Girivalam at Thiruvannamalai

June 1, 2017, 06:28 974 views

The temple of Sri Arunachaleswarar in Thiruvannamalai is one of the most ancient temples in Tamil Nadu. It is believed to be about a 1000 years old. It has been a regular place of worship for popular Nayanmar saints such as Appar, Sambandar, Sundarar, Manickavasagar and Arunagirinathar.

The temple is a home for the Agni Lingam. Here, the Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a Lingam and in the form of fire as one of the five elements of the universe. The temple is situated in Thiruvannamalai. Thiru means holy, Anna means powerful and Malai means hills. Devotees take Girivalam every month. Giri in Tamil means Hill and Valam means going, or coming, around. Circumambulating the hill is called Girivalam.

One round of the hill is 14 kms. Every full moon day, lakhs of devotees walk around it. As one walks around the hill, one can encounter the eight lingams positioned facing the eight directions. These are Indralingam, Agnilingam, Yamalingam, Niruthilingam, Varunalingam, Vayulingam, Kuberalingam and Esanyalingam.

While going around the hill, it is advised to do so barefooted. Devotees look upward towards the top of the hill during their journey, chanting Om Arunachala. The timings for Girivalam this month are from 10.55 am on 23rd January till 10.45 am on 24 January.

Thiruvoodal and Maruvoodal at Thiruvannamalai

June 1, 2017, 06:27 427 views

The Thiruvoodal festival falls at the time of Pongal. It is a lovers tiff between the Lord and his consort Ambal. The Nayanmar Saint Sambandhar is the mediator between them during the argument.

During this festival, the Lord and Ambal are taken around the temple in the early hours of the morning. Maruvoodal is the Lord`s wish to reunite with his consort. The festival is celebrated to show that even the Celestial Couple have differences but they reunite at any cost.

Utharayana Pooja performed at the Thamarai Kulam in Thiruvannamalai

June 1, 2017, 06:25 232 views

Pongal marks the beginning of Utharayana or the Sun`s movement towards the North for six months. This period is considered very auspicious and many important events are scheduled during it. To celebrate this, people are asked to remember to leave behind their old ways and embrace new and better ways in relationships, finance and health.

The Utharayana Puniyakalam pooja is performed at the Lotus Tank or Thamarai Kulam. Seen below are photographs of the event.

Thiruvoodal festival at Thiruvannamalai

June 1, 2017, 06:23 390 views

The Thiruvoodal festival was celebrated in Thiruvannamalai. The festival is about a lover`s tiff between the Lord and his consort Ambal. The Nayanmar Saint Sambandhar mediates between the couple. It is during this time that the poem Thirukkutraala Voodal was sung by the two, mocking each other.

On this day, Abhishekam is performed early and a procession starts from the temple. The Lord and Ambal bless Nandi and head to the Thitti Vasal of the temple. This is a small entrance on the east side of the temple, next to the Raja Gopuram. As the sun rises, the procession goes around the temple three times.

Hundreds of devotees line the streets for the Darshan. They offer money and clothing to the Gods. The procession also includes Thani Amman and Sambandhar. Nandi is elaborately decorated as the occasion falls on Pongal as well.

Uthrayana puniya kala bramorshavam swamy veethi ula

June 1, 2017, 06:21 194 views

Uthrayana puniya kala bramorshavam swamy veethi ula pictures are here for you. The idol is carried in a chariot with brilliant decorations done on it. Decorative jewels and costumes are worn to the deity and carried by wholehearted devotees.

Markazhi Matha amavasai Prathosam

June 1, 2017, 06:20 146 views

Here is a picture showcasing the special occasion of Margazhi month Pradhosham that fell to be on Ammavasai day. The idol and Nandi statues were decorated with flowers and the temple was seen teeming with devotees.

What is Pradhosham?

Pradhosham is a bimonthly occasion. It falls to be on the thirteenth day of every two weeks as per Hindu calendar. The occasion is so special for lord Shiva. During these days, the ideal timing for worshipping the lord will be 1.5 hours before and after the sunset. Devotees carry out fasting or vows during these three hours and these are called Pradhosha Vrata. A devotee wears Rudhraksha, Vibuthi and worships the lord by performing Abhisheka, saldalwood paste, Bilva leaves, food offerings (Neivedhyam), deepam, and so on.

Thiruvempavai Thiruppalli yezhuchi description

June 1, 2017, 06:19 145 views

The Thiruvempavai Thiruppalli yezhuchi description took place between 06.00 a.m. and 07.00 a.m. The pictures of this event are what you see here.

The gathering of devotees is addressed over the mike. The place is decorated with holy banana trees. All the devotees here are made to sit on floor to listen to the comprehensive description of Thiruvempavai.

Sivajyothi Dhyaana Aalayam Decorations

June 1, 2017, 06:04 247 views

Here are pictures of the Sivajyothi Dhyaana Aalayam or meditation hall. Here is a lingam seen in deep black shade and decorated with flowers and there are many lights lit up around the idol. Flowers in yellow, and red with leavesbeing the highlighters. The Nandi stature is decorated with Maala too.

Lord Arunachaleshwar carried by thronging devotees

June 1, 2017, 06:02 141 views

This being a season of festivals and celebrations, and happiness, people find their way to get blessings from the lord. And here in this picture is a clear evidence of the piety and fervor. The idol is taken on a procession with a large crowd of devotees walking by.

Awe-inspiring Aaradhanai at Thiruvannamalai

June 1, 2017, 06:01 137 views

Take a look at the Dheeparadhanai offered to the lord at Thiruvannamalai temple. There are people thronging in the temple in full of devotion and excitement. The idol is beautifully decorated with flowers and jewels. There are brilliant crowns placed over the idol to reflect the magnificence of the lord.