Ganesha Chaturthi: Monday, September 5, 2016

Ganesh Chaturthi is a day on which Lord Ganesha makes his presence known on earth for all his devotees; the day is also termed as, Vinayaka Chaturthi, (it is not the birthday of Lord Ganesha!). 

Ganesha or Ganapati is an extremely popular God. One of his many names is Vigneswara, the destroyer of obstacles. He is often worshipped for success in undertakings and for the gift of greater intelligence. This is a very auspicious day celebrated to pray to Him so that every new activity started is successfully completed without obstacles. Ganesha is the God of education, knowledge, wisdom, literature and the fine arts. 

The date of Ganesh Chaturthi falls on the fourth day of the waxing moon period (Shukla Chaturthi) in the month of Bhadrapada (i.e. August or September). This year the date of Ganesha Chaturthi is Monday, September 5, 2016. The festival is usually celebrated for 11 days, with Ananta Chaturdasi taking place on the last day. 

Ananta Chaturdasi 

Ananta Chaturdasi is believed to be the day when Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Anantapadmanabha, the Ananta Sayana form of Lord Vishnu in which he is reclining on Ananta. 

Reclining form of Lord Vishnu

  

This Ganesha festival is celebrated at home, work and in public. At all these celebrations images are installed and worshipped. At the end of the Festival, the idols are taken in ceremony and then immersed in a well, pond, lake or the sea. 

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Legends of Lord Ganesha 

One version of a legend relating to the source of Ganesha’s elephant head goes that at the behest of the Gods, who needed a deity able to remove obstacles from their path of action, Shiva himself was born from Parvati's womb, under the form of Gajanana. 

According to the Linga-Purana, Ganesha was created by Shiva in order to triumph over the enemies of Gods and the image of a child was born from Shiva’s mind which had the head of an elephant. Looking at the child, Parvati took him on her lap and made the vow that any undertaking, would not be successful unless Ganesha be first worshipped. Shiva declared the child to be Ganapati, Lord of the Ganas (celestial hosts). 

In the Varaha-Purana, Ganesha is depicted as a young man originating from the glittering forehead of Shiva absorbed in deep meditation. Parvati was disappointed that the boy was born without her intervention. So, she wished that his head become the head of an elephant. When she saw the elephant-headed child, she loved him immediately, and declared that any human or divine undertaking, should not be successful unless Ganesha be worshipped first. 

Lord Ganesha

Another Puranic legend tells that Parvati longed for a child and informed Shiva about her desire. He requested she observe a one-year penance. Thus, the Sage Sanatkumara submitted Parvati to various tests in order to ascertain the force of Her will. Eventually a glorious child was born and the Gods and nine Planets (Navagrahas) went to Mount Kailash to admire him. One of the Planets, Shani (Saturn) would not raise his eyes to look at the child. Parvati requested him to view and admire the baby. When Shani raised his eyes and looked at the child, the baby's head instantaneously separated from the body. 

In response Vishnu left on his vahana Garuda to search for a new head to replace the lost one. On the banks of the Pushpabhadra River, he met a herd of sleeping elephants. Choosing a resting animal, whose head was turned northwards, he cut if off and brought it back. According to a version of this legend, this elephant was actually a Gandharva who desired to obtain liberation from his terrestrial life. 

On Vishnu’s return, the elephant head was attached to the child and Vishnu gave him the following eight names: Vighneshvara, Ganesha, Heramba, Gajanana, Lambodara, Ekadanta, Soorpakarna and Vinayaka. 

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Tiruvannamala begins its Preparations 

Many Ganeshas created for the Festival

This Ganesha looks very jaunty!

A whole army of Ganeshas with lots of help to give!

Umbrellas for Ganesha idols for home and office

Families purchasing their idol for home worship

Lord Ganesha's favourite Wood Apple for sale

Fruit Sellers on Car Street near Arunachaleswarar Temple

Soma Pradosham, Monday, August 29, 2016 -- Arunachaleswarar Temple

The most recent Pradosham to be observed at Arunachaleswarar Temple occurred on Monday, 29 August, 2016. 

Pradosham Vrat has its own benefits according to the day on which it occurs.

Soma Pradosham: 

When Pradosham Vrat falls on a Monday, it is known as Soma Pradosham. If the Pradosham Vrat falls on a Monday, all the desires of Lord Shiva’s devotee are fulfilled and they become a positive thinker. 

Alankaram of the Lord and Consort

Aarti after Nandi abhishekam, Soma Pradosham

Circumambulation of the Siva Sannidhi

Unnamulai Shrine and Arunachala; devotees completing Prakaram circumambulation

The Dasha Lingams: Arunachala Girivalam

The famed Lingam Temples (Asta Lingams) are arranged around the octagonal perimeter of Arunachala. Each of these Temples are located at the four cardinal and four inter-cardinal points. This was believed by the ancients who originally constructed the Lingams at their eight cardinal and inter-cardinal points to represent, characterise and vitalise certain aspects and qualities of life in relation to specific fields of energy and influence. 

