View allAll Photos Tagged ramanasramam
The reader may recall the legend about a jealous Brahma trying to keep humans from discovering their divinity. Brahma called a council of the gods to help decide on the right place to conceal their divinity. ‘Let’s bury it deep in the earth,’ said one of the gods. But Brahma said, ‘No, that will not do because humans will eventually dig into the earth and discover it.’ Then another said, ‘Let’s hide it in the deepest part of the ocean.’ But Brahma said, ‘No, they will eventually dive down into the ocean and will discover it.’ Another said, ‘Let’s take it to the top of the highest mountain and hide it there.’ But once again Brahma replied, ‘No, that will not do either, because they will eventually climb every mountain and will find it.’ The assembly fell silent.
Brahma sat quietly and thought for a long time and then said, ‘Well, there is one place they will never look’. ‘Where’s that?’, the gods queried eagerly. ‘They will never look inside their own hearts’, said Brahma. ‘If we hide it there, they shall never find it!’
taken from Saranagati, copyright SRI RAMANASRAMAM
2. October 1990
the 29th anniversary of my journey to India.
a peacock in Sri Ramanasramam, Tiruvannamalai
You have heard the ultimate truth [but], noblesse oblige [ i.e. privilege entails responsibility], you have to remember it. You are at the stage when you must put all emphasis on the pure ‘I’-principle, the subject, the changeless, so as to establish your being in lasting happiness.
(c) Sri Ramanasramam
from "The Long Road to Bhagavan
Tracing the Pilgrim Life of Ella Maillart" (Part VII: Conclusion)
on my 1st of November walk from Fü to N.
till we meet again - be well! <3
photo of a historic portrait of Sri Ramana Maharshi which hangs in a room at Sri Ramanasramam, Tiruvannamalai, India.
As the mind tends to go out turn it inwards then and there. It goes out owing to the habit of looking for happiness outside oneself; but the knowledge that the external objects are not the cause of happiness will keep it in check. This is vairagya or dispassion. Only after perfect vairagya the mind becomes steady.
from "Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi" (c) Sri Ramanasramam
find me here now
As the mind tends to go out turn it inwards then and there. It goes out owing to the habit of looking for happiness outside oneself; but the knowledge that the external objects are not the cause of happiness will keep it in check. This is vairagya or dispassion. Only after perfect vairagya the mind becomes steady.
from "Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi" (c) Sri Ramanasramam
ascending from the town (Tiruvannamalai) and after a stop at Virupaksha cave, we reached Skandashram. These people gathered in the shade of a big mango tree and seemed to discuss things about Sri Ramana who lived here for many years until the death of his mother, after which he settled down on the Southside of Arunachala and where thus Sri Ramanasramam was founded.
day 7/8
coinciding with a dream I had years before, a few days after this picture was taken, one of the ashram peacocks suddenly descended, flying just above my head to land somewhere behind me on the ground. The puff of air I felt on my head felt like a blessing ...
Of what avail is knowing things
Other than the Self? And the Self being known,
What other thing is there to know?
That one light that shines as many selves,
Seeing this Self within
As Awareness' lighting flash;
The play of Grace; the ego's death;
The blossoming of Bliss.
from Atma Vidya (Self Knowledge) of Sri Ramana Maharshi
statue of Sri Ramana in the samadhi hall
here I met Murali a young man from Tiruchirapalli, still further south of India. We continued to walk together the remaining kms, talking and discussing spiritual things. On the way I convinced him to stay for two more days and walk with me again; he had come only for one day and wanted to drive back in the evening. Finally we decided to meet again early the next morning at the ashram gate of Sri Ramanasramam.
I don't remember whether this is at Varuna or Vayu Lingam, one of the eight main temples around Arunachala.
day 6/5
today at Sri Ramanasramam it is Lucy Ma day. (31.12.)
"Lucy Cornelssen, a German devotee came to Bhagavan Ramana
sometime in 1940s. She became the permanent resident of the
Asramam, right upto her leaving the body a few decades later."
"There is only one way to ovecome the ghost( the ego -I) …to watch it. Do not fight, do not resist. Only try to watch it, quietly but ceaselessly. In other words, develop an unconcerned witness- consciousness towards men, things and happenings without, but particularly towards yourself within. It means to carry on the calmness of the mind gained in your meditation to cover your whole day. You will distinctly feel it as an undercurrent of peace and detachment."
here is her book "Hunting The I"
pgoodnight.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/hunting-the-i.pdf
__________________________________________________
a picture, here the b&w version, shows the northern side of the road around the Arunachala hill. Having left my quarter in the early morning, I reach this side just a while after sunrise.
Girivalam is the circuit (circumambulation) around the Holy Hill Arunachala; it is done in clockwise direction, preferably in a slow speed; the distance is about 15 km.
view from Mother's shrine to the samadhi hall of Sri Ramanashram. In the foreground are seen the heavy brass chandeliers which are lit at certain times of Puja or festivities.
her silence*,
unbearable as it seems,
- from a greater perspective of course
it was only His will,
ordained long before
both of us were born -
drives me within
to search for this realm of peace
and happiness, that what we truly are,
- sat chit ananda -
upon finding which,
- they say it's rather a recognition? -
happiness ceases to be depending
on anything,
on anybody,
because it is
what we truly Are.
How clever, how effective!
and what a veritable blessing it is!
Om namo bhagavate Sri Ramanaya!
(*the silence of a loved one)
not my photo;
photo of Sri Ramana (c) Sri Ramanasramam
In South India at last, I had time to sum up, to weigh my travels in my heart — and not in the balance of time and space. At the hour of my death what would the meaning of these travels be? They were important to me in so far as they had changed me, brought me nearer to my real centre. Slowly they had led me to what matters most. Only the inward journey is real. I found myself. Which is the same as to say that I found the way to become freed from my preposterous ego. Now I know that there is a way to the unchangeable Centre — that Core which is the same in all of us. And because of It, I can try with sincerity to love my neighbour as much as myself. Feeling no longer divided but concentrated, I can march with patience towards that oneness which we all feel, is the ultimate as well as the first word of life.
Deep gratefulness. I come back to you, perfect pond of my youth, deep blue line of the far horizon. You sent me away to the seas, and to beyond the seas in search of your promise. I have done it. I regret nothing. I feel all is granted. I have no more wish. I am free from myself, don’t belong to myself any more. What then is my harvest? Nothing. That necessary oneness is a total Mystery. But I learnt the way to it, [and] I kneel before it.
c) Sri Ramanasramam
from "The Long Road to Bhagavan
Tracing the Pilgrim Life of Ella Maillart" (Part VII: Conclusion)
on my 1st of November walk from Fü to N.
at least for me; walking from Skandashrama towrds Sri Ramanasramam along the back of Arunachala. For a moment the noise and sounds of the city stop once one reaches the part where another smaller hill seperates one from the city; then the sounds of birds and insects take over.
ascending from the town (Tiruvannamalai) and after a stop at Virupaksha cave, we reached Skandashram. These people gathered in the shade of a big mango tree and seemed to discuss things about Sri Ramana who lived here for many years until the death of his mother, after which he settled down on the Southside of Arunachala and where thus Sri Ramanasramam was founded.
day 7/7
Remaining Still Inwardly is Intense Activity
Is the state of ‘being still’ a state involving effort or effortless?
It is not an effortless state of indolence. All mundane activities which are ordinarily called effort are performed with the aid of a portion of the mind and with frequent breaks. But the act of communion with the Self (atma vyavahara) or remaining still inwardly is intense activity which is performed with the entire mind and without break. Maya (delusion or ignorance) which cannot be destroyed by any other act is completely destroyed by this intense activity which is called ‘silence’.
Spiritual Instructions: Chapter 2, §4
(c) Sri Ramanasramam
I met the Swami back in 2012 on the day of my birthday at Sri Ramanashram.
He passed away on December 10th 2020.
Here is a biography taken from Sharanagati, January 2021 published by Sri Ramanasramam.
Born in Rangoon, Burma, in 1938, Swami Ramanananda was named Seshadri. He had one elder brother and two younger sisters. He came to India from Burma in 1942 during the War years as a refugee and did his schooling at the Besant Theosophical High School in Chennai. He excelled in athletics, painting, and, above all, music. In school, he was fortunate to have good teachers such as Rukmini Devi Arundale and the Carnatic maestro Tiger Varadachariar as well as classmates like M.D. Ramanathan. This helped him develop his singing skills, and he once had the chance to sing a song on All India Radio.
