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] 

2016 Mahashivaratri Pictorial Report

Disappointingly because of work currently underway at Arunachaleswarar Temple in the way of restoration, cleaning and renovations, and according to the Sastras, certain traditions usually observed in these parts during Mahashivaratri, had to be dropped. In this respect the lighting of the 1000 jyothis around the Temple tanks and compound floors did not occur as it was felt that there was a fire hazard with the many flammable materials around the Gopurams and Shrines. 

Also as work is currently underway at the Temple's major Shrines, this year the tradition of the giant salt crystal Kolams on the Temple Compound Floor was also postponed. Happily after the upcoming Mahakumbhabhishekam Function scheduled for June 2016, the traditions of Festivals will once again be observed at Arunachaleswarar Temple. 

Early on March 7, crowds start milling around at Temple Flagstaff

Devotees queuing to enter the Shiva Sannidhi for darshan

Devotees performing puja on "floating lingam" on plinth outside Siva Sannidhi

Although the 1,000 jyothis around the Tanks and Temple floors were not allowed this year, some devotees lighting their individual jyothis near Flagstaff outside the Siva Sannidhi

As the day of March 7 develops into dusk the queues for Lord Siva's darshan extend into the 4th Prakaram

 

Dusk descending and the night of Mahashivaratri commences

Cultural program inside the 3rd Prakaram

Varied and inspirational devotional music and singing throughout the night

Young girls performing Bharat Natyam dancing in cultural programme

In evening the Gods on procession giving darshan

Outside Flagstaff at Siva Sannidhi

Renovations at Arunachaleswarar Temple 2016

Renovations and restorations continue at Arunachaleswarar Temple in preparation for the Mahakumbhabishkem which is scheduled for June, 2016. 

The Vimanas on top of Shrine, and attendant Nandis are all being painted

Progress can be seen at the Temple by the rate the scaffolding is coming down around the Shrines and Gopurams

Lord Ganesha Shrine in the 4th Prakaram

Very handsome Nandi on wall of the Brahma Theertham, 4th Prakaram

On top of the Brahma Lingam (five-faced Lingam) at the 4th Prakaram

Painting of Vimana and statues on top of Brahma Lingam completed

Restoration work on some Gopurams has already been completed and scaffolding removed

View of Brahma Teertham and the Bhairavi Shrine

March 6, 2016 Pradosham Arunachaleswarar Temple

2016 Mahashivaratri Temple Invitation

Below an invitation from Arunachaleswarar Temple with details of the upcoming 2016 Mahashivaratri programme at the Temple over March 7-8, 2016, including details of the cultural programme at that time. 

2016 Mahashivaratri Programme, Arunachaleswarar Temple

Monday, March 7th - Tuesday, March 8th, 2016 

During the day of Monday March 7, devotees of different satsang groups will be creating giant-sized Kolams on the floors of the Temple Compound. As is usual, the Kolams are not made from powders but from dyed salt crystals. 

Kolams made of crystal salt rock will be on Temple Compound floors

As the day progress into dusk on the evening of March 7, devotees will light clay deepam lights and place them all around the edges of the Temple Theertham. The gates of the Theertham for this reason are kept open on this day. 

Arunachaleswarar Temple (including the Siva Sannidhi and Mother’s Shrine) will also remain open for a period of 24 hours during Mahashivaratri. 

Cultural Programme and Devotional Songs: 

In the evening of March 7th, poems, devotional songs and cultural programmes will take place in front of the Mandapam outside the Rajagopuram (East Gate) of the Big Temple.

Inside the Temple at the Auditorium located in the 4th Prakaram, cultural programmes and devotional singing will take place from 6 p.m. on Monday, March 7. 

Devotees' lamps will surround Temple Theertham

Pujas and Worships: 

Special Abhishekam: 

Lakshana Archana will commence on Monday March 7, 2016 at the Siva Sannidhi, Arunachaleswarar Temple 

Night of Mahashivaratri: 

March 7-8 at 12 midnight. Commencement of the Sri Lingodbhavamurti (at back of Siva Sannidhi) 

Mahashivaratri Night Puja Programme: 

1st Kala Puja 8.30 p.m. March 7 

2nd Kala Puja 11.00 p.m. March 7 

3rd Kala Puja 2.00 a.m. March 8 

4th Kala Puja 4.00 a.m. March 8 

Padma and Torsten, Arunachala March 2016

Currently, Padma and Torsten, two satsang teachers from Germany, are visiting Tiruvannamalai with an International Retreat group comprised of devotees from Denmark, Germany, Holland and the United States. 

It is the ninth time that Padma and Torsten have brought an International group on pilgrimage to these parts. As devotees of Sri Ramana Maharshi they disseminate the teaching of self-inquiry to their students. They feel at the foot of Arunachala, the blissful energy of Sri Ramana Maharshi nourishes their Retreat Group. 

