A diya, deya,divaa, deepa, deepam, or deepak is an oil lamp, usually made from clay, with a cotton wick dipped in ghee or vegetable oils.

Clay diyas are often used temporarily as lighting for special occasions, while diyas made of brass are permanent fixtures in homes and temples. Diyas are native to India, and are often used in Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Zoroastrian religious festivals such as Diwali or the Kushti ceremony. A similar lamp called a butter lamp is used in Tibetan Buddhist offerings as well. Diyas, also known as deepam in Tamil Nadu, can be lighted, especially during the Karthikai Deepam.

Diwali or Deepavali is the Hindu festival of lights celebrated every year in autumn in the northern hemisphere (spring in southern hemisphere). It is an official holiday in Fiji, Guyana, India,Pakistan,Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. One of the major festivals of Hinduism, it spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.Its celebration includes millions of lights shining on housetops, outside doors and windows, around temples and other buildings in the communities and countries where it is observed.The festival preparations and rituals typically extend over a five-day period, but the main festival night of Diwali coincides with the darkest, new moon night of the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika in Bikram Sambat calendar. In the Gregorian calendar, Diwali night falls between mid-October and mid-November.

Date Taken 11/11/2015 06.48PM November

Kadalai Mittai | Kadalai Urundai Recipe

Recipe Link: asmallbite.com/kadalai-mittai-kadalai-urundai-recipe/

Peanuts are usually called as poor men's cashews or almonds. It is a very easy sweet / snack made with just two main ingredients.Though I have eaten it so many times, from my childhood days this is the first time I am trying my hands on this kadalai urundai recipe. If rolled into balls it's kadalai urundai. But if poured in a tray and cut into squares, it is called kadalai mittai. In Tamilnadu, Kovilpatti is very famous for kadalai mittai. It is said 2 or 3 varieties of jaggery is used along with sugar, liquid glucose and vanilla essence with colorful dried coconut shreds on top. As karthigai deepam is nearing, I thought of sharing this recipe.

நெல்லைஅப்பர் திருக்கோவில் #3

Oil lamps are associated to spiritualism. They burn day in day out in temples, cathedrals, mosques, synagogues, churches where the faithful gather for worship, prayer or meditation. The light is synonymous to the illumination of spiritual inside, the presence of divinity in everyone symbolizing the continuation of life.

Madurai - City Life - Karthigai Deepam

father helping a bit,

a way to pass on the Karthigai tradition,

a feast for young and old

2008-12-11

Canon Eos 5D,EF16-35mm f/2.8L USM

oochappan ©®

Please, no logo's in your comment

Day before yesterday was the festival of Karthigai Deepam, celebrated amongst few communities of people in South India. Certain kinds of traditional sweets and snacks are made at home. All the traditional lamps are lit in the evening. And these lamps are kept all around the house. Kind of a fun deal for the kids too, and that is where my interest lies. :)

This setup that you see here is just before the lamps are taken out. I have some fun shots of the diff lamps too. For later. :)

View On Black

*Karthigai - the month of 'Karthigai' in the Hindu lunar calendar

Deepam - Lamp

MGR Nagar, Chennai

My Home Street..

Dear Flick Pals,

Thanks a ton for your support. My stream has made 2nd century @ Explore IN and OUT.

My Explore set

List of pics in the poster:

1. Nandigrama Tank, 2. Karanji Lake, 3. Kiss and goodnight, 4. Early birds in a beautiful morning, 5. Little Baby Giraffe, 6. Ram @ Dubare, 7. Fun in beach, 8. Agony!,

9. Duet in the water, 10. Light and Life - Tagged, 11. Breeze, 12. Living with Nature, 13. Holi pose, 14. Holi cheers, 15. Holi look, 16. Holi mask,

17. Cheers, 18. Peace begins with a smile, 19. Between I and God, 20. Lady @ Russel Market, 21. Flower, 22. Splash photo, 23. Celebration with God, 24. Happy Harvest festival,

25. Euphoric, 26. Fun with waves, 27. Waiting 4 Waves, 28. Milky play, 29. Good morning Thiruchendur, 30. Peaceful 2009, 31. Monk, 32. Harmony,

33. Simple is the best!, 34. Cheers, 35. Natural Love, 36. Measuring the SKY, 37. Jump and Joy, 38. Happy Karthikai Deepam, 39. Artist, 40. Together,

41. Glow, 42. Chellam, 43. Born with Spoon, 44. Spread ur wings, 45. Lalbagh Tower, 46. Lalbagh visitor, 47. Flickr Explorer @ Lalbag, 48. Way to go..,

49. Smiling eyes, 50. Miles to go..., 51. Fun time, 52. Rainy day, 53. Breeze, 54. Early bird, 55. Pink peacock, 56. I Hate,

57. DESIGN, 58. Happy Birthday Dad!!!, 59. Wear a smile, 60. Flocking birds @ Ellora, 61. Sirumalai, 62. With her, 63. Cauvery @ Hogenekal, 64. Bliss,

65. Great evening, 66. Angel @ my Home, 67. Dusk @ Lalbagh, 68. Waiting clasics, 69. Sweet Birthday!, 70. Colors of Dawn, 71. Dhupatta, 72. Dawn @ Nandi Hills

Created with fd's Flickr Toys.

Thats a traditional indian lamp, which is lit at the temple and is called a "Diya"

Tiruvannamalai (called Trinomali during British times) is a town in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The town is administered by a special grade municipality that covers an area of 16.33 km2 (6.31 sq mi) and had a population of 144,683 as of 2011. It is the administrative headquarters of Tiruvannamalai District. Roadways are the major mode of transport in Tiruvannamalai, while the town also has rail connectivity. Chennai International Airport is the nearest domestic and international airport to the town. Tiruvannamalai is named after the central deity of the Annamalaiyar Temple, Annamalaiyar. The Karthigai Deepam festival is celebrated during the day of the full moon between November and December, and a huge beacon is lit atop the Annamalai hill. The event is witnessed by three million pilgrims. On the day preceding each full moon, pilgrims circumnavigate the temple base and the Annamalai hills in a worship called Girivalam, a practice carried out by one million pilgrims yearly.

Located on the foothills of Annamalai hills, Tiruvannamalai has been ruled by the Pallavas, the Medieval Cholas, the Later Cholas, Hoysalas, the Vijayanagar Empire, the Carnatic kingdom, Tipu Sultan, and the British. It served as the capital city of the Hoysalas. The town is built around the Annamalaiyar Temple like other Nayak capitals. Tiruvannamalai is administered by a special-grade a municipality constituted in 1886. Tiruvannamalai has an average elevation of 200 metres (660 ft) and experiences a hot and humid climate. Being a pilgrimage town, most of the people are employed in the teritiary sector. There are 25 elementary schools, nine high schools, 18 higher secondary schools, four arts & science colleges and four engineering colleges in the town.

Deepam

Tiruvannamalai (Tamil: Tiruvaṇṇāmalai IPA: [ˈtiɾɯʋaɳːaːmalɛi̯], also Thiruvannamalai or Trinomali and Trinomalee during British times) is a town in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The town is administered by a special grade municipality that covers an area of 16.33 km2 and had a population of 144,278 in 2011. It is the administrative headquarters of Tiruvannamalai District. Roadways are the major mode of transport in Tiruvannamalai, while the town also has rail connectivity. Chennai International Airport is the nearest domestic and international airport to the town. Tiruvannamalai is named after the central deity of the Annamalaiyar Temple, Annamalaiyar. The Karthigai Deepam festival is celebrated during the day of the full moon between November and December, and a huge beacon is lit atop the Annamalai hill. The event is witnessed by three million pilgrims. On the day preceding each full moon, pilgrims circumnavigate the temple base and the Annamalai hills in a worship called Girivalam, a practice carried out by one million pilgrims yearly.

Located on the foothills of Annamalai hills, Tiruvannamalai has been ruled by the Pallavas, the Medieval Cholas, the Later Cholas, Hoysalas, the Vijayanagar Empire, the Carnatic kingdom, Tipu Sultan, and the British. It served as the capital city of the Hoysalas. The town is built around the Annamalaiyar Temple like other Nayak capitals. Tiruvannamalai is administered by a special-grade a municipality constituted in 1886. Tiruvannamalai has an average elevation of 200 metres and experiences a hot and humid climate. Being a pilgrimage town, most of the people are employed in the tertiary sector. There are 25 elementary schools, nine high schools, 18 higher secondary schools, four arts & science colleges, one government medical college and four engineering colleges in the town.

ETYMOLOGY AND LEGEND

In Hindu mythology, Parvati, wife of Shiva, once closed the eyes of her husband playfully in a flower garden at their abode atop Mount Kailash. Although only a moment for the gods, all light was taken from the universe, and the earth, in turn, was submerged in darkness for years. Parvati performed penance with other devotees of Shiva, and her husband appeared as a column of fire at the top of Annamalai hills, returning light to the world. He then merged with Parvati to form Ardhanarishvara, the half-female, half-male form of Shiva. The Annamalai, or red mountain, lies behind the Annamalaiyar temple, and is associated with the temple of its namesake. The hill is sacred and considered a lingam, or iconic representation of Shiva, in itself. Another legend is that once, while Vishnu and Brahma contested for superiority, Shiva appeared as a flame, and challenged them to find his source. Brahma took the form of a swan, and flew to the sky to see the top of the flame, while Vishnu became the boar Varaha, and sought its base. The scene is called lingothbava, and is represented in the western wall at the sanctum of most Shiva temples. Neither Brahma nor Vishnu could find the source, and while Vishnu conceded his defeat, Brahma lied and said he had found the pinnacle. In punishment, Shiva ordained that Brahma would never have temples on earth in his worship. In Tamil, the word Arunam means red or fire and Asalam means hill. Since Shiva manifested himself in the form of fire in this place, this name Arunachalam came to be associated with Annamalai hill and the town. The first mention of Annamalai is found in Tevaram, the seventh century Tamil Saiva canonical work by Appar and Tirugnanasambandar.

HISTORY

The history of Tiruvannamalai revolves around the Annamalaiyar Temple. The recorded history of the town dates back to the ninth century, as seen from a Chola inscriptions in the temple. Further inscriptions made before ninth century indicate the rule of Pallava kings, whose capital was Kanchipuram. The seventh century Nayanar saints Sambandar and Appar wrote of the temple in their poetic work, Tevaram. Sekkizhar, the author of the Periyapuranam records both Appar and Sambandar worshiped Annamalaiyar in the temple. The Chola Kings ruled over the region for more than four centuries, from 850 to 1280, and were temple patrons. The inscriptions from the Chola king record various gifts like land, sheep, cow and oil to the temple commemorating various victories of the dynasty.

The Hoysala kings used Tiruvannamalai as their capital beginning in 1328. There are 48 inscriptions from the Sangama Dynasty (1336–1485), two inscriptions from Saluva Dynasty, and 55 inscriptions from Tuluva Dynasty (1491–1570) of the Vijayanagara Empire, reflecting gifts to the temple from their rulers. There are also inscriptions from the rule of Krishnadeva Raya (1509–1529), the most powerful Vijayanagara king, indicating further patronage. Most of the Vijayanagara inscriptions were written in Tamil, with some in Kannada and Sanskrit. The inscriptions in the temple from the Vijayanagara kings indicate emphasis on administrative matters and local concerns, which contrasts the inscriptions of the same rulers in other temples like Tirupathi. The majority of the gift related inscriptions are for land endowments, followed by goods, cash endowments, cows and oil for lighting lamps. The town of Tiruvannamalai was at a strategic crossroads during the Vijayanagara Empire, connecting sacred centers of pilgrimage and military routes. There are inscriptions that show the area as an urban center before the precolonial period, with the city developing around the temple, similar to the Nayak ruled cities like Madurai.

During the 17th century, Tiruvannamalai came under the dominion of the Nawab of the Carnatic. As the Mughal empire came to an end, the Nawab lost control of the town, with confusion and chaos ensuing after 1753. Subsequently, there were periods of both Hindu and Muslim stewardship of the temple, with Muraru Raya, Krishna Raya, Mrithis Ali Khan, and Burkat Ullakhan besieging the temple in succession. As European incursions progressed, Tiruvannamalai was attacked by French Soupries, Sambrinet, and the English Captain Stephen Smith. While some were repelled, others were victorious. The French occupied the town in 1757 and it came under the control of the British in 1760. In 1790, Tiruvannamalai town was captured by Tippu Sultan, who ruled from 1750–99. During the first half of the 19th century, the town came under British rule.

GEOGRAPHY

Tiruvannamalai is situated 185 km from the state capital Chennai and 210 km from Bangalore. The height of the Annamalai hill is approximately 814 m. Tiruvannamalai is located at 12°N 79.05°E. It has an average elevation of 200 metres. The town is located to the east of Eastern Ghats. The topography of Tiruvannamalai is almost plain sloping from west to east. Tiruvannamalai experiences hot and dry weather throughout the year. The temperature ranges from a maximum of 40 °C to a minimum of 20 °C. Like the rest of the state, April to June are the hottest months and December to January are the coldest. Tiruvannamalai receives scanty rainfall with an average of 815 mm annually, which is lesser than the state average of 1,008 mm. The southwest monsoon with an onset in June and lasting up to August brings scanty rainfall. Bulk of the rainfall is received during the northeast monsoon in the months of October, November and December. The average humidity of the town is 77% and varies between 67% to 86%. During the summer months of April to June, the humidity ranges from 47–63%. The municipality covers an area of 16.3 km2.

ECONOMY

Tiruvannamali is a temple town and a major pilgrimage centre in Tamil Nadu. The town is the marketing and service town for the surrounding places. Being the administrative headquarters of the Tiruvannamalai district, Tiruvannamalai has a lot of tertiary sector activities. Trade and commerce and service activities are the major contributors to the economy of the town. In 1991, 7.93% of the population was involved in primary sector, 21.34% in secondary sector and 70.73% in tertiary sector activities. The town had a female work participation of 11%. Due to the urbanisation from 1971, there has been dip in primary sector activities and a proportional increase in the tertiary sector activities. There is limited agricultural activity within the town limits. The secondary sector involves manufacturing and construction, whose growth has remained stable over the decades. There are a number of oil mills, rice mills and agro based industries within the Tiruvannamalai town limits. The tertiary sector activities of trade, commerce, transport, storage, communication and other services has been increasing due to the increasing number of tourists to the town. The patronage to Girivalam has increased informal economic activities around the town. The major commercial activities are concentrated around Car Street, Thiruvoodal Street, Kadambarayan Street, Asaliamman Koil Street, Sivanpada Street and Polur Road.

All major nationalised banks such as State Bank of India, Indian Bank, Central Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Bank of India and private banks like ICICI Bank, Karur Vysya Bank have their branches in Tiruvannamalai. All these banks have their automated teller machines located in various parts of the town.

CULTURE

The Annamalaiyar Temple is the most prominent landmark of Tiruvannamalai. The temple complex covers an area of 10 ha, and is one of the largest temples in India. It houses four gateway towers known as gopurams. The tallest is the eastern tower, with 11 stories and a height of 66 m, making it one of the tallest temple towers in India. The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Annamalaiyar and Unnamulai Amman being the most prominent. The temple complex houses many halls; the most notable is the thousand-pillared hall built during the Vijayanagar period.

The Annamalaiyar temple is one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas, or five Shiva temples, with each a manifestation of a natural element: land, water, air, sky or fire. In Annamalaiyar temple, Shiva is said to have manifested himself as a massive column of fire, whose crown and feet could not be found by the Hindu gods, Brahma and Vishnu. Aathara Stala are Shiva temples which are considered to be personifications of the Tantric chakras of human anatomy. The Annamalaiyar temple is called the Manipooraga stalam, and is associated with the Manipooraga chakra. The temple is revered in Tevaram, the Tamil Saiva canon and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam, one of the 276 temples that find mention in the Saiva canon.

The most important festival of the Annamalaiyar temple is celebrated during the Tamil month of Karthikai, between November and December, concluding with the celebration of Karthikai Deepam. A huge lamp is lit in a cauldron, containing three tons of ghee, at the top of the Annamalai hills during the Deepam. To mark the occasion, the festival deity of Annamalaiyar circumambulates the mountain. Inscriptions indicate that the festival was celebrated as early as the Chola period (850–1280) and was expanded to ten days in the twentieth century.

Every full moon, tens of thousands of pilgrims worship Annamalaiyar by circumambulating the Annamalai hill barefoot. The circumambulation covers a distance of 14 kilometres, and is referred as Girivalam. According to Hindu legend, the walk removes sins, fulfils desires and helps achieve freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Offerings are made in a string of tanks, shrines, pillared meditation halls, springs and caves around the hill.

Tirumalai is an ancient Jain temple complex in the outskirts of Tirvannamalai that houses three Jain caves, four Jain temples and a 4.9 m high sculpture of Neminatha dated from the 12th century and the tallest Jain image in Tamil Nadu.

The Ramana Ashram and ashram of Yogi Ramsuratkumar, located around the Annamalai hill are popular visitor attractions of Tiruvannamalai. The Sathanur Dam over the Thenpennair river located 20 km southwest of the town is a prominent picnic spot. This 786.37 m Dam is 44.81m high and can store 207,300,000 cubic meters of water. A scenic park is also present adjacent to this dam. Ulagalantha Perumal Temple in Tirukoyilur and Thiruvarangam, situated 20 km south of Tiruvannamalai are prominent Vishnu temples that are located around Tiruvannamalai.

WIKIPEDIA

Oil lamps at a shrine

Its a shot of 'Karthigei Deepam' ... an experiment!!

A festival of lights.

Karthigai Deepam is the oldest festival of South India, which is also the most elaborate and the most important festival.

On the Kartigai Deepam day in South-India, people make bonfires in front of temples in the evening. It is said that Lord Shiva burnt the chariots of several demons who were torturing sags and celestials. This bonfire symbolises. this legend.

People place rows of earthen lamps in front of their houses on the evening of Kartigai Deepam and worship the Lord. They also light a variety of fireworks.

Annihilate the three impurities, namely, egoism, selfish action and delusion. Burin the mind, senses and the desires in the fire of knowledge of the Self or Shiva Jnanam. Attain full illumination and behold the light of lights, which illumines the mind, intellect, sun, moon, stars, lightning and the fire. This is real Kartigai Deepam.

Took this shot yesterday at temple as i went there for thanksgiving prayers on my birthday and happens to be Karthigai Deepam celebration conjuntion on my birthday. Found some interesting facts about the Karthigai Deepam celebration :-)

Karthigai Deepam is the oldest festival of South India, which is also the most elaborate and the most important festival. Karthigai Deepam falls in the Tamil month of Karthigai when the star Krithigai is on the ascendant and usually occurs on a full moon day. This festival is also called as "the Festival of Lights".

