Special Puja, Arunachaleswarar Temple December 14, 2013

In the previous posting entitled: December 14, Arunachaleswarar Temple Pradosham, I posted photographs of Sani Maha Pradosham. Sani Pradosham, the Pradosham which falls on a Saturday, corresponds to the planet Saturn and to read an earlier posting giving information about its significance and relating the Legend of Sani Pradosham, go to this link here. 

In connection with this special day, in the early morning an elaborate puja; Kalasa Abhishekam, Gaja Puja and Maha Rudra Pua with Siva Achariyas chanting the Rudra Mantra was performed at Arunachaleswarar Temple. 

Young Siva Achariyas chanting the Sri Siva Rudra

Priests carrying the Kalasas (pots of sanctified water)

Ghee being poured on the Homam

Worshipping our lovely Rukku

Pradosham December 23, 2015

It is believed that each day of the week has different benefits during Pradosham. On December 23, 2015 Pradosham occurred on a Wednesday. The significance of which is Blessings with children. Knowledge and education. 

The other days of the week that have special significance during Pradosham are as follows: 

Sunday: Peace to all 

Monday: Positive and clear thinking 

Tuesday: Prosperity for all 

Wednesday: Blessings with children. Knowledge and Education 

Thursday: Blessings through ancestors. Elimination of danger. 

Friday: Elimination of negative forces. 

Saturday: Return of lost wealth and prosperity 

The below sequence of photographs are of the Wednesday, December 25, 2015 Pradosham as observed at Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai. 

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. 

Pradosham Abhishekam of Anuru Nandhi, Arunachala

Many devotees who visit Arunachaleswarar Temple at Tiruvannamalai do so in order to attend the bi-monthly Pradosham function. However there are other beautiful Temples and Shrines located throughout this area at which one can observe a special Pradosham.

One such place dedicated to Nandeeshwara is known as Anuru Nandhi and is located just off Dindivanam Road on the way out of town, a couple of kilometres past the railway tracks.

The bull—Nandi—is the divine vehicle of Lord Shiva, the Destroyer. He is the chief of the ganas, Shiva's attendants. Nandi means 'happy'. Nandi is more than Shiva's vahana or vehicle. As the chief of Shiva's attendants, he is also the guardian of all four-legged animals. Nandi is essential to every Shiva Temple—the sanctum sanctorum of each Temple has an image of Nandi facing the shrine (where the deity may be in a human or lingam form).

There is a story that Vrishabha Deva or Nandi was very proud of his role as the vehicle of the Supreme Lord Shiva himself. To teach him a lesson, Shiva placed a lock of his hair on the bull, who was unable to bear the weight. Realising that he had been arrogant, Nandi begged Shiva's pardon. Shiva forgave him and initiated him into divine knowledge.

Nandi completes the image of the happy family. In days gone by, people depended on the bull for transportation. The bull was thus the vehicle both for Shiva and man. He is also a symbol of how a powerful animal, imbued with Divine authority, is also a gentle and humble worker and helper to both the Gods and man.

Many devotees whisper prayers into the ear of Nandi statues. The story behind this goes that while Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were meditating, an enemy of the Lord by the name of Jalandar, abducted the Goddess. Unaware of the incident Lord Siva continued His meditation. The Gods desperate to inform the Lord asked Lord Ganesha to mediate. Ganesha attempted to bring Lord Siva out of his trance but as he was unsuccessful, approached Nandi and asked him to intervene. Nandi whispered to the Lord bringing Him out of meditation. 

This legend explains the origin of the custom of whispering into the ear of Nandi in order that he might communicate our wishes directly to the Lord.

From this vantage point, one can take darshan of both Arunachala and Parvathimalai

Beautiful and ancient statue of Lord Nandi

Abhishekam during a previous Pradosham observed at shrine of Anuru Nandhi

Aarti after Abhishekam at Anuru Nandhi Shrine

To complete this posting my dog Winnie experiencing her own "Nandi moment"

Thursday June 1, 2023: Guru Vrat Pradosham Arunachaleswarar Temple

 

The below photographs are of Arunachaleswarar Temple Pradosham which was observed on Thursday June 1, 2023.

