Thiruvoodal Festival -- Pongal 2016

I have gone into greater detail of this Festival on my website Arunachala Samudra at the link dedicated to the Thiruvoodal Festival. Please also visit an earlier posting on this “Divine Quarrel” on Arunachala Grace at this link here. 

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The Thiruvoodal Festival is celebrated in the month of Thai during Pongal. Legend has it that the Lord in answer to a promise given to Parvati appears during Uttarayana to dance on one foot. He says; ‘On Uttarayana holy day, I will do the dance when the sun rises.’ 

The word 'Thiru' signifies; deity, sacred, holy and wealth and the word 'Voodal' actually means 'tiff' or 'petty quarrel', and represents the friction between the male and female in a love relationship which is consciously exacerbated. The distinguishing mark of Voodal is that it should arise and stay only for a brief period and not be prolonged as its focus is the bliss when the Voodal is withdrawn. 

The drama re-enacted on Tiruvannamalai Streets

The actual staging of the Divine Quarrel is re-enacted on the streets, with one of the madaveedhi streets actually named Thiruvoodal Street in celebration of this Divine Drama.

The Gods of the Quarrel

After their quarrel, Lord Shiva performs girivalam and gives his blessings to devotees during his circumambulation of the Hill.

Maruvoodal 

When Lord Shiva completes his pradakshina he returns to Arunachaleswarar Temple early the next morning. He wishes to have reunion with his consort. This part of the Festival is known as Maruvoodal. The point of the Maruvoodal myth is to show the world that even a Celestial Couple has differences between them. But in the end there should only be reunion, even at the cost of a loss in finances which is represented by the loss of the jewels the night previously. 

Returning to the Temple

Returning to his residence, Shiva knocks at the door but it has been bolted by Parvati. Lord Shiva asks, 

 ‘Oh my darling why have you locked the door?’ 

Outside the Siva Sannidhi

‘Sir after we came to an understanding still you went without me. And see now look you have lost everything there is no ornament or clothes. Not, only that but you went and gave darshan to all kinds of people. So, I am now requesting you must establish your manliness to me and retrieve everything that is lost and give the special one-legged dance.’ 

Shiva starts the dance, Parvati forgets everything and opens the door. 

Their reunion is complete.

Mattu Pongal -- 2016 Pongal Festival

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 Uttarayana and the latter is Dakshinayana. Uttarayana 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. 

Gods leaving the Siva Sannidhi

Early in the morning of Mattu Pongal (Cow Pongal) the Gods leave the Siva Sannidhi at Arunachaleswarar Temple, perform circumambulation of the outside of the Shrine and then proceed through the Temple leaving by the Thitthi Vasal gate which is adjacent to the Raja Gopuram East Gate.

Lord Arunachaleswarar at Thitthi Vassal Gate

Goddess at Thitthi Vassal Gate

The third day of this Festival is known as Mattu Pongal and is meant to offer thanks to the cows and buffaloes, as they are used to plough the lands. 

A legend associated with the Festival and in particularly connected to Mattu Pongal goes like this. 

The Banishment of Basava 

The third day of Pongal known as Mattu Pongal involves Lord Shiva and his mount, Nandi (Basava), the bull. According to the legend, Lord Shiva once asked the bull to go to the Earth and deliver a message to the people, to have an oil massage and bath daily and to eat food once a month. Basava mixed up the message, and told the people to have an oil massage and bath once a month, and to eat food daily. Enraged Shiva cursed Basava and said that due to this mistake there would be shortage of grains on Earth. He banished the bull to live on Earth forever in the form of cattle, and help people plough the fields. Thus, Mattu Pongal has an association with the cattle. 

As well as farmers and agriculturalists celebrating Mattu Pongal today, the cow (buffalo) is also worshipped at Arunachaleswarar Temple. 

The Five Nandis 

During Mattu Pongal at Arunachaleswarar Temple, apart from other celebrations, the five Nandis inside the Temple are lavishly decorated with garlands and foodstuff. 

The five Nandis:

Pradosha Nandi in Moolastanam, 
Ratha Vilaku Nandi in Second Prakaram, 
Kodi Kampathu Nandi in Third Prakaram, 
Chinna Nandi in Fourth Prakaram 
Periya Nandi in front of Vallala Gopuram,Fifth Prakaram.

Periya Nandi

Uthrayana puniyakalam 2016: Thamari Kulam

Pongal’s astronomical significance is that it marks the auspicious beginning of Uthrayana, the Sun's movement northward for a six month period. All important events are scheduled during this season. The festival celebrates leaving behind old way of doing things, be it relationships, money matters or health habits. 

The below photographs are of Uthrayana Puniyakalam performed at Thamarai Kulam, Tiruvannamalai this day January 15, 2016 in observance of the auspicious beginning of Uthrayana. 