The Legend Behind The Festival

The popular legend behind the celebrations goes like this- Once upon a time the Devas, the heavenly immortals, put in their best possible efforts to have a complete Darshan of Lord Shiva. During this process Lord Brahma took the form of a swan and Lord Vishnu in the form of a boar conducted an extensive search in the sky and in the neither world did they find him.

Lord Shiva asked Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu to find out the exact location of his head and his feet. Since Lord Shiva took a gigantic form, they were not able to find him anywhere. Then Lord Shiva appeared before them in the form of a flaming light whose ends cannot be defined on the hill of Thiruvannamalai. Therefore, this festival is also known as Annamalai Deepam. Here, a special torch is lighted on the zenith of the hill and it is believed that Lord Shiva's Jyoti will be visible on this day. The festival is celebrated in a special manner in Thiruvannamalai.

Lord Muruga took the form of six babies in a lake

called "Saravana Poigai". On this day, Parvati (his mother) united all his six forms and so Lord Muruga has six faces. Special pujas are performed to Lord Muruga.

Speciality Of The Month

The month of Karthigai is of special importance to Tamil people, which derives its name from the star 'Krithigai'. Lord Shiva, with His divine light, created Lord Muruga, in this month.

A Longer Deepavali Celebration

This festival is considered as the extension of the Deepavali festival. In some houses, they double the number of lamps every day from the day of Deepavali and this way, they end up with a number of lamps on the day of Karthigai Deepam.

On this day, people clean their houses and draw 'Kolams' (Rangoli) in front of the house and also place some lamps on it. They place the lamps ('Agal') in the puja room and light them and after the 'Deeparathana' (puja) the lamps are moved to the different places in the house. The lamps glow all over the streets on this day.

Antiquity Of The Festival

Evidence from Tamil literature proves that this festival is one of the oldest in the state. In ancient Tamil literature, the oldest available work Tolkappiyam gives in concise verse form rules for Tamil grammar as well as other topics. Scholars agree that this work dates back to 2,000 or 2,500 BC. In one of the formulae Tolkapiyar in his treatise uses the phrase "like the lamp's flame pointing upwards." This phrase, says one of the commentators, refers to the beacon lit on the Annamalai Hill, which burns brightly without flickering in the wind, and flares up towards the sky.

In another epic "Jeevakachintamani" written by a Jain poet, Thiruthakka Thevar, the poet describes how people celebrated the Karthigai Deepam festival. In other ancient Tamil literature of the Sangam period, the Karthigai Deepam festival is described vividly.

In "Karnarpadu", the poet in one of the stanzas, describes how in the Tamil month of Karthigai (is ii Kartik month!) during the time of the Krithigai star, the lamps lit by people blossomed on earth, bringing rain in its wake. In another Tamil work, the "Kalavazhi Narpadu" dating back to the third Sangam period (after 1,000 BC) the poet says, "In the battle the blood oozing out from the dead soldiers' bodies is like the red coloured flame of the lamps lit during Karthigai Deepam festival". In another Sangam work, "Pazhamozhi", in stanzas ending in proverbs, one stanza ends with this phrase, "like the beacon on the Hill."

Celebrations At Tiruvannamalai

Karthigai Deepam is the most important festival, when devotees walk round the hill and worship the Bharani Deepam, which is lit early in the morning on the final day of the festival, in the sanctum sanatorium. The Deepam is lit in a gigantic, circular metal vessel that can hold about 2,000 litres of ghee. It is five and half feet in height and five feet in diameter. For making the wick, 30m of 'Ghada' cloth is used and is burnt with 2 kilos of camphor on the night of 'Karthigai Pournami'. The Jyoti can be sighted from nearly 35-km around.

The lighting of the beacon on the top of the hill is the culmination of ten days of hectic activity in the temple town. The lighting of the Maha Deepam will take place simultaneously with "Deeparadhanam" to the five deities in the temple at the foot of the hill.

Further reading at Karthigai Deepam

Taken on Karthigai Deepam - a festival of lights at Chennai, India.

கார்த்திகைச் சொக்கப்பனை - வெள்ளீஸ்வரர் திருக்கோயில் ,திருமயிலை.

Main market, Panaji (Panjim / Nova Goa). Goa, India.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali

Tiruvannamalai (Tamil: Tiruvaṇṇāmalai IPA: [ˈtiɾɯʋaɳːaːmalɛi̯], also Thiruvannamalai or Trinomali and Trinomalee during British times) is a town in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The town is administered by a special grade municipality that covers an area of 16.33 km2 and had a population of 144,278 in 2011. It is the administrative headquarters of Tiruvannamalai District. Roadways are the major mode of transport in Tiruvannamalai, while the town also has rail connectivity. Chennai International Airport is the nearest domestic and international airport to the town. Tiruvannamalai is named after the central deity of the Annamalaiyar Temple, Annamalaiyar. The Karthigai Deepam festival is celebrated during the day of the full moon between November and December, and a huge beacon is lit atop the Annamalai hill. The event is witnessed by three million pilgrims. On the day preceding each full moon, pilgrims circumnavigate the temple base and the Annamalai hills in a worship called Girivalam, a practice carried out by one million pilgrims yearly.

Located on the foothills of Annamalai hills, Tiruvannamalai has been ruled by the Pallavas, the Medieval Cholas, the Later Cholas, Hoysalas, the Vijayanagar Empire, the Carnatic kingdom, Tipu Sultan, and the British. It served as the capital city of the Hoysalas. The town is built around the Annamalaiyar Temple like other Nayak capitals. Tiruvannamalai is administered by a special-grade a municipality constituted in 1886. Tiruvannamalai has an average elevation of 200 metres and experiences a hot and humid climate. Being a pilgrimage town, most of the people are employed in the tertiary sector. There are 25 elementary schools, nine high schools, 18 higher secondary schools, four arts & science colleges, one government medical college and four engineering colleges in the town.

ETYMOLOGY AND LEGEND

In Hindu mythology, Parvati, wife of Shiva, once closed the eyes of her husband playfully in a flower garden at their abode atop Mount Kailash. Although only a moment for the gods, all light was taken from the universe, and the earth, in turn, was submerged in darkness for years. Parvati performed penance with other devotees of Shiva, and her husband appeared as a column of fire at the top of Annamalai hills, returning light to the world. He then merged with Parvati to form Ardhanarishvara, the half-female, half-male form of Shiva. The Annamalai, or red mountain, lies behind the Annamalaiyar temple, and is associated with the temple of its namesake. The hill is sacred and considered a lingam, or iconic representation of Shiva, in itself. Another legend is that once, while Vishnu and Brahma contested for superiority, Shiva appeared as a flame, and challenged them to find his source. Brahma took the form of a swan, and flew to the sky to see the top of the flame, while Vishnu became the boar Varaha, and sought its base. The scene is called lingothbava, and is represented in the western wall at the sanctum of most Shiva temples. Neither Brahma nor Vishnu could find the source, and while Vishnu conceded his defeat, Brahma lied and said he had found the pinnacle. In punishment, Shiva ordained that Brahma would never have temples on earth in his worship. In Tamil, the word Arunam means red or fire and Asalam means hill. Since Shiva manifested himself in the form of fire in this place, this name Arunachalam came to be associated with Annamalai hill and the town. The first mention of Annamalai is found in Tevaram, the seventh century Tamil Saiva canonical work by Appar and Tirugnanasambandar.

HISTORY

The history of Tiruvannamalai revolves around the Annamalaiyar Temple. The recorded history of the town dates back to the ninth century, as seen from a Chola inscriptions in the temple. Further inscriptions made before ninth century indicate the rule of Pallava kings, whose capital was Kanchipuram. The seventh century Nayanar saints Sambandar and Appar wrote of the temple in their poetic work, Tevaram. Sekkizhar, the author of the Periyapuranam records both Appar and Sambandar worshiped Annamalaiyar in the temple. The Chola Kings ruled over the region for more than four centuries, from 850 to 1280, and were temple patrons. The inscriptions from the Chola king record various gifts like land, sheep, cow and oil to the temple commemorating various victories of the dynasty.

The Hoysala kings used Tiruvannamalai as their capital beginning in 1328. There are 48 inscriptions from the Sangama Dynasty (1336–1485), two inscriptions from Saluva Dynasty, and 55 inscriptions from Tuluva Dynasty (1491–1570) of the Vijayanagara Empire, reflecting gifts to the temple from their rulers. There are also inscriptions from the rule of Krishnadeva Raya (1509–1529), the most powerful Vijayanagara king, indicating further patronage. Most of the Vijayanagara inscriptions were written in Tamil, with some in Kannada and Sanskrit. The inscriptions in the temple from the Vijayanagara kings indicate emphasis on administrative matters and local concerns, which contrasts the inscriptions of the same rulers in other temples like Tirupathi. The majority of the gift related inscriptions are for land endowments, followed by goods, cash endowments, cows and oil for lighting lamps. The town of Tiruvannamalai was at a strategic crossroads during the Vijayanagara Empire, connecting sacred centers of pilgrimage and military routes. There are inscriptions that show the area as an urban center before the precolonial period, with the city developing around the temple, similar to the Nayak ruled cities like Madurai.

During the 17th century, Tiruvannamalai came under the dominion of the Nawab of the Carnatic. As the Mughal empire came to an end, the Nawab lost control of the town, with confusion and chaos ensuing after 1753. Subsequently, there were periods of both Hindu and Muslim stewardship of the temple, with Muraru Raya, Krishna Raya, Mrithis Ali Khan, and Burkat Ullakhan besieging the temple in succession. As European incursions progressed, Tiruvannamalai was attacked by French Soupries, Sambrinet, and the English Captain Stephen Smith. While some were repelled, others were victorious. The French occupied the town in 1757 and it came under the control of the British in 1760. In 1790, Tiruvannamalai town was captured by Tippu Sultan, who ruled from 1750–99. During the first half of the 19th century, the town came under British rule.

GEOGRAPHY

Tiruvannamalai is situated 185 km from the state capital Chennai and 210 km from Bangalore. The height of the Annamalai hill is approximately 814 m. Tiruvannamalai is located at 12°N 79.05°E. It has an average elevation of 200 metres. The town is located to the east of Eastern Ghats. The topography of Tiruvannamalai is almost plain sloping from west to east. Tiruvannamalai experiences hot and dry weather throughout the year. The temperature ranges from a maximum of 40 °C to a minimum of 20 °C. Like the rest of the state, April to June are the hottest months and December to January are the coldest. Tiruvannamalai receives scanty rainfall with an average of 815 mm annually, which is lesser than the state average of 1,008 mm. The southwest monsoon with an onset in June and lasting up to August brings scanty rainfall. Bulk of the rainfall is received during the northeast monsoon in the months of October, November and December. The average humidity of the town is 77% and varies between 67% to 86%. During the summer months of April to June, the humidity ranges from 47–63%. The municipality covers an area of 16.3 km2.

ECONOMY

Tiruvannamali is a temple town and a major pilgrimage centre in Tamil Nadu. The town is the marketing and service town for the surrounding places. Being the administrative headquarters of the Tiruvannamalai district, Tiruvannamalai has a lot of tertiary sector activities. Trade and commerce and service activities are the major contributors to the economy of the town. In 1991, 7.93% of the population was involved in primary sector, 21.34% in secondary sector and 70.73% in tertiary sector activities. The town had a female work participation of 11%. Due to the urbanisation from 1971, there has been dip in primary sector activities and a proportional increase in the tertiary sector activities. There is limited agricultural activity within the town limits. The secondary sector involves manufacturing and construction, whose growth has remained stable over the decades. There are a number of oil mills, rice mills and agro based industries within the Tiruvannamalai town limits. The tertiary sector activities of trade, commerce, transport, storage, communication and other services has been increasing due to the increasing number of tourists to the town. The patronage to Girivalam has increased informal economic activities around the town. The major commercial activities are concentrated around Car Street, Thiruvoodal Street, Kadambarayan Street, Asaliamman Koil Street, Sivanpada Street and Polur Road.

All major nationalised banks such as State Bank of India, Indian Bank, Central Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Bank of India and private banks like ICICI Bank, Karur Vysya Bank have their branches in Tiruvannamalai. All these banks have their automated teller machines located in various parts of the town.

CULTURE

The Annamalaiyar Temple is the most prominent landmark of Tiruvannamalai. The temple complex covers an area of 10 ha, and is one of the largest temples in India. It houses four gateway towers known as gopurams. The tallest is the eastern tower, with 11 stories and a height of 66 m, making it one of the tallest temple towers in India. The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Annamalaiyar and Unnamulai Amman being the most prominent. The temple complex houses many halls; the most notable is the thousand-pillared hall built during the Vijayanagar period.

The Annamalaiyar temple is one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas, or five Shiva temples, with each a manifestation of a natural element: land, water, air, sky or fire. In Annamalaiyar temple, Shiva is said to have manifested himself as a massive column of fire, whose crown and feet could not be found by the Hindu gods, Brahma and Vishnu. Aathara Stala are Shiva temples which are considered to be personifications of the Tantric chakras of human anatomy. The Annamalaiyar temple is called the Manipooraga stalam, and is associated with the Manipooraga chakra. The temple is revered in Tevaram, the Tamil Saiva canon and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam, one of the 276 temples that find mention in the Saiva canon.

The most important festival of the Annamalaiyar temple is celebrated during the Tamil month of Karthikai, between November and December, concluding with the celebration of Karthikai Deepam. A huge lamp is lit in a cauldron, containing three tons of ghee, at the top of the Annamalai hills during the Deepam. To mark the occasion, the festival deity of Annamalaiyar circumambulates the mountain. Inscriptions indicate that the festival was celebrated as early as the Chola period (850–1280) and was expanded to ten days in the twentieth century.

Every full moon, tens of thousands of pilgrims worship Annamalaiyar by circumambulating the Annamalai hill barefoot. The circumambulation covers a distance of 14 kilometres, and is referred as Girivalam. According to Hindu legend, the walk removes sins, fulfils desires and helps achieve freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Offerings are made in a string of tanks, shrines, pillared meditation halls, springs and caves around the hill.

Tirumalai is an ancient Jain temple complex in the outskirts of Tirvannamalai that houses three Jain caves, four Jain temples and a 4.9 m high sculpture of Neminatha dated from the 12th century and the tallest Jain image in Tamil Nadu.

The Ramana Ashram and ashram of Yogi Ramsuratkumar, located around the Annamalai hill are popular visitor attractions of Tiruvannamalai. The Sathanur Dam over the Thenpennair river located 20 km southwest of the town is a prominent picnic spot. This 786.37 m Dam is 44.81m high and can store 207,300,000 cubic meters of water. A scenic park is also present adjacent to this dam. Ulagalantha Perumal Temple in Tirukoyilur and Thiruvarangam, situated 20 km south of Tiruvannamalai are prominent Vishnu temples that are located around Tiruvannamalai.

WIKIPEDIA

Main market, Panaji (Panjim / Nova Goa). Goa, India.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali

Deep Jyothi Parabrahma, Deep Jyothi Janardhana Deepo Hartume Papam, Sandhya Deepam Namostute.

English - I prostrate to the dawn/dusk lamp whose light is Supreme Knowledge, which removes the darkness of ignorance and by which all can be achieved

Annamalaiyar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located at the base of Annamalai hills in the town of Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu, India. It is significant to the Hindu sect of Saivism as one of the temples associated with the five elements, the Pancha Bhoota Stalas, and specifically the element of fire, or Agni. Shiva is worshiped as Annamalaiyar or Arunachaleswarar, and is represented by the lingam, with his idol referred to as Agni lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Unnamulai Amman. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The 9th century Saiva saint poet Manikkavasagar composed the Tiruvempaavai here.

The temple complex covers 10 hectares, and is one of the largest in India. It houses four gateway towers known as gopurams. The tallest is the eastern tower, with 11 stories and a height of 66 metres, making it one of the tallest temple towers in India. The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Annamalaiyar and Unnamulai Amman being the most prominent. The temple complex houses many halls; the most notable is the thousand-pillared hall built during the Vijayanagar period.

The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and twelve yearly festivals on its calendar. The Karthigai Deepam festival is celebrated during the day of the full moon between November and December, and a huge beacon is lit atop the hill. It can be seen from miles around, and symbolizes the Shiva lingam of fire joining the sky. The event is witnessed by three million pilgrims. On the day preceding each full moon, pilgrims circumnavigate the temple base and the Annamalai hills in a worship called Girivalam, a practice carried out by one million pilgrims yearly.

The present masonry structure was built during the Chola dynasty in the 9th century, while later expansions are attributed to Vijayanagar rulers of the Sangama Dynasty (1336–1485 CE), the Saluva Dynasty and the Tuluva Dynasty (1491–1570 CE). The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

LEGEND

In Hindu mythology, Parvati, wife of Shiva, once closed the eyes of her husband playfully in a flower garden at their abode atop Mount Kailash. Although only a moment for the gods, all light was taken from the universe, and the earth, in turn, was submerged in darkness for years. Parvati performed penance along with other devotees of Shiva. Then her husband appeared as a column of fire at the top of Annamalai hills, returning light to the world. He then merged with Parvati to form Ardhanarishvara, the half-female, half-male form of Shiva. The Annamalai, or red mountain, lies behind the Annamalaiyar temple, and is associated with the temple of its namesake. The hill is sacred and considered a lingam, or iconic representation of Shiva, in itself.

Another legend is that once, while Vishnu and Brahma contested for superiority, Shiva appeared as a flame, and challenged them to find his source. Brahma took the form of a swan, and flew to the sky to see the top of the flame, while Vishnu became the boar Varaha, and sought its base. The scene is called lingothbava, and is represented in the western wall at the sanctum of most Shiva temples. Neither Brahma nor Vishnu could find the source, and while Vishnu conceded his defeat, Brahma lied and said he had found the pinnacle. In punishment, Shiva ordained that Brahma would never have temples on earth in his worship.

HISTORY

The present masonry and towers date back to the 9th century CE, as seen from an inscription in the structure made by Chola kings who ruled at that time. Further inscriptions indicate that before the 9th century, Tiruvannamalai was under the Pallava Kings, who ruled from Kanchipuram. The 7th century Nayanar saints Sambandar and Appar wrote of the temple in their poetic work, Tevaram. Sekkizhar, the author of the Periyapuranam wrote that both Appar and Sambandar worshiped Annamalaiyar in the temple. The Chola Kings ruled over the region for more than four centuries, from 850 CE to 1280 CE, and were temple patrons. The inscriptions from the Chola king record various gifts like land, sheep, cow and oil to the temple commemorating various victories of the dynasty. The Hoysala kings used Tiruvannamalai as their capital beginning in 1328 CE. There are 48 inscriptions from the Sangama Dynasty (1336–1485 CE), 2 inscriptions from Saluva Dynasty, and 55 inscriptions from Tuluva Dynasty (1491–1570 CE) of the Vijayanagara Empire, reflecting gifts to the temple from their rulers. There are also inscriptions from the rule of Krishnadeva Raya (1509–1529 CE), the most powerful Vijayanagara king, indicating further patronage. Most of the Vijayanagara inscriptions were written in Tamil, with some in Kannada and Sanskrit. The inscriptions in temple from the Vijayanagara kings indicate emphasis on administrative matters and local concerns, which contrasts the inscriptions of the same rulers in other temples like Tirupathi. The majority of the gift related inscriptions are for land endownments, followed by goods, cash endowments, cows and oil for lighting lamps. The town of Tiruvannamalai was at a strategic crossroads during the Vijayanagara Empire, connecting sacred centers of pilgrimage and military routes. There are inscriptions that show the area as an urban center before the precolonial period, with the city developing around the temple, similar to the Nayak ruled cities like Madurai.