 

Pradosham indicates the meeting of the Sun and the Moon in a horizontal line and occurs on the 13th lunar day (Trayodashi) during the waxing and waning phase of moon in the Hindu lunar calendar.

 

It is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva on this day will relieve the devotee from sin, help overcome opponents and enemies—thus eliminating all danger and will also lead to Moksha. On Pradoshams which fall on Thursdays, devotees also receive Divine blessings through their ancestors.

 

Among the pujas performed by Lord Shiva devotees, Pradosham puja is considered to be the most auspicious. It is believed that during this period all universal beings and Gods come down to earth and attend the worship.

Large number of devotees in attendance

Readings of Holy Works during the function

Nandi Abhishekam

Procession of the Gods after Puja

Thai Pradosham -- January 21, 2016

The below photographs are of today's Thai Pradosham at Arunachaleswarar Temple. Even though the Pradosham took place early in the day, it was attended by very large crowds. 

Aarti performed at Periya Nandi, 5th Prakaram

Big Nandi

Large crowd attending the Periya Nandi Puja

Thai Pradosham, January 21, 2016

Postings on my Arunachala Blogs from September 18 to October 17, 2013

Below are links and short extracts of postings on my various Arunachala Blogs from Wednesday, September 18, 2013 to Thursday, October 17, 2013 

Arunachala Grace 

Some Favoured Arunachala Temples and Shrines: Selection of some out-of-the-way girivalam Shrines and Temples.

Pradosham Photographs: Pictorial report of Pradosham at Arunachaleswarar Temple.

Aarti at Pavala Kundru: Photographs of the beautiful Temple on Coral Hill spur, Arunachala. Video. 

Navaratri Kolu Celebration: Visting two homes of Arunachaleswarar Temple Priests to view their Kolu displays.

Navaratri Alangarams, Arunachaleswarar Temple: Amman Lingam Alangaram and Saraswati Alangaram, Mandapam Hall, Big Temple.

2013 Arunachala Navaratri Functions: Information and links of Navaratri Pujas at Ramana Ashram.

Visit to an Elephant: Time with elephant from Trichy at Seshsadri Ashram who was going to participate in the Raja Parivara Puja on Girivalam Roadway.

Rudra Pasupathi Nayanar: Famed devotee of Lord Shiva, who made a practice of chanting the Sri Rudam, while half immersed in water.

Pradosham, October 2, 2013: Photographs of the large crowds at Arunachaleswarar Temple attending Pradosham.

Counting the Cash: Photographs of Temple appointees counting Hundial donations.

Mahapuja for 18 Siddhars, Arunachala: Raja Parivara Puja to be performed for the 18 Siddhars at Tiruvannamalai.

Mottayan Swami and Kootankuchi Swamigal: Information about two holy beings residing off the Girivalam Roadway, Arunachala.

Tremors felt at Tiruvannamalai: After a gap of almost 25 years, Tiruvannamalai experiences a small earthquake.

Whisper into my Ear: The method and benefits of talking into sacred Nandi’s ear.

Arunachala Birds 

House Sparrow: Description of the most common bird in India and resident at Arunachala. Photographs and Video

Ways to deal with Bully Birds: Modern bird feeders and hints of how to control bully birds in the garden.

Arunachala Land 

Act for Seed and Food Freedom: Information and links about the agricultural independence of India

Tiruvannamalai Puja Flowers: Tiruvannamalai trees and shrubs, flowers of which are used in Temple pujas.

Arunachala Mystic 

Significance of Arunachala Girivalam Asta Lingams: Story of Mooppanar Swami, and his work restoring the Asta Lingams on Girivalam Roadway.