Gods leaving Siva Sannidhi, Big Temple

Puja at Thamari Kulam

Priests from Arunachaleswarar Temple performing Puja

Gods in Mandapam at Thamari Kulam

Residents of Thamari Nagar with offerings

Happy and Joyous 2016 Pongal

Pongal was originally a Festival for the farming community but nowadays its celebrated by all. It follows the solar calendar and is celebrated on the same days each year. Pongal’s astronomical significance is that it marks the auspicious beginning of Uttarayana, the Sun's movement northward for a six month period. All important events are scheduled during this season. The festival celebrates leaving behind old way of doing things, be it relationships, money matters or health habits. 

Arunachala, Pongal 2016

The Sun governs health; both physical and mental, self-esteem and proper functioning of the heart and vision. During Pongal, i.e. the Vedic Winter Solstice, the Sun moves into Capricorn forming an auspicious configuration with Jupiter, and remains in one sign for thirty days. Good times continue until July 16th, whilst the sun is in Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, and Gemini. 

Four festivals are celebrated at Tiruvannamalai (and throughout Tamil Nadu) during the four consecutive days which comprise the Pongal Festival. 'Bhogi' on January 13th, 'Pongal' on Jan 14th, 'Maattuppongal' on Jan 15th, and 'Thiruvalluvar Day' on Jan 16.

On Bhogi old clothes and materials are thrown away and set on fire, marking the beginning of a new life. Spiritually this is the time for a spiritual overhaul and to get ready for higher things. The second day, 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. People also prepare savouries and sweets, visit each other's homes, and exchange greetings.

The third day, Mattu Pongal, is one in which one is meant to offer thanks to cows and buffaloes, as they are used to plough the lands and provide us milk to drink. On the last day, Kanum Pongal, people go for picnic, trips and excursions.

Pongal also signals the end of the traditional farming season, giving farmers a break from their monotonous routine. 

Rukku goes on Holiday

In 2013 and 2014 our 28 year old Rukku, the Arunachaleswarar Temple Elephant, participated in the Rejuvenation Camp in the forests of Tamil Nadu; which occurred directly after the end of the Karthigai Mahadeepam Arunachala Festival.

At the camp in 2014 she joined with 30 elephants from Temples throughout Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. However after the 2015 Deepam, when she was probably expecting her “time away” nothing happened. I worried whether she would go on her yearly jaunt. Happily the Rejuvenation Camp went ahead, but in January 2016 instead of December 2015. 

The 48-day-long Rejuvenation Camp is being held at the foot of the Nilgris Hills on the banks of the Bhavani River at Thekkampatti near Mettuppalayam. This year there are 43 elephants attending the rejuvenation camp; two of whom hail from Pondicherry. 

Rukku on her way to the 2016 Rejuvenation Camp (i.e. elephant party-time!)

Thus in the very early morning of January 7, 2016 sweet Rukku loaded up on the back of a lorry for the eighth time to set off for Camp. It was reported that her “exit” weight was 4,800 kgs which she is sure to increase as a result of all the good food and snacks she will eat at Camp. 

At Camp all the elephants will be given special food and medicines and have their health carefully monitored by a battery of veterinary doctors and elephant specialists. 

On reaching the Campsite it has been reported that the elephants arrived cheerful and happy with no sign of fatigue or tiredness owing to the long distance they had travelled at the back of their individual lorries. Simple. They must know its “PARTY TIME”. 

Have a lovely holiday all of you, specially to our own dearest Rukku. 

Dress Code in Tamil Nadu Temples

As a result of “concern over improper clothes” worn by many people during Temple visits, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has now decreed that from January 1, 2016: 

‘men should wear a dhoti or pyjama with upper cloth or formal pants and shirts, and women should wear a sari or half-sari or churidhar with upper cloth,’ and for children, ‘any fully-covered dress.’ 

In the case of Western ladies it is assumed that modest clothes with proper covering will be sufficient to satisfy the new dress code requirements of Tamil Nadu Temples. However gents should observe a more formal dress and not wear shorts, t-shirts or blue jeans. 

The High Court ruling directs that this 'dress code' be implemented in all Temples coming under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department until the State government takes a policy decision on the issue in order 'to enhance the spiritual ambience'.

Sample of proper clothing as per High Court ruling

In a detailed notice placed outside temples, the Tamil Nadu government has said women visiting Temples cannot wear; leggings, jeans, skirts and miniskirts. Men cannot wear lungi, shorts or Bermuda shorts. In addition visitors wearing t-shirts are not allowed entry. 

In this regard the Tamil Nadu government has challenged the Madras High Court's order prescribing a dress code for devotees visiting temples across the state that came into force from January 1, 2016. 

To avoid disappointment and ensure entry into Arunachaleswarar Temple please wear modest clothes complying with the above ruling. 