After his examinations, he joined the family in Calcutta, and served as a draftsman’s apprentice in a British company that specialized in constructing bridges for the Indian Railways. While still in his teens, he came across Arthur Osborne’s Ramana Maharshi and the Path of Self-Knowledge which had a great effect on him. In the late 1950s, he met Ananda Mayi Ma at Ranchi who advised him to go to Ramanasramam. When he suffered an injury to his leg, he was forced to leave his job and came to Tiruvannamalai as she had
suggested. Here he met Hugo Maier who treated his condition with some success. After a lengthy stay, he made up his mind to settle permanently at Arunachala. His gentle nature made him the favourite of older devotees like Muruganar, Swami Viswanathan and K. Natesan. In the early 1970s he served Muruganar during his last years when his health deteriorated. He also helped in the construction of Bhagavan’s Samadhi mantapam and worked in the Ashram Dispensary preparing compounds. In 1973, he left the ashram to be more independent and stayed a year at Guhai Namasivya with Albert Frahm, a close friend who had been living there for some time. The following year, he and Hugo Maier moved out near Nirvritti Lingam onto four acres of land Seshadri’s father had purchased for him, and on which the present day Shantimalai is now established.
In 1983, Seshadri got the blessing of the Paramacharya Sankaracharya of Kanchipuram to take sannyas when the latter was traveling nearby. In a ceremony at Bhagavan’s Samadhi, Kunjuswami placed ochre robes on Bhagavan’s Samadhi overnight and on the following day, Seshadri simply clad himself in them. He stood before Bhagavan’s Samadhi and took the name Swami Ramanananda. After doing the traditional yatra to the mahakshetras of North India, he returned to Tiruvannamalai and stayed for some time at Skandasramam. Eventually Ramanananda built a hermitage named Ramana Padam on the hill-round road near the Varuna Lingam. This came about by the initiative of Moopanar Swami who organised a sannyasin to stay at each of the ashtalingams and their abutting temple land. He gave Swami Ramanananda the choice where he wanted to live since he had helped him renovate the eight lingams.
Ramanananda had agamic knowledge of samadhi construction and helped in conducting abhishikam and puja while interring the mortal remains of Muruganar, Ramaswami Pillai and others. In 1996, he became the principal organizer of the Adiannamalai Temple Maha Kumbhabhsiekam and with permission from the Ashram management, based his fundraising efforts out of Ramanasramam. His enthusiasm for the project got numerous devotees
involved and all participated in the event with relish. He also helped the ARS in its early days. His kuti, Ramana Padam was home to snakes, squirrels and monkeys, but like Bhagavan, Ramanananda was quite at home with his many animal friends. When not practising sadhana, he occupied himself with water- colour painting. His innocent child-like temperament, charitable disposition and great sense of humour allowed him to converse with people of all ages. He was approached by a diverse range of visitors who felt inspired by his understanding of Bhagavan’s teachings and never spoke ill of anyone. Following long months of poor health, on 10th December 2020 at the age of 82, Swami Ramanananda Saraswati attained the lotus feet of Arunachala. —
I had tried the same shot before; then changed from Auto white balance to sunlight, which gave the picture more warmth.
This fifth day, which was the third day I was allowed to spend at Sri Ramanasramam, was one of the golden days of the whole trip with plenty of opportunities to take shots in a relaxed and free mood.
this is a closer look into the Mahasamadhi room; - see picture before for more information!
day 5/12
D.: Is that Light like sunlight?
M.: No. The sunlight is jada (insentient). You are aware of it. It makes objects perceptible and chases away darkness, whereas consciousness is that Light which makes not only light but also darkness perceptible. Darkness cannot exist before sunlight, but it can remain in the Light of Consciousness. Similarly, this consciousness is pure Knowledge in which both knowledge and ignorance shine.
from "Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi"
(c) Sri Ramanasramam
I met the Swami back in 2012 on the day of my birthday at Sri Ramanashram.
He passed away on December 10th 2020.
Here is a biography taken from Sharanagati, January 2021 published by Sri Ramanasramam.
Born in Rangoon, Burma, in 1938, Swami Ramanananda was named Seshadri. He had one elder brother and two younger sisters. He came to India from Burma in 1942 during the War years as a refugee and did his schooling at the Besant Theosophical High School in Chennai. He excelled in athletics, painting, and, above all, music. In school, he was fortunate to have good teachers such as Rukmini Devi Arundale and the Carnatic maestro Tiger Varadachariar as well as classmates like M.D. Ramanathan. This helped him develop his singing skills, and he once had the chance to sing a song on All India Radio.
After his examinations, he joined the family in Calcutta, and served as a draftsman’s apprentice in a British company that specialized in constructing bridges for the Indian Railways. While still in his teens, he came across Arthur Osborne’s Ramana Maharshi and the Path of Self-Knowledge which had a great effect on him. In the late 1950s, he met Ananda Mayi Ma at Ranchi who advised him to go to Ramanasramam. When he suffered an injury to his leg, he was forced to leave his job and came to Tiruvannamalai as she had
suggested. Here he met Hugo Maier who treated his condition with some success. After a lengthy stay, he made up his mind to settle permanently at Arunachala. His gentle nature made him the favourite of older devotees like Muruganar, Swami Viswanathan and K. Natesan. In the early 1970s he served Muruganar during his last years when his health deteriorated. He also helped in the construction of Bhagavan’s Samadhi mantapam and worked in the Ashram Dispensary preparing compounds. In 1973, he left the ashram to be more independent and stayed a year at Guhai Namasivya with Albert Frahm, a close friend who had been living there for some time. The following year, he and Hugo Maier moved out near Nirvritti Lingam onto four acres of land Seshadri’s father had purchased for him, and on which the present day Shantimalai is now established.
In 1983, Seshadri got the blessing of the Paramacharya Sankaracharya of Kanchipuram to take sannyas when the latter was traveling nearby. In a ceremony at Bhagavan’s Samadhi, Kunjuswami placed ochre robes on Bhagavan’s Samadhi overnight and on the following day, Seshadri simply clad himself in them. He stood before Bhagavan’s Samadhi and took the name Swami Ramanananda. After doing the traditional yatra to the mahakshetras of North India, he returned to Tiruvannamalai and stayed for some time at Skandasramam. Eventually Ramanananda built a hermitage named Ramana Padam on the hill-round road near the Varuna Lingam. This came about by the initiative of Moopanar Swami who organised a sannyasin to stay at each of the ashtalingams and their abutting temple land. He gave Swami Ramanananda the choice where he wanted to live since he had helped him renovate the eight lingams.
Ramanananda had agamic knowledge of samadhi construction and helped in conducting abhishikam and puja while interring the mortal remains of Muruganar, Ramaswami Pillai and others. In 1996, he became the principal organizer of the Adiannamalai Temple Maha Kumbhabhsiekam and with permission from the Ashram management, based his fundraising efforts out of Ramanasramam. His enthusiasm for the project got numerous devotees
involved and all participated in the event with relish. He also helped the ARS in its early days. His kuti, Ramana Padam was home to snakes, squirrels and monkeys, but like Bhagavan, Ramanananda was quite at home with his many animal friends. When not practising sadhana, he occupied himself with water- colour painting. His innocent child-like temperament, charitable disposition and great sense of humour allowed him to converse with people of all ages. He was approached by a diverse range of visitors who felt inspired by his understanding of Bhagavan’s teachings and never spoke ill of anyone. Following long months of poor health, on 10th December 2020 at the age of 82, Swami Ramanananda Saraswati attained the lotus feet of Arunachala. —
M.: If the mind is distracted, ask the question promptly, “To whom do these distracting thoughts arise?” That takes you back to the ‘I’ point promptly.
D.: How long can the mind stay or be kept in the Heart?
M.: The period extends by practice.
D.: What happens at the end of the period?
M.: The mind returns to the present normal state. Unity in the Heart is replaced by variety of phenomena perceived. This is called the outgoing mind. The heart-going mind is called the resting mind.
from "Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi" (c) Sri Ramanasramam
day 6/1
THERE IS A ruggedness about the scene. Boulders lie as though scattered by a giant hand. Dry thorn and cactus fences, sun-parched fields, small hills eroded into gaunt shapes; and yet huge shady trees along the dusty road, and here and there, near tank or well, the vivid green of paddy fields.
that is a quote from Arthur Osborne'sRAMANA MAHARSHI AND THE PATH OF SELF-KNOWLEDGE (c) Sri Ramanasramam. It was the first book I read on Sri Ramana and the sacred hill, back in 1994 and over the years it proved to be my favourite. (even one of my most favorite books of all). You can find a pdf version on the net.
At the time Osborne visited the ashram (I suppose in the 1940ies) the sacred hill was almost barren. Reforestation has started only as late as 1988 thanks to the Annamalai Reforestation Society.
This picture is taken in the late afternoon, on the way back from Skandashram to Sri Ramanashram
(still day 4)
(not my photo)
today at Sri Ramanasramam it is Lucy Ma day.
"Lucy Cornelssen, a German devotee came to Bhagavan Ramana
sometime in 1940s. She became the permanent resident of the
Asramam, right upto her leaving the body a few decades later."
