Bhaanu Vaara Pradosham Arunachaleswarar Temple: 17 July, 2016

Pradosham Vrat is observed on the thirteenth day of each lunar fortnight. The most recent Pradosham to be observed at Arunachaleswarar Temple occurred on Sunday, 17 July, 2016. 

Nandi, 3rd Prakaram during abhishekam

Aarti to the Gods, Lord Nandi at 3rd Prakaram

Procession of Lord Arunachaleswarar on Golden Rishaba

Pradosham Vrat has its own benefits according to the day on which it occurs. These Pradoshams are known as follows: 

1. Soma Pradosham: When Pradosham Vrat falls on a Monday, it is known as Soma Pradosham. If the Pradosham Vrat falls on a Monday, all the desires of Lord Shiva’s devotee are fulfilled and they become a positive thinker. 

2. Bhaum Pradosham: When Pradosham Vrat falls on Tuesday, it is known as Bhaum Pradosham. The benefit of Bhaum Pradosh Vrat is that it gives relief from health problems and enhances physical health. It also brings prosperity. 

3. Saumya Vaara Pradosham: When Pradosham Vrat falls on a Wednesday, it is known as Saumya Vaara Pradosha. This day of Pradosham Vrat endows a person with education, knowledge, fulfillment of wishes and progeny. 

4. Guruvaara Pradosham: When Pradosham Vrat falls on a Thursday, it is known as Guru Vaara Pradosham. On this day, Divine blessings are received from the ancestors or Pitru. All existing dangers get eliminated by observing a fast on this day. 

5. Bhrigu Vaara Pradosham: When Pradosham Vrat falls on a Friday, it is known as Bhrigu Vaara Pradosham. This Pradosham Vrat benefits by removing negativity and opposition; resulting in success and happiness. 

6. Shani Pradosham: When Pradosham Vrat falls on a Saturday, it is known as Shani Pradosham. The benefit of Shani Pradosham Vrat is it brings promotion. Lost wealth is received if Shani Pradosham Vrat is observed. 

7. Bhaanu Vaara Pradosham: When Pradosham Vrat falls on a Sunday, it is known as Bhaanu Vaara Pradosham. If Pradosham Vrat falls on this day and is observed by devotees, it results in the attainment of peace and longevity. 

Aani Bramotshavam Theerthavari -- July 16, 2016

The culmination of the 10 day Ani Brahmostavam Festival completed on Saturday July 16, 2016 with a function at Arunachaleswarar Temple followed by a procession of the Gods to the Iyyankulam Tank where a Theerthavari ceremony was observed. 

Procession of the Gods

The Gods Alankaram

Since the tragedy at the Ayyankulam Tank during a previous Theerthavari in connection with the Mahadhaya Maha Punniya Kalam ceremonies, safety precautions have been enhanced at Ayyankulam Tank. Subsequently the most recent function was successfully and peacefully completed. 

The Priests with the anointed Sulam

Priests in Pandal at the Ayyankulam Tank

Trees Destroyed at Dusk on Girivalam Roadway

The below article dated July, 11 is from a National newspaper about the ongoing controversy concerning the deforestation of trees along the Arunachala Girivalam Pathway. 

The article reads:

“Despite by the stay order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) against felling of trees along the Girivalam for the road widening project, the young trees, sacred grooves saplings and branches of-grown trees have been continuously facing the axe. 

On Saturday night, two well-grown trees Forest Flame and Villam adjacent to Chandra Lingam were uprooted using an earthmover by the contractors on the Girivalam path. The uprooted trees were found dumped in Sriharam Lake. 

Advocate and petitioner in the case P K Dhananjeyan said that he spotted the contractors uprooting the young trees and clearing the shrubs on the stretch at about 8 pm on Saturday. 

He intervened and questioned the contractor for carrying the works despite the NGT order and District Collector's order. In the meantime, the environmental activists also reached the spot. Sensing the situation, the contractor and workers winded up the work. 

'Though the workers tried to cover up the illegal felling of the trees, we searched and found the uprooted trees dumped in Sriharam Lake near the Girivalam path today (Sunday) morning," said Dhananjeyan. 

The Collector, after conducting an inspection along the path on last Monday, said that the work along the Girivalam path should be stopped. Contradictory to the Collector's statement, the work has been still going on. 

