Deepam 2016 – Murugar theppal
Deepam 2016 – Murugar theppal at Arulmigu Om Arunachaleswarar Thirukovil in Tiruvannamalai
Deepam 2016 – Maha deepam
Deepam 2016 – Maha Deepam (Fire) at Arulmigu Om Arunachaleswarar Thirukovil in Tiruvannamalai
Deepam 2016 – Amman theppal
Deepam 2016 – Amman theppal at Arulmigu Om Arunachaleswarar Thirukovil, Tiruvannamalai.
Deepam 2016 – Swamy Girivalam
Deepam 2016 – Swamy girivalam at Arulmigu Om Arunachaleswarar Thirukovil, Tiruvannamalai.
Full Moon Pradosham today (10th March) special pooja in Thiruvannamalai temple
Today (10th March, Friday) is a full moon day in the Tamil Calendar month of Masi. Today is a Pradosham day as well.
Pradosham is a bimonthly occasion on the thirteenth day of every fortnight in Hindu calendar. It is closely connected with the worship of Hindu god Shiva. The auspicious 3 hour period, 1.5 hours before and after the sunset is one of the optimum time for worship of Lord Shiva.
The fast or vow performed during the period is called Pradosha Viratam. A devotee should wear rudraksha, Vibhuti and worship Lord Shiva by Abhisheka, Sandal paste, Vilva leaves, Fragrance, Deepa & Naivedyam (Food offerings).
Pradosham is performed regularly in all temples of Lord Shiva when Trayodashi Tithi falls between 4.30 PM to 6.00 PM. It has been a tradition for a very long time in the Hindu religious tradition.
On this sacred occasion, special Deeparadhana will be performed for all the 5 Nandhis (The Sacred Bull-Lord Shiva’s main carriage) from 4.30 PM to 6.30 PM. The 5 Nandhis are – 5th Corridor, Periya Nandhi, 4th Corridor, China Nandhi, 3rd Corridor, Kodimaram Nandhi, 2nd Corridor, Saravilakku Nandhi, and Artha Mandapa Nandhi.
It is considered to be auspicious to take a Pradakshan (doing the sacred round) of the nandhi.
As per the Hindu itinerary, Lord Annamalaiyar is scheduled to visit Pallikonda Pattu to perform thithi for his father tomorrow (Saturday, 11th March).
Maha Shivratri celebrated at the Thiruvannamalai Temple
Maha Shivratri festival was celebrated grandly at Thiruvannamalai Temple. It is believed that a devotee who performs sincere worship of Lord Shiva on the auspicious day of Shivratri is absolved of sins and attains moksha.
According to sacred scriptures, ritual worship of Lord Shiva on Shivratri festival that falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalgun pleases Lord Shiva the most. This fact is said to have been declared by Lord Shiva himself, when his consort Parvati asked him as to which ritual performed by his devotees pleases him the most. Devotees observe day and night fast and give sacred bath to Shiva Linga with honey, milk, water etc. Hindus consider it extremely auspicious to worship Lord Shiva on a Shivaratri as it is believed that worship of Lord Shiva with devotion and sincerity absolves a devotee of past sins. He is also liberated from the cycle of birth and death and attains moksha or salvation.
Mahashivratri Festival is also considered to be an extremely significant festival by women. Married and unmarried women observe fast and perform Shiva Puja with sincerity to appease Goddess Parvati who is also regarded as ‘Gaura’ – one who bestows marital bliss and long and prosperous married life. Unmarried women also pray for a husband like Lord Shiva who is regarded as the ideal husband.
Here are photographs of the event.