"There is only one way to ovecome the ghost (the ego - I ) …to watch it. Do not fight, do not resist. Only try to watch it, quietly but ceaselessly. In other words, develop an unconcerned witness- consciousness towards men, things and happenings without, but particularly towards yourself within. It means to carry on the calmness of the mind gained in your meditation to cover your whole day. You will distinctly feel it as an undercurrent of peace and detachment."
here is her book "Hunting The I"
Arunachala Diary day 4
After two nights in the Shiva lodge I moved to Shri Ramanshram (or Sri Ramanasramam which is Sanskrit) where visitors are allowed to stay for three days, that is, if they have made a booking in advance. After the registration procedure the same friendly worker from the office led me to the dining hall. It is a tradition in the ashram since the beginning, that visitors are immediately provided with a meal on their arrival even if the regular mealtimes are over.
The above picture shows the path leading from the ashram to Skandashram the place where Bhagvan Sri Ramana Maharshi resided for many years before he settled down at the place where Shri Ramanashram developed. The path takes one away from the noise and bustle of the city as it winds its way for a while in-between the Arunachala hill and another smaller hill. There are some minutes when all noise dies down and only the chirping of unknown birds is heard. It's the most beautiful path in the world for me, but it is hot during noon; and as one is advised to walk barefoot it can be painful during these hours if one is a novice in barefoot walking.
The view is towards the south, i.e. coming back from Skandashram.
... on the roof of the kitchen / dining hall of Sri Ramanasramam (Shri Ramanashram) in Tiruvannamalai, this evening.
written in Sanskrit:
Om Sri Arunachalam
Sri Ramanasramam
1938
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramana_Maharshi
six years ago
Arunachala seen from the roof of my place not far from Sri Ramanasramam. It is the morning of January 8th. Tonight great numbers of people will do the girivalam, the circuit around the hill. (see next photo for more information).
Thiruvannamalai is one of the Pancha Bootha Sthalangal representing the fire element along with Chidambaram, Sri Kalahasti, Thiruvanaikoil and Kanchipuram representing sky, air, water and earth respectively. I took this picture from the Skandashram, Thiruvannamalai.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramana_Maharshi
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiruvannamalai
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.[1][2] 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.[3] It houses four gateway towers known as gopurams. The tallest is the eastern tower, with 11 stories and a height of 66 metres (217 ft), making it one of the tallest temple towers in India.[3] 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.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annamalaiyar_Templex
________________________________
© Kaaviyam Photography - All Rights Reserved. Text and images by Kaaviyam Photography are the exclusive property of Kaaviyam Photography protected under international copyright laws. Any use of this work in any form without written permission of Kaaviyam Photography will result in violations as per international copyright laws.
Tiruvannamalai Temple Entrance,
Thiruvannamalai is one of the Pancha Bootha Sthalangal representing the fire element along with Chidambaram, Sri Kalahasti, Thiruvanaikoil and Kanchipuram representing sky, air, water and earth respectively.
Four Brahmotsavams are celebrated every year, the most famous of which is the one celebrated during the Tamil month of Karthikai (November/December). The ten day event culminates on the day of Karthigai Deepam. On that evening, a huge lamp is lit in a cauldron with three tons of ghee at the top of the Annamalai hill.
Every full moon night, tens of thousands of pilgrims worship Shiva by circumambulating the Arunachala hill barefoot. The circumambulation covers a distance of about 14 km. On the yearly Chitra Powrnami (full moon) night in the Tamil calendar year, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from across the world visit the town.
Advaita Vedanta guru Ramana Maharshi lived in Thiruvannamalai for fifty three years until his death in 1950. His ashram, Ramanasramam, is located at the foot of the Arunachala hill, to the west of the town. Seshadri Swamigal and Yogi RamSurat Kumar are examples of two other gurus who lived in this city.
He never referred to an animal in the normal Tamil style as ‘it’ but always as ‘he’ or ‘she’. “Have the lads been given their food?” — and it would be the Ashram dogs he was referring to. “Give Lakshmi her rice at once” — and it was the cow Lakshmi that he meant. It was a regular Ashram rule that at meal-time the dogs were fed first, then any beggars who came, and last the devotees. Knowing Sri Bhagavan’s reluctance to accept anything that is not shared by all alike, I was surprised once to see him tasting a mango between meals, and then I saw the reason — the mango season was just beginning and he wanted to see whether it was ripe enough to give to the white peacock that had been sent from the Maharani of Baroda and had become his ward. There were other peacocks also. He would call to them, imitating their cry, and they would come to him and receive peanuts, rice, mango. On the last day before his physical death, when the doctors said the pain must be frightful, he heard a peacock screech on a nearby tree and asked whether they had received their food.
Squirrels used to hop through the window on to his couch and he would always keep a little tin of peanuts beside him for them. Sometimes he would hand a visiting squirrel the tin and let it help itself; sometimes he would hold out a nut and the little creature would take it from his hand. One day, when, on account of his age and rheumatism, he had begun to walk with the aid of a staff, he was descending the few steps into the Ashram compound when a squirrel ran past his feet, chased by a dog. He called out to the dog and threw his staff between them, and in doing so he slipped and broke his collar-bone; but the dog was distracted and the squirrel saved.
The animals felt his Grace. If a wild animal is cared for by people its own kind boycott it on its return to them, but if it came from him they did not; rather they seemed to honour it. They felt the complete absence of fear and anger in him. He was sitting on the hillside when a snake crawled over his legs. He neither moved nor showed any alarm. A devotee asked him what it felt like to have a snake pass over one and, laughing he replied “Cool and soft.”
from RAMANA MAHARSHI AND THE
PATH OF SELF-KNOWLEDGE by ARTHUR OSBORNE
(c) Sri Ramanasramam
from the roughly three thousand photos taken during the 60 days I stayed at Tiruvannamalai, this is one of my favorites. All the animals living at Sri Ramanasramam show such an amount of grace and dignity.
day 5/10
Arunachala (IAST: Aruṇācala, "red mountain") refers to the holy hill at Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu. The hill is also known by the names Arunagiri, Annamalai Hill, Arunachalam, Arunai, Sonagiri and Sonachalam.
It is one of the five main shaivite holy places in South India. The Annamalaiyar Temple, a temple of Lord Shiva is located at the base of the hill. Every year in the Tamil month of Karthigai (October–November), the Karthigai Deepam (Light) is lit atop the hill.
It is also an important place for devotees of Sri Ramana Maharshi, with Sri Ramana Ashram situated at its foothills.
REFERENCES TO ARUNACHALA IN RELIGIOUS TEXTS
According to the legend, associated with the Temple, a dispute occurred between Brahma the creator, and Vishnu the preserver, over which of them was superior. In order to settle the argument, Lord Shiva is said to have manifested as a column of light, and then the form of Arunachala.
In the Maheswara Khanda of Skanda Purana, sage Veda Vyasa describes in great detail the wonder of Arunachala.
Over the centuries, many saints and sages have been drawn to Arunachala. The Saivite saints Manickavachagar, Appar, Sambandar and Sundarar are four examples. In the fifteenth century, Guhai Namasivaya, Guru Namasivaya and Virupaksha Deva came from Karnataka and settled on Arunachala. Saint Namasivaya lived in one of Arunachala's caves which is still known by his name. Virupaksha Deva lived in an OM-shaped cave higher up on the Hill, and this cave too still bears his name. Located on the south-east slope of Arunachala, this was the cave that Sri Ramana Maharshi lived in from 1899 to 1916.
Arunachala Mahatmyam says,
"By seeing Chidambaram, by being born in Tiruvarur, by dying in Kasi, or by merely thinking of Arunachala, one will surely attain Liberation."
Another verse in the Arunachala Mahatmyam, translated from Sanskrit into Tamil by Sri Ramana Maharshi says:
"Arunachala is truly the holy place. Of all holy places it is the most sacred! Know that it is the heart of the world. It is truly Siva himself! It is his heart-abode, a secret kshetra. In that place the Lord ever abides the hill of light named Arunachala."
Asked about the special sanctity of Arunachala, Ramana Maharshi said that other holy places such as Kailas, Kasi and Chidambaram are sacred because they are the abodes of Lord Siva whereas Arunachala is Lord Siva himself. However, as the above verse of Arunachala Mahatmyam says, Arunachala is a secret kshetra. It is this place that bestows jnana (Self-knowledge) and because most people have so many other desires and do not truly want jnana, Arunachala has always remained comparatively little known. But to those few who seek jnana, Arunachala always makes itself known through some means or other.
"All stones in that place Arunachala are lingams. It is indeed the abode of Lord Siva. All trees are the wish-granting trees of Indra's heaven. Its rippling waters are the Ganges, flowing through our Lord's matted locks. The food eaten there is the ambrosia of the Gods. To go round it in pradakshina is to perform pradakshina of the world. Words spoken there are holy scripture, and to fall asleep there is to be absorbed in samadhi, beyond the mind's delusion. Could there be any other place which is its equal?"