Calling the act of the contractors as a total disregard for the NGT order, activist Kumar Ambayeram of Tiruvannamalai said that the State Highways have been destroying the ancient and native forest in the name of the development project. "Several hundreds of the trees, sacred grove and shrubs were destroyed under the disguise of clearing the bushes by the officials. They are continuing the work and causing irreparable damage to the ancient forest,' he said. 

The drainage laying work is still in progress. The contractors have been digging up the pit to a depth of five to six feet and pouring the concrete mixture. In the process, they have knocked down several young trees and caused severe damage to the roots of the trees.”

Aani Thirumanjanam Arunachaleswarar Temple: July 10, 2016

Aani Uthiram, or Aani Thirumanjanam, is an auspicious day in the Tamil Month of Aani (June -July) and is dedicated to Lord Nataraja (Shiva). It is believed that Lord Nataraja gives darshan to his devotees in the months Aani and Margazhi. 

The word "Thirumanjanam" means Holy bath. The festival is observed on the Uthiram Nakshatram day. In 2016, this day fell on July 10th. 

The Lord's form demonstrates his five-fold functions: creation, preservation, destruction, concealment and salvation. The rattle (udukkai) in his right hand represents creation; his raised right arm with the open palm (abhaya hastam) protection; his left hand holding fire destruction; his firmly placed foot concealment; and his other, slightly lifted, leg salvation. Lord Nataraja is given six abhishekams in a year. 

This planet takes 365 days to complete one full circle around the sun. That duration is divided into six seasons: 

Marghazhi-Thai—early winter 

Maasi-Panguni—late winter 

Chittirai-Vaikasi—early summer 

Aani-Aadi—high summer 

Avani-Purattasi—autumn 

Aippasi-Karthikai—rainy season. 

This six-season year of humans is said to be one day for the immortals. A day has six periods: dawn, morning, noon, afternoon, evening, and night. These are when the six daily poojas (Kaala Pooja) in temples are performed. During each of these six parts, an Abhishekam has been ordained for Lord Nataraja. One of these is Ani Thirumanjanam, the pradosha abhishekam on the evening of the day of Uthiram star in the Tamil month of Aani (June-July) is believed to be the best time for worshipping Lord Shiva. 

Three Tamil Saivaite saints whose shrine face the Nataraja shrine inside the Arunachaleswarar Temple are revered at the same time as worship of the Lord and his Goddess, and deeparadhana is performed by priests at the shrines of the Gods and Saints, which face each other. This is known as Arakattu Utsavam and only happens at this time. 

In preparation of the Holy Bath on Uthiram Nakshatram Lord Arunachaleswarar and Goddess Shivakami are brought out of the Temple in procession and taken to the 1000 pillared hall where they are installed in a special shrine. It is at this place that the sacred bath (Thirumanjanam) is performed. 

It is popularly believed that it was on Aani Uthiram day that Lord Shiva appeared before Sage Manikkavachakar under a Kurundai Tree and offered upadesha (advice). Sage Manikkavachakar is the author of Thiruvachakam. 

Below photographs of 2016 Aani Thirumanjanam at 1000 Pillar Hall, Fifth Prakaram, Arunachaleswarar Temple.

Lord Nataraj and Goddess Shivakami

The Gods being carried out of the 1000 Pillar Hall on Palanquins

Devotees waiting outside the 1000 Pillar Hall, Fifth Prakaram, Big Temple

The Gods exiting the 1000 Pillar Hall

Sani Pradosham: Saturday -- July 2, 2016

Below are photographs of Sani Pradosham observed at Arunachaleswarar Temple on Saturday, July 2, 2016. 

Saturday is dedicated to Lord Saniswaran, one of the nine celestial Gods (Navagrahas). The planet Saturn is considered an agent of Karma who delivers many difficult trials in our lives in order to help refine and evolve our souls. 

 It is thought that on the day of Sani Pradosham Lord Siva has more influence over Saturn and can cause him to release some of our karmic bonds. 

Abhishekam of Lord Nandi, 4th Prakaram, Big Temple

Nandi at Flagpost, Shiva Sannidhi, Big Temple

Circumambulation of Gods around the 3rd Prakaram, Arunachala background

Procession of the Gods in 3rd Prakaram, Big Temple

News on July 2, 2016 of development of Arunachala Girivalam Pathway

Below I am reproducing in full an article that appeared today in National Indian Newspapers about the current situation regarding the development of the Arunachala Girivalam Pathway. 

