Morning walk under Arunachala's Loving Eyes

Even though there is ongoing development throughout the Tiruvannamalai area, still some lovely spots exist in which one can relax and enjoy. The bottom photographs are of a morning's excursion with my doggies at the Samudram Eri. As previously mentioned in many earlier postings, over the last eight years industrial level sand quarrying is being undertaken in many areas of the 750 acre Eri. 

About a month ago a halt was made to the sand quarrying, whether this is a temporary or permanent halt, only time will tell. But the halt has already been long enough for life to calm down after years of continuous noise and noxious fumes from the many sand diggers and heavy truck earth movers that have been infesting the Eri. So lets just enjoy the peace and see what happens. 

Nearby State Reserve Forest adjacent to the Eri

Acres of undisturbed Reserve lands

Artifical lakes have been created by the sand digging which are now hugely popular with both domestic and migratory birds

Fabulous Banyan Tree on Bund of Arunachala Eri

My little Holly lost in all the greenery

Magnificient darshan of Holy Arunachala

Darshan of the Arunachaleswarar Temple's Raja Gopuram bottom of Hill slope

Numerous artifical lakes and ponds have created by sand exacuvations. My doggie Max having a leisurely swim!

Parvathamalai Hill in background. Hope to be visiting and performing the 25 km girivalm soon. Will post photos

Large number of Fork Tail Kites on the Eri in the mornings

White doggie Max, black doggie Winnie, manoeuvring for stick rights!

Side of Eri: Preparing fields in the old fashioned way for Paddy planting!!!

Shantimalai Handicrafts Development Shop

The Shantimalai Research and Development Trust, a charitable organisation founded by Doctor Hugo Maier in 1986, includes villages around Tiruvannamalai. The Handicrafts section of the Trust provides more than 300 women with training and work in traditional handicrafts. These skills include palm leaf weaving, leaf-painting, tailoring, bag production, handcrafted dolls, embroidery, handloom and batik and block printing. 

Many finished items are sold in a shop at Ramana Nagar, Tiruvannamalai named “Shantimalai Handicrafts Development,” located on the side of Chengham Road (NH66), after Nilgris Supermarket and just before the Arts College Compound. 

In addition to the many wonderful handicraft items on sale at the shop, there are also many beautiful items from throughout India. This Aladdin Cave of a shop is popular with many visitors to Tiruvannamalai and sells highest quality products . . . whether regional or from further afield. 

For a short synopsis of Hugo Maier to go this link here. To read a fascinating personal narrative of Hugo Maier go to this link here. 

Entrance to Compound on Chengham Road, Tiruvannamalai

Authentic murals throughout painted on Compound Walls

Murals by Sivakumar (local painter and animal activist)

Handsome elephant guarding the entrance to the shop

Several rooms filled with pure, handloom cottons

High quality cottons

Many locally produced items

Other items from further afield

Favourite Aladdin's Cave for visitors wanting to purchase souvenirs from India

Everything of good quality and reasonable prices

Personally liked the pair of elephants with their silver masks and bells

Pink laundry baskets (on left) made locally by palm weaving

Visit this beautiful shop while in Tiruvannamalai and thereby support local Women's organisations in the District which are creating these products. 

Aadi Pooram Brahmotsavam 2016: Arunachala

Aadi Pooram Brahmotsavam is currently being observed at Arunachaleswarar Temple and Sakthi Temples at Arunachala. The Festival started on 27th July, 2016 and will culminate on Friday, August 5th, 2016. 

As can be viewed in the below programme, at Arunachaleswar Temple everyday in the morning and evening, Lord Ganesha and the Divine Mother are coming out in procession during the days of this Festival. 

Programme for Festival

Adi Pooram Brahmotsavam is celebrated in all Hindu temples in Southern India in the month of Adi, which corresponds to the English months of July-August, when the asterism Pooram (Delta Leonis) is in the ascendancy. It is observed to propitiate the Sakti Goddess who is said to have come into the world on this occasion to bless all. She is thus worshipped in order that one may secure happiness for oneself and for loved ones. 

Aadi Pooram is also dedicated to the birth of Goddess Andal, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. Pooram or Puram is one among the 27 Nakshatras in Hindu Astrology.

