Saka Dawa

A friend living in Nepal recently sent information reminding us about the Holy Month of Saka Dawa which is also known as the ‘Month of Merits.’

Saka Dawa which began with the May 14 new moon, will continue for a whole lunar month (the Tibetan word 'dawa' means both 'moon' and 'month') until June 13. This is a period during which the consequences of virtuous actions performed is multiplied ten million times, both in terms of the merit earned, and (one hopes) the effect obtained.

Many poojas are performed in homes and monasteries, entire villages go on pilgrimage, especially to Kang Rimpoche (MT Kailash) and Lhasa. The full moon of this month is also special. It is celebrated as the anniversary of the day on which the Buddha was born, attained Enlightenment and (subsequently) Parinirvana. This year, the full moon of Saka Dawa coincides with the full moon celebrating the Buddha's birth on the Hindu calendar.

For special interest to us here at Arunachala, it is during this month that people place emphasis on dharma practices such as circumambulation, prostrations, reciting mantras, sadhana and saving animals lives. It is believed that merit from such practices at this juncture is multiplied many times.

In keeping with the this Buddhist Festival, am posting below some inspirational words of the Dalai Lama.

"Remember, the Universe is the echo of our actions and our thoughts.

The law of action and reaction is not exclusively for physics. It is also of human relations. If I act with goodness, I will receive goodness. If I act with evil, I will get evil.

What our grandparents told us is the pure truth. You will always have what you desire for others. Being happy is not a matter of destiny. It is a matter of options.

Take care of your Thoughts because they will become Words.
Take care of your Words because they will become Actions.
Take care of your Actions because they will become Habits.
Take care of your Habits because they will form your Character.
Take care of your Character because it will form your Destiny, and your Destiny will be your Life. "

Somayagya for Global Healing April 2010

Right-click to read enlarged poster


Our dear friends at the Vedic Society have informed us about a Maha Soma Yagya which will take place from April 24th to 29th, 2010 at Auroville, (just 10 kms north of Pondicherry). There will be 18 pundits and 22 helpers performing the Yagya, which will last for five days. All four Vedas (Sama, Rig, Yajur and Atharva) will be chanted during the Homam.

In the Vedic Society Website they explain that:

“Yagyas are ancient Vedic practices that were performed to bring coherence and harmony to the world though mantra, fire and the release of medicinal and aromatic substances as smoke. In all ancient cultures fire was used to invoke communication with the creative intelligence of nature.

Soma is the lunar and nourishing component of nature, which gives us vitality, health, wisdom and stability in our human physiology. And Yagyas are performed to increase the quality and quantity of Soma for the entire society. The Soma plant is put into the Yagya fire with specific combinations to produce a unique effect harmonizing.”

To learn why its necessary for Global Healing, to perform such Yagyas and to understand their scientific basis, please refer to the Vedic Society’s page dedicated to this upcoming event. While at their site you will also learn how these Yagyas preserve living traditions and information letting you know how you can attend this special Yagya function.

If you are unable to travel to Auroville, other methods of support are outlined in the Vedic Society website, where in addition there will be a live streaming feed covering the event.

Happy Tamil New Year

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Tamil New Year (Puthandu) in keeping with the Hindu solar calendar, generally falls either on April 13 or April 14 and marks the first day of the traditional Tamil calendar. This auspicious day is also popular as Varusha Pirappuv when as per Hindu mythological legends, Lord Brahma started upon the creation of the Universe.

New Year's day is a gala time for all Tamils. The main focus is on the food eaten on the day. 'Maanga Pachadi' is the pulse of the festival. It is a dish made of raw mangoes, jaggery and neem flowers thus representing different tastes; sweet, salt, sour and bitter and signifies the various flavours of life.

Prior to Puthandu, people often get their homes painted to mark the renewal of life. Ladies adorn their houses with fresh mango leaves and Kolam (rangoli) designs. Sometimes, a decorated lamp kuthuvillakku is placed in the center of colourful Kolams to bring light to the house.

People in the advent of merrymaking and feasting exchange gifts with each other. Children are highly excited at the time of Puthandu as they receive small gifts or cash from their parents and relatives.