-source: Tamil Arunachala Puranam
GIRI PRADAKSHINA/GIRI VALAM
The circumambulation of Arunachala is known as Giri Pradakshina in Sanskrit and Giri Valam in Tamil. Performing pradakshina of Arunachala is considered to be beneficial in all ways. Typically, pradakshina is done in bare feet, with the Hill on the right. Sri Ramana Maharshi once explained the meaning of the word pradakshina and how it should be done by a devotee: "The letter "Pra" stands for removal of all kinds of sins; "da" stands for fulfilling the desires; "kshi" stands for freedom from future births; "na" stands for giving deliverance through jnana. If by way of Pradakshina you walk one step it gives happiness in this world, two steps, it gives happiness in heaven, three steps, it gives bliss of Satyaloka which can be attained. One should go round either in mouna (silence) or dhyana (meditation) or japa (repetition of Lord's name) or sankeertana (bhajan) and thereby think of God all the time. One should walk slowly like a woman who is in the ninth month of pregnancy."Throughout the year, pilgrims engage in a practise called giri valam(circumambulation of Annamalaiyar temple and Annamalai hill 14 km in circumference), considered to be a simple and effective form of yoga. The circumambulation is started from the temple with bare feet and is considered a sacred act. The central government of India asked the Tamil Nadu government through the supreme court to direct the path of girivalam under the provision of the proposed Tamil Nadu Heritage Conservation Act. There are 8 small shrines of lingams located in the 14 km circumference of the hill, each one associated with the 12 moon signs. These are collectively termed as Ashta Lingam(meaning 8 lingams) and is considered one of the rituals of worship during the girivalam (circumbulation of the hill).
KARTHIGAI DEEPAM
Every year, on the tenth day of the celebration of Karthikai, devotees take embers in pots from the sacred fire lit in the Arunachaleswara temple and carry them to the top of Arunachala, along with cloth wicks. An enormous cauldron is placed on the highest of Arunachala's five peaks and filled with hundreds of gallons of ghee mixed with camphor. At precisely six o'clock, as the sun sets and the full moon rises, lights are lit on the top of the Hill, on a flagstaff in the temple, and at Sri Ramanasramam, accompanied by chants of Arunachala Siva by the vast crowds. The fire on top of Arunachala can be seen for miles around. Sri Ramana Maharshi described the meaning of this event in this way:
"Getting rid of the `I am the body' idea and merging the mind into the Heart to realize the Self as non-dual being and the light of all is the real significance of darshan of the beacon of light on Annamalai, the centre of the universe."
TEMPLE
The temple is famous for its massive gopurams, some of which reach as high as 66m. It is made up of three nested rectangular walls each of which was built during different periods; the innermost could have been built as early as the 11th century. It was later refurbished by the kings of the Vijayanagara Empire from 14th through the 17th century. The temple is renowned for some of the remarkable carvings on the walls. In one particular carving Lord Shiva is shown as dancing in an elephant's skin.
ARUNACHALA WORLD HERITAGE SITE INITIATIVE
The Arunachala World Heritage Site Initiative was founded in 2012 in recognition of the fact that this is a crucial time for Arunachala. "If we do not do something now," founder Mr. Peter Berking says, "we may soon see more man made structures on the slopes of the ancient Hill. The pressure for development is relentless. This is only a matter of time."
This is part of a worldwide trend of human development resulting in environmental degradation of spiritual centers that we sadly see now all over the world, he says. "We have already witnessed this happening to Tirupathi Hills," Mr. Berking points out. "If it can happen there, it can happen here as well."
The main appeal to UNESCO for World Heritage Site status is being made on the basis that Arunachala is a spiritual centre for millions of spiritual seekers who converge on it from all over the world every year. This fact is underscored by highly revered Shaivite saints and other sages over the ages and emphasized in the Scriptures. The World Heritage Site program recognizes that it is in the best interests of the international community to preserve such spiritual centers for posterity.
In addition to the Great Living Chola Temples, Mahabalipuram, and other such sites in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, he feels that Arunachala, too, deserves to obtain this UNESCO status. Mr. Berking lists the benefits of World Heritage Site status as follows:
Arunachala will be protected and preserved for future generations.
Businesses will find tangible gains in becoming a World Heritage Site through boosting tourism.
Government authorities will realize their objectives of sustainable development.
International visitors to India will have yet another treasure highlighted to visit.
The fortunate local citizens will enjoy the cumulative benefits of this prestige in having a World Heritage Site in their midst.
The actual measures needed to preserve Arunachala’s sacred and environmental integrity will be worked out by UNESCO in conjunction with local, state and national government authorities. The Arunachala World Heritage Site Initiative will gather and supply crucial information, and provide logistical help and encouragement.
WIKIPEDIA
Arunachala Diary - day 2
I had arrived in Tiruvannamalai the evening before; heavy downpours, traces of cyclone Thane, who battered the coast of Tamil Nadu some days earlier, welcomed me. Amidst these rains I searched for a lodge. My reservation for Sri Ramanasramam couldn't be preponed, as this was a busy season. After few enquiries I found the Shiva lodge, a small hotel in the heart of the old city, very close to the big Arunachala temple. Everything had gotten wet and I was happy to arrive at a dry place, feeling the warmth and safety of the presence of holy Arunachala.
Arunachala (IAST: Aruṇācala, "red mountain") refers to the holy hill at Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu. The hill is also known by the names Arunagiri, Annamalai Hill, Arunachalam, Arunai, Sonagiri and Sonachalam.
It is one of the five main shaivite holy places in South India. The Annamalaiyar Temple, a temple of Lord Shiva is located at the base of the hill. Every year in the Tamil month of Karthigai (October–November), the Karthigai Deepam (Light) is lit atop the hill.
It is also an important place for devotees of Sri Ramana Maharshi, with Sri Ramana Ashram situated at its foothills.
REFERENCES TO ARUNACHALA IN RELIGIOUS TEXTS
According to the legend, associated with the Temple, a dispute occurred between Brahma the creator, and Vishnu the preserver, over which of them was superior. In order to settle the argument, Lord Shiva is said to have manifested as a column of light, and then the form of Arunachala.
In the Maheswara Khanda of Skanda Purana, sage Veda Vyasa describes in great detail the wonder of Arunachala.
Over the centuries, many saints and sages have been drawn to Arunachala. The Saivite saints Manickavachagar, Appar, Sambandar and Sundarar are four examples. In the fifteenth century, Guhai Namasivaya, Guru Namasivaya and Virupaksha Deva came from Karnataka and settled on Arunachala. Saint Namasivaya lived in one of Arunachala's caves which is still known by his name. Virupaksha Deva lived in an OM-shaped cave higher up on the Hill, and this cave too still bears his name. Located on the south-east slope of Arunachala, this was the cave that Sri Ramana Maharshi lived in from 1899 to 1916.
Arunachala Mahatmyam says,
"By seeing Chidambaram, by being born in Tiruvarur, by dying in Kasi, or by merely thinking of Arunachala, one will surely attain Liberation."
Another verse in the Arunachala Mahatmyam, translated from Sanskrit into Tamil by Sri Ramana Maharshi says:
"Arunachala is truly the holy place. Of all holy places it is the most sacred! Know that it is the heart of the world. It is truly Siva himself! It is his heart-abode, a secret kshetra. In that place the Lord ever abides the hill of light named Arunachala."
Asked about the special sanctity of Arunachala, Ramana Maharshi said that other holy places such as Kailas, Kasi and Chidambaram are sacred because they are the abodes of Lord Siva whereas Arunachala is Lord Siva himself. However, as the above verse of Arunachala Mahatmyam says, Arunachala is a secret kshetra. It is this place that bestows jnana (Self-knowledge) and because most people have so many other desires and do not truly want jnana, Arunachala has always remained comparatively little known. But to those few who seek jnana, Arunachala always makes itself known through some means or other.
"All stones in that place Arunachala are lingams. It is indeed the abode of Lord Siva. All trees are the wish-granting trees of Indra's heaven. Its rippling waters are the Ganges, flowing through our Lord's matted locks. The food eaten there is the ambrosia of the Gods. To go round it in pradakshina is to perform pradakshina of the world. Words spoken there are holy scripture, and to fall asleep there is to be absorbed in samadhi, beyond the mind's delusion. Could there be any other place which is its equal?"
