Chittirai Vasantha Urchavam Invitation 2016

Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamamalai Chittirai Vasantha Urchavam 

Invitation From 12 April, 2016 Tuesday 

The 10 day Vasantha Urchavam Festival is going to occur at Arunachaleswarar Temple In regard to this  Monday, 11 April with Panchami Tithi with Rogini star 

Evening 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Sannidyar Ganesha Temple Puja Urchavam will start 


Right click Invitation below to view enlargement

Invitation to Vasantha Urchavam 2016

Day 1: 12.4.2016 Night: special puja 

Day 2: Day 3: Day 4: Day 5: Day 6: Day 7: Day 8: Day 9: Special Night Pujas 

Day 10: 21.4.2016 Thursday 

Morning: Iyyankulam Tank. Theertavari 

Night: Special puja at Gopala Vinayaka Temple (near Thrishul Hotel) 

Night: Temple Manmatha firing after 11 p.m. 

“Vasantha Utsavam is a ten day Festival depicting the blossoming of love. During this sacred event, Swami and Amman are gorgeously decorated with jewels. With the Temple Elephant fanning the Divine Couple with Shamara grass, they are taken with great ceremony in Mahapradakshina round the sacred Mahila Maram (trees) within the Third Prakaram – ten times every night for ten days = 100 times. 

On the third day of Vasantha Utsavam is the birth of Manmatha, also known as Kama the God of love (lust). Manmatha is depicted looking for Siva. 

At 9 p.m. on the fifth and eighth days the Temple lights are switched off so that the procession is in the dark. After going around the sacred Mahila Maram ten times the lights are switched back on to great rejoicing. 

Lord Shiva opens His third eye on the final days of the Festival and the burning of Manmatha takes place. 

During this sacred Festival the Jumbo Keswara Lingam, that is set in stone on the raised platform in the midst of the sacred trees is filled to capacity with water. Plants and flowers are placed to float inside the recess of the Lingam, appearing to make the Lingam levitate and blossom. 

Sri Appar Swami’s birthday takes place on Satyam Natchatram day. Sri Appar Swami is taken on a chariot round the Maha Veedi – Seventh Prakaram.” 

[The Light of Arunachaleswarar] 

Kamadeva: God of Love

The Story of Kama The God of Love 

“When Shakti became Parvati, daughter of the king of Himalayas, She was doing tapas for Lord Shiva. At the same time the great sages, the four sons of Brahma, Sanakar, Sanandanar, Santanar, Sanatkumarar came to Lord Shiva for enlightenment. The Lord gave them enlightenment in the form of Lord Dakshinamurti. Who are the cause as well as the energy for the whole world are into yoga, the whole world got more inclined to yoga and life sustenance was in trouble. 

Meanwhile the Devas, who were tortured by the Surapadma and his brothers Taraka, Simhamukha, knew that those demons can be killed only by the son of Lord Shiva and Shakti. Disappointed that both God and Goddess were doing yoga instead of marrying, they asked cupid to disturb the meditating Lord Shiva with his arrows in order to induce lust for Parvati. When desperation sets in, reasoning gets pushed down. Can the Supreme be induced with lust by anybody? The cupid refused since he knew that it would be fatal for him. But the other Devas threatened to curse him if he didn't obey. Saying that it is better to be killed by the God of gods than by the curses of Devas, he went with his wife, Rati, to the abode of Shiva where He was in meditation. 

The cupid shot the flower arrow on the Lord. The next moment the fire from the eye in the forehead of the Lord burnt the cupid. Undisturbed He continued His meditation. The cupid is of the reputation that his arrows never fail. But well, it can apply to others, can it be for the Almighty? His arrows were useless in front of the Lord and he too became just a heap of ash! 

Shocked by the death of cupid all the Devas realised their plots would not work out with God. They understood that only sincerity can get showers of His grace and any other pressure can have no affect upon the Lord. They surrendered themselves in front of the Lord and pleaded for mercy. The Lord forgave them and married Parvati and gave Subrahmanya for the destruction of the demons. On their request He also bring back to life Kama, however he would be visible only to his wife and not to others. Because of this reason Kamadeva is called ananga (one without limbs).” 

Tuesday, 5 April 2016: Arunachaleswarar Temple Pradosham

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 

All of these five Temple Nandis receive abhishekam and aarti at Pradosham.

Periya Nandi, 5th Prakaram

Large crowds gather to celebrate Pradosham

Kodi Kampathu Nandi, 3rd Prakaram

Ratha Vilaku Nandi, 2nd Prakaram

After worship, Lord Arunachaleswarar is taken on circumambulation in the 3rd Prakaram

The Lord on circumambulation

Going around the 2nd and 1st Prakaram of Arunchaleswarar Temple

Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram Mahakumbhabhishekam: March 25, 2016

Ramsuratkumar was born in 1918 as Ramsurat Kunwar at Nardara, a small village along the stretches of river Ganges. After his intermediate education, he went in search of spiritual enlightenment. On that quest he visited three important saints of South India — Ramana Maharishi at Tiruvannamalai, Sri Aurobindo in Pondicherry and Papa Ramdas of Kerala. 