In Tamil Nadu, people follow some strict rituals in a belief to ensure well-being and prosperity of their families. Most important ritual of the day is called 'Kani Kanal', the literal translation of this is 'first sight'.

In Kani Kanal there is a prescribed list of items, which a person must see first thing to bring good luck like gold and silver jewellery, betel leaves, nuts, fruits and vegetables, flowers, raw rice and coconuts.

Following the rituals, Tamils take bath, wear fresh clothes and visit the temples to pray for success in life. After this, the Panchangam (almanac) is read.

At the time of New Year festivities, a grand Car Festival also takes place at Tiruvadamarudur near Kumbakonam. At some places, Chitthirai festival is also celebrated. It is said on this day, Goddess Meenakshi got married to Lord Sundareswarar.

The ‘Real’ Kani

WISHING YOU AND YOURS A BLESSED, JOY-FILLED NEW YEAR

A New Day

Right-click on all photographs to enlarge

Now that the temperature is regularly in the early 100s (degrees Fahrenheit) my doggies and I have taken to very early morning walks. And even though Samudram Erie is drought-like, there is one wonderful watering hole, which is an overflow from an agricultural tank, that is available for grazing goats and sheep.

Being that those creatures won't be arriving for a couple of hours, my doggies enjoy a very refreshing swim and have fun splashing around, chasing frogs in the pond.

Below are three of my scamps drying off after their swim.

And my three other scamps enjoying a nice cooling soak.

Samudram Erie is dry and crispy in the early morning sunshine.

And the in background, the presence of Arunachala heralding a New Day and a New Life.

Water Situation

This Summer Tiruvannamalai is facing severe water shortages and although the TNEB (Tamil Nadu Electricity Board) has announced a 9-hour supply for agriculture, long power cuts are common place throughout rural Tamil Nadu.

Farmers have asked that the TNEB maintain a three-phase power supply for agriculture – 6 hours in the morning and 6 hours in the evening. They have also requested expansion works of the Mettur thermal power station be expedited immediately. To read more on the concerns over the looming power crisis check this link here:

I’ve been told by those who have originated from this place, that as recently as thirty years ago it was rare to see paddy (rice) cultivated in these parts. Tiruvannamalai is a dry area with limited water resources and heavily depends upon the rain acquired through its seasonal rainy seasons.

A combination of independent bore wells and thus a more easily accessible water supply and the considerable incentive of free electricity, has driven farmers to plant ‘cash crops’ that need excessive water irrigation. Currently with temperatures in the early 100s (Fahrenheit degrees) makes the sight of twice daily water flooded rice fields somewhat bizarre!

There is no doubt that countries and communities need to maintain an independent agricultural system. However the fact is Tamil Nadu is likely to face a severe water crisis in the next half century and according to experts, what will contribute to the crisis is the fast-depleting groundwater table, and the increasing pollution of water sources. The crisis in the making in Tamil Nadu would be as much about the quality of water available as its shrinking availability. Experts want Tamil Nadu to reduce its dependence on water from neighbouring States and formulate alternative plans.

As well as the concern that many rivers are already badly polluted in the State, another area of concern is the general over-exploitation of groundwater. According to experts, too many farmers are cultivating water-intensive crops and are indiscriminately exploiting groundwater for irrigation, which has led to a steep fall in the water table.

In this respect agriculture accounts for 85-90% of the total use of water in the State. Even by the judicious planting of less water intensive crops and gaining a 10% reduction in the agricultural sector, would considerably ease the impending water shortage situation.

To read an excellent report on the Tamil Nadu water problem please click here:

And to read a previous posting on 'Water Sustainability: Extract from Report on Rain Fed areas by Planning Commission, New Delhi'; click on this link here.

Sri Nannagaru at Arunachala

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After the recent scandals about Godmen here at Tiruvannamalai, its nice to post about someone who is highly regarded in these parts and has reached the age of seventy-six, after a lifetime dedicated to spiritual service, with a blemish free, impeccable reputation.

Sri Nannagaru was born in 1934 at Jinnuru, Andhra Pradesh and first visited Arunachala in 1957 on a visit to the samadhi of his Guru (who he never met in person) Sri Ramana Maharshi.

Shortly thereafter Sri Nannagaru had a realisation experience which he attributes entirely to the Grace of Arunachala-Ramana.