-source: Tamil Arunachala Puranam
GIRI PRADAKSHINA/GIRI VALAM
The circumambulation of Arunachala is known as Giri Pradakshina in Sanskrit and Giri Valam in Tamil. Performing pradakshina of Arunachala is considered to be beneficial in all ways. Typically, pradakshina is done in bare feet, with the Hill on the right. Sri Ramana Maharshi once explained the meaning of the word pradakshina and how it should be done by a devotee: "The letter "Pra" stands for removal of all kinds of sins; "da" stands for fulfilling the desires; "kshi" stands for freedom from future births; "na" stands for giving deliverance through jnana. If by way of Pradakshina you walk one step it gives happiness in this world, two steps, it gives happiness in heaven, three steps, it gives bliss of Satyaloka which can be attained. One should go round either in mouna (silence) or dhyana (meditation) or japa (repetition of Lord's name) or sankeertana (bhajan) and thereby think of God all the time. One should walk slowly like a woman who is in the ninth month of pregnancy."Throughout the year, pilgrims engage in a practise called giri valam(circumambulation of Annamalaiyar temple and Annamalai hill 14 km in circumference), considered to be a simple and effective form of yoga. The circumambulation is started from the temple with bare feet and is considered a sacred act. The central government of India asked the Tamil Nadu government through the supreme court to direct the path of girivalam under the provision of the proposed Tamil Nadu Heritage Conservation Act. There are 8 small shrines of lingams located in the 14 km circumference of the hill, each one associated with the 12 moon signs. These are collectively termed as Ashta Lingam(meaning 8 lingams) and is considered one of the rituals of worship during the girivalam (circumbulation of the hill).
KARTHIGAI DEEPAM
Every year, on the tenth day of the celebration of Karthikai, devotees take embers in pots from the sacred fire lit in the Arunachaleswara temple and carry them to the top of Arunachala, along with cloth wicks. An enormous cauldron is placed on the highest of Arunachala's five peaks and filled with hundreds of gallons of ghee mixed with camphor. At precisely six o'clock, as the sun sets and the full moon rises, lights are lit on the top of the Hill, on a flagstaff in the temple, and at Sri Ramanasramam, accompanied by chants of Arunachala Siva by the vast crowds. The fire on top of Arunachala can be seen for miles around. Sri Ramana Maharshi described the meaning of this event in this way:
"Getting rid of the `I am the body' idea and merging the mind into the Heart to realize the Self as non-dual being and the light of all is the real significance of darshan of the beacon of light on Annamalai, the centre of the universe."
TEMPLE
The temple is famous for its massive gopurams, some of which reach as high as 66m. It is made up of three nested rectangular walls each of which was built during different periods; the innermost could have been built as early as the 11th century. It was later refurbished by the kings of the Vijayanagara Empire from 14th through the 17th century. The temple is renowned for some of the remarkable carvings on the walls. In one particular carving Lord Shiva is shown as dancing in an elephant's skin.
ARUNACHALA WORLD HERITAGE SITE INITIATIVE
The Arunachala World Heritage Site Initiative was founded in 2012 in recognition of the fact that this is a crucial time for Arunachala. "If we do not do something now," founder Mr. Peter Berking says, "we may soon see more man made structures on the slopes of the ancient Hill. The pressure for development is relentless. This is only a matter of time."
This is part of a worldwide trend of human development resulting in environmental degradation of spiritual centers that we sadly see now all over the world, he says. "We have already witnessed this happening to Tirupathi Hills," Mr. Berking points out. "If it can happen there, it can happen here as well."
The main appeal to UNESCO for World Heritage Site status is being made on the basis that Arunachala is a spiritual centre for millions of spiritual seekers who converge on it from all over the world every year. This fact is underscored by highly revered Shaivite saints and other sages over the ages and emphasized in the Scriptures. The World Heritage Site program recognizes that it is in the best interests of the international community to preserve such spiritual centers for posterity.
In addition to the Great Living Chola Temples, Mahabalipuram, and other such sites in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, he feels that Arunachala, too, deserves to obtain this UNESCO status. Mr. Berking lists the benefits of World Heritage Site status as follows:
Arunachala will be protected and preserved for future generations.
Businesses will find tangible gains in becoming a World Heritage Site through boosting tourism.
Government authorities will realize their objectives of sustainable development.
International visitors to India will have yet another treasure highlighted to visit.
The fortunate local citizens will enjoy the cumulative benefits of this prestige in having a World Heritage Site in their midst.
The actual measures needed to preserve Arunachala’s sacred and environmental integrity will be worked out by UNESCO in conjunction with local, state and national government authorities. The Arunachala World Heritage Site Initiative will gather and supply crucial information, and provide logistical help and encouragement.
WIKIPEDIA
Arunachala (IAST: Aruṇācala, "red mountain") refers to the holy hill at Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu. The hill is also known by the names Arunagiri, Annamalai Hill, Arunachalam, Arunai, Sonagiri and Sonachalam.
It is one of the five main shaivite holy places in South India. The Annamalaiyar Temple, a temple of Lord Shiva is located at the base of the hill. Every year in the Tamil month of Karthigai (October–November), the Karthigai Deepam (Light) is lit atop the hill.
It is also an important place for devotees of Sri Ramana Maharshi, with Sri Ramana Ashram situated at its foothills.
REFERENCES TO ARUNACHALA IN RELIGIOUS TEXTS
According to the legend, associated with the Temple, a dispute occurred between Brahma the creator, and Vishnu the preserver, over which of them was superior. In order to settle the argument, Lord Shiva is said to have manifested as a column of light, and then the form of Arunachala.
In the Maheswara Khanda of Skanda Purana, sage Veda Vyasa describes in great detail the wonder of Arunachala.
Over the centuries, many saints and sages have been drawn to Arunachala. The Saivite saints Manickavachagar, Appar, Sambandar and Sundarar are four examples. In the fifteenth century, Guhai Namasivaya, Guru Namasivaya and Virupaksha Deva came from Karnataka and settled on Arunachala. Saint Namasivaya lived in one of Arunachala's caves which is still known by his name. Virupaksha Deva lived in an OM-shaped cave higher up on the Hill, and this cave too still bears his name. Located on the south-east slope of Arunachala, this was the cave that Sri Ramana Maharshi lived in from 1899 to 1916.
Arunachala Mahatmyam says,
"By seeing Chidambaram, by being born in Tiruvarur, by dying in Kasi, or by merely thinking of Arunachala, one will surely attain Liberation."
Another verse in the Arunachala Mahatmyam, translated from Sanskrit into Tamil by Sri Ramana Maharshi says:
"Arunachala is truly the holy place. Of all holy places it is the most sacred! Know that it is the heart of the world. It is truly Siva himself! It is his heart-abode, a secret kshetra. In that place the Lord ever abides the hill of light named Arunachala."
Asked about the special sanctity of Arunachala, Ramana Maharshi said that other holy places such as Kailas, Kasi and Chidambaram are sacred because they are the abodes of Lord Siva whereas Arunachala is Lord Siva himself. However, as the above verse of Arunachala Mahatmyam says, Arunachala is a secret kshetra. It is this place that bestows jnana (Self-knowledge) and because most people have so many other desires and do not truly want jnana, Arunachala has always remained comparatively little known. But to those few who seek jnana, Arunachala always makes itself known through some means or other.
"All stones in that place Arunachala are lingams. It is indeed the abode of Lord Siva. All trees are the wish-granting trees of Indra's heaven. Its rippling waters are the Ganges, flowing through our Lord's matted locks. The food eaten there is the ambrosia of the Gods. To go round it in pradakshina is to perform pradakshina of the world. Words spoken there are holy scripture, and to fall asleep there is to be absorbed in samadhi, beyond the mind's delusion. Could there be any other place which is its equal?"
-source: Tamil Arunachala Puranam
GIRI PRADAKSHINA/GIRI VALAM
The circumambulation of Arunachala is known as Giri Pradakshina in Sanskrit and Giri Valam in Tamil. Performing pradakshina of Arunachala is considered to be beneficial in all ways. Typically, pradakshina is done in bare feet, with the Hill on the right. Sri Ramana Maharshi once explained the meaning of the word pradakshina and how it should be done by a devotee: "The letter "Pra" stands for removal of all kinds of sins; "da" stands for fulfilling the desires; "kshi" stands for freedom from future births; "na" stands for giving deliverance through jnana. If by way of Pradakshina you walk one step it gives happiness in this world, two steps, it gives happiness in heaven, three steps, it gives bliss of Satyaloka which can be attained. One should go round either in mouna (silence) or dhyana (meditation) or japa (repetition of Lord's name) or sankeertana (bhajan) and thereby think of God all the time. One should walk slowly like a woman who is in the ninth month of pregnancy."Throughout the year, pilgrims engage in a practise called giri valam(circumambulation of Annamalaiyar temple and Annamalai hill 14 km in circumference), considered to be a simple and effective form of yoga. The circumambulation is started from the temple with bare feet and is considered a sacred act. The central government of India asked the Tamil Nadu government through the supreme court to direct the path of girivalam under the provision of the proposed Tamil Nadu Heritage Conservation Act. There are 8 small shrines of lingams located in the 14 km circumference of the hill, each one associated with the 12 moon signs. These are collectively termed as Ashta Lingam(meaning 8 lingams) and is considered one of the rituals of worship during the girivalam (circumbulation of the hill).