Thursday, January 7, 2016 Pradosham

The January 7, 2016 Pradosham fell on a Thursday. All 13th Moon phase days are called Pradoshams and are opportunities to dissolve negative karma. However when Pradoshams fall on specific days of the week, additional benefits are believed to accrue. 

Monday: Soma Pradosham helps to attain good health and fulfills one's desires and wishes. 

Tuesday: Bhauma Pradosham, provides relief from disease and improves one’s financial condition. 

Wednesday: Pradosham on this day is believed to be fruitful for wisdom and knowledge. Also blesses the childless with progeny. 

Thursday: Guru Pradosham helps in achieving victory over opponents and enemies. Helps dissolve negative karma and invokes the blessings of grace from the Guru. 

Saturday: Shani or Maha Pradosham is observed by couples for a harmonious married life. 

Periya Nandi, Arunachaleswarar Temple

Abhishekam Periya Nandi, Arunachaleswarar Temple

Devotees watching the Periyar Nandi Abhishekam

The Periyar Nandi is 6 feet long with gaze directed to the west and towards the Moolasthana. Its head is slightly turned towards north while the heads of all the other Nandis at Arunachaleswarar Temple are turned slightly south.

Periya Nandi

Five Temple Nandis

From east to west the five Temple Nandis are:

Periya Nandi in front of Vallala Gopuram Fifth Prakaram.
Chinna Nandi Fourth prakaram 
Kodi Kampathu Nandi Third Prakaram 
Ratha Vilaku Nandi Second Prakaram 
Pradosha Nandi Moolastanam 

Ramana Nagar Accommodation

Many readers have been in touch with Arunachala Grace requesting information about accommodation in the Ramana Nagar area here in Tiruvannamalai. 

For this reason, I am posting a short list of Ashrams, Guest Houses and Lodges in the Ramana Nagar area. Please get in touch direct with the various contact numbers to make your own enquiries and/or reservations.

Ashrams 

Athithi Ashram 
www.athithiashram.org 
Landline: (0)4175-237817
Mobile: +919940231628 

Seshadri Swamigal Ashram 
www.swamigal.com 
Landline: (0)4175-236999 
Mobile: +919443342521 

Siva Sannidhi Ashram 
http://www.sivasannidhi.com 
(0)4175-235089 
+919789378779 

Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram 
www.sriramanamaharshi.org 
Landline: (0)4175-236624 

Sri Yogi Ramsuratkumar 
http://yogiramsuratkumarashram.org 
Landline: (0)4175-237567 
Mobile: +919443383557 


Guest Houses 

Arunachalam Guest House 
Landline: (0)4175-236120
Mobile: +919486722892 

Daya Dharma Guest House 
Mobile: +919842690554 
Near Siva Sakthi Ashram 

Mountain Breeze Guest House 
Landline: (0)4175-238711 
Near Siva Sakthi Ashram 

Pink Guest House 
Mobile Nos: +919043194989 and +919443542930 
Off Manuka Vinayagar Street (Post Office Street) 

Sesha Bhavan Guest House 
Landline: 04175-236983 
Mobile: +9442945619 
Near Quo Vadis Centre 

Vaaranam Guest House 
Near Siva Sakthi Ashram 
+919487700544 


Lodges 

Aakash Inn Near Ramana Ashram 
Landline: (0)4175-235300 

Lakshmi Residency Inn 
www.lakshmiresidency.com
Landline: (0)4175-236099 

Ramana Towers 
www.ramanatowers.com 
Mobile: +919442100656

Kala Bhairavar Shrine, Big Temple

One of the most visited and revered Shrines at the Big Temple, is that of Kala Bhairavar who is worshipped as Guardian of ArunachaleswararTemple. One can often hear the sound of a clanging bell at this place as devotees believe that ringing the Bell, helps mitigate the evil consequences of sins.

Kala Bhairavar’s Shrine is located in the Temple’s 4th Prakaram, southwest of the Vallala Maharaja Gopura at the north east bank of the Brahma Teertham. 

To view an interactive map of the 4th Prakaram on my website Arunachala Samudra, go to this link here.  

Kala Bhairavar Shrine, Arunachaleswarar Temple

It is believed that formerly Kala Bhairavar was situated in the second Prakaram near the Palliarai (sleeping chamber of the deities). The reason for the change in location goes as follows:- 

“After an untoward incident according to a legend a child was left inside the second Prakara but when the mother came to reclaim her child after the doors had been closed she was advised by a voice from inside to come and take back her child in the following morning and reassured that her child would be safe. But the mother insisted and so the voice angrily told her to take her child and proceeded to throw it out with torn limbs—and the child was dead. 