Nowadays Sri Nannagaru visits his two ashrams at Arunachala (Sri Nannagaru Ashram and Andhra Ashram) approximately four times a year, spending around 7-10 days per visit. As Swamiji traditionally spends Deepam at Arunachala, that is the only time that his devotees are able to plan ahead and make arrangements to visit Arunachala at the same time as their Guru.

By the way this year the first night of the lighting of the flame of Deepam is November 21, 2010.

Swamiji arrived at Arunachala this visit on March 18th and left this day March 27th. During his stay he gave regular darshans and talks (in Telegu), visited Ramana Ashram and Andhra Ashram, attended several pujas, and also performed rounding the Hill with his devotees.

Today prior to his return to Andhra Pradesh, his devotees arranged Pada Puja and Cow Puja ceremonies at Sri Nannagaru Ashram.

Sri Nannagaru is regarded by many as the most authentic Guru representative that visits Arunachala these days. He bases his teachings on that of his guru, Sri Ramana Maharshi, inculcating his devotees in the method of Self Enquiry.

Even though he donates generously to spiritual and social organisations and individuals, his primary objective is of inspiring and supporting devotees and visitors on the spiritual path. Even as an adolescent and prior to his realisation experience, at the tender age of sixteen years old, Sri Nannagaru would ride his bicycle to villages close to his native Jinnuru (Andhra Pradesh) to give dissertations at the market place on the Bhagavad Gita.

Suggest you take advantage if you are able to connect with Sri Nannagaru either at Arunachala or during his regular visits to Hyderabad and around Andhra Pradesh. Check out his schedule at his website at this link here.

2010 Mahashivaratri Photo Archive

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The below photographs are a photographic archive of 2010 Mahashivaratri celebrated at Arunachaleswarar Temple at this Shiva Sthalam.

The first photographs are of the beautiful, large kolams traditionally created on the floors of the Temple Compound during this function -- which this year was celebrated on March 13th through March 14th.

As is the tradition at Arunachaleswarar Temple during this Festival, there were a variety of spiritual dramas, Bharatnatayam dances and a musical programme of the drummer Shivamani and his ensemble.

During 2010 Mahashivaratri, Arunachaleswarar Temple including its Shiva Sannidhi stayed open throughout the night. One of the pujas during the night kala, was that of the Lingodhava. To find out more about the history of the dispute between Brahma and Vishnu and the relevance of the Lingodhava, view this link here. To learn more about the Ketaki (Screw Pine) Flower, go here.

One of the more popular pujas performed at Arunachaleswarar Temple during 2010 Mahashivaratri was that of the Periyar (big) Nandi inside the Temple Compound.

As the evening progressed devotees and pilgrims left their offering of lighted oil lamps around the perimeter of the Tanks inside the Arunachaleswarar Compound. Mahashivaratri celebrated at this place is truly a spectacular function and to Shiva devotees, its well worth visiting and participating in upcoming Mahashivaratris celebrated at this place.

Nithyananda Update and Photographs

Received these photographs today and am posting them below as they represent the last 'happy' visit of Swami Nithyananda to Tiruvannamalai and Arunachaleswarar Temple. The photos are from the beginning of 2010 during his visit to Tiruvannamalai (which is his native place) in celebration of his Birthstar.

Right-click on photographs to view enlarged version

To read a balanced and insightful posting about the lessons one can learn from the Swami Nithyananda scandal, go to this link here. While there also check out the comment section of the posting.

Swami Nithyananda Rebuttal Interview

This Saturday, March 13th, Swami Nithyananda in an interview at Haridwar with “Times Now” spoke about the now infamous sting tape of himself with actress Ranjitha. To read a short article of this interview go to this link here.

You can watch the whole 16.14 minute interview in the embedded YouTube video below.

Mahashivaratri E-Darshan

This 2010 Mahashivaratri, Arunachaleswarar Temple launches a new e-darshan facility with infrastructure including, wireless laptop, 700 megapixel movie camera with MPEG-4 technology, and 8 MBPS broadband connection. All Temple Festivals (excluding those taking place inside the Sanctum Sanctorum) will be webcasted utilising this facility. The link for Live Feeds for Arunachaleswarar Temple is here to watch a video of the Temple in five parts go to this link here.