KARTHIGAI DEEPAM
Every year, on the tenth day of the celebration of Karthikai, devotees take embers in pots from the sacred fire lit in the Arunachaleswara temple and carry them to the top of Arunachala, along with cloth wicks. An enormous cauldron is placed on the highest of Arunachala's five peaks and filled with hundreds of gallons of ghee mixed with camphor. At precisely six o'clock, as the sun sets and the full moon rises, lights are lit on the top of the Hill, on a flagstaff in the temple, and at Sri Ramanasramam, accompanied by chants of Arunachala Siva by the vast crowds. The fire on top of Arunachala can be seen for miles around. Sri Ramana Maharshi described the meaning of this event in this way:
"Getting rid of the `I am the body' idea and merging the mind into the Heart to realize the Self as non-dual being and the light of all is the real significance of darshan of the beacon of light on Annamalai, the centre of the universe."
TEMPLE
The temple is famous for its massive gopurams, some of which reach as high as 66m. It is made up of three nested rectangular walls each of which was built during different periods; the innermost could have been built as early as the 11th century. It was later refurbished by the kings of the Vijayanagara Empire from 14th through the 17th century. The temple is renowned for some of the remarkable carvings on the walls. In one particular carving Lord Shiva is shown as dancing in an elephant's skin.
ARUNACHALA WORLD HERITAGE SITE INITIATIVE
The Arunachala World Heritage Site Initiative was founded in 2012 in recognition of the fact that this is a crucial time for Arunachala. "If we do not do something now," founder Mr. Peter Berking says, "we may soon see more man made structures on the slopes of the ancient Hill. The pressure for development is relentless. This is only a matter of time."
This is part of a worldwide trend of human development resulting in environmental degradation of spiritual centers that we sadly see now all over the world, he says. "We have already witnessed this happening to Tirupathi Hills," Mr. Berking points out. "If it can happen there, it can happen here as well."
The main appeal to UNESCO for World Heritage Site status is being made on the basis that Arunachala is a spiritual centre for millions of spiritual seekers who converge on it from all over the world every year. This fact is underscored by highly revered Shaivite saints and other sages over the ages and emphasized in the Scriptures. The World Heritage Site program recognizes that it is in the best interests of the international community to preserve such spiritual centers for posterity.
In addition to the Great Living Chola Temples, Mahabalipuram, and other such sites in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, he feels that Arunachala, too, deserves to obtain this UNESCO status. Mr. Berking lists the benefits of World Heritage Site status as follows:
Arunachala will be protected and preserved for future generations.
Businesses will find tangible gains in becoming a World Heritage Site through boosting tourism.
Government authorities will realize their objectives of sustainable development.
International visitors to India will have yet another treasure highlighted to visit.
The fortunate local citizens will enjoy the cumulative benefits of this prestige in having a World Heritage Site in their midst.
The actual measures needed to preserve Arunachala’s sacred and environmental integrity will be worked out by UNESCO in conjunction with local, state and national government authorities. The Arunachala World Heritage Site Initiative will gather and supply crucial information, and provide logistical help and encouragement.
WIKIPEDIA
Arunachala (IAST: Aruṇācala, "red mountain") refers to the holy hill at Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu. The hill is also known by the names Arunagiri, Annamalai Hill, Arunachalam, Arunai, Sonagiri and Sonachalam.
It is one of the five main shaivite holy places in South India. The Annamalaiyar Temple, a temple of Lord Shiva is located at the base of the hill. Every year in the Tamil month of Karthigai (October–November), the Karthigai Deepam (Light) is lit atop the hill.
It is also an important place for devotees of Sri Ramana Maharshi, with Sri Ramana Ashram situated at its foothills.
REFERENCES TO ARUNACHALA IN RELIGIOUS TEXTS
According to the legend, associated with the Temple, a dispute occurred between Brahma the creator, and Vishnu the preserver, over which of them was superior. In order to settle the argument, Lord Shiva is said to have manifested as a column of light, and then the form of Arunachala.
In the Maheswara Khanda of Skanda Purana, sage Veda Vyasa describes in great detail the wonder of Arunachala.
Over the centuries, many saints and sages have been drawn to Arunachala. The Saivite saints Manickavachagar, Appar, Sambandar and Sundarar are four examples. In the fifteenth century, Guhai Namasivaya, Guru Namasivaya and Virupaksha Deva came from Karnataka and settled on Arunachala. Saint Namasivaya lived in one of Arunachala's caves which is still known by his name. Virupaksha Deva lived in an OM-shaped cave higher up on the Hill, and this cave too still bears his name. Located on the south-east slope of Arunachala, this was the cave that Sri Ramana Maharshi lived in from 1899 to 1916.
Arunachala Mahatmyam says,
"By seeing Chidambaram, by being born in Tiruvarur, by dying in Kasi, or by merely thinking of Arunachala, one will surely attain Liberation."
Another verse in the Arunachala Mahatmyam, translated from Sanskrit into Tamil by Sri Ramana Maharshi says:
"Arunachala is truly the holy place. Of all holy places it is the most sacred! Know that it is the heart of the world. It is truly Siva himself! It is his heart-abode, a secret kshetra. In that place the Lord ever abides the hill of light named Arunachala."
Asked about the special sanctity of Arunachala, Ramana Maharshi said that other holy places such as Kailas, Kasi and Chidambaram are sacred because they are the abodes of Lord Siva whereas Arunachala is Lord Siva himself. However, as the above verse of Arunachala Mahatmyam says, Arunachala is a secret kshetra. It is this place that bestows jnana (Self-knowledge) and because most people have so many other desires and do not truly want jnana, Arunachala has always remained comparatively little known. But to those few who seek jnana, Arunachala always makes itself known through some means or other.
"All stones in that place Arunachala are lingams. It is indeed the abode of Lord Siva. All trees are the wish-granting trees of Indra's heaven. Its rippling waters are the Ganges, flowing through our Lord's matted locks. The food eaten there is the ambrosia of the Gods. To go round it in pradakshina is to perform pradakshina of the world. Words spoken there are holy scripture, and to fall asleep there is to be absorbed in samadhi, beyond the mind's delusion. Could there be any other place which is its equal?"
-source: Tamil Arunachala Puranam
GIRI PRADAKSHINA/GIRI VALAM
The circumambulation of Arunachala is known as Giri Pradakshina in Sanskrit and Giri Valam in Tamil. Performing pradakshina of Arunachala is considered to be beneficial in all ways. Typically, pradakshina is done in bare feet, with the Hill on the right. Sri Ramana Maharshi once explained the meaning of the word pradakshina and how it should be done by a devotee: "The letter "Pra" stands for removal of all kinds of sins; "da" stands for fulfilling the desires; "kshi" stands for freedom from future births; "na" stands for giving deliverance through jnana. If by way of Pradakshina you walk one step it gives happiness in this world, two steps, it gives happiness in heaven, three steps, it gives bliss of Satyaloka which can be attained. One should go round either in mouna (silence) or dhyana (meditation) or japa (repetition of Lord's name) or sankeertana (bhajan) and thereby think of God all the time. One should walk slowly like a woman who is in the ninth month of pregnancy."Throughout the year, pilgrims engage in a practise called giri valam(circumambulation of Annamalaiyar temple and Annamalai hill 14 km in circumference), considered to be a simple and effective form of yoga. The circumambulation is started from the temple with bare feet and is considered a sacred act. The central government of India asked the Tamil Nadu government through the supreme court to direct the path of girivalam under the provision of the proposed Tamil Nadu Heritage Conservation Act. There are 8 small shrines of lingams located in the 14 km circumference of the hill, each one associated with the 12 moon signs. These are collectively termed as Ashta Lingam(meaning 8 lingams) and is considered one of the rituals of worship during the girivalam (circumbulation of the hill).
KARTHIGAI DEEPAM
Every year, on the tenth day of the celebration of Karthikai, devotees take embers in pots from the sacred fire lit in the Arunachaleswara temple and carry them to the top of Arunachala, along with cloth wicks. An enormous cauldron is placed on the highest of Arunachala's five peaks and filled with hundreds of gallons of ghee mixed with camphor. At precisely six o'clock, as the sun sets and the full moon rises, lights are lit on the top of the Hill, on a flagstaff in the temple, and at Sri Ramanasramam, accompanied by chants of Arunachala Siva by the vast crowds. The fire on top of Arunachala can be seen for miles around. Sri Ramana Maharshi described the meaning of this event in this way:
"Getting rid of the `I am the body' idea and merging the mind into the Heart to realize the Self as non-dual being and the light of all is the real significance of darshan of the beacon of light on Annamalai, the centre of the universe."