During the 17th century CE, the temple along with the Tiruvannamalai town came under the dominion of the Nawab of the Carnatic. As the Mughal empire came to an end, the Nawab lost control of the town, with confusion and chaos ensuing after 1753. Subsequently, there were periods of both Hindu and Muslim stewardship of the temple, with Muraru Raya, Krishna Raya, Mrithis Ali Khan, and Burkat Ullakhan besieging the temple in succession. As European incursions progressed, Tiruvannamalai was attacked by French Soupries, Sambrinet, and the English Captain Stephen Smith. While some were repelled, others were victorious. The French occupied the town in 1757, and the temple along with the town came under control of the British in 1760. In 1790 CE, Tiruvannamalai town was captured by Tippu Sultan, who ruled from 1750–99 CE. During the first half of the 19th century, the town along with the temple came under British rule. From 1951, under the provision of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, the temple has been maintained by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board (HR &CE) of the Government of Tamil Nadu. In 2002, the Archaeological Survey of India declared the temple a national heritage monument and took over its stewardship. Widespread protests and litigation with the Supreme Court of India, however, led the Archaeological Survey to cede the temple back to the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board.

ARCHITECTURE

COMPLEX AND TOWERS

The temple is situated at the bottom of the Annamalai hills, and faces east, lying over 25 acres. The walls on the east and west measure 210 m, the south 451 m, and the north 480 m. It has four gateway towers, the gopuram, on its four sides. The eastern tower, the Rajagopuram, is the tallest in the temple. The base of the Rajagopuram is made of granite, measuring 41 m by 30 m. It was begun by king Krishnadevaraya (1509–29 CE) of the Vijayanagara dynasty, and completed by Sevappa Nayaka (1532–80 CE). The inscriptions indicate that the tower was built at the behest of Sivanesa and his brother Lokanatha in 1572 CE. The south tower is called Thirumanjangopuram, and the west, Pei Gopuram. Ammani Ammal, a Sanyasini, built the north tower which carries her namesake. Raghunathabhyudayam and Sangitha Sudha, both Nayak scriptures, also describe the towers. The Tanjavuri Andhra Raja Charitamu mentions that Krishnadevaraya built the tower and the outer precincts of the temple. The temple has a total of five precincts, each of which holds a huge Nandi, the sacred bull of Shiva. Towers include the Vallala Maharaja Gopuram and Kili Gopuram, or Parrot Tower.

SHRINES

The main shrine of Annamalaiyar faces east, housing images of Nandi and Surya, and is the oldest structure in the temple. Behind the walls of the sanctum, there is an image of Venugopalaswamy, an incarnation of Vishnu. Around the sanctum, there are images of Somaskandar, Durga, Chandekeswarar, Gajalakshmi, Arumugaswami, Dakshinamoorthy, Swarnabairavar, Nataraja, and Lingodbhavar - the last an image of Shiva emanating from lingam. The Palliyarai, the divine room for resting deities, is located at the first precinct around the sanctum. The shrine of his consort, Unnamulai Amman, lies in the second precinct, with Amman depicted in a standing posture. Sambantha Vinayagar, the elephant god shrine, is located to the north of the flagstaff and the Bali peeta, or platform for sacrifice. To the south of the thousand-pillared hall, there is a small shrine for Subramaya and a large tank. Pathala Lingam, the underground lingam, is the place where Ramana Maharshi (1879 – 1950 CE) is believed to have performed his penance. The shrine of Sivagangai Vinayagar is present in the northern bank of the Sivanganga tank.

HALLS

There is a sixteen pillared Deepa Darshana Mandapam, or hall of light, in the third precinct. The temple tree, Magizha, is considered sacred and medicinal, and childless couples tie small cradles to its branches in obeisance. Vedas write that the mast of the temple separated the earth and the sky during creation of the universe. The Kalyana Mandapam, the marriage hall, is in the south-west of the precinct, and is built in Vijayanagara style. A stone trident is present in the outer shrine of the temple in open air, and has protective railings like a sacred tree. The Vasantha Mandapam, meaning the Hall of spring, is the third precinct, and contains the temple office and Kalahateeswarar shrine. The fourth precinct has an image of Nandi, Brahma Theertham, the temple tank, the Yanai Thirai Konda Vinayaga shrine, and a hall with a six-foot-tall statue of Nandi, erected by Vallala Maharaja.

Inside the doorway of the first tower and the fifth precinct, there is a thousand-pillared hall built during the late Vijayanagara period. Krishnadevaraya constructed the hall and dug the tank opposite to it. The pillars in the hall are carved with images of yali, a mythological beast with body of lion and head of an elephant, a symbol of Nayak power. The Arunagirinathar Mandapam is located to the right of the Kalayana Linga Sundara Eswara Mandapam, and the Gopurathilayanar shrine is to the left of a broad flight of stone stairs that lead up to the Vallala Gopuram.

WORSHIP AND FESTIVALS

The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. Like other Shiva temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the Shaivaite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed six times a day; Ushathkalam at 5:30 a.m., Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 10:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m., Irandamkalam at 8:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 10:00 p.m. Each ritual comprises four steps: abhisheka (sacred bath), alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Annamalaiyar and Unnamulai Amman. The worship is held amidst music with nagaswaram (pipe instrument) and tavil (percussion instrument), religious instructions in the Vedas read by priests and prostration by worshippers in front of the temple mast. There are weekly rituals like somavaram and sukravaram, fortnightly rituals like pradosham and monthly festivals like amavasai (new moon day), kiruthigai, pournami (full moon day) and sathurthi.

The temple celebrates dozens of festivals throughout the year. Four prime festivals, the Brahmotsavam, are celebrated yearly. The most important of these lasts ten days during the Tamil month of Karthikai, between November and December, concluding with the celebration of Karthikai Deepam. A huge lamp is lit in a cauldron, containing three tons of ghee, at the top of the Annamalai hills during the Deepam. To mark the occasion, the festival deity of Annamalaiyar circumambulates the mountain. Inscriptions indicate that the festival was celebrated as early as the Chola period (from 850 CE to 1280 CE) and was expanded to ten days in the twentieth century.

Every full moon, tens of thousands of pilgrims worship Annamalaiyar by circumambulating the Arunachala hill barefoot. The circumambulation covers a distance of 14 kilometres, and is referred as Girivalam. According to Hindu legend, the walk removes sins, fulfils desires and helps achieve freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Offerings are made in a string of tanks, shrines, pillared meditation halls, springs and caves around the hill. The circumambulation continues during the rest of the month. On the day of yearly Chitra Pournami, the full moon of the Tamil calendar, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims come from across the world to worship Annamalaiyar. Five temple cars, called ther, with wooden carvings, are used for the procession.

Tiruvoodal is another festival celebrated during the first week of the Tamil month Thai at mid-January of every year. On the morning of Maatu Pongal, between January 15 and 16, Nandi is decorated with garlands made of fruits, vegetables and sweets. The festival deities of Annamalaiyar and Unnamamulai Amman are taken out of the temple to Tiruoodal street to enact the oodal (or love tiff) between the two in the evening.

RELIGLIGIOUS SIGNIFICANCE

The Annamalaiyar temple is one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalams, or five Shiva temples, with each a manifestation of a natural element: land, water, air, sky or fire. In Annamalaiyar temple, Shiva is said to have manifested himself as a massive column of fire, whose crown and feet could not be found by the Hindu gods, Brahma and Vishnu. The main lingam in the shrine is referred as Agni Lingam, and represents duty, virtue, self-sacrifice and liberation through ascetic life at the end of the Agni kalpa.

Aathara Stala are Shiva temples which are considered to be personifications of the Tantric chakras of human anatomy. The Annamalaiyar temple is called the Manipooraga stalam, and is associated with the Manipooraga chakra. Manipooraga is the chakra of spiritual ignorance, thirst, jealousy, treachery, shame, fear, disgust, delusion, foolishness and sadness.

SAINTS AND LITERARY MENTION

Tirugnana Sambandar, a 7th-century Tamil Saivite poet, venerated Annamalaiyar and Unnamulai Amman in ten verses in Tevaram, compiled as the First Tirumurai. Appar, a contemporary of Sambandar, also venerated Annamalaiyar in 10 verses in Tevaram, compiled as the Fifth Tirumurai. As the temple is revered in Tevaram, it is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam, one of the 276 temples that find mention in the Saiva canon.

Manickavasagar, a 9th-century Tamil saint and poet, revered Annamalaiyar in his writing, describing the deity as "AnnAmalai". He composed the Thiruvempavai in the Tamil month of Margazhi at the temple. Arunagirinathar was a 15th-century Tamil poet born in Tiruvannamalai. He spent his early years as a rioter and seducer of women. After ruining his health, he tried to commit suicide by throwing himself from the northern tower, but was saved by the grace of god Murugan. He became a staunch devotee and composed Tamil hymns glorifying Murugan, the most notable being Thirupugazh.

The western world learnt of Tiruvannamalai during the mid 20th century, through the work of Ramana Maharishi (1879–1950 CE). The cave where Ramana meditated is on the lower slopes of the Annamalai hills, with the ashram further down at the foothills. The basement of the raised hall inside the temple has the Patala Lingam, where Ramana attained supreme awareness while ants devoured his flesh. The place is also called a Mukthi Sthalam, meaning place of salvation, and saints like Seshadri Swamigal, Gugai Namachivayar and Yogi Ramsuratkumar have been associated with the temple.

WIKIPEDIA

Main market, Panaji (Panjim / Nova Goa). Goa, India.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali

Tiruvannamalai (Tamil: Tiruvaṇṇāmalai IPA: [ˈtiɾɯʋaɳːaːmalɛi̯], also Thiruvannamalai or Trinomali and Trinomalee during British times) is a town in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The town is administered by a special grade municipality that covers an area of 16.33 km2 and had a population of 144,278 in 2011. It is the administrative headquarters of Tiruvannamalai District. Roadways are the major mode of transport in Tiruvannamalai, while the town also has rail connectivity. Chennai International Airport is the nearest domestic and international airport to the town. Tiruvannamalai is named after the central deity of the Annamalaiyar Temple, Annamalaiyar. The Karthigai Deepam festival is celebrated during the day of the full moon between November and December, and a huge beacon is lit atop the Annamalai hill. The event is witnessed by three million pilgrims. On the day preceding each full moon, pilgrims circumnavigate the temple base and the Annamalai hills in a worship called Girivalam, a practice carried out by one million pilgrims yearly.

Located on the foothills of Annamalai hills, Tiruvannamalai has been ruled by the Pallavas, the Medieval Cholas, the Later Cholas, Hoysalas, the Vijayanagar Empire, the Carnatic kingdom, Tipu Sultan, and the British. It served as the capital city of the Hoysalas. The town is built around the Annamalaiyar Temple like other Nayak capitals. Tiruvannamalai is administered by a special-grade a municipality constituted in 1886. Tiruvannamalai has an average elevation of 200 metres and experiences a hot and humid climate. Being a pilgrimage town, most of the people are employed in the tertiary sector. There are 25 elementary schools, nine high schools, 18 higher secondary schools, four arts & science colleges, one government medical college and four engineering colleges in the town.

ETYMOLOGY AND LEGEND

In Hindu mythology, Parvati, wife of Shiva, once closed the eyes of her husband playfully in a flower garden at their abode atop Mount Kailash. Although only a moment for the gods, all light was taken from the universe, and the earth, in turn, was submerged in darkness for years. Parvati performed penance with other devotees of Shiva, and her husband appeared as a column of fire at the top of Annamalai hills, returning light to the world. He then merged with Parvati to form Ardhanarishvara, the half-female, half-male form of Shiva. The Annamalai, or red mountain, lies behind the Annamalaiyar temple, and is associated with the temple of its namesake. The hill is sacred and considered a lingam, or iconic representation of Shiva, in itself. Another legend is that once, while Vishnu and Brahma contested for superiority, Shiva appeared as a flame, and challenged them to find his source. Brahma took the form of a swan, and flew to the sky to see the top of the flame, while Vishnu became the boar Varaha, and sought its base. The scene is called lingothbava, and is represented in the western wall at the sanctum of most Shiva temples. Neither Brahma nor Vishnu could find the source, and while Vishnu conceded his defeat, Brahma lied and said he had found the pinnacle. In punishment, Shiva ordained that Brahma would never have temples on earth in his worship. In Tamil, the word Arunam means red or fire and Asalam means hill. Since Shiva manifested himself in the form of fire in this place, this name Arunachalam came to be associated with Annamalai hill and the town. The first mention of Annamalai is found in Tevaram, the seventh century Tamil Saiva canonical work by Appar and Tirugnanasambandar.

HISTORY

The history of Tiruvannamalai revolves around the Annamalaiyar Temple. The recorded history of the town dates back to the ninth century, as seen from a Chola inscriptions in the temple. Further inscriptions made before ninth century indicate the rule of Pallava kings, whose capital was Kanchipuram. The seventh century Nayanar saints Sambandar and Appar wrote of the temple in their poetic work, Tevaram. Sekkizhar, the author of the Periyapuranam records both Appar and Sambandar worshiped Annamalaiyar in the temple. The Chola Kings ruled over the region for more than four centuries, from 850 to 1280, and were temple patrons. The inscriptions from the Chola king record various gifts like land, sheep, cow and oil to the temple commemorating various victories of the dynasty.

The Hoysala kings used Tiruvannamalai as their capital beginning in 1328. There are 48 inscriptions from the Sangama Dynasty (1336–1485), two inscriptions from Saluva Dynasty, and 55 inscriptions from Tuluva Dynasty (1491–1570) of the Vijayanagara Empire, reflecting gifts to the temple from their rulers. There are also inscriptions from the rule of Krishnadeva Raya (1509–1529), the most powerful Vijayanagara king, indicating further patronage. Most of the Vijayanagara inscriptions were written in Tamil, with some in Kannada and Sanskrit. The inscriptions in the temple from the Vijayanagara kings indicate emphasis on administrative matters and local concerns, which contrasts the inscriptions of the same rulers in other temples like Tirupathi. The majority of the gift related inscriptions are for land endowments, followed by goods, cash endowments, cows and oil for lighting lamps. The town of Tiruvannamalai was at a strategic crossroads during the Vijayanagara Empire, connecting sacred centers of pilgrimage and military routes. There are inscriptions that show the area as an urban center before the precolonial period, with the city developing around the temple, similar to the Nayak ruled cities like Madurai.

During the 17th century, Tiruvannamalai came under the dominion of the Nawab of the Carnatic. As the Mughal empire came to an end, the Nawab lost control of the town, with confusion and chaos ensuing after 1753. Subsequently, there were periods of both Hindu and Muslim stewardship of the temple, with Muraru Raya, Krishna Raya, Mrithis Ali Khan, and Burkat Ullakhan besieging the temple in succession. As European incursions progressed, Tiruvannamalai was attacked by French Soupries, Sambrinet, and the English Captain Stephen Smith. While some were repelled, others were victorious. The French occupied the town in 1757 and it came under the control of the British in 1760. In 1790, Tiruvannamalai town was captured by Tippu Sultan, who ruled from 1750–99. During the first half of the 19th century, the town came under British rule.

GEOGRAPHY

Tiruvannamalai is situated 185 km from the state capital Chennai and 210 km from Bangalore. The height of the Annamalai hill is approximately 814 m. Tiruvannamalai is located at 12°N 79.05°E. It has an average elevation of 200 metres. The town is located to the east of Eastern Ghats. The topography of Tiruvannamalai is almost plain sloping from west to east. Tiruvannamalai experiences hot and dry weather throughout the year. The temperature ranges from a maximum of 40 °C to a minimum of 20 °C. Like the rest of the state, April to June are the hottest months and December to January are the coldest. Tiruvannamalai receives scanty rainfall with an average of 815 mm annually, which is lesser than the state average of 1,008 mm. The southwest monsoon with an onset in June and lasting up to August brings scanty rainfall. Bulk of the rainfall is received during the northeast monsoon in the months of October, November and December. The average humidity of the town is 77% and varies between 67% to 86%. During the summer months of April to June, the humidity ranges from 47–63%. The municipality covers an area of 16.3 km2.

ECONOMY

Tiruvannamali is a temple town and a major pilgrimage centre in Tamil Nadu. The town is the marketing and service town for the surrounding places. Being the administrative headquarters of the Tiruvannamalai district, Tiruvannamalai has a lot of tertiary sector activities. Trade and commerce and service activities are the major contributors to the economy of the town. In 1991, 7.93% of the population was involved in primary sector, 21.34% in secondary sector and 70.73% in tertiary sector activities. The town had a female work participation of 11%. Due to the urbanisation from 1971, there has been dip in primary sector activities and a proportional increase in the tertiary sector activities. There is limited agricultural activity within the town limits. The secondary sector involves manufacturing and construction, whose growth has remained stable over the decades. There are a number of oil mills, rice mills and agro based industries within the Tiruvannamalai town limits. The tertiary sector activities of trade, commerce, transport, storage, communication and other services has been increasing due to the increasing number of tourists to the town. The patronage to Girivalam has increased informal economic activities around the town. The major commercial activities are concentrated around Car Street, Thiruvoodal Street, Kadambarayan Street, Asaliamman Koil Street, Sivanpada Street and Polur Road.

All major nationalised banks such as State Bank of India, Indian Bank, Central Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Bank of India and private banks like ICICI Bank, Karur Vysya Bank have their branches in Tiruvannamalai. All these banks have their automated teller machines located in various parts of the town.

CULTURE

The Annamalaiyar Temple is the most prominent landmark of Tiruvannamalai. The temple complex covers an area of 10 ha, and is one of the largest temples in India. It houses four gateway towers known as gopurams. The tallest is the eastern tower, with 11 stories and a height of 66 m, making it one of the tallest temple towers in India. The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Annamalaiyar and Unnamulai Amman being the most prominent. The temple complex houses many halls; the most notable is the thousand-pillared hall built during the Vijayanagar period.