Yogi Ramsuratkumar later moved to Tiruvannamalai and asked people to turn inward for spiritual enlightenment. He was hailed as the ‘God Child of Tiruvannamalai’, and renowned as a mystic saint. Many devotees consider him a Siddha Purushar (mystic) in the tradition of the Tamil Nadu Saivite Siddhars. 

Thoughout his life at Tiruvannamalai he lived like a beggar. Dressed in simple clothing and generally with a palm leaf fan he was called Visiri Saamiyaar in Tamil. He would also carry a coconut shell in his hand, wear a green shawl and live very simply. 

To read the biography of this great saint visit my website Arunachala Samudra at this link here.

Bhagavan Ramsuratkumar died at his Tiruvannamalai Ashram on 20th February 2001. Mahakumbhabhishekam of the then newly consecrated Adhishtanam of Bhagavan Yogi Ramsuratkumar was celebrated on 27th June 2004. Subsequently Mahakumbhabhishekam of Bhagavan Yogi Ramsuratkumar was also celebrated this year at his Tiruvannamalai Ashram on Friday, 25 March, 2016. 

Programme of the 2016 Mahakumbhabhishekam Programme

To watch videos of the complete 2016 Mahakumbhabhiskeham programme please visit the official Yogi Ramsuratkumar You Tube channel at this link here. 

 

Yogi Ramsuratkumar

Below are photographs of part of the celebratory programme recently observed at the Ashram. 

Wonderful decorations welcoming devotees to the Ashram

Specially constructed hall for the yagasalai programme

Main entrance to the Hall

Inside the Hall

Statue of Yogi Ramsuratkumar

It is the experience of many that this statue of Yogi Ramsuratkumar has a powerful energy and a particularly blessed place to visit if one needs help and inspiration in one’s life. To read more visit this link here.

Story of the Statue

Sri Yogi Ramsuratkumar Mahasamadhi

Daily Programme: 

Bhajans 10 a.m. to 12 Noon and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

Pooja and Abishekam for the Sivalingam morning and evening. 

Temple open from 5 a.m. to 12 Noon and 4 p.m. to 8p.m. 

Special Poojas on Thursdays and Festivals 

Group of Senior Devotees

As always the devotees of Yogi Ramsuratkumar created a beautiful, loving function dedicated to his name. The decorations and facilities at the Ashram for visiting Pilgrims were excellent. 

This Ashram always creates wonderful Divine Displays and Functions during Festivals and Holy Times. In particular the Kolu displays during the Navaratri Festival and the representation of Arunachala Hill during Mahadeepam are always special and should be visited by Arunachala pilgrims. 

Line for Meals during the Festival

Great attention was given to the comfort and care of visiting devotees

Shamiana tents specially built for visitors during the Mahakumbhabhishekam Functions

You can visit the Official Website dedicated to Yogi Ramsuratkumar at this link here. 

To watch a video of Yogi Ramsuratkumar giving darshan please watch the below. 

Thirukalyanam Festival: March 28, 2016 – Special Puja

As appeared in an earlier posting setting out the programme for the Thirukalyanam Festival, the function which occurred around 12 noon today March 28, 2016 was a special puja held at the Tamari Tank with later aarti at the Kumara Kovil. 

Below are photographs of this afternoon’s puja and worship:-

Special Puja at Tamari Nagar Tank, Tiruvannamalai

Taking the Gods into the Mandapam

Lord Arunachaleswarar

Goddess being taken on palanquin into the Mandapam

Giving Darshan in Mandapam

Thirukalyanam Function, Big Temple: March 26, 2016

The below photographs were taken in the night at the Thirukalayana Mandapam, Arunachaleswarar Temple during the evening function. 

2016 Panguni Uthiram -- Celestial Wedding at Arunachala

At Arunachaleswarar Temple a Marriage Festival is celebrated. 

The first day of Panguni Uthiram which was celebrated at Arunachaleswarar Temple yesterday (Wednesday March 23, 2016) is known as the time of celebration of the Celestial Wedding of Lord Siva and Goddess Parvathi. 

In the evening the Gods came in procession and an exchange of garlands took place. Arunachaleswarar and Parashakti after exchanging garlands were both moved to the Kalyana Mandapam. 

Inside the Kalayana Mandapam (Thirukalyanam Mandapam), the Thirukalyanam (Wedding) Festival occurred. 

