looking up you will spot the occasional sleepy looking owl standing sentry at the doorway of its nest.

With careful attention to detail during renovation of Adi Annamalai Temple, the little openings at the top of the compound walls surrounding the Temple were preserved so they could continue to remain as nesting places for: parrots, doves, pigeons, sparrows, owls and bats."


Mating Rose Ringed Parakeets: Adiannamalai Temple


To read more about the Rose Ringed Parakeet which is found in abundant numbers in the countryside around Arunachala, please visit my Arunachala Bird Blog, at this link here.

Its been a long time since I visited the developing Balaji Temple (Lord Venkateshwara) near the Kubera Lingam on the South East side of Arunachala. It is the perfect place to bring young children, because as well as enormous statues of various Gods housed in individual shrines throughout the grounds of the Temple, the Temple is also home to a donkey and horse sanctuary. Below a lovely new-born at the beginning of his sweet life.


Ohhhhh!!!!!

Best place for junior -- right next to Mum

Another Temple which has a fascinating history and mythology is the recently remodelled Pachaiamman Koil. On a personal note, I preferred the Temple previous to its remodelling -- but obviously I am in a minority, as the Temple is very popular as a wedding venue for local couples. Which was delightful for all the local monkeys, as it meant plenty of snacks and fruit for the day.

For a fascinating narrative on the history of this Temple, visit my website at this link.

Monkeys in the Shade!


Munishwaras (Guardians)

Excerpt from my Website Narrative
 
"A legend of Pachaiamman (an aspect of Parvati) has it that after completing her penance at Kanchi, the Goddess started off for Arunachala. She travelled with 7 rishis and 7 virgins (Sapta Kanniyars) as part of a protective entourage. Halfway from Kanchi to Arunachala, the entourage stopped and made camp at the village Vazhapanthal. At that place the local king tried to molest the Goddess and the 7 rishis became as munishwaras (guardians) and killed the king. 

In the Pachaiamman Compound there are 14 statues of Pachaiamman’s warrior guardians set out in two lines, with two representations of each warrior." 


--- oOo ---


With our Animal Girivalam complete, my two ladies from Malaysia and I continued on our auto hillround and stopped off at several other fascinating, mythology-rich Temples - and a very nice time we had of it!




2 December 2012

Rukku Goes on Holiday



The first photograph below is of a lovely parade of nine elephants being taken from Palayamkottai on Saturday November 24 for their annual rejuvenation camp to be held at Mettupalayam. The camp lasts for 48 days and is the precious time in the year that elephants that serve in Temples in Tamil Nadu, return to their forest roots. 



Elephants going on Holiday
Rukku getting onto the Truck


Our own Rukku who lives at Arunachaleswarar Temple at Tiruvannamalai was held back by Deepam Festival duties, so her holiday was delayed by several days. But the next two photographs, show her in the truck that will take her to the Mettupalayam forest, which is in fact the place where she was born. 


On my way to the Forest -- Hooray!

Hope that the authorities in charge notice the careful security planning of the trucks in the first photograph – and apply it in future to our own precious Rukku’s safety both when she travels in trucks and also during her time here at Arunachala – we want to keep her SAFE AND HAPPY.


30 November 2012

Deepam Festival 2012, Ayyankulam Tank



After the night of the lighting of the Deepam on the top of Arunachala, there are several subsequent days celebrated at Tiruvannamalai which are also part of the Deepam Festival. For three consecutive evenings after the lighting of the Arunachala Deepam, the Gods are taken upon the Ayyankulam Tank upon beautifully decorated floats. 

Also during one of the days after Mahadeepam the Gods perform a grand circumambulation of Arunachala, stopping at many spots along the way, allowing devotess to make offerings to the Gods, and for the attendant priests to perform aarti. 



Ayyankulam Tank in the daytime
First Evening Lord Chandrasekhara

Crowds at Tank Edge, First Evening
Second Evening, Amman Theppal


Amman

Gods on Circumambulation

Stopping whenever requested