The Annamalaiyar temple is one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas, or five Shiva temples, with each a manifestation of a natural element: land, water, air, sky or fire. In Annamalaiyar temple, Shiva is said to have manifested himself as a massive column of fire, whose crown and feet could not be found by the Hindu gods, Brahma and Vishnu. Aathara Stala are Shiva temples which are considered to be personifications of the Tantric chakras of human anatomy. The Annamalaiyar temple is called the Manipooraga stalam, and is associated with the Manipooraga chakra. The temple is revered in Tevaram, the Tamil Saiva canon and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam, one of the 276 temples that find mention in the Saiva canon.

The most important festival of the Annamalaiyar temple is celebrated during the Tamil month of Karthikai, between November and December, concluding with the celebration of Karthikai Deepam. A huge lamp is lit in a cauldron, containing three tons of ghee, at the top of the Annamalai hills during the Deepam. To mark the occasion, the festival deity of Annamalaiyar circumambulates the mountain. Inscriptions indicate that the festival was celebrated as early as the Chola period (850–1280) and was expanded to ten days in the twentieth century.

Every full moon, tens of thousands of pilgrims worship Annamalaiyar by circumambulating the Annamalai hill barefoot. The circumambulation covers a distance of 14 kilometres, and is referred as Girivalam. According to Hindu legend, the walk removes sins, fulfils desires and helps achieve freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Offerings are made in a string of tanks, shrines, pillared meditation halls, springs and caves around the hill.

Tirumalai is an ancient Jain temple complex in the outskirts of Tirvannamalai that houses three Jain caves, four Jain temples and a 4.9 m high sculpture of Neminatha dated from the 12th century and the tallest Jain image in Tamil Nadu.

The Ramana Ashram and ashram of Yogi Ramsuratkumar, located around the Annamalai hill are popular visitor attractions of Tiruvannamalai. The Sathanur Dam over the Thenpennair river located 20 km southwest of the town is a prominent picnic spot. This 786.37 m Dam is 44.81m high and can store 207,300,000 cubic meters of water. A scenic park is also present adjacent to this dam. Ulagalantha Perumal Temple in Tirukoyilur and Thiruvarangam, situated 20 km south of Tiruvannamalai are prominent Vishnu temples that are located around Tiruvannamalai.

WIKIPEDIA

The temple present in the state of Karnataka is on the way from Ooty to Mysore (or vice versa) is some where around 10-15 kms from Mysore city.

The main shrine of the temple is Chamundeshwari Amman (the fierce form of Goddess Shakthi). The shrine was originally made by the Hoysala rulers (12th century AD) and the Gopura (temple tower) was said to have been built by the Vijayangar rulers (17th century AD).

The Gopura is made of seven storeys and the main deity (Chamundeshwari Amman) is made of Gold.

An interesting thing about this temple is that the temple can be seen from the Mysore palace. The people of the Vijayanagar people used to worship the Goddess along with its rulers from the palace when the torch (Deepam) will be lit in the temple.

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Filmography :

As Composer :

Pazhassi Raja (2008) (filming)

Sooryan (2007)

Cheeni Kum (2007) (as Ilaiyaraaja)

Vinodayathra (2007)

Anumanaspadam (2007)

Hope (2006/II)

Pachakuthira (2006)

Rasathanthram (2006)

Shiva (2006)

Divorce: Not Between Husband and Wife (2005)

Athu Oru Kanaa Kaalam (2005)

Oru Naal Oru Kanavu (2005)

Mumbai Express (2005)

Achuvinte Amma (2005)

Ponmudipuzhayorathu (2005)

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (2005)

Vishwa Thulasi (2004)

Shiv Shankar (2004)

Virumandi (2004)

Kamaraj (2004)

Manassinakkare (2003)

Manasellaam (2003)

Julie Ganapathy (2003)

Pithamagan (2003)

Nizhalkkuthu (2002)

Mitr, My Friend (2002) (as Bhavatharini Iliayaragja)

Azhagi (2002)

Ramana (2002)

Solla Marantha Kathai (2002)

Lajja (2001) (background score) (as Ilaiyaraaja)

Eduruleni Manishi (2001)

Friends (2001)

Kutty (2001)

Hey Ram (2000)

Aagaayam (2000)

Bharathi (2000)

Ilaiyavan (2000)

IPC 215 (2000)

Kaadhal Rojave (2000)

Kaakai Chirakiniley (2000)

Kannukkul Nilavu (2000)

Kelviyin Nayagan (2000)

Kochu Kochu Santhoshangal (2000)

Puratchi (2000)

Saamy Kodutha Varam (2000)

Annan (1999)

Chinna Durai (1999)

Friends (1999)

The Godman (1999)

House Full (1999)

Kummi Paattu (1999)

Manam Virumbuthey Unnai (1999)

Mugam (1999)

Nilavey Mugam Kaattu (1999)

Ponnu Veetukkaran (1999)

Rajasthan (1999)

Sethu (1999)

Thodarum (1999)

Anthahpuram (1998)

Anuragakottaram (1998)

Deseeya Geetham (1998)

Dharma (1998)

Kaadhal Kavidai (1998)

Kallu Kondoru Pennu (1998)

Kangalin Vaarthaigal (1998)

Kanmani Oru Kavidhai (1998)

Kannathaal (1998)

Kavala Padathey Sahothara (1998)

Kizhakkum Maerkkum (1998)

Kumbakonam Gopalu (1998)

Manjeeradhwani (1998)

Poonthottam (1998)

Senthooram (1998)

Thalaimurai (1998)

Veera Thaalaattu (1998)

Chinnabbayi (1997)

Devathai (1997)

Guru (1997)

Kaadhalukku Mariyaadai (1997)

Kadavul (1997)

Kaliyoonjal (1997)

Oru Yaatra Mozhi (1997)

Raman Abdullah (1997)

Thambi Durai (1997)

Thenmaangu Paattu Karan (1997)

Vasuki (1997)

Sreekaram (1996)

Aur Ek Prem Kahani (1996)

Chhaila (1996)

Irattai Roja (1996)

Kala Pani (1996)

Katta Panchayathu (1996)

Kuruthipunal (1996)

Man of the Match (1996)

Nammoora Mandaara Hoove (1996)

Poomani (1996)

Poovarasan (1996)

Sabse Bada Mawali (1996)

Shiva Sainya (1996)

Vasantham (1996)

Makkal Aatchi (1995)

Aanazhagan (1995)

Avathaaram (1995)

Chandralekha (1995)

Chinna Thevan (1995)

Chinna Vathiyar (1995)

Ellaame En Raasa Thaan (1995)

Ilaya Raagam (1995)

Kattu Marakkaaran (1995)

Kolangal (1995)

Maya Bazaar (1995)

Muthu Kaalai (1995)

Nandhavana Theru (1995)

Nattupura Pattu (1995)

Oru Orle Oru Rajakumari (1995)

Paattu Paadava (1995)

Paattu Vaathiyaar (1995)

Periya Kudumbam (1995)

Raajaa Enga Raajaa (1995)

Raajavin Paarvayile (1995)

Raasaiyya (1995)

Raja Mudra (1995)

Sathi Leelavathi (1995)

Thedi Vandha Raasa (1995)

Adharmam (1994)

Adhiradippadai (1994)

Allari Police (1994)

Amaidhi Padai (1994)

Honest Raj (1994)

Kanmani (1994)

Magalir Mattum (1994)

Mogha Mull (1994)

Periya Maruthu (1994)

Priyanka (1994)

Pudhuppaatti Ponnuthaayi (1994)

Raasamagan (1994)

Rajakumaaran (1994)

Saadu (1994)

Samaram (1994)

Sammohanam (1994)

Satyavan (1994)

Seeman (1994)

Senthamizh Selvan (1994)

Sethupathi I.P.S (1994)

Sevvanthi (1994)

Shakti Vel (1994)

Thendral Varum Theru (1994)

Thozhar Pandiyan (1994)

Vanaja Girija (1994)

Veera (1994)

Veetla Visheshanga (1994)

Vietnam Colony (1994)

Kilipetchu Ketkava (1993)

Jackpot (1993)

Aa Okkati Adakku (1993)

Amma Koduku (1993)

Aranmanai Kili (1993)

Asathyaralu (1993)

Atma (1993)

Chinna Jameen (1993)

Chinna Kannamma (1993)

Chinna Maaplai (1993)

Detective Naarada (1993)

Dharmaseelan (1993)

Druva Natchathiram (1993)

Ejamaan (1993)

Enga Modhalaali (1993)

Enga Thambi (1993)

Ezhai Jaadhi (1993)

I Love India (1993)

Kaathirukka Neramillai (1993)

Kalaignan (1993)

Kattalai (1993)

Koil Kaalai (1993)

Mahanadi (1993)

Maharasan (1993)

Mamiyaar Veedu (1993)

Manikkuyil (1993)

Marupadiyam (1993)

Parvathi Ennai Paaradi (1993)

Ponnumani (1993)

Ponvilangu (1993)

Purantha Veeda Pukanda Veeda (1993)

Raakkayi Koil (1993)

Sakkarai Thevan (1993)

Thaalaattu (1993)

Thanga Kili (1993)

Tholi Muddhu (1993)

Udanpirappu (1993)

Ullae Veliae (1993)

Utthama Raasa (1993)

Uzhaippaali (1993)

Valli (1993)

Walter Vetrivel (1993)

Pappayude Swantham Appoos (1992)

Mannan (1992)

Aavarampoo (1992)

Agni Paarvai (1992)

Apaaratha (1992)

Ashwamedham (1992)

Bharathan (1992)

Chakravyuham (1992)

Chamanthi (1992)

Chembaruthi (1992)

Chinna Pasanga Naanga (1992)

Chinna Rayudu (1992)

Chinna Thaayi (1992)

Chinnavar (1992)

Deiva Vaakku (1992)

Dharma Kshetram (1992)

Enrum Anbudan (1992)

Guna (1992)

Idu Namma Bhoomi (1992)

Innisai Mazhai (1992)

Kaaval Geetham (1992)

Kalikaalam (1992)

Maappilai Vandhaachu (1992)

Magudam (1992)

Marutode Naa Mogudu (1992)

Meera (1992)

Naangal (1992)

Nadodi Paattukkaran (1992)

Nadodi Thendral (1992)

Onna Irukka Kathukanom (1992)

Paandi Durai (1992)

Pandian (1992)

Pangaali (1992)

Pattu Dala (1992)

Periamma (1992)

Ponnukkeetha Purushan (1992)

Prema Vijeta (1992)

Priyathama (1992)

Pudhiya Swarangal (1992)

Rasukutty (1992)

Ricksha Mama (1992)

Senthamizh Paattu (1992)

Shanthi (1992)

Singaaravelan (1992)

Thai Mozhi (1992)

Thambi Pondaatti (1992)

Thanga Manasukkaaaran (1992)

Thevar Magan (1992)

Thirumathi Pazhanichami (1992)

Unnai Vaazhthi Paadukiren (1992)

Unna Nenachen Paattu Padicchen (1992)

Va Va Vasanthame (1992)

Villu Paattu Karan (1992)

Thalapathi (1991) (as Ilayaraaja)

Aditya 369 (1991)

Anaswaram (1991)

Coolie No. 1 (1991)

Stoovertpuram Police Station (1991)

Aadmi Aur Apsara (1991)

April 1st Vidudhala (1991)

Brahma (1991)

Captain Prabhakaran (1991)

Chaitanya (1991)

Chanti (1991)

Chinna Gounder (1991)

Chinna Thambi (1991)

Dharma Dorai (1991)

Edu Kondalaswamy (1991)

Eeramaana Rojave (1991)

En Arukil Nee Irundhaal (1991)

En Rasavin Manisile (1991)

Ente Sooryaputhrikku (1991)

Gopura Vasalile (1991)

Idhayam (1991) (as Ilaiyaraaja)

Irumbup Pookkal (1991)

Karpoora Mullai (1991)

Keechu Raallu (1991)

Killer (1991)

Kumbakarai Thangaiah (1991)

Manidha Jaadhi (1991) (V)

Michael Madana Kamarajan (1991)

Nirnayam (1991)

Oorellam Un Paattu (1991)

Pillai Paasam (1991)

Pudhiya Raagam (1991)

Pudhu Nellu Puddhu Nathu (1991)

Saami Potta Mudhichhu (1991)

Sri Edukondala Swaami (1991)

Surya IPS (1991)

Thaalaattu Kekkuthamma (1991)

Thaayamma (1991)

Thambikku Oru Paattu (1991)

Thandu Vitten Ennai (1991)

Thanga Thaamaraigal (1991)

Uruvam (1991)

Vanna Vanna Pookkal (1991)

Vetrikkarangal (1991)

Vetri Padigal (1991)

Samrajyam (1990)

Jagadeka Veerudu Attilokasundari (1990)

Kondaveeti Donga (1990)

Adisaya Piravi (1990)

Amman Koil Thiruvizha (1990)

Anbu Chinnam (1990)

Anjali (1990)

Arangetra Velai (1990)

Bamma Maata Bangaru Baata (1990)

Bobbili Raja (1990)

Edhir Katru (1990)

Engitte Modhathe (1990)

En Uyir Thozhan (1990)

Guru Shishyulu (1990)

Idhem Pellaam Baaboy (1990)

Kavalukku Kettikaran (1990)

Kavithai Paadum Alaigal (1990)

Keladi Kanmani (1990)

Kizhakku Vasal (1990)

Kshatriyan (1990)

Mallu Vaetti Minor (1990)

Manusukkeyththa Maappillai (1990)

Marudu Pandi (1990)

My Dear Marthandan (1990)

Nadigan (1990)

Nee Siriththaal Dheepaavalli (1990)

Nilapennay (1990)

Ooru Vittu Ooru Vandhu (1990)

Oru Pudhiya Kadhai (1990)

Paalaivavana Paravaigal (1990)

Paattukku Naan Adimai (1990)

Pagalil Pournami (1990)

Periya Veettu Panakkaran (1990)

Pondaatti Thevai (1990)

Pudhu Paatu (1990)

Pulan Visaaranai (1990)

Raja Kaiye Vacha (1990)

Sirayil Pootha Chinnamalar (1990)

Sirayil Sila Raagangal (1990)

Thaalaattu Paadava (1990)

Unnai Solli Kutramillai (1990)

Urudhi Mozhi (1990)

Velai Kidaichiruchu (1990)

Vellaya Thevan (1990)

Shiva (1989/I) (as Ilaiya Raaja)

Rudranetra (1989)

Adharvam (1989)

Mounam Sammadham (1989)

Anbu Kattalai (1989)

Annanukku Jai (1989)

Apoorva Sahodarargal (1989)

Ashoka Chakravarthy (1989)

Chettu Kinda Pleader (1989)

Chinnappadhaas (1989)

Dharmam Vellum (1989)

Enga Ooru Maappilai (1989)

Ennai Petha Raasa (1989)

En Purushan Thaan Enakkum Mattum Thaan (1989)

Gitanjali (1989)

Gopala Rao Gaari Abbai (1989)

Indrudu Chandrudu (1989)

Kaadhal Oyvathillai (1989)

Kaiveesu Amma Kaiveesu (1989)

Karagaattakkaaran (1989)

Kokila (1989)

Mahaadev (1989)

Mappilai (1989)

Namma Bhoomi (1989)

Ninaivu Chinnam (1989)

Paandi Naattu Thangam (1989)

Paasa Mazhai (1989)

Paattukku Oru Thalaivan (1989)

Padicha Pulla (1989)

Pick Pocket (1989)

Pongi Varum Kaveri (1989)

Ponmana Selvan (1989)

Poruthathu Pothum (1989)

Prema (1989)

Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal (1989)

Raajadhi Raaja (1989)

Raaja Raajathaan (1989)

Season (1989)

Siva (1989)

Swathi Chinukulu (1989)

Thangamaana Raasa (1989)

Thendral Sudum (1989)

Thiruppu Munai (1989)

Vaadyaar Veettu Pillai (1989)

Varusham Padhinaaru (1989)

Bloodstone (1988)

Marana Mrudangam (1988)

Rudra Veena (1988)

Aakhari Poratam (1988)

Aasthulu Anthasthulu (1988)

Abhinandana (1988)

Agni Nakshatram (1988)

Chinnabaabu (1988)

Chithram (1988)

Dhaayam Onnu (1988)

Dharmathin Thalaivan (1988)

En Bommukutty Ammavukku (1988)

Enga Ooru Kaavakkaaran (1988)

En Jeevan Paaduthe (1988)

Ennai Vittu Pokaathe (1988)

En Uyir Kannamma (1988)

En Vazhi Thani Vazhi (1988)

Garikincina Gaana (1988)

Guru Sisyan (1988)

Illam (1988)

Irandil Ondru (1988)

Ithu Engal Neethi (1988)

Jamadagni (1988)

Kanney Kalaimaaney (1988)

Maharshi (1988)

Manamagale Vaa (1988)

Menamama (1988)

Moonnam Pakkam (1988)

Naan Sonnathey Sattam (1988)

Oruvar Vaazhum Aalayam (1988)

Paadaatha Thaeneekal (1988)

Paasa Paravaigal (1988)

Parthal Pasu (1988)

Poonthotta Kaavalkkaaran (1988)

Raasave Unnai Nambi (1988)

Rakthabishekam (1988)

Sakkarai Pandhal (1988)

Satya (1988)

Sembagame Sembagame (1988)

Solla Thudikkuthu Manasu (1988)

Soora Samhaaram (1988)

Swarnakamalam (1988)

Tarzan Sundhari (1988)

Therkathikkallan (1988)

Unnal Mudiyum Thambi (1988)

Varasudochhadu (1988)

Veedu (1988)

Aradhana (1987)

Aalappiranthavan (1987)

Anand (1987)

Andharikandey Kandhudu (1987)

Chinna Kuyil Paattu (1987)

Dhoorathu Pacchai (1987)

Enga Ooru Paattukkaaran (1987)

Graamathu Minnal (1987)

Idhu Oru Thodarkathai (1987)

Iniya Uravu Poothathu (1987)

Irattaival Kuruvi (1987)

Jallikkattu (1987)

Kaadhal Parisu (1987)

Kaamaagni (1987)

Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu (1987)

Kalyaana Kachcheri (1987)

Khaidi (1987)

Krishnan Vandaan (1987)

Manaivi Ready (1987)

Manathil Uruthi Vendum (1987)

Mangai Oru Gangai (1987)

Nayakan (1987)

Ninaikka Therinda Maname (1987)

Ninaive Oru Sangeetham (1987)

Ore Oru Gramathile (1987)

Paadu Nilave (1987)

Per Sollum Pillai (1987)

Poovizhi Vasalile (1987)

Puyal Padam Pattu (1987)

Rendu Thokala Titta (1987)

Sankeerthana (1987)

Sirai Paravai (1987)

Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Recording Dance Troupe (1987)

Theertha Karayinile (1987)