Gods Alangaram

Outside the Shiva Sannidhi

Exchange of Garlands

----- oOo -----

Arunachala Spur with Murugan Shrine on top

The Panguni Uthiram Festival is also the celebration of the Celestial Wedding of Lord Murugan and his Goddess Devayani. As well as the carrying of Kavadis, devotees of Lord Murugan also hold separate functions for their God at various Lord Murugan Temples and Shrines throughout Tiruvannamalai. 

The hillside shrine on a small spur south of Arunachala is holding a two day long celebration of the Celestial Wedding. On the night of the 23rd March, 2016, the whole top of this spur was decorated and illuminated with lights. 

Panguni Utthiram – Thirukalyanam Festival

Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai

Panguni Uttiram – Marriage Festival

Invitation From March 23, 2016 to March 28, 2016

Panguni Uthiram is celebrated during Panguni Month (March-April) during Uthiram Nakshatra day.

Panguni Uthiram (Falgun Purnima) full moon day is known as the time of the celebration of the Celestial Wedding of Lord Siva and Goddess Parvathi; Lord Muruga and His consort Goddess Devayani and Lord Vishnu and His consort Goddess Andal. This day also celebrates the Divine Wedding Day of Lord Rama and the Goddess Sita.

This celebration of Divine marriage is intended to emphasis the glory of married life for householders and to protect their union from separation. It is believed that offering prayers to God at this time gives good mental equilibrium to couples and bestows them with strength, love, affection and understanding.

Devotees visiting Lord Murugan Temples on Panguni Uthiram day carry Kavadis and many devotees choose to have their heads shaved and observe austerities at this time.

Invitation

During Panguni month on the 23.3.2016, Wednesday on Full Moon morning 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Arunachaleswarar Moolasthana the Wedding Ceremony of Sri Annamalaiyar and Unnamulaiyar will occur. In the evening of that day, a procession starts from the Flagpost and then night at 11 p.m. reaches the Kalyanamandapam. At the Mandapam the Thirukalyana Festival will happen. In this regard the following Programmes are scheduled in the coming days. All devotees are invited.

Programme of Thirukalyanam Functions

23.3.2016 Wednesday

11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Thirukalyana Ucchavam at Moolastahana.

Evening 6 p.m. Ambal procession starts from Kumara Kovil to Big Temple.

Evening 8 p.m. Near Flagpost Garland exchange between Shiva and Shakti. Then reaching Thirukalyana Mandapam.

11 p.m. onwards. Marriage Festival.

12 midnight onwards Golden Rishaba procession outside Temple.

24.3.2016 Thursday

8 p.m. Swami and Ambal going to Kilnaathur for special puja.

25.3.2016 Friday

Night. In Thirukalyana Mandapam Naalagu Festival. (3 days).

 

26.3.2016 Saturday

Morning special Homam.

Night. In Thirukalayana Mandapam Unjal Urchavam.

27.3.2016 Sunday

Morning Thirukalyana Mandapam Homam

Night Thirukalyana Mandapam Unjal Urchavam.

28.3.2016 Monday

12 Noon In Tamari Tank special puja. Aarti at Kumara Kovil.

12 Midnight Special music function. Swami and Ambal go to Kamakshi Amman Temple (Thirumanjana Street) and from there goes on procession on the Mada Veedhis

Panguni Pradosham 2016

On Sunday, 20 March 2016 Panguni Pradosham was observed at Arunachaleswarar Temple. 

Aarti at Nandi, Siva Sannidhi, Arunachaleswarar Temple

The Gods ready for procession

Circumambulation of the Siva Sannidhi

Circumambulating outside the 2nd and 1st Prakarams

Pey Gopuram and Kattai Gopuram with Arunachala in Background

Completion of circumambulation of Siva Sannidhi, now moving through Temple towards the Thitti Vasal

 

 

2016 Mahashivaratri Lingodbhavamurti Puja

Below are photographs of the Lingodbhavamurti puja held at Arunachaleswarar Temple on the night of the 2016 Mahashivaratri. 

The manifestation of Shiva in this column of fire in front of Brahma and Vishnu, is carved in stone, as the Lingodbhavamurti manifestation of Shiva, and is always enshrined in the rear niche of the sanctum enshrining a Shiva Lingam. Since most temples face east, the Lingodbhava faces West. 

The non-anthropomorphic form of the Shiva Lingam is a representation of this infinite cosmic column of fire, whose origins were not traceable by Brahma or Vishnu. The Shiva Lingam is the centre of reverence and worship in all Saivite temples. 

Large crowd watching the Puja

The story of Lingodbhava is that of the attempts of Vishnu and Brahma to discover the origins (the beginning Aadi and the end Antha) of Shiva, is stated in three of the Puranas - the Kurma Purana, the Vayu Purana and Shiva Purana. 

