The special religious event in Lord Annamalaiyar temple in the Tamil month of Masi
The day when the star Makam falls in the Tamil calendar month Masi is considered a very sacred day and celebrated as Masi Makam all over the temples in Tamil Nadu.
It is especially more fervently celebrated in the famous temple of Lord Annamalaiyar in Thiruvannamalai.
Traditionally, the occasion of Masi Makam is known for a special religious event – on this day, Lord Annamalaiyar performs the thithi (annual penance and performing certain religious rites for a day in memory of the soul of the departed) for his father.
The deity of Lord Shri Annamalaiyar is taken to the place known as Pallikondappattu where the thithi will be performed for the father. The sacred event of Therthavari is performed in Naganathi. Here is the event photos.
Girivalam at Thiruvannamalai
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
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.
Utharayana Pooja Performed at the Thamarai Kulam in Thiruvannamalai
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
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
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.