Ullam Kavarntha Kalvan (1987)

Vazha Vazharka (1987)

Velaikkaaran (1987)

Vetri Vizha (1987)

Raakshasudu (1986)

Kaveri (1986)

Poomukhappadiyil Ninneyum Kathu (1986)

Kiraathakudu (1986)

Aalaapana (1986)

Aappirikaavil Appu (1986)

Amman Koil Kizhakkaalae (1986)

Ananda Kannir (1986)

Aruvadhai Nall (1986)

December Pookkal (1986)

Dharma Pathni (1986)

Enakku Naaney Needhibadhi (1986)

Engal Thaikulame Varuga (1986)

Iravu Pookkal (1986)

Isai Paadum Thendral (1986)

Jadu Nagari (1986)

Kadolara Kavithaigal (1986)

Kallamellam Un Mediyil (1986)

Kannaththorakkanum Saami (1986)

Kannukku Mai Ezhuthu (1986)

Karimedu Karuvaayan (1986)

Kodai Mazhai (1986)

Maaveran (1986)

Manchi Manasulu (1986)

Mandhira Punnagai (1986)

Manithanin Maru Pakkam (1986)

Maragadha Veenai (1986)

Mela Thiranthathu Kadhavu (1986)

Mouna Ragam (1986)

Mr. Bharath (1986/I)

Mr. Bharath (1986/II)

Mudhal Vasantham (1986)

Murattu Karangal (1986)

Naanum Oru Thozhilaali (1986)

Nam Ooru Nalla Ooru (1986)

Natpu (1986)

Nee Thaana Andha Kuyil (1986)

Paaru Paaru Pattinam Paaru (1986)

Palavanai Rojakkal (1986)

Pudhir (1986)

Punnagai Mannan (1986)

Saadhanai (1986)

Sathyajothi (1986)

Sri Shirdi Saibaba Mahathyam (1986)

Thaiku Oru Thalattu (1986)

Thazhuvaatha Kaigal (1986)

Unakkagavey Vaazhkiren (1986)

Vidincha Kalyaanam (1986)

Vikram (1986/I)

Yaro Ezhuthia Kavithai (1986)

Yathra (1985)

Oka Radha Iddaru Krishnulu (1985)

Jwala (1985)

Aaj Ka Dada (1985)

Aan Paavam (1985)

Accident (1985)

Aduthathu Albert (1985)

Ajeya (1985)

Amudha Gaanam (1985)

Anbin Mugavari (1985)

Andha Oru Nimidam (1985)

Annai Bhoomi (1985)

Anveshana (1985)

Chinna Veedu (1985)

Darja Donga (1985)

Eetti (1985)

En Selvame (1985)

Gatti Melam (1985)

Geethanjali (1985)

Hello Yaar Peysaradhu (1985)

Idaya Kovil (1985)

Illali Sapadham (1985)

Jalsa Bullodu (1985)

Kaakki Sattai (1985)

Kanni Raasi (1985)

Khooni (1985)

Kunguma Chimizh (1985)

Ladies Tailor (1985)

Malargal Nanaiginrana (1985)

Mangalya Bandham (1985)

Meendum Paraasakthi (1985)

Mera Inteqam (1985)

Monagadu Mosagadu (1985)

Muthal Mariyathai (1985)

Muthyala Jallu (1985)

Naane Raja Naane Manthiri (1985)

Naan Sigappu Manithan (1985)

Nalla Thambi (1985)

Needhiyin Marupakkam (1985)

Padikkatha Panayar (1985)

Padikkathavan (1985)

Pagal Nilavu (1985)

Pillai Nila (1985)

Poovae Poo Chooda Vaa (1985)

Praja Poratam (1985)

Preminchu Pelladu (1985)

Pudhiya Theerppu (1985)

Raaja Gopuram (1985)

Rahasya Hanthakudu (1985)

Raja Rishi (1985)

Selvi (1985)

Shivabhakta Naga Shakti (1985)

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Paalooti Valartha Kili (1976)

Extraordinary Beauty

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Tiruvannamalai (Tamil: Tiruvaṇṇāmalai IPA: [ˈtiɾɯʋaɳːaːmalɛi̯], also Thiruvannamalai or Trinomali and Trinomalee during British times) is a town in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The town is administered by a special grade municipality that covers an area of 16.33 km2 and had a population of 144,278 in 2011. It is the administrative headquarters of Tiruvannamalai District. Roadways are the major mode of transport in Tiruvannamalai, while the town also has rail connectivity. Chennai International Airport is the nearest domestic and international airport to the town. Tiruvannamalai is named after the central deity of the Annamalaiyar Temple, Annamalaiyar. The Karthigai Deepam festival is celebrated during the day of the full moon between November and December, and a huge beacon is lit atop the Annamalai hill. The event is witnessed by three million pilgrims. On the day preceding each full moon, pilgrims circumnavigate the temple base and the Annamalai hills in a worship called Girivalam, a practice carried out by one million pilgrims yearly.

Located on the foothills of Annamalai hills, Tiruvannamalai has been ruled by the Pallavas, the Medieval Cholas, the Later Cholas, Hoysalas, the Vijayanagar Empire, the Carnatic kingdom, Tipu Sultan, and the British. It served as the capital city of the Hoysalas. The town is built around the Annamalaiyar Temple like other Nayak capitals. Tiruvannamalai is administered by a special-grade a municipality constituted in 1886. Tiruvannamalai has an average elevation of 200 metres and experiences a hot and humid climate. Being a pilgrimage town, most of the people are employed in the tertiary sector. There are 25 elementary schools, nine high schools, 18 higher secondary schools, four arts & science colleges, one government medical college and four engineering colleges in the town.

ETYMOLOGY AND LEGEND

In Hindu mythology, Parvati, wife of Shiva, once closed the eyes of her husband playfully in a flower garden at their abode atop Mount Kailash. Although only a moment for the gods, all light was taken from the universe, and the earth, in turn, was submerged in darkness for years. Parvati performed penance with other devotees of Shiva, and her husband appeared as a column of fire at the top of Annamalai hills, returning light to the world. He then merged with Parvati to form Ardhanarishvara, the half-female, half-male form of Shiva. The Annamalai, or red mountain, lies behind the Annamalaiyar temple, and is associated with the temple of its namesake. The hill is sacred and considered a lingam, or iconic representation of Shiva, in itself. Another legend is that once, while Vishnu and Brahma contested for superiority, Shiva appeared as a flame, and challenged them to find his source. Brahma took the form of a swan, and flew to the sky to see the top of the flame, while Vishnu became the boar Varaha, and sought its base. The scene is called lingothbava, and is represented in the western wall at the sanctum of most Shiva temples. Neither Brahma nor Vishnu could find the source, and while Vishnu conceded his defeat, Brahma lied and said he had found the pinnacle. In punishment, Shiva ordained that Brahma would never have temples on earth in his worship. In Tamil, the word Arunam means red or fire and Asalam means hill. Since Shiva manifested himself in the form of fire in this place, this name Arunachalam came to be associated with Annamalai hill and the town. The first mention of Annamalai is found in Tevaram, the seventh century Tamil Saiva canonical work by Appar and Tirugnanasambandar.

HISTORY

The history of Tiruvannamalai revolves around the Annamalaiyar Temple. The recorded history of the town dates back to the ninth century, as seen from a Chola inscriptions in the temple. Further inscriptions made before ninth century indicate the rule of Pallava kings, whose capital was Kanchipuram. The seventh century Nayanar saints Sambandar and Appar wrote of the temple in their poetic work, Tevaram. Sekkizhar, the author of the Periyapuranam records both Appar and Sambandar worshiped Annamalaiyar in the temple. The Chola Kings ruled over the region for more than four centuries, from 850 to 1280, and were temple patrons. The inscriptions from the Chola king record various gifts like land, sheep, cow and oil to the temple commemorating various victories of the dynasty.

The Hoysala kings used Tiruvannamalai as their capital beginning in 1328. There are 48 inscriptions from the Sangama Dynasty (1336–1485), two inscriptions from Saluva Dynasty, and 55 inscriptions from Tuluva Dynasty (1491–1570) of the Vijayanagara Empire, reflecting gifts to the temple from their rulers. There are also inscriptions from the rule of Krishnadeva Raya (1509–1529), the most powerful Vijayanagara king, indicating further patronage. Most of the Vijayanagara inscriptions were written in Tamil, with some in Kannada and Sanskrit. The inscriptions in the temple from the Vijayanagara kings indicate emphasis on administrative matters and local concerns, which contrasts the inscriptions of the same rulers in other temples like Tirupathi. The majority of the gift related inscriptions are for land endowments, followed by goods, cash endowments, cows and oil for lighting lamps. The town of Tiruvannamalai was at a strategic crossroads during the Vijayanagara Empire, connecting sacred centers of pilgrimage and military routes. There are inscriptions that show the area as an urban center before the precolonial period, with the city developing around the temple, similar to the Nayak ruled cities like Madurai.

During the 17th century, Tiruvannamalai came under the dominion of the Nawab of the Carnatic. As the Mughal empire came to an end, the Nawab lost control of the town, with confusion and chaos ensuing after 1753. Subsequently, there were periods of both Hindu and Muslim stewardship of the temple, with Muraru Raya, Krishna Raya, Mrithis Ali Khan, and Burkat Ullakhan besieging the temple in succession. As European incursions progressed, Tiruvannamalai was attacked by French Soupries, Sambrinet, and the English Captain Stephen Smith. While some were repelled, others were victorious. The French occupied the town in 1757 and it came under the control of the British in 1760. In 1790, Tiruvannamalai town was captured by Tippu Sultan, who ruled from 1750–99. During the first half of the 19th century, the town came under British rule.

GEOGRAPHY

Tiruvannamalai is situated 185 km from the state capital Chennai and 210 km from Bangalore. The height of the Annamalai hill is approximately 814 m. Tiruvannamalai is located at 12°N 79.05°E. It has an average elevation of 200 metres. The town is located to the east of Eastern Ghats. The topography of Tiruvannamalai is almost plain sloping from west to east. Tiruvannamalai experiences hot and dry weather throughout the year. The temperature ranges from a maximum of 40 °C to a minimum of 20 °C. Like the rest of the state, April to June are the hottest months and December to January are the coldest. Tiruvannamalai receives scanty rainfall with an average of 815 mm annually, which is lesser than the state average of 1,008 mm. The southwest monsoon with an onset in June and lasting up to August brings scanty rainfall. Bulk of the rainfall is received during the northeast monsoon in the months of October, November and December. The average humidity of the town is 77% and varies between 67% to 86%. During the summer months of April to June, the humidity ranges from 47–63%. The municipality covers an area of 16.3 km2.

ECONOMY

Tiruvannamali is a temple town and a major pilgrimage centre in Tamil Nadu. The town is the marketing and service town for the surrounding places. Being the administrative headquarters of the Tiruvannamalai district, Tiruvannamalai has a lot of tertiary sector activities. Trade and commerce and service activities are the major contributors to the economy of the town. In 1991, 7.93% of the population was involved in primary sector, 21.34% in secondary sector and 70.73% in tertiary sector activities. The town had a female work participation of 11%. Due to the urbanisation from 1971, there has been dip in primary sector activities and a proportional increase in the tertiary sector activities. There is limited agricultural activity within the town limits. The secondary sector involves manufacturing and construction, whose growth has remained stable over the decades. There are a number of oil mills, rice mills and agro based industries within the Tiruvannamalai town limits. The tertiary sector activities of trade, commerce, transport, storage, communication and other services has been increasing due to the increasing number of tourists to the town. The patronage to Girivalam has increased informal economic activities around the town. The major commercial activities are concentrated around Car Street, Thiruvoodal Street, Kadambarayan Street, Asaliamman Koil Street, Sivanpada Street and Polur Road.

All major nationalised banks such as State Bank of India, Indian Bank, Central Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Bank of India and private banks like ICICI Bank, Karur Vysya Bank have their branches in Tiruvannamalai. All these banks have their automated teller machines located in various parts of the town.

CULTURE

The Annamalaiyar Temple is the most prominent landmark of Tiruvannamalai. The temple complex covers an area of 10 ha, and is one of the largest temples in India. It houses four gateway towers known as gopurams. The tallest is the eastern tower, with 11 stories and a height of 66 m, making it one of the tallest temple towers in India. The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Annamalaiyar and Unnamulai Amman being the most prominent. The temple complex houses many halls; the most notable is the thousand-pillared hall built during the Vijayanagar period.

The Annamalaiyar temple is one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas, or five Shiva temples, with each a manifestation of a natural element: land, water, air, sky or fire. In Annamalaiyar temple, Shiva is said to have manifested himself as a massive column of fire, whose crown and feet could not be found by the Hindu gods, Brahma and Vishnu. Aathara Stala are Shiva temples which are considered to be personifications of the Tantric chakras of human anatomy. The Annamalaiyar temple is called the Manipooraga stalam, and is associated with the Manipooraga chakra. The temple is revered in Tevaram, the Tamil Saiva canon and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam, one of the 276 temples that find mention in the Saiva canon.

The most important festival of the Annamalaiyar temple is celebrated during the Tamil month of Karthikai, between November and December, concluding with the celebration of Karthikai Deepam. A huge lamp is lit in a cauldron, containing three tons of ghee, at the top of the Annamalai hills during the Deepam. To mark the occasion, the festival deity of Annamalaiyar circumambulates the mountain. Inscriptions indicate that the festival was celebrated as early as the Chola period (850–1280) and was expanded to ten days in the twentieth century.

Every full moon, tens of thousands of pilgrims worship Annamalaiyar by circumambulating the Annamalai hill barefoot. The circumambulation covers a distance of 14 kilometres, and is referred as Girivalam. According to Hindu legend, the walk removes sins, fulfils desires and helps achieve freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Offerings are made in a string of tanks, shrines, pillared meditation halls, springs and caves around the hill.

Tirumalai is an ancient Jain temple complex in the outskirts of Tirvannamalai that houses three Jain caves, four Jain temples and a 4.9 m high sculpture of Neminatha dated from the 12th century and the tallest Jain image in Tamil Nadu.

The Ramana Ashram and ashram of Yogi Ramsuratkumar, located around the Annamalai hill are popular visitor attractions of Tiruvannamalai. The Sathanur Dam over the Thenpennair river located 20 km southwest of the town is a prominent picnic spot. This 786.37 m Dam is 44.81m high and can store 207,300,000 cubic meters of water. A scenic park is also present adjacent to this dam. Ulagalantha Perumal Temple in Tirukoyilur and Thiruvarangam, situated 20 km south of Tiruvannamalai are prominent Vishnu temples that are located around Tiruvannamalai.

WIKIPEDIA

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Karthigai Deepam

Diwali also known as Deepavali and the "festival of lights", is an ancient Hindu festival celebrated in autumn every year.[3][4] The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair.[5][6][7] The festival preparations and rituals typically extend over a five day period, but the main festival night of Diwali coincides with the darkest, new moon night of the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika. In the Gregorian calendar, Diwali night falls between mid-October and mid-November.

Before Diwali night, people clean, renovate and decorate their homes.[8] On Diwali night, Hindus dress up in new clothes or their best outfit, light up diyas (lamps and candles) inside and outside their home, participate in family puja typically to Lakshmi - the goddess of wealth and prosperity. After puja (prayers), fireworks follow,[9] then a family feast including mithai (sweets), and an exchange of gifts between family members and close friends. Diwali also marks a major shopping period in nations where it is celebrated.[10]

Diwali is an important festival for Hindus. The name of festive days as well as the rituals of Diwali vary significantly among Hindus, based on the region of India. In many parts of India,[11] the festivities start with Dhanteras, followed by Naraka Chaturdasi on second day, Diwali on the third day, Diwali Padva dedicated to wife-husband relationship on the fourth day, and festivities end with Bhau-beej dedicated to sister-brother bond on the fifth day. Dhanteras usually falls eighteen days after Dussehra.

On the same night that Hindus celebrate Diwali, Jains celebrate a festival of lights to mark the attainment of moksha by Mahavira,[12][13] and Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas.[14]

Diwali is an official holiday in India,[15] Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore and Fiji.

TamilNadu

Known as Deepavali(தீபாவளி) in Tamil Nadu (தீப + ஆவளி = தீபாவளி meaning series of lights[56]), it commemorates the death of Narakasura at the hands of Lord Sri Krishna. It is believed that Narakasura, a malevolent demon, tortured common people and they prayed to lord Krishna to defeat him. The people then celebrated Narakasura's defeat with sparklers, lights and firecrackers. This celebration has continued down the generations as Deepavali. In Tamil Nadu, Diwali falls on the 14th day preceding the amavasya (new moon) in the solar month of Aippasi.[citation needed] The day begins with an early morning oil bath, wearing new clothes, bursting of firecrackers, visiting Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu and Shiva temples. The exchange of sweets between neighbours, visiting relations, and preparing Deepavali special sweets are traditions of the day.

Typical Deepavali celebrations begin with waking up early in the morning, before sun rise, followed by an oil-bath. The bathing tradition involves extensive massaging of warm til-oil containing pepper corns and betel leaves.[citation needed] New clothes are typically worn as a part of celebrations. After the bath, a home-made medicine known as "Deepavali Lehiyam" is consumed, which is supposed to aid in soothing digestive problems that may ensue due to feasting that occurs later in the day. Sparklers, firecrackers and lights are used extensively, much like the rest of the world where Deepavali is celebrated. Though the rest of the country celebrates Diwali traditionally on an amavasya day, Tamil Nadu will celebrate it on the preceding day, Naraka Chaturdashi. In Tamil Nadu, Diwali is calculated when chaturdashi prevails during sunrise, precisely at 4am-6am. If chaturdashi prevails after 6am it is not considered. For example, if chaturdashi tithi begins at 2:30 pm the preceding day and ends at 1pm next day, the next day will be celebrated as Diwali. Contrary to the rest of the nation, diyas are not lit on the night of diwali. Lamps are lit on the night of Karthikai Deepam, in the Tamil solar month of Karthikai.[citation needed]

This shot is taken on Friday night, as destined for Karthigai month's Girivalam, the night after திருவண்ணாமலை தீபத்திருநாள். Tried my best to get the moon to the right of the Raja Gopuram (just as it is positioned on Shiva's head per Hindu Mythology), while also not missing on the Dancing Shiva neatly designed by the serial lights and the mani-mandapa before the gopuram.

Since Tiruvannamalai is the place where Lord Shiva (Destroyer-cum-Rejuvenator) takes form of one of the five elements - Fire - the purifier or sins - since this is the place where he taught humility to Lord Vishnu (Savior) and Lord Brahma (Creator).