For more information about the asta lingams, go to this link here: 

The Asta Lingams: 

Indra Lingam (East) 

Agni Lingam (South East) 

Yama Lingam (South) 

Niruthi Lingam (South West) 

Varuna Lingam (West) 

Vayu Lingam (North West) 

Kubera Lingam (North) 

Esanya Lingam (North East) 

The Lingams have the dominant Navagraha of the God to whom they are associated. It is believed that placating a specific Lingam will bring various benefits that are associated with the respective Navagraha. 

In addition to the Asta Lingams, there are two additional Lingams on the girivalam roadway which according to the oral tradition of the region are part of what is considered the “Dasha Lingams” (10 Lingams) of Arunachala. 

These two additional Lingams are Chandra Lingam and Surya Lingam. For information about the escoteric significance of Chandra Lingam, go to this link here. 

To find out about Surya Lingam and its juxtaposition with Chandra Lingam and how the Lingams are stationed at the gateways to both the Lingam of Arunachala Hill and the Shiva Lingam at Arunachaleswarar Temple’s Moolasthanam, go to this link here. 

Surya Lingam: Before and After

Darshan of Arunachala from Surya Shrine, Girivalam Roadway

Surya Lingam is located after Gautama Ashram and before Varuna Lingam on the leftside of the Girivalam Roadway. In 2016 the first phase of renovation work financed by a family in Chennai, was completed at the Lingam. 

Looking through my archives I found photographs of Surya Lingam before renovation which may be of interest and enable a comparision of before and after. 

The work has obviously been neatly and professionally undertaken, but a pity the use of traditional materials was not observed. It might be just that I am old fashioned, but would have preferred materials other than alumininum roofing, patterned tiles and overly colourful paint. 

Nonetheless the Surya Lingam is definitely looking tidier and neater and gratitude and thanks to the Chennai family who have graciously funded the work. 

Entrance to Surya Lingam before renovation

Entering Surya Lingam on the girivalam roadway

Lingam on girivalam roadway

Carvings on inside doorway entrance

Surya Lingam with Nandi

Adjacent building connected with Temple priests

Stone Shrine of the Surya Linam

From back of Shrine looking towards entry gateway

Devotees in line for Prasad

Photographs of Surya Lingam Shrine after Renovation 

Entrance to Shrine from Girivalam Roadawy

Carvings on Wall Under the Entrance Doorway

More Painted Carvings on Wall

Shrine Compound Renovated, Painted, with New Floors and Canopy Cover

Surya Shrine

Under my Bamboo Roof

Big thanks to those who sent best wishes to Max during his recent illness. He is now almost back in perfect health. The below photograph of him crashing out on the roof is because we have returned from a long walk and swim followed by a very large meal. The dog is happy, healthy but exhausted. He sends his best to all out there. 

Gorgeous Max

In the beginning of February I had a nice bamboo cover put on my roof. I have used many bamboo roofers at Tiruvannamalai, but the crew who made my current roof are by far and away the very best Tiruvannamalai has to offer. They work creating bamboo and mandapam structures at; all major Temples (including Arunachaleswarar Kovil), marriage halls, mandapams, restaurants, functions and private homes. 

I have used many different bamboo construction crews in Tiruvannamalai, and through trial and error have now found an excellent craftsman, so am making this posting and including Balaji's mobile phone number. You can reach him at +919486370325.

My roof garden

Balaji, bamboo roofing artisan with strut to add for extra monsoon support

Winds have been very fierce over the last few weeks, and as the monsoon will soon be upon us, asked Balaji to drop by and make a quick addition to my roof. Balaji's family originates from Tiruvannamalai. His father, who is now deceased, was a bamboo roofer and it was by working with him, that Balaji learnt his craft. Since my bamboo roof was constructed in February, it has remained absolutely solid and immovable. Very happy with it. 

Balaji and his brother Bhaskaran

Built in February and looks as good now as then

The roof is one of Max's favourite places

Nice tidy work. Balaji's crew spent a total of 2 days taking down the previous roof and replacing it with this new one

Looking towards the West

Looking towards the East

Additional strut added on for extra monsoon support

Arunachala—The Absolute Form of Shiva Himself

“In the Dravidian region of South India, there is the greatest place called Arunachala, dearest to Chandrasekara. It is the abode of Shiva and Yogis. Arunachala is to this world what the heart is to the whole body. It is everything for Shiva. For the benefit of the world, Shiva took the form of a mountain and settled himself as Arunachala. 

There is no sacred place like Arunachala, there is no better discipline than devotion. There is no better protection than that afforded by vibhutti. There is no happiness superior to detachment. There is no position superior to salvation. If other kshetras are abodes of Shiva, Arunachala is the absolute form of Shiva himself.” 