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"Steadfast protest of people from all walks of life in Tiruvannamalai on Friday on the girivalam path made the Collector A. Gnanasekaran to suspend the order on felling of trees until he takes a relook at the spot. He said he will explore the possibilities for alternative alignment. 

Though the protesters wanted total withdrawal of the project, they welcomed the gesture of the Collector. 

The project proposes to widen the road by 7 to 10 meter along the 14 km route around the Tiruvannamalai hill and apportion a lane for girivalam devotees to walk around the hill. Though devotees go around the hill walking barefoot every day, lakhs of people perform it on every full moon day. 

About half of the route that traverses through Tiruvannamalai town and overlaps a national highway has become urbanised. Another half that starts from Chengam Road junction and ends at Vellore Road junction remains a pristine beauty and a real avenue flanked by forests. 

Though the protesters oppose the project in total, they are more concerned about preserving this half, especially the Sonagiri forest. It is the only natural forest (where humans never planted trees) that remains intact in the hill that serves as a house to rich diversity of plants, animals and birds. The proposed alignment of the widening project cuts through this forest encircling a few road side threethams (ponds). 

 

Earthmover near Sonagiri Forest, Arunachala Girivalam Roadway

 

Human chain 

Earthmovers entered this serene section a couple of days ago and were digging trenches for constructing a 12km-long drainage along the forest as part of the project. 

Expecting the machines to touch the trees of Sonagiri forests on Friday for digging the trench, about hundred activists and concerned devotees assembled in the place in the early morning. 

They blocked the bull-dozer and asked the workers to wait till their proposed meeting with the Collector by 10 a.m. They formed a human chain there and resolved to face the situation without resorting to any lawless activities. 

Mix of emotions 

The workers pretended to heed their request. But after moving a few hundred meters away from the spot they started felling trees in the peripheries of the Sonagiri forest. The protesters, that included some western devotees, ran to the place and shouted angrily. Some of them like Psychiatrist Dr. Seetha started weeping on seeing the felled trees. A mix of anger and emotion prevailed there. They suddenly sat there blocking the road. 

DSP Saravanakumar initially tried to vacate them terming their protest as illegal. However protesters persisted. 

Prominent citizens like writer Bava Chelladurai, banker turned cinema actor Murugan, Lions club functionary and literary aficionado Kuzhandaivel and local trader Satheesh Sankar argued with the officer and made him get an assurance from the work supervisor to stop till the proposed talks with the Collector."

Petition against Development of Arunachala Girivalam Roadway

A petition was presented to the Collector at Tiruvannamalai asking that no more trees be cut around the Arunachala Girivalam Roadway in connection with further road development of this area. The Petition reads: 

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"Sir, The proposed widening of the Arunachala Girivalam / Pradakshina road by the Tiruvannamalai administration will lead to an irreplaceable loss of ancient trees, forest lands, sacred groves, and cause considerable damage to sacred tanks and temples. The farmers whose lands will be acquired for the project will also be severely affected. Any relocation or shift of this ancient walkway, will also be an incalculable loss of our historical and cultural heritage to present and future generations. 

Photograph showing the current beautiful growth of trees

The project, which in some places involves re-routing of the road, will cause irreparable damage to the Sona-Giri sacred grove, the only intact sacred grove on mount Arunachala. It is home to Spotted Deer, Langur, Indian Porcupine, Jungle Cat, Small Indian Civet, Palm Civet and more. Over 70 species of birds, monitor lizards, numerous snake species and the endangered Indian Star Tortoise can be found there. This rich number and diversity of wildlife, which is already protected under longstanding Indian laws, has been put in harm’s way by the proposed Girivalam Road expansion which will also adversely affect the two sacred thirtams within the grove. 

The project will also lead to the loss of a number of ancient tamarind trees that provide shade to the barefooted pilgrims who undertake the Girivalam and many Sadhus who live under them. Even if new trees are planted in their place, they will take decades to reach a similar size and stature. Already some 30 tamarind trees have been lost as a direct result of the pavement construction on the left side of the Girivalam Road in recent years. 

The present route of the Arunachala Girivalam path follows one that dates back centuries. It was formally marked during Pandya times centuries ago following a route already long in existence at this time. The marker stones laid down by the king were still visible until recently. Any change in this route will be a loss of cultural and historical heritage, cherished by pilgrims around the world. 