For record, the 5 pilgrimage spots for each of the 5 elements are:

1. Fire - Tiruvannamalai - Annamalayar Temple;

2. Water - Thivaanaikkaa, Trichy - Jambukeswarar Temple;

3. Earth - Kanchipuram - Ekambareswarar Temple;

2. Air - Sri Kalahasthi, Andhra Pradesh - Kalahasteeswarar Temple; and

3. Sky / Space / Ether - Chidambaram - Natarajar Temple.

Coming back to Tiruvannamalai, when Vishnu and Brahma had an argument amongst themselves as to who is greater and could not decide amongst themselves, they chose to have Shiva as a mediator. Remember that Shiva tends to be very playful and mischievous almost all the times, except when he is angry (normally for a good cause).

Shiva told the other two மும்மூர்த்திகள் (Trinity members) that he would conduct a competition in which he will stand as a flame that would rise to the skies and dwell through the earth's underground and whoever finds the end would win. Shiva stood as a fire in Tiruvannamalai. Vishnu is known for his Varaha avatar (boar form) and bore through the ground to find the root of the flame. On the other hand, Brahma called for his வாகனம் (vehicle) - the swan and flew up towards the sky to find the head of the flame.

However, both could not succeed in finding the ends of the flame. Vishnu gave up realizing humility. Brahma happened to meet தாழம்பூ (Fragrant Screw Pine) on the way, which was used to decorate Shiva's head earlier. Brahma made a pact that meeting this pine flower is as good as seeing the head and asked the flower to witness, for which the flower agreed too. When Brahma claimed that he saw the topmost tip of the flame and Fragrant Screw Pine fake-witnessed it, this enraged Shiva who ordered that there would not be any temple with prime God as Brahma and that the Fragrant Screw Pine will never be used as items used in any aspect of worshiping Shiva. Owing to this, Brahma has only one own temple in the whole world where He is the primary God (மூலவர்) and the flower is never used in worshiping of Shiva.

It is good to worship him by burning camphor (but not this quantity). Scientifically, eyes need some traces of sulphur and phosphorous for good health and this is obtained by burning camphor. The same practice has been adopted by Jewism and Christianity who replaced camphor with candles, which is less smoky.

Devotees conglomerate in Tiruvannamalai on every Full Moon Night for கிரிவலம் (Girivalam, which is a combination of Giri - hill and valam - round), which is to go around the hill (about 16 km barefoot walk) to see and worship Lord Shiva in his purest of forms in the place where the whole hill is considered to be Lord himself, where Shiva appeared as fire. From the spot called as பஞ்சமுக தரிசனம (Panchamuga Dharisanam), one can see the shape of Shiva Lying with features of face, arms, chest, legs clearly depicted by the five peaks in the hill. From நந்திமுக தரிசனம் (Nandhimuga Dharisanam) and 3 other spots, the outline of the hill shows the shape of the bull's head, which is Shiva's வாகனம் (vehicle).

With so many spiritual factors in this place, It is claimed that those who think of this holy place (Tiruvannamalai) would get out of the vicious life-death cycle and become eternal. Apart from being a spiritual spot, taking up Girivalam has its own medicinal effects, since the barefoot 16-km walk is a good session of Accupressure and excites all nerves on the surface of the feet, thereby realigning all simple malfunctions in the body, thereby rejuvenating the senses. Moreover, this village is yet to be polluted and fresh air from the medicinal plants and minerals from the hill and countryside is a refreshing experience in itself. No wonder a lazy guy like me does not bother to pursue Girivalam seriously since Jan 2006 every full-moon night without a break in between, come what may!

Tiruvannamalai (Tamil: Tiruvaṇṇāmalai IPA: [ˈtiɾɯʋaɳːaːmalɛi̯], also Thiruvannamalai or Trinomali and Trinomalee during British times) is a town in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The town is administered by a special grade municipality that covers an area of 16.33 km2 and had a population of 144,278 in 2011. It is the administrative headquarters of Tiruvannamalai District. Roadways are the major mode of transport in Tiruvannamalai, while the town also has rail connectivity. Chennai International Airport is the nearest domestic and international airport to the town. Tiruvannamalai is named after the central deity of the Annamalaiyar Temple, Annamalaiyar. The Karthigai Deepam festival is celebrated during the day of the full moon between November and December, and a huge beacon is lit atop the Annamalai hill. The event is witnessed by three million pilgrims. On the day preceding each full moon, pilgrims circumnavigate the temple base and the Annamalai hills in a worship called Girivalam, a practice carried out by one million pilgrims yearly.

Located on the foothills of Annamalai hills, Tiruvannamalai has been ruled by the Pallavas, the Medieval Cholas, the Later Cholas, Hoysalas, the Vijayanagar Empire, the Carnatic kingdom, Tipu Sultan, and the British. It served as the capital city of the Hoysalas. The town is built around the Annamalaiyar Temple like other Nayak capitals. Tiruvannamalai is administered by a special-grade a municipality constituted in 1886. Tiruvannamalai has an average elevation of 200 metres and experiences a hot and humid climate. Being a pilgrimage town, most of the people are employed in the tertiary sector. There are 25 elementary schools, nine high schools, 18 higher secondary schools, four arts & science colleges, one government medical college and four engineering colleges in the town.

ETYMOLOGY AND LEGEND

In Hindu mythology, Parvati, wife of Shiva, once closed the eyes of her husband playfully in a flower garden at their abode atop Mount Kailash. Although only a moment for the gods, all light was taken from the universe, and the earth, in turn, was submerged in darkness for years. Parvati performed penance with other devotees of Shiva, and her husband appeared as a column of fire at the top of Annamalai hills, returning light to the world. He then merged with Parvati to form Ardhanarishvara, the half-female, half-male form of Shiva. The Annamalai, or red mountain, lies behind the Annamalaiyar temple, and is associated with the temple of its namesake. The hill is sacred and considered a lingam, or iconic representation of Shiva, in itself. Another legend is that once, while Vishnu and Brahma contested for superiority, Shiva appeared as a flame, and challenged them to find his source. Brahma took the form of a swan, and flew to the sky to see the top of the flame, while Vishnu became the boar Varaha, and sought its base. The scene is called lingothbava, and is represented in the western wall at the sanctum of most Shiva temples. Neither Brahma nor Vishnu could find the source, and while Vishnu conceded his defeat, Brahma lied and said he had found the pinnacle. In punishment, Shiva ordained that Brahma would never have temples on earth in his worship. In Tamil, the word Arunam means red or fire and Asalam means hill. Since Shiva manifested himself in the form of fire in this place, this name Arunachalam came to be associated with Annamalai hill and the town. The first mention of Annamalai is found in Tevaram, the seventh century Tamil Saiva canonical work by Appar and Tirugnanasambandar.

HISTORY

The history of Tiruvannamalai revolves around the Annamalaiyar Temple. The recorded history of the town dates back to the ninth century, as seen from a Chola inscriptions in the temple. Further inscriptions made before ninth century indicate the rule of Pallava kings, whose capital was Kanchipuram. The seventh century Nayanar saints Sambandar and Appar wrote of the temple in their poetic work, Tevaram. Sekkizhar, the author of the Periyapuranam records both Appar and Sambandar worshiped Annamalaiyar in the temple. The Chola Kings ruled over the region for more than four centuries, from 850 to 1280, and were temple patrons. The inscriptions from the Chola king record various gifts like land, sheep, cow and oil to the temple commemorating various victories of the dynasty.

The Hoysala kings used Tiruvannamalai as their capital beginning in 1328. There are 48 inscriptions from the Sangama Dynasty (1336–1485), two inscriptions from Saluva Dynasty, and 55 inscriptions from Tuluva Dynasty (1491–1570) of the Vijayanagara Empire, reflecting gifts to the temple from their rulers. There are also inscriptions from the rule of Krishnadeva Raya (1509–1529), the most powerful Vijayanagara king, indicating further patronage. Most of the Vijayanagara inscriptions were written in Tamil, with some in Kannada and Sanskrit. The inscriptions in the temple from the Vijayanagara kings indicate emphasis on administrative matters and local concerns, which contrasts the inscriptions of the same rulers in other temples like Tirupathi. The majority of the gift related inscriptions are for land endowments, followed by goods, cash endowments, cows and oil for lighting lamps. The town of Tiruvannamalai was at a strategic crossroads during the Vijayanagara Empire, connecting sacred centers of pilgrimage and military routes. There are inscriptions that show the area as an urban center before the precolonial period, with the city developing around the temple, similar to the Nayak ruled cities like Madurai.

During the 17th century, Tiruvannamalai came under the dominion of the Nawab of the Carnatic. As the Mughal empire came to an end, the Nawab lost control of the town, with confusion and chaos ensuing after 1753. Subsequently, there were periods of both Hindu and Muslim stewardship of the temple, with Muraru Raya, Krishna Raya, Mrithis Ali Khan, and Burkat Ullakhan besieging the temple in succession. As European incursions progressed, Tiruvannamalai was attacked by French Soupries, Sambrinet, and the English Captain Stephen Smith. While some were repelled, others were victorious. The French occupied the town in 1757 and it came under the control of the British in 1760. In 1790, Tiruvannamalai town was captured by Tippu Sultan, who ruled from 1750–99. During the first half of the 19th century, the town came under British rule.

GEOGRAPHY

Tiruvannamalai is situated 185 km from the state capital Chennai and 210 km from Bangalore. The height of the Annamalai hill is approximately 814 m. Tiruvannamalai is located at 12°N 79.05°E. It has an average elevation of 200 metres. The town is located to the east of Eastern Ghats. The topography of Tiruvannamalai is almost plain sloping from west to east. Tiruvannamalai experiences hot and dry weather throughout the year. The temperature ranges from a maximum of 40 °C to a minimum of 20 °C. Like the rest of the state, April to June are the hottest months and December to January are the coldest. Tiruvannamalai receives scanty rainfall with an average of 815 mm annually, which is lesser than the state average of 1,008 mm. The southwest monsoon with an onset in June and lasting up to August brings scanty rainfall. Bulk of the rainfall is received during the northeast monsoon in the months of October, November and December. The average humidity of the town is 77% and varies between 67% to 86%. During the summer months of April to June, the humidity ranges from 47–63%. The municipality covers an area of 16.3 km2.

ECONOMY

Tiruvannamali is a temple town and a major pilgrimage centre in Tamil Nadu. The town is the marketing and service town for the surrounding places. Being the administrative headquarters of the Tiruvannamalai district, Tiruvannamalai has a lot of tertiary sector activities. Trade and commerce and service activities are the major contributors to the economy of the town. In 1991, 7.93% of the population was involved in primary sector, 21.34% in secondary sector and 70.73% in tertiary sector activities. The town had a female work participation of 11%. Due to the urbanisation from 1971, there has been dip in primary sector activities and a proportional increase in the tertiary sector activities. There is limited agricultural activity within the town limits. The secondary sector involves manufacturing and construction, whose growth has remained stable over the decades. There are a number of oil mills, rice mills and agro based industries within the Tiruvannamalai town limits. The tertiary sector activities of trade, commerce, transport, storage, communication and other services has been increasing due to the increasing number of tourists to the town. The patronage to Girivalam has increased informal economic activities around the town. The major commercial activities are concentrated around Car Street, Thiruvoodal Street, Kadambarayan Street, Asaliamman Koil Street, Sivanpada Street and Polur Road.

All major nationalised banks such as State Bank of India, Indian Bank, Central Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Bank of India and private banks like ICICI Bank, Karur Vysya Bank have their branches in Tiruvannamalai. All these banks have their automated teller machines located in various parts of the town.

CULTURE

The Annamalaiyar Temple is the most prominent landmark of Tiruvannamalai. The temple complex covers an area of 10 ha, and is one of the largest temples in India. It houses four gateway towers known as gopurams. The tallest is the eastern tower, with 11 stories and a height of 66 m, making it one of the tallest temple towers in India. The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Annamalaiyar and Unnamulai Amman being the most prominent. The temple complex houses many halls; the most notable is the thousand-pillared hall built during the Vijayanagar period.

The Annamalaiyar temple is one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas, or five Shiva temples, with each a manifestation of a natural element: land, water, air, sky or fire. In Annamalaiyar temple, Shiva is said to have manifested himself as a massive column of fire, whose crown and feet could not be found by the Hindu gods, Brahma and Vishnu. Aathara Stala are Shiva temples which are considered to be personifications of the Tantric chakras of human anatomy. The Annamalaiyar temple is called the Manipooraga stalam, and is associated with the Manipooraga chakra. The temple is revered in Tevaram, the Tamil Saiva canon and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam, one of the 276 temples that find mention in the Saiva canon.

The most important festival of the Annamalaiyar temple is celebrated during the Tamil month of Karthikai, between November and December, concluding with the celebration of Karthikai Deepam. A huge lamp is lit in a cauldron, containing three tons of ghee, at the top of the Annamalai hills during the Deepam. To mark the occasion, the festival deity of Annamalaiyar circumambulates the mountain. Inscriptions indicate that the festival was celebrated as early as the Chola period (850–1280) and was expanded to ten days in the twentieth century.

Every full moon, tens of thousands of pilgrims worship Annamalaiyar by circumambulating the Annamalai hill barefoot. The circumambulation covers a distance of 14 kilometres, and is referred as Girivalam. According to Hindu legend, the walk removes sins, fulfils desires and helps achieve freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Offerings are made in a string of tanks, shrines, pillared meditation halls, springs and caves around the hill.

Tirumalai is an ancient Jain temple complex in the outskirts of Tirvannamalai that houses three Jain caves, four Jain temples and a 4.9 m high sculpture of Neminatha dated from the 12th century and the tallest Jain image in Tamil Nadu.

The Ramana Ashram and ashram of Yogi Ramsuratkumar, located around the Annamalai hill are popular visitor attractions of Tiruvannamalai. The Sathanur Dam over the Thenpennair river located 20 km southwest of the town is a prominent picnic spot. This 786.37 m Dam is 44.81m high and can store 207,300,000 cubic meters of water. A scenic park is also present adjacent to this dam. Ulagalantha Perumal Temple in Tirukoyilur and Thiruvarangam, situated 20 km south of Tiruvannamalai are prominent Vishnu temples that are located around Tiruvannamalai.

WIKIPEDIA

Oil lamps kept on a Kolam, a design ladies make with white powder in front of the houses.

We light deepams (oil lamps )on the day of "Karthigai " and decorate the houses with them and candles too on the full moon day of the Tamil month, Karthigai..

Temples are also decorated with hundreds or thousands of oil lamps.

This kolam was in front of our neighbour's house --shot at night with flash.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Satyanarayana is a Hindu religious observance. It is a ritual performed by Hindus before/on any major occasion like marriage, house warming ceremony etc. It can also be performed on any day for any reason. It finds first mention in skandha puran

The Satyanarayana Puja is usually done on the Purnima day of every month (the day of the full moon) or a Sankranti. It is also done on special occasions and during times of achievements as an offering of gratitude to the Lord. These occasions include marriage, graduation, new job, and the purchase of a new home to name a few. In addition, it is said that a devotional performance of this puja will bear children to couples trying to start a family.

ri Satyanarayana Vratam, Puja are very popular in Andhra Pradesh India. Almost all Hindus, throughout Andhra Pradesh, have strong faith, belief, and devotion towards Sriman Narayana, an incarnation of Vishnu. There is a very ancient, famous temple for Sri Satyanarayana Swamy at Annavaram, near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. This vratam is performed daily there. Daily, large numbers of devotees, many with families, visit the temple, offer prayers, perform this Vratam there, right in the temple. This place is one of the very important pilgrimages.

[edit]Procedure

A painting of Narayana (Vishnu) seated on lotus

The puja starts by a prayer to Lord Ganesha, to remove all obstacles that may occur as a result of incorrectly performing the puja. This is done by chanting all the names of Lord Ganesha and offering prasad (a food offering, usually consisting of one of Lord Ganesha's favorite foods - modak, a sugar and coconut mixture, or laddu) and the showering of flower petals.

Another part of the prayer involves a prayer to the Navagraha's - the nine important celestial beings in the universe. They consist of Surya (the Sun), Chandra (the moon), Angaaraka/Chevaai (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Guru aka Bruhaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Sani (Saturn), Rahu (the head of the Demon snake), and Ketu (the tail of the Demon snake).

The rest of the puja consists of worship to Satyanarayana, an extremely benevolent form of Lord Vishnu. First "panchamritam" is used to clean the place where the deity is placed. After placing the deity in the correct position, Satyanaraya swami is worshipped. Names of Satyanarayana are chanted along with offering of a variety of prasad (including a mixture of milk, honey, ghee/butter, yogurt, sugar) and flower petals.

Another requirement of the puja is that the story of the puja be heard among all those observing and partaking in the puja. The story involves the origin of the puja, the benefits of it, and the potential mishaps that may occur with the forgetting performance of the puja.

The prayer concludes with an Aarti, which consists of revolving a small fire-lit-lamp in the vicinity of an image of the Lord. After the puja is over, participants and observers of the puja are required to ingest in the prasad that was offered and blessed by the Lord......

[edit]Puja (Prayer) Vidhi (performing method)

The Satyanarayan Puja is performed in reverence to the Narayan form of Lord Vishnu. The Lord in this form is considered an embodiment of truth.

Performing this puja in the evening is considered more appropriate. However one can do it in the morning as well. On the day of the puja, the devotee has to fast. After bathing the person can begin the puja.

[edit]Materials needed for the puja

Satyanarayana Puja preparation

'Sinni': A special type of food offering, which is prepared by mixing unboiled milk, flour, sugar, smashed bananas, and other flavours like cinnamon etc., or optional garnishing like groundnuts, cashews, cherries, crushed coconuts/fruits etc.

Kumkum powder, turmeric powder, rangoli

Incense sticks, camphor.

Thirty betel leaves, thirty betel nuts, two coconuts.

Five almonds,

Flowers to offer

One thousand tulsi leaves; banana tree as a canopy [1]

One square shaped wooden platform

Two copper jars, two plates.

One shawl

A mixture of milk, curd, honey, sugar, ghee to make the panchamrita, Sandal paste.

Akshat (rice grains) with turmeric powder.

Attar, Indian perfume.

Two flower garlands, conch shell, bell, a cloth, a ghee lamp and an oil lamp.

1 kg of raw rice

1 kg of sajjige as prasadam

6 numbers of coconuts after completing each katha.

The Satyanarayana Puja is a Hindu religious observance. It is a ritual performed by Hindus before/on any major occasion like marriage, house warming ceremony etc. It can also be performed on any day for any reason. The Satyanarayana Puja is unique in that it does not require a Brahmin to perform.