*****************************

The climax of Aadi Pooram Brahmotsavam at the Big Temple, will be celebrated on August 5th, 2016. The schedule for that day will be approximatelty as follows: 

5.00 a.m. Amman Abhishekam 

6.00 a.m. Alangaram 

6.30 a.m. Flag Hoisting at Mother’s Shrine 

8.00 a.m. Amman from Sannadhi to Vallaikappu (bangle) Mandapam 

4.00 p.m. Amman in Vallaikappu and the worship of Amman by ladies 

4.00 p.m. Abhishekam 

6.00 p.m. Valaikappu (bangle) 

8.00 p.m. Amman goes around the Temple and returns to Vallaikappu Mandapam 

12.00 p.m. Adi Pooram firewalking preparation 

1.30 p.m. Fire walking 

Fire walk at Temple in a previous year

Fire or Agni is the fourth element of the Panchabhutas. The essential character of Fire is to generate heat and according to Hindu Mythology, Agni is one of the Eight Guardians that guard our Universe and are known as Asta-dik-palakas. 

In Indian mythology there are mentions of various types of fires. The four important ones are fire of the earth, fire of the sky, fire of the stomach (can mean hunger and digestive power as well) and the fire we commonly use. 

There is a wealth of mythology attached to Arunachala connected to its association with fire and what is related to fire i.e. light and the sun. 

One such legend is the one in which Lord Surya estranged from his wife Chayadevi visited Arunachaleswarar Temple to propitiate the Lord. A Tamil legend narrates another legend concerning Singavaram and a Temple dedicated to Sri Ranganadha. Here a king named Kandhan, after suffering a defeat, performed a fire walking ceremony in worship of Draupadi (from the Mahabharata). Draupadi, pleased with the worship, appeared before the king and promised that whoever should worship her as he had done would remain unscathed and also obtain whatever they prayed for. From that day onwards the fire-walking festival is observed with great enthusiasm in Tamil Nadu. 

Walk will be performed by approved devotees: front of Mother's Shrine

A special association of Arunachala as Agni Kshetra, is that of fire walking which will be observed this year on the late night of Aadi Pooram i.e. 5th August, 2016. The festival is called Theemithi Utsavam in Tamil Nadu. On the night of this Festival, devotees will walk on burning embers. This is not observed at Arunachaleswarar Temple as per agamic rules. On the night of Aadi Pooram (Pushya) star, the function will be observed immediately in front of the Unnamulai Shrine, 3rd Prakaram of Arunachaleswarar Temple. 

***************************** 


Sri Rajarajeshwari Temple on Girivalam Roadway, will be holding a bangle ceremony on August 5th, 2016, at their Temple followed by puja and worship of the Goddess dressed in her most resplendent best. For darshan of this Divine Goddess and to avoid crowds, you can visit the Temple after 8 p.m. on Friday, 5th August, 2016. 

Sri Rajarajeshwari on a previous Aadi Pooram

She will be the most beautifully adorned and adored Goddess at Arunachala

Pradosham Arunachaleswarar Temple: Sunday, 31 July 2016

Below photographs of the most recent pradosham i.e. Sunday, 31 July 2016, observed at Arunachaleswarar Temple. 

Big Nandi, 4th Prakaram

Devotees watching abhshikeham of Big Nandi, 3rd Prakaram

Aarti of Nandi at Flagpost

Communal Kuthuvilakku Puja: July 29, 2016

In the month of Aadi, communal pujas such as the Kuthuvilakku Puja are performed on Tuesdays and Fridays at various Shakti Temples throughout the State. The pujas are performed for the well being of home and family or sometimes for the fulfilment of individual desires, such as a young girl wanting a husband or desiring children in a marriage. 

The most common among all lamps is the Kuthuvilakku. The name is derived from the fact that these lamps were originally spiked into the ground. They are now stand-alone pieces with ornate decorations, but the name has remained through the ages. The lamp has five bowls on the top and there is a trim pedestal fixed firmly on a heavy circular base. 

 

These lamps are used in common households and are also used on ceremonial platforms. The Kuthuvilakku is usually decorated on the top with structures of the "hamsa" (mythical swan) or with other religious symbols.

The photographs in this posting, are of the Kuthuvilakku Puja performed on Friday, 19th July 2016 in the Kalayana Mandapam, 3rd Prakaram of Arunachaleswarar Temple. 

To find out more about the different types of lamps used in Tamil Nadu homes and Temples, go to this previous link here. 

To find out how to perform a Kuthuvilakku Puja at home, go to this link here.

*********************

Devotees get benefits by performing Mahalaxmi Thiruvilakku Pooja. However specific benefits for each month are listed below: 

Chithirai: Blessed with increased production of Pulses.

Vaigasi: Blessed with Money 

Aani: Blessed with Marriage 

Aadi: Blessed with Long Life 

Aavani: Blessed with New Born Children 

Purataasi: Blessed with more Cows 

Aipassi: Blessed with Food 

Karthigai: Blessed with Moksha 

Margali: Blessed with Good health 

Thai: Blessed with Victory in life 

Maasi: Blessed with removal of sins. 