TEMPLE
The temple is famous for its massive gopurams, some of which reach as high as 66m. It is made up of three nested rectangular walls each of which was built during different periods; the innermost could have been built as early as the 11th century. It was later refurbished by the kings of the Vijayanagara Empire from 14th through the 17th century. The temple is renowned for some of the remarkable carvings on the walls. In one particular carving Lord Shiva is shown as dancing in an elephant's skin.
ARUNACHALA WORLD HERITAGE SITE INITIATIVE
The Arunachala World Heritage Site Initiative was founded in 2012 in recognition of the fact that this is a crucial time for Arunachala. "If we do not do something now," founder Mr. Peter Berking says, "we may soon see more man made structures on the slopes of the ancient Hill. The pressure for development is relentless. This is only a matter of time."
This is part of a worldwide trend of human development resulting in environmental degradation of spiritual centers that we sadly see now all over the world, he says. "We have already witnessed this happening to Tirupathi Hills," Mr. Berking points out. "If it can happen there, it can happen here as well."
The main appeal to UNESCO for World Heritage Site status is being made on the basis that Arunachala is a spiritual centre for millions of spiritual seekers who converge on it from all over the world every year. This fact is underscored by highly revered Shaivite saints and other sages over the ages and emphasized in the Scriptures. The World Heritage Site program recognizes that it is in the best interests of the international community to preserve such spiritual centers for posterity.
In addition to the Great Living Chola Temples, Mahabalipuram, and other such sites in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, he feels that Arunachala, too, deserves to obtain this UNESCO status. Mr. Berking lists the benefits of World Heritage Site status as follows:
Arunachala will be protected and preserved for future generations.
Businesses will find tangible gains in becoming a World Heritage Site through boosting tourism.
Government authorities will realize their objectives of sustainable development.
International visitors to India will have yet another treasure highlighted to visit.
The fortunate local citizens will enjoy the cumulative benefits of this prestige in having a World Heritage Site in their midst.
The actual measures needed to preserve Arunachala’s sacred and environmental integrity will be worked out by UNESCO in conjunction with local, state and national government authorities. The Arunachala World Heritage Site Initiative will gather and supply crucial information, and provide logistical help and encouragement.
WIKIPEDIA
Arunachala (IAST: Aruṇācala, "red mountain") refers to the holy hill at Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu. The hill is also known by the names Arunagiri, Annamalai Hill, Arunachalam, Arunai, Sonagiri and Sonachalam.
It is one of the five main shaivite holy places in South India. The Annamalaiyar Temple, a temple of Lord Shiva is located at the base of the hill. Every year in the Tamil month of Karthigai (October–November), the Karthigai Deepam (Light) is lit atop the hill.
It is also an important place for devotees of Sri Ramana Maharshi, with Sri Ramana Ashram situated at its foothills.
REFERENCES TO ARUNACHALA IN RELIGIOUS TEXTS
According to the legend, associated with the Temple, a dispute occurred between Brahma the creator, and Vishnu the preserver, over which of them was superior. In order to settle the argument, Lord Shiva is said to have manifested as a column of light, and then the form of Arunachala.
In the Maheswara Khanda of Skanda Purana, sage Veda Vyasa describes in great detail the wonder of Arunachala.
Over the centuries, many saints and sages have been drawn to Arunachala. The Saivite saints Manickavachagar, Appar, Sambandar and Sundarar are four examples. In the fifteenth century, Guhai Namasivaya, Guru Namasivaya and Virupaksha Deva came from Karnataka and settled on Arunachala. Saint Namasivaya lived in one of Arunachala's caves which is still known by his name. Virupaksha Deva lived in an OM-shaped cave higher up on the Hill, and this cave too still bears his name. Located on the south-east slope of Arunachala, this was the cave that Sri Ramana Maharshi lived in from 1899 to 1916.
Arunachala Mahatmyam says,
"By seeing Chidambaram, by being born in Tiruvarur, by dying in Kasi, or by merely thinking of Arunachala, one will surely attain Liberation."
Another verse in the Arunachala Mahatmyam, translated from Sanskrit into Tamil by Sri Ramana Maharshi says:
"Arunachala is truly the holy place. Of all holy places it is the most sacred! Know that it is the heart of the world. It is truly Siva himself! It is his heart-abode, a secret kshetra. In that place the Lord ever abides the hill of light named Arunachala."
Asked about the special sanctity of Arunachala, Ramana Maharshi said that other holy places such as Kailas, Kasi and Chidambaram are sacred because they are the abodes of Lord Siva whereas Arunachala is Lord Siva himself. However, as the above verse of Arunachala Mahatmyam says, Arunachala is a secret kshetra. It is this place that bestows jnana (Self-knowledge) and because most people have so many other desires and do not truly want jnana, Arunachala has always remained comparatively little known. But to those few who seek jnana, Arunachala always makes itself known through some means or other.
"All stones in that place Arunachala are lingams. It is indeed the abode of Lord Siva. All trees are the wish-granting trees of Indra's heaven. Its rippling waters are the Ganges, flowing through our Lord's matted locks. The food eaten there is the ambrosia of the Gods. To go round it in pradakshina is to perform pradakshina of the world. Words spoken there are holy scripture, and to fall asleep there is to be absorbed in samadhi, beyond the mind's delusion. Could there be any other place which is its equal?"
-source: Tamil Arunachala Puranam
GIRI PRADAKSHINA/GIRI VALAM
The circumambulation of Arunachala is known as Giri Pradakshina in Sanskrit and Giri Valam in Tamil. Performing pradakshina of Arunachala is considered to be beneficial in all ways. Typically, pradakshina is done in bare feet, with the Hill on the right. Sri Ramana Maharshi once explained the meaning of the word pradakshina and how it should be done by a devotee: "The letter "Pra" stands for removal of all kinds of sins; "da" stands for fulfilling the desires; "kshi" stands for freedom from future births; "na" stands for giving deliverance through jnana. If by way of Pradakshina you walk one step it gives happiness in this world, two steps, it gives happiness in heaven, three steps, it gives bliss of Satyaloka which can be attained. One should go round either in mouna (silence) or dhyana (meditation) or japa (repetition of Lord's name) or sankeertana (bhajan) and thereby think of God all the time. One should walk slowly like a woman who is in the ninth month of pregnancy."Throughout the year, pilgrims engage in a practise called giri valam(circumambulation of Annamalaiyar temple and Annamalai hill 14 km in circumference), considered to be a simple and effective form of yoga. The circumambulation is started from the temple with bare feet and is considered a sacred act. The central government of India asked the Tamil Nadu government through the supreme court to direct the path of girivalam under the provision of the proposed Tamil Nadu Heritage Conservation Act. There are 8 small shrines of lingams located in the 14 km circumference of the hill, each one associated with the 12 moon signs. These are collectively termed as Ashta Lingam(meaning 8 lingams) and is considered one of the rituals of worship during the girivalam (circumbulation of the hill).
KARTHIGAI DEEPAM
Every year, on the tenth day of the celebration of Karthikai, devotees take embers in pots from the sacred fire lit in the Arunachaleswara temple and carry them to the top of Arunachala, along with cloth wicks. An enormous cauldron is placed on the highest of Arunachala's five peaks and filled with hundreds of gallons of ghee mixed with camphor. At precisely six o'clock, as the sun sets and the full moon rises, lights are lit on the top of the Hill, on a flagstaff in the temple, and at Sri Ramanasramam, accompanied by chants of Arunachala Siva by the vast crowds. The fire on top of Arunachala can be seen for miles around. Sri Ramana Maharshi described the meaning of this event in this way:
"Getting rid of the `I am the body' idea and merging the mind into the Heart to realize the Self as non-dual being and the light of all is the real significance of darshan of the beacon of light on Annamalai, the centre of the universe."
TEMPLE
The temple is famous for its massive gopurams, some of which reach as high as 66m. It is made up of three nested rectangular walls each of which was built during different periods; the innermost could have been built as early as the 11th century. It was later refurbished by the kings of the Vijayanagara Empire from 14th through the 17th century. The temple is renowned for some of the remarkable carvings on the walls. In one particular carving Lord Shiva is shown as dancing in an elephant's skin.
ARUNACHALA WORLD HERITAGE SITE INITIATIVE
The Arunachala World Heritage Site Initiative was founded in 2012 in recognition of the fact that this is a crucial time for Arunachala. "If we do not do something now," founder Mr. Peter Berking says, "we may soon see more man made structures on the slopes of the ancient Hill. The pressure for development is relentless. This is only a matter of time."
This is part of a worldwide trend of human development resulting in environmental degradation of spiritual centers that we sadly see now all over the world, he says. "We have already witnessed this happening to Tirupathi Hills," Mr. Berking points out. "If it can happen there, it can happen here as well."
