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

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. 

2015 Karthigai Festival: Prayascitta Ceremony

2015 Arunachala Deepam

In the Introduction of the Section entitled Prakarama, Vimanas, Gopurams on my web site Arunachala Samudra, I make mention of the four purification ceremonies (prayascittas) previously observed at the top of Arunachala, for which priests used to go up to the summit of the mountain. Nowadays the only prayascitta ceremony (purification) regularly observed on the summit of Arunachala is after the completion of the Karthigai Festival. 

"Tiruvannamalai is one of the major sacred places of Tamil Nadu not only because of its great mountain Arunachala, but also because of its huge Arunachaleswarar Temple dedicated to Lord Siva and also to the many and frequent festivals which occur at this place. 

The mythology of the Lingodbhavamurti, the column of light (which is unvarying in all its parts whether it be the top or bottom) commemorates that there is no actual difference of any part of Arunachala. However even though Arunachaleswarar Temple is fully identified with Arunachala, for which it is also a substitute—certain variations between the bottom and top of the Hill were previously recognised four times a year by observance of purification ceremonies (prayascittas) for which priests used to go up to the summit of the mountain. 

Those four times were: Mahasivaratri Festival acknowledging the supremacy of Lord Siva, the Marriage Ceremony celebrating the union of Lord Siva with the Goddess, Karthigai Festival with its multitude of legends and symbolism, and the fourth and last purification ceremony represents separation from the Goddess and the renewed manifestation of the supremacy of Siva the great Yogi. 

However over the years the difficulties of the climb for aging gurukkals and other factors has led to less emphasis being paid to these purification ceremonies occurring on the summit of the Hill itself and nowadays the only prayascitta regularly observed on the summit of Arunachala is after the completion of the Karthigai Festival."

2015 Karthigai Prayascitta Ceremony on Arunachala Summit

Purification Ceremony end of 2015 Karthigai Festival

Arunachaleswarar Temple Priest performing Ceremony

Summit of Arunachala end of 2015 Karthigai Deepam

Lord Shiva's Feet Summit Arunachala

After the Cauldron is brought down from the Hill and returned to its permanent resting place inside the Arunachaleswarar Compound, an additional purification ceremony is observed in connection with the Deepam Cauldron.

2015 Karthigai Deepam Cauldron back at Temple

Amavasya Pradosham: December 8, 2015

At the time of the bi-monthly Pradosham observed at Arunachaleswarar Temple, abhishekam and aarti are performed on the Five Temple Nandis.

The Five Temple Nandis from east to west 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

Kodi Kampathu Nandi, Third Prakaram

Aarti at Kodi Kampathu Nandi, Third Prakaram

Lord Arunachaleswarar begins circumambulation of the Siva Sannidhi

Circumambulation of Siva Sannidhi

Early morning inside the Temple Compound

2015 Karthigai Deepam: Cauldron Coming Back to Temple

The Mahadeepam on top of Arunachala for the 2015 Karthigai Festival was alight for approximately 10 days. At some times during the History of this Festival, the pot used to remain undisturbed on the Hill for several years, until its condition made it necessary for it to be brought back down the Hill to the Temple for repair or replacment. 

Nowadays the pot is taken up the Hill a couple of days before Mahadeepam and remains there for a day at the end of the Festival in order for it to cool. Thereupon the pot is returned to the Temple for storage. Nowadays the Cauldron is more lightweight than at previous times (to make it easier to carry up and down the Hill), however its lack of robustness ensures that the Cauldron has to be replaced more frequently. 

The Cauldron in ceremony before being carried up Arunachala

The below sequence of photographs are of the 2015 Arunachala Karthigai Deepam Cauldron being carried down the Hill passed the Virupaksham and Mango Caves on its way to the foot of the Hill.

Men of the Fisherman Caste carrying the Cauldron

Cauldron after its service on the Hill during the 2015 Karthigai Deepam Festival

As in most everything, its generally easier to come down than go up!

2015 Karthigai Deepam Cauldron

Crossing the Road heading to the Pey Gopuram (West Tower) Entrance