Panguni: Blessed with Dharma 

Thiruvillaku Pooja can also be performed on Ammavasi and pournami days. 

Aadi Krithigai July 28, 2016 Arunachala

The auspicious day of Aadi Krithigai was celebrated yesterday July 28, 2016 at Tiruvannamalai. 

Muruga in Tamil means beauty and in all Murugan temples, special poojas and yagams were conducted for Lord Muruga on the day of Aadi Kirthigai. The day was observed in a number of Temples at Tiruvannamalai, in order to propitiate Lord Skanda for help to overcome lethargy, fear, ignorance, anger and confusion. 

At Arunachaleswarar Temple, pujas were performed which was subsequently followed by a procession of Kavadi carrying devotees performing pradakshina of the Mada Veedus (permieter streets surrounding the Big Temple). 

Devotees outside Arunachaleswar Temple, July 28, 2016

Carrying Kavadis on procession down Big Street, Tiruvannamalai

***********************

The below two photographs are of the kavadis being prepared inside the Arunachaleswarar Compound prior to July 28, 2016 Aadi Krithigai.

Preparing Kavadis

Working on Kavadis for Aadi Krithigai

Widening Arunachala Girivalam Path: July 29, 2016

The below is an abridged version of a article that appears today in a National Newspaper about the decision which has now been taken regarding the widening of the Arunachala Girivalam Path. To read the unabridged version, go to this link here. 

 

Girivalam roadway Outside Rajarajeshwari Temple 2009

*******************

The widening of the Girivalam at Arunachala, which has been mired in controversy over the felling of trees, is is to be reviewed by an expert panel, headed by a retired IFS officer. 

Though locals and activists pressed for cancelling the work that would entail cutting 125 full-grown trees, the southern bench of National Green Tribunal declined, while assuring them to protect the green cover in the hills. 

After considering the concerns expressed by local villagers during the hearing of a petition filed by S Krishna Kumar, the bench comprising judicial member P Jyothimani and expert member PS Rao observed that the government was correct on widening the Girivalam path. 

“Yes, so far no untoward incident was reported. But, we can’t wait for a stampede to happen, which we see often in shrines in North India. Considering the massive crowds witnessed especially during every full moon night and during ‘Karthigai Deepam Mahotsavam’, there is a need to widen the pathway. The project can’t be stalled,” justice Jyothimani said categorically. 

However, the expert committee, yet to be appointed, would conduct a case by case study of these 125 trees so as to ensure that not a single tree is cut unnecessarily. “No tree will be allowed to be felled in the Sonagiri forest area, which is an ecologically sensitive belt in the entire 14-km stretch,” the bench assured. 

According to the report submitted by Tiruvanamalai District Collector earlier, lakhs of pilgrims undertake circumambulation around the 14-km path of the famed Arunachaleswarar temple. The existing path was inadequate to accommodate the sea of devotees, making the widening of the path necessary. This would also facilitate movement of emergency vehicles. 

The tribunal on Thursday (July 28, 2016) said Girivalam should have a dedicated lane for emergency vehicles like ambulances especially during peak season. The expert panel will be appointed during the next hearing on August 17. 

Meanwhile, the Highways Department, executing the project, sought modification in the interim stay passed by the National Green Tribunal. The Highways Department have been assured that no tree would be felled in the Sonagiri forest area, which forms 5.2 km out of total 14 km. Further they have requested that: 

“Let the tribunal decide related to works in Sonagiri forest area, but we request the activists and the Court not to stall the work in the remaining 9 km. The stay order has hampered work in the entire 14 km, which is leading to unnecessary cost escalations,” he said. 

The proposed expansion is divided into five works. Pondy-Krishnagiri Road, Sonagiri forest area, Hill round road, Kanji road and Anna arch road. The majority of widening has been already carried out except in the Sonagiri forest area. 

Local activists have promised that a separate census with the help of locals will occur on the number of trees felled and submit it before the Tribunal at the next hearing. They remarked: 

“Every tree is part of a 600-year-old heritage attached to the sacred hill. Many are several hundred years old. To our estimate, 50 trees are already cut. The footpath that the contractors are laying is unscientific covering the root area, harming growth of the trees. If you cut a 300-year-old banyan tree that can shelter 50 pilgrims and compensate with 10 saplings, what purpose will it serve?” 

Darshan Queue Arunachaleswarar Temple: Guru Poornima, 19 July, 2016

Below photographs of the darshan queue this morning at Arunachaleswarar Temple's Siva Sannidhi. 