Sri Siva Siddhar Mona Swami Birthday Function: Photographs, video and report of Swami’s birthday celebrations at his Ashram

Mouna Swamigal, Girivalam Roadway: Photographs and narrative of a Swami residing off the Girivalam Roadway

Arunachaleswarar Temple Pradosham: Friday December 31, 2021

The photographs below are of the last Pradosham of 2021. This Shukra Pradosham occurred on  Friday, December 31 and its particularly cheering to see the pradosham attended by so many devotees. 

 

 

Pradosham August 4, 2013

There are a number of posting on Arunachala Grace relating to the significance of the twice monthly Pradosham celebrated at Arunachaleswarar Temple. In these postings there is also information about Nandi who is the mount (vahana) of Lord Siva and also gatekeeper to Siva and Parvarti. 

Stone images of Nandi (the word “Nandi” is believed to be derived from the ancient Tamil “Pandi” meaning bull), generally face the main Siva shrine in all temples dedicated to Lord Siva.

Pradosham, Arunachaleswarar Temple August 4, 2013

Aarti to Nanhi  Flagpost Arunachaleswarar Temple

“In the temple of Shiva, you find Nandi, the bull in front of the deity. The truth is that just as the Lingam is the symbol of the Lord, Nandi (the bull) is the symbol of the Jeeva (individual soul). Therefore just like Nandi, man should turn away from Prakruthi and direct all his attention towards God only. 

There are some more meanings for the symbolism. For instance, it is said that no one should stand between Eeshwara and Nandi. One should have the vision of Eeshwara by looking through the space in between the two ears of Nandi. 

The underlying idea is that through the sadhana of using the ears to listen about Eeshwara alone, the animal nature in the bull becomes transformed into Divinity and because of its merger with Ishwara it is called Nandeeshwara (Bull-God). 

Thus the lesson of the symbolism is that man should also try to merge with God, by following the example of Nandi.” 
[Source: Sathya Sai Speaks Vol. XXV; P. 169] 

Nandi anthropomorphic form c.1820 

There are five major Nandi statues at Arunachaleswarar Temple: they are; Pradosham Nandi, in the Moolastanam, Ratha Vilaku Nandi in the Second Prakaram, Kodi Kampathu Nandi in the Third Prakaram, Chinna Nandi in the fourth prakaram and the Periyar Nandi that stands in front of the Vallala Gopuram in the Fifth Prakaram. 

The below legend of the Churning of the Ocean, which appears in a number of Puranas, symbolises the protection of the Lord to the devotee who surrenders completely to him.

Lord Shiva drinking poison, Nandhi nearby

“When the positive forces, the Devas, and the negative forces, the Asuras, joined together on a rare occasion to churn the ocean with a mountain to obtain the nectar of immortality they utilized Vasuki, the serpent, as the rope. The Devas pulled from one end and the Asuras from the other. Lots of precious herbs and gems were produced during the churning and one of them was Halahala poison which became human karma. 

This "poison" was so dangerous that none of the Devas or Asuras wanted to go near it. It was extremely sticky and coming into contact with this poison, i.e., human karma, would drag the divinity down to the realms of human suffering and ego. As everyone else ran away, Lord Siva, followed by Nandi, came forward to help as he was the only one who could counteract this deadly poison.

 

Siva took the poison into his hand and drank it, the descent of the poison was in turn stopped at His throat, by His divine consort. One of Lord Siva’s name is thus Nilakantha (the blue-throated one). Nandi saw some of the poison spill out of Siva's mouth and immediately drank if off the ground. The Devas and Asuras watching were shocked and wondered aloud what would happen to Nandi. Lord Siva calmed their fears saying, "Nandi has surrendered into me so completely that he has all my powers and my protection".” 

Shani Pradosham Arunachaleswarar Temple: Saturday 25 March, 2017

The below set of photographs are of Shani Pradosham at Arunachaleswarar Temple on Saturday 25 March, 2017. 

The next Pradosham to be observed at Arunachaleswarar Temple will be Shani Pradosham on Saturday 8 April, 2017