Vishnu was engaged in his yoganidhra (the slumber of yoga) at the end of a kalpa, in the waters of the great deluge, when there appeared before him, Brahma emerging from a great illumination. Brahma introduced himself to Vishnu as the Creator of the Universe, to which Vishnu replied that he was the architect of the Universe. An argument ensued between both as to their superiority over one another, when there appeared before them - a huge lingam of fire - with tongues of flames blazing out of it. 

Curious to trace the origins of this column of fire, Brahma assumed the form of a swan and flew upwards, while Vishnu assumed the form of a boar, and burrowed down into the earth. Eons of search in either direction proved futile, and hence the two Gods surrendered to this column of fire. 

The puja celebrating the legend of the Lingodbhavamurti is particularly relevant on the day of Mahashivaratri as it represents the worship of sacred Arunachala itself, which is considered to be the manifestation of this cosmic column of fire as it represents the primordial element of fire as one of the Pancha Bhuta Stalas. 

It is only on the day of Mahashivaratri (during the third Kala Puja) that the Screwpine Flower is used for the worship of Shiva. As a result of a dispute between Brahma and Vishnu, Lord Shiva declared that henceforth the flower which hitherto had adorned his head in worship would no longer be used in his adoration except on the night of Mahashivaratri. 

The Lingodbhavamurti is in a niche at the back of the Siva Sannidhi

The worship follows the proscribed order of Lingam abhishekham

Crowds had filled the space back of the Siva Sannidhi many hours before the Puja

Abhishekham complete aarti is offered to the waiting pilgrims

The top of the Lingodhava is covered with flowers, but can see the figure of Vishnu as boar at bottom of column

Ketaki flower with unopened blooms on top of Lord Shiva's head

Ketaki Flower with opened blooms

The story including the Ketaki Flower goes thus: 

In the days of antiquity a controversy arose between Brahma and Vishnu as to which of the two was greater. Brahma said to Vishnu, "I have created the five elements and all the living beings with their endless differences in form and sound. Therefore I am the Absolute God." Vishnu said, "The whole universe is but an aspect of mine. Of what use is your creation if I do not protect it? It is my thought-power that creates, sustains and destroys the whole Universe. So I am the Absolute God" Their dispute resulted in misery in the manifested world. Supreme Being Parameshwara saw this and was filled with compassion. To settle the discord and subdue their pride, Lord Shiva appeared before them in the form of blazing column of light and a voice issued from it asking them to seek its upper and lower limits and he who found either of these is the superior one. Both gods stopped fighting and decided to explore the ends. Brahma took the form of a swan and flew up to reach the top of the column of light, whereas Vishnu became a boar and started burrowing into the earth to find its base. 

A thousand years passed as Vishnu dug deep into the nether worlds and the journey seemed endless. With all this power he could not discover the base and he got lost in meditation with the result that he experienced the Supreme Light which dwells in the hearts of all. He soon realised and recognised that his true strength was derived from this Supreme Light, that is Lord Shiva. He prayed to Shiva seeking His pardon and then returned to earth. Brahman who flew up as a swan was mounting the sky and the higher he soared, the column of light rose higher before him. He was growing despondent and was about to return when he saw a fragrant flower called Ketaki (screw-pine) falling towards the earth. On asking from where it had come, the flower revealed that it had come from the crest of the fire column that was none other than Shiva himself and that it had been descending for thousands of four-fold Yugas. Brahma requested the flower to say that both of them came down after seeing the crest and thus the flower swore to Vishnu in the presence of the Column of Effulgence that Brahma had reach the summit. 

Splitting asunder the column of Light, Shiva appeared before the two Gods. When the lotus-eyed Vishnu saw him, he danced with joy. The guilty Brahma on seeing the Lord’s true form was confused and frightened. Mahadeva said, "The two of you need not be ashamed for having transcended your limits. Hari (Vishnu) pondered deeply and became enlightened. But Brahma has uttered falsehood and I now cut off his fifth head for that perjury. Brahma shall not hereafter be installed in any Temple. And this flower, which bore false witness, shall never again find a place on my head and shall not be used for my worship." After cursing Brahma and the screw-pine flower thus, Shiva turned to Vishnu and said, "Child! Be composed, I am pleased with you. You are one of my foremost devotees. You originated from me and are my sattwic part. At the end of the kalpa you shall merge in me." 

Brahma and Vishnu prayed to Shiva to abide there forever as a Tejo Lingam. In answer to their heartfelt request, Parameshwara established himself as the Arunachala Hill and also as a small Siva Lingam at the eastern foot of the Hill for the welfare of the world and for those who desire to worship Him and obtain illumination. 

[Abridged – The Glory of Arunachala]