This was supposed to be done by Kala Bhairavar who is the guardian of the Temple. Hence this powerful statue was shifted to the fourth Prakara. Kala Bhairavar is one of the fierce manifestations of Lord Siva.” 

[From: Ramana’s Arunachala Page 123] 

The below photograph is of a sandal covered Kala Bhairavar at the time of this month’s dark Ashtami moon cycle.

Sandal covered Kala Bhairavar, Ashtami

Margazhi Month of Bhakti and Music

The Tamil Month of Margazhi started on Thursday, December 16th and will complete on Thursday, January 14, 2016. The month is known as one of bhakti and music during which there are recitations, chantings and spiritual readings conducted at Arunachaleswarar Temple and throughout Tamil Nadu. In particular the music of Manikkavasagar’s Thiruvempavai is celebrated during this month. 

Ladies at the Navagraha Shrine, Unnamulai Temple

Ladies in front of Mother's Shrine, Arunachaleswarar Temple

“There is a festival in winter in which devotees go to their Shiva temple very early in the morning to sing songs to Shiva in order to wake him up. In ‘Thiruvempaavai’ young girls move from house to house, waking up their friends, and encouraging them to come to the temple to perform this rite. Though, ostensibly, it is merely a poem about young girls encouraging each other to go and worship Shiva, their trips to the temple are interpreted to be emblematic of the soul’s journey towards union with Shiva. It is thus a poem which encourages enthusiasm for the ultimate pilgrimage that culminates in the experience of Shiva.” 

[G. Vanmikanathan] 

Pandit gives spiritual recitations

Readings and Recitations

Manikkavacakar’s visit to Tiruvannamalai: 

Manikkavacakar had been specially commissioned by Shiva to tour the Tamil region and sing songs in His praise. One of the places he visited was Tiruvannamalai, which even in those days was a major Shaiva pilgrimage centre. Manikkavacakar composed two of the Tiruvacakam poems, ‘Thiruvempaavai’ and ‘Thiruvammaanai’, on his visit to Tiruvannamalai. 

There is a tradition in Tiruvannamalai that both poems were composed while Manikkavacakar was doing pradakshina of Arunachala. A small temple on the pradakshina road in the village of Adi Annamalai is supposed to mark the spot where the two poems were composed and sung. 

Below is a short extract from the Thiruvempavai. 

Translation: Just as the clusters of gems on the crowns of the heavenly ones lose their lustre when they bow at the lotus feet of Him abiding in Annamalai, the stars, their cool sharp brilliance becoming dulled, have faded away on the eye-dazzling sun’s ray coming up and dispelling the darkness. 

O damsel, let us sing of the anklet-girt feet of Him Who is the female, the male, the neuter, the well-lit heavens, the earth, something apart from all these, and eye-satisfying ambrosia as well, and jump into this blossoms-abounding water and sport about. 

Mookupodi Swamigal Location

Many readers eager to contact Mookupodi Swami, have contacted Arunachala Grace asking where they can find him and take darshan. This posting is to help you locate Swamigal. 

He is usually at the Navagraha Shrine in the early mornings, and if he goes to other places, he will generally return there. The Shrine is located near the well-known Unnamulai Amman Temple about 3 kms on the Girivalam Roadway after it forks off from the NH66.

Unnamulai Temple, Arunachala Girivalam Roadway

Navagraha Shrine

New Year 2016 -- Blessings from Arunachala

Wishing All Blessings of Light and Grace from Arunachala, this New Year's Day and throughout 2016.

Arunachala darshan from Reserve Forest

Arunachala darshan from Samudra Eri Bund

Arunachala Darshan through trees

Beautiful Banyan Tree on Arunachala Samudra Eri Bund

Doggies checking things out

Water level still high on the Samudra Eri

Water stretching right to the back of the Samudra Eri

Oscar swimming across stream

Winnie, Max, Freddy swimming across flooded country track

Dear little grey hair grandad Muffin

2015 Christmas at Arunachala Samudram Eri

The below sequence of photographs were taken this Christmas morning at the Arunachala Samudra. Heavy rains of the last month have filled the water catchment area nicely, and we are assured of a good water table through the upcoming planting season. Expect to see lots of farmers planting paddy in the coming weeks. 

Doggies: Freddy, Winnie, Oscar and Max

Having a run through the local Reserve Forest area

On top of the bund, perimeter of the Arunachala Samudra

Exploring

Water Agitation

Arunachala, 2015 Christmas Morning

The Samudram is around 700 acres, now nicely full for the hot season

Christmas Full Moon, December 2015

The December full moon appeared during Christmas; the first time in 38 years. The last such poornami occurred Christmas 1977. Incidentally the next Christmas full moon is scheduled for the year 2034.

Christmas 2015 Full Moon

Moon Phases December 2015, India

Lord Arunachaleswarar Darshan, Christmas Poornima 2015