We feel blessed to be born in an Indian country with sacred places like Varanasi and Arunachalam. The mysteries of Arunachala\’s temples will be detailed. When visiting Tiruvannamalai, follow these four guidelines at
Arunachalesvara temple
- After the third gopuram, beneath the Kili gopuram, you\’ll find a self-manifested Mohini sculpture. Pledge to abandon worldly pleasures during prayers and avoid looking back after darshan.
- Outside Amman\’s sanctum, near a pavilion with navagrahas, are two Chitragupta idols. Avoid eye contact during prayers to overcome fear associated with Lord Yama.
- Behind Arunachaleshwarar\’s sanctum, there\’s Arunagiri Yogi mantap with a cryptic Siddha idol. Do not use it for photos or break coconuts.
- Past Kili Gopuram, you\’ll find Pancha Bhoota linga shrines and Bidari Amman temple. Inside, Sapta Matrikas and Renuka Matha idols can be seen. Pay attention to unique trees called Badanikas, which are beneficial in tantra sastra.
Tiruvannamalai Temple Timings
Tiruvannamalai Temple Morning Darshan Timing:
Early Morning Opens at 5:30 am Closing at noon 12:30 pm
Annamalaiyar Temple Evening Darshan Timing:
Evening Opens at 3:30 pm Closing Night at 9:30 pm
Arunachalam karthika Deepam:
We get excited when we hear about Arunachalam, Giripradakshina, and the Kartika Deepotsavam ceremony. In detail about Arunachalam and Girivalam. The Kartika Deepam festival celebrates the manifestation of Lord Siva as a radiant column of light. The festival spans 16 days and has deep-rooted traditions dating back to ancient times.
Here are some key highlights:
- Day #1 – Dwajarohanam:
- The procession deity and Divine Consort are taken to the dwajasthambam.
- Day #5:
- Lord Siva rides a silver Nandi for a spectacular procession.
- Day #10:
- The Bharani Deepam is lit in the early hours, and in the evening, the sacred Kartika Deepam (Maha Deepam) is lit on the top of Arunachala.
- Kartika Deepam Ritual:
- A 10ft-tall and 5ft-wide cauldron, acting as a lamp, is carried in a procession atop Arunachala.
- It is securely fastened to chains to prevent accidents.
- The Kartika Deepam is lit using 1000L of cow ghee and a colossal wick made from a 350m fabric.
- Devotees contribute fabric or cow ghee for the ritual.
- Day #11:
- Lord Siva circumambulates Arunachala with His subtle forms, and millions of devotees join the procession.
- Benefits of Observing Kartika Deepam:
- Light a lamp, donate cow ghee, or a wick for Kartika Deepam, as it is considered extremely fortunate.
- Pay respects to Kartika Deepam atop Arunagiri, believed to free us from the cycle of birth and death.
- Circumambulate Arunagiri after Kartika Deepam for spiritual benefits.
Whether you can visit Tiruvannamalai or not, you can stay blessed by watching the televised version and observing these rituals.
The Ashta Ganaptis inside the Arunachala temple:
Ashta Ganapathi Temples
The Ashta Ganaptis inside the Arunachala temple:
In the Arunachala temple, there are eight Ganapatis, also known as the Ashta Ganapatis. These sacred idols hold great significance, but their locations may not be widely known.
- Selva Ganapati or Shakti Ganapati:
- Located to the left side of the big Raja gopuram, enclosed in a grill. Pray to him first.
- Sarva Siddhi Ganapati:
- Found behind the Sthambothbava Kumara Swamy temple. Praying to him is considered auspicious.
- Mangai Pillayar:
- Located near Bhallala Gopuram, challenging to see. Remember and virtually pray near the Bhallala Gopuram.
- Yanai Thirai Konda Vinayakar:
- Situated to the left of the third gopuram, Kizhi Gopuram. Pray for protection from enemies.
- Valamuri Ganapati or Kshipra Ganapati:
- Positioned on the right side of the smaller gopuram in front of the West side big gopuram (Pai gopuram). Grants boons quickly.
- Sambandha Vinayakar:
- It is located to the left side after passing Kizhi Gopuram towards Swamy Varu\’s temple. Powerful and Tantric in nature.
- Vijaya Raghava Ganapati:
- Found to the left side of Navagraha deities on the way to Ammavaru temple. Powerful and divine, covered in Sindhooram.