The Satyanarayana Puja is usually done on the Pournami day of every month (full moon day), ekadasi (11th day after full moon or new moon), kartheeka paurnami, vaisakha paurnami, solar eclipse day or on Sankranti except during Ashada masam. It is also done on special occasions and during times of achievements as an offering of gratitude to the Lord. These occasions include marriage, graduation, new job, and the purchase of a new home to name a few. In addition, it is said that a devotional performance of this puja will bear children to couples trying to start a family. Summary of the puja process:

The puja starts by a prayer to Lord Ganesha, to remove all obstacles that may occur as a result of incorrectly performing the puja. This is done by chanting all the names of Lord Ganesha and offering prasad (a food offering, usually consisting of one of Lord Ganesha’s favorite foods – modak, a sugar and coconut mixture, or lhadu) and the showering of flower petals.

Another part of the prayer involves a prayer to the Navagraha’s – the nine important celestial beings in the universe. They consist of Surya (the Sun), Chandra (the moon), Angaaraka/Chevaai (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Guru aka Bruhaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Sani (Saturn), Rahu (the head of the Demon snake), and Ketu (the tail of the Demon snake).

The rest of the puja consists of worship to Satyanarayana, an extremely benevolent form of Lord Vishnu. First “panchamritam” is used to clean the place where the deity is placed. After placing the deity in the correct position, Satyanaraya swami is worshipped. Names of Satyanarayana are chanted along with offering of a variety of prasad (including a mixture of milk, honey, ghee/butter, yogurt, sugar) and flower petals.

Another requirement of the puja is that the story of the puja be heard among all those observing and partaking in the pooja. The story involves the origin of the puja, the benefits of it, and the potential mishaps that may occur with the careless performance of the puja.

The prayer concludes with an Aarti, which consists of revolving a small fire-lit-lamp in the vicinity of an image of the Lord. After the puja is over, participants and observers of the pooja are required to ingest in the prasad that was offered and blessed by the Lord.

It is told that Satyanarayan Katha is in REVA volume of Skanda Purana. But this volume is devoted to pilgrimages on the valley of river REVA. In Satyanarayana there is no Reva river. In original Skanda Purana there is nothing like Satyanarayana. Recent Skanda Puranas added it with clear note of its new addition in Skanda. Puja vidhanam:

The Satyanarayan Puja is performed in reverence to the Narayan form of Lord Vishnu. The Lord in this form is considered an embodiment of truth. This puja is conducted to ensure abundance in ones life. Many people carry out this puja immediately after or along with an auspicious occasion like a marriage or moving into a new house or any other success in life. It is believed the ceremony originated in Bengal as Satya Pir and was later adapted into Satyanarayan puja.

The Satyanarayan puja can be performed on any day. It is not a puja confined to any festivities. But Poornima (full moon day) or Sankranti are considered to be most auspicious day for this puja.

Performing this puja in the evening is considered more appropriate. However one can do it in the morning as well. On the day of the puja, the devotee has to fast. After bathing the person can begin the puja. Materials required for puja:

‘Sinni’: A special type of food offering, which is prepared by mixing unboiled milk, flour, sugar, smashed bananas, and other flavours like cinnamon etc., or optional garnishing like groundnuts, cashews, cherries, crushed coconuts/fruits etc.

Kumkum powder, turmeric powder, rangoli

Incense sticks, camphor.

Thirty betel leaves, thirty betel nuts, two coconuts.

Five almonds,

Flowers to offer

One thousand tulsi leaves; banana tree as a canopy[2]

One square shaped wooden platform

Two copper jars, two plates.

One shawl

A mixture of milk, curd, honey, sugar, ghee to make the panchamrita, Sandal paste.

Akshat (rice grains) with kumkum powder.

Attar, Indian perfume.

Two flower garlands, conch shell, bell, a cloth, a ghee lamp and an oil lamp.

To prepare Prasadam:

You need to prepare halwa with sugar and suji by using atleast 5 measures of rava.

Fruits

Panchamrutam (made by mixing 1cup milk, 1tbsp curd, 1tsp ghee, 1 sliced banana, 2tsp honey

Other suggestions for items needed for puja:

Coconuts

Flowers

Betel leaves

Prasadam (wheat flour)

New blouse piece

Brass/silver vessel(chembu) for kalasam

Panakam

Vadapappu

Fruits

Agarbatti

Deepams

Sri Satyanarana Swami Katha:

Shri Satyanarayana katha (narrative) comes from the Skandha purana, Reva kaanda. Suta Maharshi narrated these stories, in Neimishaaranya to the Rishis who were performing a 1 ,000 year yagna for the benefit of mankind lead by Shounakji.

For those who observe the fast religiously and regularly, there are some great lessons to be learned from the ‘katha’ (narration)

This is shown by characters who ignored their promise to perform the puja after their wish had been fulfilled. They suffered as a result. Therefore one is to deduce that one must stick to the promise given to the Lord in exchange of the desire fulfilled by His Grace. One is not to ignore or/and forget the Lord’s Grace. Prasad is symbolic of God’s Grace which Kalavati ignored as she learned of her husband’s safe return.

One can understand her eagerness in wanting to be re-united with her beloved, but one must understand that if one forgets to be thankful for gifts received from the Lord, one would have to go through another test until one remembers to remember.

When the rich merchant is asked what the boat contains, he untruthfully replies ‘Only dry leaves’ and the Mendicant says ‘So be it’ The above incident tells us that the spoken word has power. What you speak, manifests. Hence one must not speak an untruth. Especially an inauspicious untruth.

In the last story one learns that no one is higher or lower in status in the eyes of the Lord. Hence one must accord respect to whoever it may be, who is taking the name of God. Katha details: Story 1:

Suta Maharshi narrated the stories. Once upon a time while travelling the three worlds, Narada Maharshi reached Bhoolokam (Earth) and saw the human beings immense suffering. He then went to the abode of Lord Sri Satyanarayana Swami (the benevolent form of Lord Vishnu), who alone can relieve the mankind from the sufferings. There he met the Lord Vishnu with four arms each with Shankha, Chakra, Gadha & Padma, wearing Tulsi Mala (garland) in his neck. Narada Maharshi then asked the lord for a panacea for the miseries of the world. Lord Sri Satyanarayana told Narada Maharshi that there is a fast and puja which can be performed by anyone to overcome these obstacles. The Lord said, “Anyone who performs Shri Satyanarayan Swami’s Vratham & Puja in the right way they will get all the pleasures on earth & will reach their goal”. The fast would result in the fulfillment of his desires and also liberation from the cycle of birth and death into attaining moksha (salvation). Whosoever performs Shri Satyanarayana Swami’s Katha with a Brahmin and with his family with full rites/rituals, they will be relieved off their sufferings and sorrows. They will be bestowed with wealth & wisdom, they will be blessed with children and they will get overall victory & increased devotion.

For this prayer, one requires ripe bananas, ghee, milk & choori (made with wheat flour, ghee & sugar). After the prayers, all present must have the prasadam & then take their meals together, & then sing, praise, & chant mantras of Shri Satyanarayana Swami. By doing this, their wishes will be fulfilled. This vratham in kaliyugam gives boon (reward) very quickly.

This chapter of Lord Satyanarayana Swami is over. All chant together (say) Shri Satyanarayana ki jai. Story 2:

Lord Satyanarayana then narrated to Narada Maharshi how and who performed the puja first. In a place named Sunder Kashipur, there used to live a very innocent brahmin. In hunger & thirst he used to roam begging for his daily bread. When the Lord saw the Brahmin in sorrow and begging daily, he disguised himself as an old Brahmin & asked him, “On Brahmana, why are you so sad. Please tell me all about your difficulties. Is there any way I could help you?”. The Brahmin replied, “I am a poor Brahmin & I roam daily for bread. Do you know if there is any way to come out of all this sorrow?”. Then the Lord in the guise of a brahmin said “Lord Satyanarayana grants all the wishes of all the people if his puja and fast is performed diligently. If you pray to him & keep his fast you will overcome all your sorrow and get moksha”. After telling him all the details of the prayer and the fast, Lord disappeared. The poor brahmin could not sleep that night. He kept thinking of the fast and the prayer which the Lord had asked him to do. In the morning, he woke up with the thought that somehow he must perform the puja and so thinking went out for his biksha (alms). On that day the Brahmin got a lot of money. He used to buy all the necessary things for the prayer. He called his family and performed Lord Satyanarayana’s prayer. By doing so, the Brahmin overcame all his sorrows & became rich. From then onwards, he performed the prayers every month without fail. Thus whoever performs Lord Satyanarayana Swami’s puja, they will be relieved from all sorrows.

The Lord then narrated another story. The same Brahmin now a rich person performed the prayer every month without fail with his family. Once a Brahmin was in between his prayer when a wood-cutter passed by. After keeping the bundle of wood outside the brahmin’s house, he went in to quench his thirst. The thirsty wood-cutter saw the brahmin performing the Satyanarayana Vratham. He bowed down to the Brahmin & asked him, “Oh Brahmana, what are you doing, please tell me.” The Brahmin replied, “I am performing the vratham of Lord Satyanarayana Swami. One who accomplishes this will overcome all obstacles and their wishes will be granted. They will attain wealth and wisdom. I have aquired my wealth also in the same way.” After hearing about the prayer and drinking the water, the wood-cutter felt happy. He ate the prasadam from the puja and left for his house.

Thinking of Lord Satyanarayana in his mind, he said “Whatever money I make from selling wood today, I will use it to perform the Satyanaraya Swami vratham.” So thinking, he loaded the bundle of wood onto his head and left for his home. Along the way home he went roaming in Sunder Nagar selling the wood. On that day, he got four times more money than what he made usually out of the wood sale. Feeling happy, he went and bought all the necessary things for the prayers (ie. ripe bananas, sugar, ghee, wheat flour, etc). On reaching his house and after cleaning himself, he called his family and did the prayer with due respect. He became rich and aquired all the pleasures of life. At the end of his life he went to heaven.

This chapter of Lord Satyanarayana Swami is over. All chant together (say) Shri Satyanarayana ki jai. Story 3:

This story consists of a childless merchant and his adventures. There was a wise king named Ulkamuk. He had a pious and beautiful wife. He would go to the temple daily and would give charity to the Brahmins. One day near the banks of river Madhushala, where they were performing Lord Shri Satyanarayana’s vratham, a wealthy merchant was passing by. He anchored his boat, went to the king and asked him, “Oh King, please let me know the details about the vratham you are performing with such devotion”. The king replied that he was performing the Lord Satyanarayana Swami’s vratham. He said that one who performs this vratham will gain worldy pleasures and attain salvation. The merchant with much eager asked him the details stating that, “Oh King, I would like to know the details as I am childless and would like to perform this vratham”. The king gladly gave the entire details about the vratham and its vidhanam.

After aquiring the entire details of the vratham, the merchant and his wife decided to perform the fast if they get a child. Sometime later his wife Lilavati became pregnant and she delivered a girl who they called Kalavati. The merchant’s wife Lilavati reminded him about his promise to keep the fast and perform the vratham. The merchant postponed it saying that he would do so when the daughter is ready to be married. The merchant told his wife that during the time of Kalawati’s wedding it would be easy to the fast for at the moment he was busy in his business. So saying he left for his business trip to various villages.

Kalawati grew up to be a beautiful girl. When the merchant saw his daughter was of marriageable age; he called the match-maker and requested him to search an ideal match for his daughter. Hearing the merchant’s request, the match-maker reached Kanchan Nagar. From there, he brought the proposal of a young handsome boy. Agreeing to the proposal and after speaking to the boy’s parents, Kalavati’s marriage was performed with much fanfare and religious ceremonies & rituals. All this while the merchant forgot about the promise to perform the Satyanarayana vratham and so the Lord decided to remind the merchant about his promise.

The merchant, after a few days, left for his business trip with his son-in-law by boat. They anchored their boat in a beautiful village, named Ratanpur ruled by King Chandraketu. One day, the thieves robbed the wealth of the king. After robbing they went and stayed at the same place where the merchant was staying. Seeing the guards following them, they left the entire loot near the merchant and then hid themselves. When the guards reached the merchant’s place, they saw all the king’s wealth beside the merchant and his son-in-law. Thinking them to be robbers, they arrested them and brought them before the king stating that they were responsible for the theft. The king, without giving any chance of explaining their case ordered both be confined to behind bars. Even their wealth was confiscated by the king.

While at the merchant’s house, the thieves robbed their entire wealth. This left his wife and daughter to beg for their daily bread. One day while begging for food, Kalawati reached a Brahmin’s house. At that time the brahmin and his family were performing Lord Satyanarayana’s puja. After listening to the prayer and& taking the prasadam, she left for home. By the time she reached home it was already dark.

Leelawati was worried. She asked her daughter Kalawati, why it took her so much time to come home. Kalawati replied, “Oh Mother, today I was at a Brahmin’s house where they were performing Lord Satyanarayana’s vratham.” On hearing this, Leelawati recollected the long pending promise by her husband and narrated it to her daughter. She soon began the preparations for the Lord Satyanarayana vratham. She did the fast & prayer and asked the Lord for forgiveness. She prayed that her husband and her son-in-law return home safely.

Lord Satyanarayana was pleased with the prayer and the fast. One day, he told King Chandraketu in his dream, “Oh King, You must release the merchant and his son-in-law as they are not the robbers. Return their wealth and set them free. If you do not do so, your kingdom will be destroyed.” In the morning, the king called the people in his court and told them about the dream.

The people they agreed that the merchant and his son-in-law should be released by the king. The king asked the guards to bring the prisoners returned all their belongings and set them free. The king told them that due to their wrong-doings, they had to undergo this suffering, but now there was nothing to fear & they could go back home. They bowed down to the king & left for home.

This chapter of Lord Satyanarayana is over. All chant together (say) Shri Satyanarayana ki jai. Story 4:

The merchant prayed first and then gave some wealth to the Brahmin before starting his journey for home. When they went little further, Lord Satyanarayana wanted to test them. He disguised as an old man and went up to the merchant. The Lord asked, “What is in your boat, give me little from there.” The merchant in arrogance and pride, replied, “Oh Old man, we have nothing in our boat except hay and leaves.” On hearing such harsh words from the merchant, the Lord said, “Your words shall be true”. So saying, he went from there and sat on the bank of the river.

When the Lord went away, the boat started to rise higher in the water. The merchant was surprised at this. He went to check inside the boat. To his shock he saw that his boat which was filled with his wealth now contains only leaves and hay. Seeing this he fainted. When he came to his senses, he said “How could this happen?” His son-in-law meanwhile told him, “Do not cry over this. All has happened because you spoke harshly to the old man and lied to him. Still, nothing is lost. You could go back to him and ask him for his forgiveness. He may set everything right.”

The merchant, after hearing the words of his son-in-law went in search of the old man. He bowed down before him and with respect said, “Oh Lord, please forgive me for the words I have spoken.” So saying, he bowed down with tears of sorrow in his eyes. When the Lord, saw the merchant in his state of sorrow and crying for forgiveness, he said, “Oh foolish person, due to your deeds, you have seen all this sorrow & suffering.”

On hearing the merchant’s words filled with bhakti, the Lord was happy & he turned the boat full of wealth. When the merchant mounted his boat and saw it full with wealth again, he thanked the Lord & said, “With Lord Satyanarayana’s grace, my wish is fulfilled. When I reach home, I will do his prayer & fast”, so saying he left for his home.

When the merchant saw that his home-town Ratanpur is nearing, he sent a messenger in advance, to his house to inform his wife & daughter of his arrival. The messenger, on reaching the merchant’s house, bowed down to the merchant’s wife & gave them the most awaited news that the merchant & his son-in-law have reached Ratanpur.

Leelawati had just finished doing her Satyanarayana Puja meanwhile. She told her daughter to finish doing the prayer and then come & receive her husband & her father. Kalawati finished doing her quickly & without taking the prasadam left to meet her husband. The Lord got angry at her for this, and so he drowned her husband with the boat. When Kalawati did not see her husband; she was shocked and she fainted on the floor.

On seeing his daughter and the sudden disappearance of the boat, the merchant was shocked. He prayed to Lord Satyanarayana, asked him for his forgiveness and prayed to the Lord to take them out of this difficulty. The Lord said to the merchant, “Oh merchant, your daughter, in a hurry to meet her husband has left my prasadam. When she goes back and takes the prasadam with due respect only then she will see her husband.” On hearing this, Kalawati ran home, ate the prasadam offered respects to Lord Satyanarayana and came back to meet her husband. When the merchant saw this, he was very happy.

The merchant then performed Lord Satyanarayana’s vratham with his family every month from then onwards. They all gained the pleasures of life and after their death they got the ultimate gift of ‘Moksha’ (Salvation – Liberation from the cycle of life and death).

This chapter of Lord Satyanarayana is over. All chant together (say) Lord Satyanarayana ki jai. Story 5:

Suta Maharshi continuing his narrative, tells the Rishis, the story of a king called Angadwaja. Once, as King Angadwaja was returning from a hunting expedition, he stopped to rest under a tree for a while. Nearby a small group of cowherd boys were playing the game of doing puja. They offered their humble parsadam to the king, who out of pride left it untouched. Subsequently the king suffered great losses and realised that that was due to the contempt he had shown for those children’s puja. The king realising his mistake returned to the spot where he had met the cowherds, and with great faith performed the puja with them. The king regained all that he had lost.

Suta Maharshi now told the Rishis that the Lord Sri Satyanarayana Swami fast was very effective during Kaliyuga and that whoever read or heard this story would be rid of all sorrows and difficulties.

The names of the persons who kept Satyanarayana vratham took re-birth are as follows:

The Brahmin took birth as Sudama & in his entire life he served the Lord Krishna & attained moksha.

King Ulkamuk took birth as King Dashrath, and in that life he became the father of Lard Rama & attained eternity.

The merchant took birth as King Morad, who cut his son in half & offered to the Lord & got moksha.

King Angadwaja took birth as Kewat, who took Lord Rama across the river, served him & got moksha.

This chapter of Lord Satyanarayana is over. All chant together (say) Lord Satyanarayana ki jai. Aarti

Jai Lakshmi Ramana, Swami Jai Lashmi Ramana, Satyanarayan Swami, Jan Patak Harana, Jai Lakshmi Ramana

Ratan Ja Rat Singhasan, Adhbut Chabee Rajey Narada Kahat Niranjan, Ghanta dhun bhajey Jai Lakshmi Ramana………….

Praghat Bhaye Kali Karan, Dwaj Ko Daras Diya Budha Brahman Bankey, Kanchan Mahal Kiya Jai Lakshmi Ramana………….

Durbal Bhil Kathier, Jan Par Kripa Karey Chandra Choor Ik Raja, Jinaki Vipat Hare Jai Lakshmi Ramana………….

Vayesh Manorath Payo, Shradha Uj Dini So Fal Bhogyo Prabhji, Fer Ustati Kini Jai Lakshmi Ramana………….

Bhav Bhagti Ke Karan, Chhin Chhin Roop Dharya Sharda Dharan Kini, Tin Ka Karj Sarya Jai Lakshmi Ramana………….