The line waiting for darshan starts in the previous 4th Prakaram

Queue starts in 4th prakaram and snakes around the 3rd Prakaram

Queue all the way round perimeter of Siva Sannidhi and then folds back on itself

Front of the long queue inside 2nd Prakaram and still waiting patiently

While many devotees visited Arunchaleswarar Kovil and other Temples at Tiruvannamalai on this day of Guru Poornima, others started early on their Arunachala girivalam walk.

Crowds beginning early on 19 July, 2016

Today was cool and fresh, perfect weather for Arunachala girivalam

Guru Poornima Tuesday, 19 July, 2016

Guru Poornima is traditionally celebrated on full moon day in the month of Ashadh (July-August) of the Hindu calendar. Guru Poornima (which falls this year on Tuesday, July 19th) is the day on which the Guru is revered by devotees. Sri Dakshinamurti is an aspect of Lord Siva as the primordial master, the personification of ultimate awareness, understanding and knowledge. At Arunachala the manifestation of Lord Siva as Dakshinamurti is celebrated as the ‘silent Guru’. 

Lord Siva and His Worship 

During the absence of Devi, when Lord Siva was alone, the sons of Brahma, (sages: Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana and Sanatkumara) went to have Darshan of Lord Siva. They prostrated before Him and entreated the Lord to teach them how to remove avidya and attain salvation. They admitted that in spite of their vast study of scriptures they had no internal peace and needed to learn the inner secrets -- by knowing which they could attain salvation.

Lord Dakshinamurti

"Lord Siva, hearing this appeal made by the sages, assumed the form of Dakshinamurti and remaining as the Guru Supreme, began to teach them the inner secrets by keeping Mouna and showing the “chinmudra” by His hand. The sages began to meditate on the lines shown by the Lord and attained the state of inexpressible and illimitable joy. Thus Lord Siva came to be known as Dakshinamurti". 

[By Swami Sivananada] 

Shiva: The Adiyogi

The sacred day of Guru Poornima marks the first transmission of the yogic sciences from Shiva – the Adiyogi or First Yogi – to the Saptarishis, the seven celebrated sages on the banks of Lake Kantisarovar (near Kedarnath Temple in the Himalayas). Thus, the Adiyogi became the Adi Guru or the First Guru on this day. The Saptarishis carried this knowing offered by Adiyogi throughout the world. Even today, every spiritual process on the planet draws from the  "knowing" created by Adiyogi. 

The story goes that over 15,000 years ago, a yogi appeared in the upper regions of the Himalayas. Nobody knew what his origins were but his presence was extraordinary. He exhibited no signs of life, but for occasional tears of ecstasy that rolled down his face. After the crowds of onlookers dispersed, seven men remained. When the yogi opened his eyes, they pleaded that he share his experience with them. He ignored them, but as they persevered the yogi gave them a simple preparatory step and closed his eyes again. 

Adiyogi

Days rolled into weeks, weeks into months, months into years, but the yogi’s attention did not fall upon them again. After 84 years of sadhana, on the summer solstice that marks the advent of Dakshinayana (the earth’s southern run), the yogi looked at them again. They had become shining souls that could be no longer ignored. On the next full moon day, the yogi turned south and sat as guru to these seven men. Shiva thus became Adi Guru and expounded spiritual truths to the seven disciples. The seven were to be known as Saptarishis, who took their knowledge around the world. 

Guru Purnima is held sacred in the yogic tradition because the Adiyogi opened up the possibility for a human being to evolve consciously. The seven different aspects of yoga that were put in these seven individuals became the foundation for the seven basic forms of yoga, something that has still endured. 

In honour of this divine personage, spiritual aspirants and devotees either perform Vyasa Puja on this day, or worship their own spiritual preceptor. Saints, monks and men of God are honoured and entertained with acts of charity by householders with faith and sincerity. The period Chaturmas (the "four months") begins from this day; Sannyasins stay at one place during the ensuing four rainy months, engaging in the study of the Brahma Sutras and the practice of meditation. 

The day of Guru Poornima is supposed to herald the settling in of the rains and is thus a time that aspirants commence or resolve to intensify their spiritual disciplines. The Srutis say: "To that high-souled aspirant, whose devotion to the Lord is great and whose devotion to his Guru is as great as that to the Lord, the secrets explained herein become illuminated". 

Spiritual Teachings of the Sadguru 

The upa-agama, Devilottara is the essence of all Agama Sastra and explains the supreme wisdom to be attained by mature souls and their mode of life, expounded by the Lord Siva to Devi. 

Lord Shiva instructs Parvati

This dialogue conveys the highest spiritual teachings between the Sadguru Lord Siva and His most surrendered devotee the Goddess Parvati. 

To read these teachings go to this link here.