- Sookshma Ganapati:
- The most challenging to locate is situated on the third pillar of the mandapam in front of Ammavaru\’s temple, where Navagraha deities and Chitragupta statues are present.
These Ashta Ganapatis are considered powerful and sacred in the Arunachaleshwar temple. When you visit, have a darshan of these eight Ganapatis for a spiritually enriching experience.
Arunachalam hilltop
In Tiruvannamalai, many people visit the main temple to see Arunachala Shiva and perform Giri Pradakshin. But did you know 7 special places on the hill often go unnoticed? so when you visit Tiruvannamalai next time, be sure to explore them.
To get to these spots, there are two ways. First, you can use the stairs behind Ramanaashram, ascend the hill, and come down using the path to the Pei Gopuram (west entrance) of the main temple. Alternatively, you can ascend from the Pei Gopuram and descend towards Ramanaashram.
Starting from Ramanaashram, climb the stairs, and after 1.4 km, you\’ll reach Skandaashram. The climb may be strenuous for the elderly, so carry water bottles. The gate usually opens around 7:30 or 8:00 in the morning. Consider going barefoot to respect the sacredness of the hill, or wear socks if you prefer.
Now, let\’s explore the 7 places:
- Skandaashram: Ramana Maharshi spent 7 years here from 1915 to 1922. There\’s a gate; pass through it to find his handprints on a rock near a waterfall.
- Viewpoint: Before Skandaashram, there\’s a viewpoint offering an aerial view of Arunachala Shiva temple. You can see 8 Gopuras from here.
- Virupaksha Cave: Descend from Skandaashram to find Virupaksha Cave on the right. It\’s significant for meditation and has historical importance.
- Chuta Guhaashram (Mango Tree Cave): Descend on the left to find this cave, shaded by a mango tree, where Ramana Maharshi composed \”Akshara Manamala.\”
- Jatha Swami Temple: Ascend a bit further to reach this temple where Sadai Swami meditated for 47 years. Explore the small room where he meditated.
- Ucchi Malai Narayana Swami Ashram: Descend and find this ashram where a sage meditated for 25 years. Visit the meditation room but maintain silence.
- Guhai Namahsivaya Temple: Descend further and find this temple dedicated to Guhai Namahsivaya, a remarkable Siddha who lived for 150 years. His Sajeeva Samadhi is in the cave where he meditates.
These places offer a unique spiritual experience. Remember to be respectful, maintain silence, and avoid littering. Explore the beauty and sacredness of Arunachala Hill during your visit.
Pachaiamman Temple Arunachalam
There\’s a special temple in Arunachalam called Pachaiamman Temple. It\’s a bit mysterious and has an interesting history. Mantra Siddha, Kavyakantha Ganapati Muni, once heard anklet sounds and saw Shiva Ganas in the temple. He prayed to Goddess Durga, and they disappeared. This temple is powerful, and its energies still exist. It\’s also known as the Green Goddess Temple.
Here\’s the story: Parvati Devi, on her way to Arunachalam, was accompanied by seven Muneeshwaras. At Sage Gautama\’s ashram, nature transformed miraculously. Sage Gautama, realizing the divine presence, named the Goddess Pachaiamman. The temple is dedicated to her. People in Arunachalam consider her their family deity.
The temple has seven special features:
- Green Vermilion: Buy green vermillion from nearby shops, apply it on the Goddess, and get some back. It \ is believed to protect marital bliss.
- Muneeshwaras: Large idols of seven Muneeshwaras are there. They are protective forces for the village.
- Vahanas: Idols of elephants, horses, camels, etc., believed to be used by Muneeshwaras for patrolling.
- Antaralayam: Before the main sanctum, idols of Muneeshwaras, Sapta Kanyas, Gautama Maharshi, and Matrikas. Pachaiamman\’s idol is in the center.
- Pushkarini: A sacred water tank, if open, sprinkle water on your head for blessings.
- Ramana Maharshi\’s Tree: During a plague, Ramana Maharshi and the ashram sought protection here. The tree still stands.
- Tabeti Banda: A place associated with Ramana Maharshi\’s self-realization. It\’s a bit uphill, so take a guide.
When you leave, look back—the hill resembles a Shivling, symbolizing the inseparability of Lord Shiva and Parvati Devi.
Don’t forget to explore and pay respects when you visit!
we hope when you visit Tiruvannamalai Temple next time please visit all these places.