[Skanda Purana] 

Soma Pradosham, Monday, August 15, 2016 -- Arunachaleswarar Temple

Over the last few days due to holidays and the celebration of India Independence Day, the town and Arunachaleswarar Temple have been very busy. 

Queue winding its way around the 3rd prakaram, waiting for Darshan at Siva Sannidhi on August 14, 2016

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The Significance of Soma Pradosham 

Lord Shiva is also known as Chandrasekhara, which literally refers to the 'Person who wears the moon'. In some cultures the appearance of the new crescent moon has been celebrated as a return of the moon from the dead. This celestial body is a powerful influence on the human psyche. Its influence which is always available at Arunachala is celebrated in disparate ways during Sivaratri and Poornima. It is also recognised in all Pradoshams that fall on Mondays, as did today’s Pradosham Monday 15 August, 2016. 

As you come into Tiruvannamalai via the Chengham Road, in front of the Agni Tank, there is Rotary Club sign proclaiming this place to be “Moon City”. What a wonderful name for our town. 

Abhishekam Large Nandi, 5th Temple Prakaram

Hinduism propounds the idea that the (nine) Navagrahas (of which Chandra is one) are 'markers of influence'—living energies which put out waves which affect our awareness by seizing our consciousness when we come under their influence. Reports of psychics and seers agree that Grahas cause a direct energy influence upon the energy bodies and minds of all life on earth. The nine planets (Navagrahas) are transmitters of Universal, archetypal energy and the qualities of each planet helps maintain the overall balance of polarities in the solar system. 

Aarti, Soma Pradosham: August 15, 2016

Lord Shiva wears on his head the crescent of the fifth-day moon. Placed near his fiery third eye this shows the power of Soma, the sacrificial offering, which is the representative of Moon and signifies that Shiva possesses the power of procreation co-existent with that of destruction. 


Chandra has the following associations: 

colour: white
gender: female
metal: silver
gemstones: pearl and moonstone
element: water
direction: north-west
season: Winter
body part: blood
food: rice
taste: salt
day: Monday
guna: Sattwa

The Sun is the indicator of the soul and the Moon is the vehicle of the mind that receives the light of the soul. Even though all the Navagrahas are represented at Arunachala, the Moon with its particular association with Lord Shiva (Chandrasekhara) has an extraordinary influence. 

Large crowd of devotees watching Pradosham of Nandi: 5th Prakaram

In one legend, Chandra is considered the son of the ocean as he was one of the fourteen ratnas (Jewels) that emerged from the ocean during its churning and was gifted, by the Gods and Demons to Lord Shiva, who wore the crescent moon on his head. 

Aarti at Nandi, Flagpost outside Siva Sannidhi

The Gods being taken on procession around the 3rd Prakaram

Lord Arunachaleswarar and the Goddess Alankaram

Chandra is a lovable God; pleasing to children as well as elders. Sages and devotees invoke the Goddess in Chandra. A benefic Moon is often found in the charts of doctors, healers or psychologists, as well as good mothers and wives. A strong Moon can give power and creates a good administrator or leader open to the needs of his people and indicates relationship, interchange, and communication. A strong Moon also shows sensitivity, receptivity, caring for others and a nurturing attitude in life. It gives emotional maturity, responsibility and the capacity to have a beneficial effect upon society. 

The Gods being carried on a palanquin

To read a wonderful legend explaining why the Moon's light is so soft, and cool, and beautiful even to this day go to an earlier posting “Moonlight,” at this link here. 

A Sorry Looking Max

Oh dear. Max my greedy boy has finally gone and done it. He has a stone lodged in his upper intestines making him very uncomfortable. Have been trying to wean him of his stone chewing habit . . . but it seems one stone passed us both by. Yesterday took Max to the Government Animal Hospital in town for an x-ray to confirm the obstruction. Yes, the stone is there. He has been put on a 3 day course of purgatives and if that doesn't do the trick, the old daftie will have to have the stone surgically removed. 

Ram Prasad who works at the Animal Shelter in Ramana Nagar making sure Max stays on the table

He is feeling immensely sorry for himself . . . with very little either going in or coming out. Poor thing. Well its almost over . . . only 2 more days to go after today before the matter is resolved one way or another! 

Max, looking sorry for himself

Max is at about 60% of liveliness, so is still performing his duties of retrieving as his name (Labrador Retriever) alludes. We are waiting for the heavy rains of the monsoon to start, in the meantime small ponds on the Eri are drying up and fish are dying from lack of oxygen. To help the land birds, everytime we see a dead fish in one of the ponds, Max jumps in and brings it to the shore for the birds to snack on. Today we got out two such dead fish from one pond. The fish are quite large, you can get an idea of their size from the fish on the ground next to little blackie Winnie. 

Winnie having a good look at a dead fish in front of her

Winnie guarding the fish. Max taking a well deserved cooling-off

The drying-up pond with Arunachala as background