The main appeal to UNESCO for World Heritage Site status is being made on the basis that Arunachala is a spiritual centre for millions of spiritual seekers who converge on it from all over the world every year. This fact is underscored by highly revered Shaivite saints and other sages over the ages and emphasized in the Scriptures. The World Heritage Site program recognizes that it is in the best interests of the international community to preserve such spiritual centers for posterity.
In addition to the Great Living Chola Temples, Mahabalipuram, and other such sites in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, he feels that Arunachala, too, deserves to obtain this UNESCO status. Mr. Berking lists the benefits of World Heritage Site status as follows:
Arunachala will be protected and preserved for future generations.
Businesses will find tangible gains in becoming a World Heritage Site through boosting tourism.
Government authorities will realize their objectives of sustainable development.
International visitors to India will have yet another treasure highlighted to visit.
The fortunate local citizens will enjoy the cumulative benefits of this prestige in having a World Heritage Site in their midst.
The actual measures needed to preserve Arunachala’s sacred and environmental integrity will be worked out by UNESCO in conjunction with local, state and national government authorities. The Arunachala World Heritage Site Initiative will gather and supply crucial information, and provide logistical help and encouragement.
WIKIPEDIA
Arunachala (IAST: Aruṇācala, "red mountain") refers to the holy hill at Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu. The hill is also known by the names Arunagiri, Annamalai Hill, Arunachalam, Arunai, Sonagiri and Sonachalam.
It is one of the five main shaivite holy places in South India. The Annamalaiyar Temple, a temple of Lord Shiva is located at the base of the hill. Every year in the Tamil month of Karthigai (October–November), the Karthigai Deepam (Light) is lit atop the hill.
It is also an important place for devotees of Sri Ramana Maharshi, with Sri Ramana Ashram situated at its foothills.
REFERENCES TO ARUNACHALA IN RELIGIOUS TEXTS
According to the legend, associated with the Temple, a dispute occurred between Brahma the creator, and Vishnu the preserver, over which of them was superior. In order to settle the argument, Lord Shiva is said to have manifested as a column of light, and then the form of Arunachala.
In the Maheswara Khanda of Skanda Purana, sage Veda Vyasa describes in great detail the wonder of Arunachala.
Over the centuries, many saints and sages have been drawn to Arunachala. The Saivite saints Manickavachagar, Appar, Sambandar and Sundarar are four examples. In the fifteenth century, Guhai Namasivaya, Guru Namasivaya and Virupaksha Deva came from Karnataka and settled on Arunachala. Saint Namasivaya lived in one of Arunachala's caves which is still known by his name. Virupaksha Deva lived in an OM-shaped cave higher up on the Hill, and this cave too still bears his name. Located on the south-east slope of Arunachala, this was the cave that Sri Ramana Maharshi lived in from 1899 to 1916.
Arunachala Mahatmyam says,
"By seeing Chidambaram, by being born in Tiruvarur, by dying in Kasi, or by merely thinking of Arunachala, one will surely attain Liberation."
Another verse in the Arunachala Mahatmyam, translated from Sanskrit into Tamil by Sri Ramana Maharshi says:
"Arunachala is truly the holy place. Of all holy places it is the most sacred! Know that it is the heart of the world. It is truly Siva himself! It is his heart-abode, a secret kshetra. In that place the Lord ever abides the hill of light named Arunachala."
Asked about the special sanctity of Arunachala, Ramana Maharshi said that other holy places such as Kailas, Kasi and Chidambaram are sacred because they are the abodes of Lord Siva whereas Arunachala is Lord Siva himself. However, as the above verse of Arunachala Mahatmyam says, Arunachala is a secret kshetra. It is this place that bestows jnana (Self-knowledge) and because most people have so many other desires and do not truly want jnana, Arunachala has always remained comparatively little known. But to those few who seek jnana, Arunachala always makes itself known through some means or other.
"All stones in that place Arunachala are lingams. It is indeed the abode of Lord Siva. All trees are the wish-granting trees of Indra's heaven. Its rippling waters are the Ganges, flowing through our Lord's matted locks. The food eaten there is the ambrosia of the Gods. To go round it in pradakshina is to perform pradakshina of the world. Words spoken there are holy scripture, and to fall asleep there is to be absorbed in samadhi, beyond the mind's delusion. Could there be any other place which is its equal?"
-source: Tamil Arunachala Puranam
GIRI PRADAKSHINA/GIRI VALAM
The circumambulation of Arunachala is known as Giri Pradakshina in Sanskrit and Giri Valam in Tamil. Performing pradakshina of Arunachala is considered to be beneficial in all ways. Typically, pradakshina is done in bare feet, with the Hill on the right. Sri Ramana Maharshi once explained the meaning of the word pradakshina and how it should be done by a devotee: "The letter "Pra" stands for removal of all kinds of sins; "da" stands for fulfilling the desires; "kshi" stands for freedom from future births; "na" stands for giving deliverance through jnana. If by way of Pradakshina you walk one step it gives happiness in this world, two steps, it gives happiness in heaven, three steps, it gives bliss of Satyaloka which can be attained. One should go round either in mouna (silence) or dhyana (meditation) or japa (repetition of Lord's name) or sankeertana (bhajan) and thereby think of God all the time. One should walk slowly like a woman who is in the ninth month of pregnancy."Throughout the year, pilgrims engage in a practise called giri valam(circumambulation of Annamalaiyar temple and Annamalai hill 14 km in circumference), considered to be a simple and effective form of yoga. The circumambulation is started from the temple with bare feet and is considered a sacred act. The central government of India asked the Tamil Nadu government through the supreme court to direct the path of girivalam under the provision of the proposed Tamil Nadu Heritage Conservation Act. There are 8 small shrines of lingams located in the 14 km circumference of the hill, each one associated with the 12 moon signs. These are collectively termed as Ashta Lingam(meaning 8 lingams) and is considered one of the rituals of worship during the girivalam (circumbulation of the hill).
KARTHIGAI DEEPAM
Every year, on the tenth day of the celebration of Karthikai, devotees take embers in pots from the sacred fire lit in the Arunachaleswara temple and carry them to the top of Arunachala, along with cloth wicks. An enormous cauldron is placed on the highest of Arunachala's five peaks and filled with hundreds of gallons of ghee mixed with camphor. At precisely six o'clock, as the sun sets and the full moon rises, lights are lit on the top of the Hill, on a flagstaff in the temple, and at Sri Ramanasramam, accompanied by chants of Arunachala Siva by the vast crowds. The fire on top of Arunachala can be seen for miles around. Sri Ramana Maharshi described the meaning of this event in this way:
"Getting rid of the `I am the body' idea and merging the mind into the Heart to realize the Self as non-dual being and the light of all is the real significance of darshan of the beacon of light on Annamalai, the centre of the universe."
TEMPLE
The temple is famous for its massive gopurams, some of which reach as high as 66m. It is made up of three nested rectangular walls each of which was built during different periods; the innermost could have been built as early as the 11th century. It was later refurbished by the kings of the Vijayanagara Empire from 14th through the 17th century. The temple is renowned for some of the remarkable carvings on the walls. In one particular carving Lord Shiva is shown as dancing in an elephant's skin.
ARUNACHALA WORLD HERITAGE SITE INITIATIVE
The Arunachala World Heritage Site Initiative was founded in 2012 in recognition of the fact that this is a crucial time for Arunachala. "If we do not do something now," founder Mr. Peter Berking says, "we may soon see more man made structures on the slopes of the ancient Hill. The pressure for development is relentless. This is only a matter of time."
This is part of a worldwide trend of human development resulting in environmental degradation of spiritual centers that we sadly see now all over the world, he says. "We have already witnessed this happening to Tirupathi Hills," Mr. Berking points out. "If it can happen there, it can happen here as well."
The main appeal to UNESCO for World Heritage Site status is being made on the basis that Arunachala is a spiritual centre for millions of spiritual seekers who converge on it from all over the world every year. This fact is underscored by highly revered Shaivite saints and other sages over the ages and emphasized in the Scriptures. The World Heritage Site program recognizes that it is in the best interests of the international community to preserve such spiritual centers for posterity.
In addition to the Great Living Chola Temples, Mahabalipuram, and other such sites in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, he feels that Arunachala, too, deserves to obtain this UNESCO status. Mr. Berking lists the benefits of World Heritage Site status as follows:
Arunachala will be protected and preserved for future generations.
Businesses will find tangible gains in becoming a World Heritage Site through boosting tourism.
Government authorities will realize their objectives of sustainable development.
International visitors to India will have yet another treasure highlighted to visit.
The fortunate local citizens will enjoy the cumulative benefits of this prestige in having a World Heritage Site in their midst.
The actual measures needed to preserve Arunachala’s sacred and environmental integrity will be worked out by UNESCO in conjunction with local, state and national government authorities. The Arunachala World Heritage Site Initiative will gather and supply crucial information, and provide logistical help and encouragement.
WIKIPEDIA