A Live Feed will also be available through the Temple’s own website at this link here.

Hopefully the feed will be activated at this evenings commencement of Shivaratri Functions and thereafter will be automatically uploaded during Temple Festivals and Functions. Hope today’s trial run works okay, but just in case suggest bookmarking the links for upcoming live darshans.

2010 Mahashivaratri Timings Arunachaleswarar Temple

Right click on photographs from last year's Mahashivaratri to view enlarged version.









Mahashivaratri falls on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of Phalguna (February-March), and is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. Mahashivaratri this year will be celebrated at Arunachala Shiva Sthalams on the night of March 13 through March 14, 2010.

On this night Shiva Temples in Tiruvannamalai will follow the lead of the famous Arunachaleswarar Temple and stay open all night. To those who wish to make plans to attend the Big Temple through the night of Mahashivaratri, check my earlier posting at this link here with FULL details as to the timings and functions at Arunachaleswarar Temple. And its Siva Sannidhi will remain open THROUGHOUT the night of March 13 and 14, 2010.

Nithyananda Promises Clarification

“Bangalore: Swami Nithyananda of the Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam, in the news for his alleged involvement in a sex scandal, will appear in public “in a day or two” with a clarification on the controversy surrounding him, said the Dhyanapeetam authorities in their first formal media appearance after a private TV channel telecast objectionable video images of him.

The so-called sex-scandal involving the godman was a creation of “surgical precision” by the electronic media, which had a “hidden agenda,” said the Dhyanapeetam's spokesperson Nithya Sachidananda at the Ashram premises in Bidadi. He said the godman was now participating in the Kumbh Mela at Haridwar.

“There is a threat to the Swamiji's life and he has been receiving threatening calls,” he said. “We are contemplating legal action against those responsible for tarnishing the image of Swami Nithyananda and the ashram . . . "

(Extract from The Hindu – India National Newspaper,
Tuesday, Mar 09, 2010]

To read full report go to this link here:

Tiruvannamalai Vignettes

The below series of photographs is a pictorial vignette of Arunachala then and now.

Right click on all photographs to view enlarged version.


The first photograph is of an uncluttered Arunachaleswarar Temple taken in 1950.

The next photo is of the Deepam cauldron of about 60 years ago. Previously the cauldron used to remain at the top of Arunachala, but starting from about 70 years ago, the Deepam cauldron only remains on Arunachala during the Festival and when not in use is stored inside the 1000 Pillared Hall at Arunachaleswarar Temple.

The large grounds of the Arts College off Chengam Road (direct south of the Hill), is a favourite spot for lads eager to show off their cricketing skills. On Sundays the whole area is packed with a multitude of cricket matches.

The sides of the roads are popular places for migrant workers from North India to make and sell their Festival statues.

Below one of the very few traffic lights at Tiruvannamalai. Arunachala is nicely in the background.

Visiting the vegetable market off Thiruvoodal Road at the back of Arunachaleswarar Temple. Great spot to buy vegetables and just watch the world go by!

Took the last two photographs specially for this posting. They show Veera Supermarket which is located at the back of Seshadri Ashram (next to Ramana Ashram) off Chengam Road (Girivalam Roadway).

As well as being one of the major supermarkets in the Ramana Nagar area, it also of topical interest now with the current Nithyananda fracas.

Much has been said of Nithyananda hailing from Tiruvannamalai but people nowadays more familiar with his worldwide notoriety -- don't realise of just how much a local lad he was. His father (with house in town) was a merchant in rice and ragi and Veera Supermarket would be a regular customer for deliveries sent by the merchant. And it would be the young schoolboy Nithyananda who would make the deliveries to this and other shops.

At that time he was studying at V.D.S Higher Secondary School in Gandhi Nagar (until the 10th standard), but even though he hailed from town and near the Big Temple, he spent much of his youth at Ramana Nagar. Making deliveries on behalf of his father at the local shops, enjoying the Ramana Ashram library, taking darshan of Yogi Ramsuratkumar, and also working for about a year at the bookshop in Ramana Ashram.

Further to the current Nithyananda fracas, it was announced yesterday that Nithyananda would be giving a press release sometime in the coming days with information about the now infamous videos. More to come.