The planned expansion of the path also cuts into a number of ‘Rest-a-While’ parks created by the administration for the benefit of pilgrims and local wildlife. These parks provide a tranquil resting spot for those doing the 13 km Pradakshina, and enhance the protective buffer for adjacent Reserved Forest lands. 

Unchecked development around the Arunachala hill has already placed extreme pressure on the forest areas and the wildlife therein. 

We appeal to the relevant authorities to immediately stop all tree felling, and devise an alternative plan that will preserve the irreplaceable existing forests, avenue trees, and sacred groves; to make improvements to the pilgrimage experience by regulating the vehicular traffic thus creating a peaceful atmosphere, without the loss of forest or revenue land around the sacred hill Arunachala. Thank you. On behalf of concerned devotees" 

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To view and sign the petition please go to this link here. 

Arunachala devotees staging a sit-in protest on Girivalam Roadway

Arunachala devotees talking with the collector over the roadway development

Vaikasi Pournami Girivalam: Saturday May 21, 2016

The two below photographs are of early crowds in the afternoon of Saturday May 21  performing Arunachala poornami girivalam. 

Pilgrims on Poornami girivalam

Crowds beginning to build up through the afternoon

The next photograph is of pilgrims performing this month's poornami girivalam. One of the pilgrims is performing what is known as "anga pradakshina" i.e. rolling around the 14 km Hill girivalam pathway. 

Pilgrim on ground performing amongst anga pradakshina

There are many stories of Anga Pradakshina performed at Arunachala, one of the most recent and inspirational concern the great Saint Isakki Swamigal. 

1917-1975 Saint Isakki Swamigal

Isakki Swamigal (also known as Panchamukha Swamigal) performed girivalam of the Hill numerous times. 

Many would go to the saint and ask for blessings and he would assure them to gain the Blessings of Lord Shiva it was necessary only to surrender to Arunachala—and that all problems would be solved by performance of giripradakshina. 

Based on the problems and diseases concerned, Swamigal advised giripradakshina for one mandalam (48 days), two mandalam (96 days) or for three mandalams (144 days). His followers started to take his advice and performed giripradakshina to relieve their difficulties. 

During his life, it is believed that Isakki Swamigal performed angapradakshinam (pradakshina by rolling the body in a clockwise movement on the ground) of Arunachala 1008 times. Even today, it is thought that Swamigal in his astral form performs giripradakshina twice daily. Close to the Panchamukha Daharshanam Point there is a small meditation mandapam where it is believed that he performs meditation daily at midday. Near the mandapam, Swamigal created a well in order to supply drinking water for devotees. 

Isakki Swamigal

Meeting with Isakki Swamigal in the 1970s 

“One man we met on our first visit to Arunachala had done the circular sacred journey round the mountain in a remarkable way and had a truly remarkable boon, was Isakki Swamigal. We met him one evening as we stood by the side of a road coming out of the town. Along the road towards us, with the beat of drum, sounding brass, and tinkling cymbals, came a group of men. There must have been a dozen of them, some carrying a canopy under which walked a man. Surely a prince must be approaching, we thought. And when the group came in front of us and stopped, we could see that he was truly a prince of the spirit. His eyes were shining, a smile lit up his radiant face and around him was the unmistakable vibration of one who has reached a high level of attainment. My wife was so overcome that she pushed in through the crowd of men around him and touched his feet. Then she stood up and moved to join our friend and myself by the side of the road. Then the procession moved on with its joyous marching music. 

Our friend, Ma Tallyarkan, who was residing at Tiruvannamalai, told us that it was Isakki Swamigal with a group of his devotees. From her, and from other people, we heard the story of his journey around the mountain and his boon. It seems that, lying horizontally on the ground, he rolled the whole eight miles along the circular route. When he stood up at the end of it, Lord Siva with his consort Parvati, were standing before him. With this boon of the Siva-Shakti darshan, came the gift of healing. 

Isakki Swami was reported to be able to heal with miraculous spiritual power and  many people came to him in great crowds. His consulting room could not cope with this huge influx, so he took up a position near the road on the other side of Arunachala from Tiruvannamalai. It was a quiet, pleasant spot. He went there at about three o’clock each morning and droves of people surrounded him at that time. But he did not have unlimited energy as does an Avatar. So eventually, his vitality and healing power began to wane. Then he went away and stayed somewhere in seclusion until his good health came back. Eventually, he returned quietly to his practice in the town. Even so, drawn by his elevated spiritual level, people began to gather around him, treat him at their guru, and move about with him as we saw that evening by the roadside. “ 

[Howard Murphet] 

May 19, 2016 Thursday Pradosham: Arunachaleswarar Temple

Pradosham literally means “Removal of Sins”. When Pradosham falls on a Thursday, it is known as Guru Vara Pradosha. On this day Divine blessings are received from the Guru and also from ancestors. It is believed that possible dangers are eliminated by observing a fast during the time of Guru Vara Pradosha. 