Gwal Bal Sang Raja, Ban Mein Bhagti Karey Man Vanchit Fal Dino, Deen Dayal Harey Jai Lakshmi Ramana………….

Charhat Prasad Sawayo, Kadali Fal Mewa Doop Dheep Tulsi Se, Raje Sat Deva Jai Lakshmi Ramana………….

Shri Satya Narayan Ji Ki Aarti jo koi gaavey Kahat Shianand Swami Man Van Chit Fal Paavey Jai Lakshmi Ramana…………. Shri Vishnu Aarti

Om jai jagdish harey, Swami jai jagdish harey Bhagt jano ke sankat, shan mein door karey Om jai jagdish harey

Jo Dhiyavay phal pavay dukh binase man ka Swami dukh binase man ka Sukh Sampati ghar aavey kasht mitay tan ka Om jai jagdish harey

Mat Pita tum mere, sharan pau kisaki Swami sharan pau kisaki Tum bin aur na duja aash karoo jisaki Om jai jagdish harey

Tum pooran parmatma tum antaryami Swami tum antaryami Par Brahm parmeshwar tum sabke swami Om jai jagdish harey

Tum karuna ke sagar tum palan karta Swami tum palan karta Mae murakh kul kami kripa karo bharta Om jai jagdish harey

Tum ho ek agochar sabh ke pranpati Swami sabh ke pranpati Kisa bida milu gusai tumko mae kumati Om jai jagdish harey

Din Bandu dukh harta thakur tum mere Swami thakur tum mere Apne hath uthao, apnay charan lagao Dwar khada tere Om jai jagdish harey

Vishay vikar mitao pap haro deva Swami pap haro deva Sharda Bhakti Badao, Santan ki sewa Om jai jagdish harey

Om jai jagdish harey, Swami jai jagdish harey Bhagt jano ke sankat, shan mein door karey Om jai jagdish harey

Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. The temple is built in an intricate fusion of the indigenous Kerala style and the Tamil style (kovil) of architecture associated with the temples located in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, featuring high walls, and a 16th-century Gopuram. While the Moolasthanam of the temple is the Ananthapuram Temple in Kumbala in Kasargod District, architecturally to some extent, the temple is a replica of the Adikesava Perumal temple located in Thiruvattar, Kanyakumari District.

The principal deity Vishnu is enshrined in the "Anantha Shayanam" posture, the eternal yogic sleep on the serpent Adisheshan. Sree Padmanabhaswamy is the tutelary deity of the royal family of Travancore. The titular Maharaja of Travancore Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma is the trustee of the temple. In line with the Temple Entry Proclamation, only those who profess the Hindu faith are permitted entry to the temple and devotees have to strictly follow the dress code. The name of the city of Thiruvananthapuram in Malayalam translates to "The City of Lord Ananta", referring to the deity of Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

HISTORY

Several extant Hindu Texts like the Brahma Purana, Matsya Purana, Varaha Purana, Skanda Purana, Padma Purana, Vayu Purana, Bhagavata Purana and the Mahabharata mention this shrine. According to the Bhagavata, Lord Balarama visited Phalgunam (more commonly known as Thiruvananthapuram), took bath in Panchapsaras (Padmateertham) and made a gift of ten thousand cows to holy men [8] Though the sannidhyam of Lord Padmanabha has always been present in the holy land of Thiruvananthapuram making it a pilgrim spot even during the time of Balarama, the Temple for the Lord came up much later. The Temple has been referred to in the (only recorded) Sangam Period of literature between 500 B.C and 300 A.D several times. Many conventional historians and scholars are of the opinion that one of the names that the Temple had - "The Golden Temple" - literally was in cognizance of the fact that the Temple was already unimaginably wealthy by that point. Many extant pieces of Sangam Tamil literature and poetry, and even the later works of Ninth Century Tamil poet-saints like Nammalwar, refer to the Temple and even the city as having walls of pure gold. At some places, both the Temple and the entire city are often eulogized even as being made of gold, and the Temple as Heaven.

The temple is one of the 108 principal Divya Desams ("Holy Abodes") in Vaishnavism, and is glorified in the Divya Prabandha. The Divya Prabandha glorifies this shrine as being among the 13 Divya Desam in Malai Nadu (corresponding to present-day Kerala and some adjoining areas). The 8th century Tamil poet Alvar Nammalvar sang the glories of Padmanabha. The Ananthapuram Temple in Kasargod is believed to be the 'Moolasthanam' of the Temple.

The sage Vilvamangalathu Swamiyar, who resided near Ananthapuram Temple in Kasargod District, prayed to Lord Vishnu for his darshan or "auspicious sight". The Lord is believed to have come in the guise of a little boy who was mischievous. The boy defiled the Idol which was kept for Puja. The sage became enraged at this and chased away the boy, who disappeared. After a long search, when he was walking on the banks of Arabian Sea, he heard a pulaya lady threatening her child that she would throw him in Ananthankadu. The moment the Swami heard the word Ananthankadu he was delighted. He proceeded to Ananthankadu based on the directions of the lady of whom he enquired. The Sage reached Ananthankadu searching for the boy. There he saw the boy merging into an Iluppa tree (Indian Butter Tree). The tree fell down and became Anantha Sayana Moorti (Vishnu reclining on the celestial snake Anantha). But the edifice that the Lord assumed was of an extraordinarily large size, with His head at Thiruvallom, navel at Thiruvananthapuram, and lotus-feet at Thrippadapuram (Thrippappur), making him some eight miles in length. The Sage requested the Lord to shrink to a smaller proportion that would be thrice the length of his staff. Immediately the Lord shrank to the form of the Idol that is seen at present in the Temple. But even then many Iluppa trees obstructed a complete vision of the Lord. The Sage saw the Lord in three parts – thirumukham, thiruvudal and thrippadam. Swami prayed to Padmanabha to be forgiven. The Swami offered Rice Kanji and Uppumanga (salted mango pieces) in a coconut shell to the Perumal which he obtained from the pulaya woman. The spot where the Sage had darsan of the Lord belonged to Koopakkara Potti and Karuva Potti. With the assistance of the reigning King and some Brahmin households a Temple was constructed. Koopakkara Potti was made the Tantri of the Temple. The Ananthankadu Nagaraja Temple still exists to the north west of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The Samadhi (final resting place) of the Swamiyar exists to the west of the Padmanabha Temple. A Krishna Temple was built over the Samadhi. This Temple, known as Vilvamangalam Sri Krishna Swami Temple, belongs to Thrissur Naduvil Madhom.

TRAVANCORE ROYAL FAMILY

In the first half of the 18th century, in line with matrilineal customs, Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, succeeded his uncle Rama Varma as king at the age of 23. He successfully suppressed the 700-year-old stranglehold of the Ettuveetil Pillamar ("Lords of the Eight Houses") and his cousins following the discovery of conspiracies which the lords were involved in against the royal house of Travancore. The last major renovation of the Padmanabhaswamy temple commenced immediately after Anizham Thirunal's accession to the musnud and the idol was reconsecrated in 906 ME (1731 AD). On 17 January 1750, Anizham Thirunal surrendered the kingdom of Travancore to Padmanabha Swamy, the deity at the temple, and pledged that he and his descendants would be vassals or agents of the deity who would serve the kingdom as Padmanabha Dasa.[4] Since then, the name of every Travancore king was preceded by the title Sree Padmanabha Dasa; the female members of the royal family were called Sree Padmanabha Sevinis. The donation of the kingdom to Padmanabhaswamy was known as Thrippadi-danam. The final wishes of Anizham Thirunal on his passing at the age of 53 clearly delineated the historical relationship between the Maharaja and the temple: "That no deviation whatsoever should be made in regard to the dedication of the kingdom to Padmanabhaswamy and that all future territorial acquisitions should be made over to the Devaswom."

TEMPLE STRUCTURE

MAIN SHRINE

In the sanctum sanctorum, Padmanabha reclines on the serpent Anantha or Adi Sesha. The serpent has five hoods facing inwards, signifying contemplation. The Lord's right hand is placed over a Shiva lingam. Sridevi-Lakshmi, the Goddess of Prosperity and Bhudevi the Goddess of Earth, two consorts of Vishnu are by his side. Brahma emerges on a lotus, which emanates from the navel of the Lord. The deity is made from 12,008 saligramams. These saligrams are from the banks of the Gandaki River in Nepal, and to commemorate this certain rituals used to be performed at the Pashupatinath Temple. The deity of Padmanabha is covered with, "Katusarkara yogam", a special ayurvedic mix, which forms a plaster that keeps the deity clean. The daily worship is with flowers and for the abhishekam, special deities are used.he platforms in front of the vimanam and where the deity rests are both carved out of a single massive stone and hence called "Ottakkal-mandapam". On the orders of Marthanda Varma (1706–58), the Ottakkal-mandapam was cut out of a rock at Thirumala, about 4 miles (6.4 km) north of the temple. It measured 20 square feet (1.9 m2; 190 dm2; 19,000 cm2) in area by 2.5 feet (30 in; 7.6 dm; 76 cm) thick and was placed in front of the deity in the month of Edavom 906 M.E. (1731 CE). At the same time, Marthanda Varma also brought 12,000 shaligrams, aniconic representations of Vishnu, from the Gandaki River, north of Benares (now known as Varanasi) to the temple. These were used in the reconsecration of the Padmanabha.n order to perform darshan and puja, one has to ascend to the mandapam. The Deity is visible through three doors – the visage of the reclining Lord and Siva Linga underneath the hand is seen through the first door; Sridevi and Bhrigu Muni in Katusarkara, Brahma seated on a lotus emanating from the Lord's navel, hence the name, "Padmanabha", gold abhisheka moorthies of Lord Padmanabha, Sridevi and Bhudevi, and silver utsava moorthi of Padmanabha through the second door; the Lord's feet, and Bhudevi and Markandeya Muni in Katusarkara through the third door. The idols of two goddesses holding chamaram, Garuda, Narada, Tumburu, the divine forms of the six weapons of Lord Vishnu, Surya, Chandra, Saptarshi (Seven Sages), Madhu, and Kaitabha are also there in the Sanctum. Only the King of Travancore may perform sashtanga namaskaram, or prostrate on the "Ottakkal Mandapam". It is traditionally held that anybody who prostrates on the mandapam has surrendered all that he possesses to the Deity. Since the ruler has already done that, he is permitted to prostrate on this mandapam.

OTHER SHRINES

Inside the Temple, there are two other important shrines, Thekkedom and Thiruvambadi, for the Deities, Ugra Narasimha and Krishna Swami respectively. Thiruvambadi shrine enjoys an independent status and predates the shrine of Padmanabha. Thiruvambadi shrine has its own namaskara mandapam, bali stones and flagmast. The Lord of Thiruvambadi is Parthasarathi, the Divine Charioteer of Arjuna. The granite idol of the Lord of Thiruvambadi was brought from Gujarat by 72 families of Vrishni Vamsa Kshatriyas. As these Vrishnies belong to the lineage of Lord Krishna, they are known as Krishnan vakakkar. The two-armed granite idol, with one hand holding the whip and the other resting on the left thigh holding the conch close to it, is in standing posture. On Ekadasi days the Lord is dressed and decorated as Mohini. There are also shrines for Rama accompanied by Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman, Vishwaksena (the Nirmalyadhari of Vishnu and Remover of Obstacles), Vyasa, Ganapati, Sasta, and Kshetrapala (who guards the temple). Grand idols of Garuda and Hanuman stand with folded hands in the Valiya balikkal area.[3] The thevara idols of Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma and Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma are housed in the south east part of the Temple.

GOPURAM

The foundation of the present gopuram was laid in 1566. The temple has a 130 m, 7-tier gopuram made in the Pandyan style. The temple stands by the side of a tank, named Padma Theertham (meaning the lotus spring). The temple has a corridor with 365 and one-quarter sculptured granite-stone pillars with elaborate carvings which stands out to be an ultimate testimonial for the Vishwakarma sthapathis in sculpting this architectural masterpiece. This corridor extends from the eastern side into the sanctum sanctorum. An 24 m flagstaff stands in front of the main entry from the prakaram(closed precincts of a temple). The ground floor under the gopuram (main entrance in the eastern side) is known as the 'Nataka Sala' where the famous temple art Kathakali was staged in the night during the ten-day uthsavam (festival) conducted twice a year, during the Malayalam months of Meenam and Thulam.

TEMPLE RITUALS

FESTIVALS AND RITES

There are many festivals related to this temple. The major festivals are bi-annual. The Alpashy festival which is in October/November and the Panguni festival which is in Tamil month Panguni, March/April, lasts for 10 days each. On the ninth day the Maharajah of Travancore, in his capacity as Thrippappoor Mooppan, escorts the deities to the vettakkalam for Pallivetta. Centuries back, the Pallivetta procession was said to pass through Kaithamukku, Kuthiravattom (Kunnumpuram), Pazhaya Sreekanteswaram and Putharikkandam. The festivals culminate with the Aarat (holy bath) procession to the Shankumugham Beach. The word Aarat refers to the purificatory immersion of the deities of the temple in sea. This event takes place in the evening. The Maharajah of Travancore escorts the Aarat procession on foot. The festival idols "Utsava Vigrahas" of Padmanabhaswamy, Narasimha Moorthi and Krishna Swami are given a ritual bath in the sea, after the prescribed pujas. After this ceremony, the idols are taken back to the temple in a procession that is lit by traditional torches, marking the conclusion of the festival.

A major annual festival related to Padmanabha temple is the Navaratri festival. The idols of Saraswati Amman, Mun Uditha Nangai (Parasakti who appeared before Saraswati, Lakshmi and Parvati to help them identify their husbands who had been transformed into infants by the power of chastity of Anasuya) and Kumara Swami (Murugan) are brought to the Kuthira malika palace in front of Padmanabha temple as a procession. This festival lasts for 9 days. The famous Swathi music festival is held every year during this festival.

The biggest festival in this temple is laksha deepam, which means hundred thousand (or one lakh) lamps. This festival is unique and commences once in 6 years. Prior to this festival, chanting of prayers and recitation of three vedas is done for 56 days (Murajapam). On the last day, hundred thousand oil lamps are lit in and around the temple premises. The next laksha deepam is slated on January 2020.

PRIESTS

Temples where 'Swamiyar Pushpanjali' is conducted are claimants to extra sanctity. Sannyasins from any one of the monasteries founded by the disciples of Adi Sankara in Thrissur do pushpanjali (flower worship) daily to Padmanabha, Narasimha Moorthi and Krishna Swami. Of these monasteries, Naduvil Madhom is the most important as Vilvamangalathu Swamiyar, the founder of this Temple, belonged to this monastery. Initially, Koopakkara Potties were the Tantries of the Temple. Later, Tantram was transferred to Tharananallur Nambuthiripads of Iranjalakkuda. The Nambies, altogether four in number, are the Chief Priests of the Temple. Two Nambies - Periya Nambi and Panchagavyathu Nambi - are allotted to Padmanabha and one Nambi each to Narasimha Moorthi and Krishna Swami. The Nambies hail from either side of the Chandragiri River. They are appointed by the Pushpanjali Swamiyar.

TEMPLE MANGEMENT

The Padmanabhaswamy Temple and its property were controlled by the Ettara Yogam (King's Council of Eight) with the assistance of Ettuveetil Pillamar ("Lords of the Eight Houses"). The Ettara Yogam consists of Pushpanjali Swamiyar, six member Thiruvananthapurathu Sabha, Sabhanjithan (Secretary) and Arachan (Maharaja of Travancore). Thiruvananthapurathu Sabha was primarily responsible for the administration of the Temple. Koopakkara Potti, Vanchiyoor Athiyara Potti, Kollur Athiyara Potti, Muttavila Potti, Karuva Potti and Neythasseri Potti are the members of the Sabha. The Pushpanjali Swamiyar presides over the meetings of the Sabha. Sreekaryathu Potti is the Sabhanjithan of the Sabha.[28] Any decision taken by the Sabha can be implemented only if the Maharaja of Travancore approves of it.

In the past, only the Swamiyars of the Naduvil Madhom were appointed as Pushpanjali Swamiyars by the Maharaja of Travancore. Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma curtailed the authority of Ettara Yogam and liquidated the powerful Ettuveetil Pillamar. Ettara Yogam became an advisory and assenting body thereafter. Besides Naduvil Madhom, Munchira Madhom got the right to appoint Pushpanjali Swamiyars during his reign. In the recent past, Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma gave Pushpanjali rights to the Swamiyars of Thrikkaikattu Madhom and Thekke Madhom as well. Though the Maharaja is the appointing authority of the Pushpanjali Swamiyar, the former must do a Vechu Namaskaram when he sees the Swamiyar. With the passing away of Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma in December 2013, his nephew Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma became the titular Maharaja of Travancore in January 2014. Like his predecessors, Moolam Thirunal also got concurrence from the Ettara Yogam before assuming the title 'Maharaja'. In the presence of the Maharaja designate, the Yogathil Pottimar and the Tantri, the Pushpanjali Swamiyar Maravanchery Thekkedathu Neelakanta Bharatikal signed on the Neettu (Order) of the Ettara Yogam giving recognition to Moolam Thirunal as Chirava Mooppan (Maharaja of Travancore) and Thrippappoor Mooppan (Protector of the Temple). This ceremony took place at Kulasekhara Mandapam in Padmanabha Swamy Temple. Revathi Thirunal Balagopal Varma, grandson of Maharani Regent Pooradom Thirunal Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, is the titular Elayaraja of Travancore.

EXTANT TEMPLE RECORDS

A pertinent event in the long recorded history of the temple was the construction of a "granta-pura" (record-room) within the temple compound itself around 1425 A.D. by the then Venad King Veera Iravi Iravi Varma, to store the "Mathilakam" (within-the-walls) records, as the then existing temple records were known. A major portion of those records (numbering around 30 lakhs of documents) from the Mathikalam, had been donated later to the Archives Department in 1867, at the time of the formation of the latter. Despite their cultural value, only a minuscule portion of these grantas (bundles) of cadjan leaf records, written mostly in ancient scripts of proto-Tamil and archaic-Malayalam, have been deciphered. The translations of this section of manuscripts by some scholars serve as a rare but very inadequate primary source material on the temple and its rich traditions.

The rest of the 30 lakh documents – three thousand bundles of records pertaining to the temple - each bundle consisting of over a thousand cadjan records – segregated under 70 "heads" - is still lying idle with the Archives Department. According to Aswathi Thirunal Gouri Lakshmi Bayi, a member of the Travancore Royal Family and author of a book on the temple, from a very early period in recorded history the temple had employed two kinds of 'record writers'. One group was to record the proceedings and transactions of the Ettarayogam, a council of temple administrators, that included the then king. The other was to write and preserve the records of the day-to-day functioning of the temple, maintain correct accounts of the temple-treasury, and of temple-revenue-collections and temple-expenditure, and as well as write down all the other records, connected with the functioning of the temple.

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