Torsten says: “The Old Hall of Ramanashram is probably one of my favourite places on this planet . . . there is this mysterious power of silence radiating directly into my heart from the sofa where Ramana used to sit.” 

Torsten and Padma will be offering open satsangs this coming week at Sri Nannagaru Ashram. Check above for timings. 

Sri Arunachala Cane Furniture

A number of followers of Arunachala Grace have requested contact information of the Cane Furniture Shop in Tiruvannamalai. As I am a big fan of this shop and myself have lots of their furniture at my house, have compiled the following narrative with photographs of Sri Arunachala Cane Shop.

The opening hours of Sri Arunachala Cane Furniture are 8.30 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. 7 days a week. Closed on certain holidays like: Deepavali, Deepam, Pongal etc. 

Contact Information: 

C.M. Arumugam, Cane Master 

Sri Arunachala Cane Furniture 

No. 84/15 Chengam Road NH66 
Near Yama Lingam

Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu 606601

Phone: +919443033046, +919003414994 

Email: arumugam@yahoo.co.in 

The photograph below is of Arumugam, Owner and Proprietor of Sri Arunachala Cane Furniture shop. He is currently in his mid 40’s, and has been working with cane since his very early teens. 

Sri Arumugam

He learnt his skills in his native village of Walajapet, where he trained under Cane Masters (hailing from Chennai). Once sufficiently skilled Arumugam shifted to Tiruvannamalai and worked creating Cane Furniture under the auspices of a Master at Shantimalai Trust at their facility which at that time was located at Athiyandal Village, Tiruvannamalai. 

After a number of years and with the financial sponsorship and support of Shantimalai Trust, Arumugam opened his own Cane shop. His first shop was located in Ramana Nagar opposite the old Post Office. When that area started to be developed, Sri Arunachala Cane shifted to a site near Seshadri Ashram also in Ramana Nagar. Recently Sri Arunachala Cane Furniture moved to its present (and third) location near the Yama Lingam off Chengam Road. 

Currently Sri Arunachala Cane Furniture has 6 apprentices and 6 experienced cane workers and 2 carpenters who incorporate cane work in traditional almirahs and dressers. 

Below are photographs of different types of cane furniture made at Sri Arunachala Cane facility. However Arumugam, the proprietor and Cane Master of the Shop has a large collection of photo albums of many extraordinary styles and types of cane furniture he will make to order. So make sure when visiting to view the photographs of the full compilation of furniture he creates. 

Baskets above  made by  local group of handicraft ladies and up for sale at Sri Arunachala Cane Shop

Parihara Puja Ayyankulam Tank: February 12, 2016

As readers will already know an incident sadly occurred at the Ayyankulam Tank, Tiruvannamalai, on the morning of February 8 during the Mahadhaya Maha Punniya Kalam 2016 ceremonies. In that incident four people drowned in the Theertham and a number of others were injured when devotees jostled to bathe in the Tank on the auspicious occasion of Mahodaya Amavasya. 

‘Mahodhaya Punniya Kaalam’ is when the below attributes align together in a single day, an event which occurs only about once every 30 years. 

Thithi: Amavasya 

Nakshathiram: Thiruvonam 

Yogam: Vyathi Patham 

Month: Thai 
Vaaram: Soma (Monday) 

Ceremony at Siva Shrine, Arunachaleswarar Temple

Parihara Puja was performed at the Ayyankulam Theertham yesterday Friday, February 12, 2016 in connection with the recent tragedy at that place. 

The meaning of “parihara” is the removing, averting, remedying and clearing away of difficulties and troubles. 

Ceremony at Ayyankulam Tank

It is stated in the Veda Sastras, that the remedy for “parihara” can be divided into three parts. 

Sulabha-Sadhya: Problems can be removed with simple “pariharas” (remedies) such as going to Temple, lighting lamps, Navagraha pradhakshina, Navagraha archana, reciting slokas-mantras and dhaana (gifts and donations) done daily and frequently. 

Kasta-Sadhya: Problems have to be removed with a more concentrated and strong effort, as they cannot be removed with simple “pariharas”. To remove Kasta Sadhya such focussed long term efforts as intense recitation of Japa and performance of Homas is required. 

Asadhya: These are problems which cannot be removed with any of the above “pariharas”. The problem just has to be undergone and experienced. It is estimated that around five percent of problems fall in this category. 

My personal opinion in connection with the drownings at the Theertham is: if one considers the ways in which people meet their end; to die by water in the consecrated waters of the Indira Theertham, next to the Holy Sulam of Lord Shiva, under the auspices of Arunachala on one of the most sacred days of the last 30 years, seems more like a blessing than a tragedy. 

Further, in the words of one of the people connected with this event: 

 "We don't feel sad because it was very peaceful and we didn't even know till after the function what had happened. One victim was a Temple Gurukkal and the other three were devotees who have done excellent service over the years to the Temple Gods. It was such a big, important day and what happened was like God just silently taking them home."