Pradosham are windows of opportunity to remove karma or karmic energies that limit our potential in this current life. It is the time that Shiva absorbs our karma. Twilight Pradosham, marks the end of the day light and beginning of night. Day is ruled by Gods, angels and saints while night is ruled by evil spirits. 

Twilight is the time of Shiva when he absorbs the day and night, good and evil and all opposites into oneness. This time of transition is also one of transcendence. The twilight time is also called End Time when Earth ends. 

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. 

Next Pradosham to be observed at Arunachaleswarar Temple will occur on Thursday, June 2, 2016 

Abshishekam Periya Nandi, Third Prakaram

Milk abhishekam on Periya Nandi, Third Prakaram

Abhishekam on Kodi Kampathu Nandi, Third Prakaram

Aarti on Kodi Kampathu Nandi, Third Prakaram

Lord Arunachaleswarar during Guru Pradosham

Lord Arunachaleswarar on Golden Rishaba during procession

May 4, 2016 Wednesday Pradosham: Arunachaleswarar Temple

Pradosham on May 4, 2016 heralded the start of Agni Natchathiram which according to Almanacs is regarded as the hottest time during the Summer season. This is the time that the Sun travels through the star Karthigai, which is governed by Agni (fire). The 2016 Natchathiram will end on May 28, peaking around May 11 to 24. 

The Pradosham of May 4, 2016 fell on a Wednesday is known as Saumya Vaara Pradosha. The special significance of Pradosham falling on a Wednesday is believed to benefit a person with education, knowledge, fulfillment of wishes and progeny. 

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, Fifth Prakaram

Kodi Kampathu Nandu, Third Prakaram

Aarti at Kodi Kampathu Nandi, Third Prakaram

Lord Arunachaleswarar at Pradosham

Lord Arunachaleswarar on Circumambulation by palanquin on Golden Rishaba

Nataraja Alankaram and Puja: Friday April 29, 2016

Lord Shiva, in his incarnation of Nataraja, is believed to have been born on full moon day in the constellation of Ardra, the sixth lunar mansion. 

Chidambaram is one of the Panchabootha Sthalams, where the Lord is worshipped in his manifestation as five boothas (elements): earth (Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram), water (Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval), fire (Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai), wind (Kalahasti Temple, Srikalahasthi) and space (Sri Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram). 

At Chidambaram, where the Principal Deity is Lord Nataraja, Lord Shiva is bathed only 6 times a year. At that place year six anointing ceremonies (mahabhishekams) are performed for Lord Nataraja. 

Lord Nataraja Alankaram, Arunachaleswarar Temple

Lord Nataraja Chittirai Thiruvonam

Chittirai Thiruvonam in April-May performed here at Arunachaleswarar Temple indicates the third pooja of these six anointing ceremonies. 

First Pooja Marghazhi Thiruvaadhirai (December - January ) 

Second Pooja fourteenth day after the new moon (chaturdasi) of Masi (February - March) 

Third Pooja (or uchivkalam) is Chittirai Thiruvonam (April- May) 

Fourth Pooja Uthiram of Aani (June–July) also called the Aani Thirumanjanam 

Fifth Pooja chaturdasi of Aavani (August-September) 

Sixth Pooja (Arthajama) month of Puratasi (October-November) 

Goddess Sri Sivakami Ambal

Devotees outside Sri Nataraja Shrine, Arunachaleswarar Temple

The six Mahabhishekams of Sri Nataraja 2016-2017 

29.04.2016 Friday Chithirai Onam 
10.07.2016 Sunday Aanithirumanjanam 
15.09.2016 Thursday Aavani Chathurdhasi 
14.10.2016 Friday Purattasi Chathurdhasi 
11.01.2017 Wednesday Aarudhraa Abhishekam 
11.03.2017 Saturday, Maasi Chathurdhasi 

Deepa Aaradhanai, Sri Nataraja Shrine, 2nd Prakaram, Arunachaleswarar Temple

Tamarind Rice Prasad at 2nd Prakaram, Big Temple