Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple , Thiruvannamalai.

Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple , Thiruvannamalai.


LOCATION : Thiruvannamalai

Main Deities:

Annamalaiyar or Arunachaleswarar

Unnamalaiyaal (Apitakuchambaal)

Other name:

Sonachaleswarar, Arunagiriswarar, Sounadriswarar,Bhaktapasavimochakar,Vedamurthi

Origin:

Thiruvannamalai is so rich in history that it finds mention in ancient literature dating as far back as the year 100 BC. and legends around this monumental place tell stories from times as long back as human existence on this earth.The main temple is known to have existed for well over 2000 years, the massive temple complex that is visible today with impressive gopurams have a history of over 1200 years.

Significance : Panch Boodha Sthalams
                       Element- Agni
                       One of the 275 Siva Sthalams

Temple:

This holy temple at Tiruvannamalai lies at the foot of Arunachala hill and occupies a vast area of 24 acres of land , is the largest Siva temple in India, and smaller only to the Vishnu temple of Srirangam in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. Arunachaleswara is said to be at least 2000 years old, with the gopurums (towers) and stone structure dating back 1200 years. This dating is from an inscription in the structure that was made during the reign of the Chola kings who ruled in the ninth century A.D.

The Arunachaleswara Temple has a 60m or 11 storied high sculptured gopurams. There are in total 9 gopurams of which four are in the middle of the walls. The larger one is called by the name of Raja gopuram. Thirumanjuna gopuram and pey Gopuram are to the north and south of the temple.

On entering the temple from the east, there is the Thousand pillar hall built by Chola king Krishna Deva Raya. The exactly 1000 pillars are inscripted with the sculptures of the Naik period. The mandapam where the deity is placed and worshiped is known as the Ani Thirumanjaram. The sacred tank or pool of ShivaGanga is towards the south of the Kambathu iiayanar mandapam with enclosed corridor.

The third mandapa has 16 pillars and it is from this mandapa that the Pancha Murthis or the five deities give darshan on the day of Kartigai. The sanctum is reached by the main entrance in the east. The Rudra baga is covered with gold plate. There is the Devi shrine to the opposite of the Mandapa.


Legend of this temple :

Once there was a dispute between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu as to who was superior. Lord Shiva in order to put an end to this dispute appeared before them as fire in the shape of a glowing mountain. The two who were quarrelling did not realise who or what this 'mountain of fire' was. So they decided to search for the 'Aathi' (beginning) and the 'Antham' (end) of this 'Jothi' and whoever succeeded first would be declared the superior god.

Lord Brahma took the form of a swan and flew upwards in search of the beginning and Lord Vishnu took the form of a 'Varaha' (wild boar) and went burrowing in the earth in order to find the end. Each after flying high and borrowing low failed in his attempt to find the beginning or the end. Brahma did not want to concede defeat. While coming down he saw a petal of 'Thalampoo' floating in the air. He asked the flower to be his witness that he had seen the beginning. The flower agreed to his request. They arrived together and found Lord Vishnu and told Him that Brahma had seen the top and this flower 'Thalampoo' was the witness. At this juncture the 'Jothi' transformed itself as Lord Shiva and admonished Brahma for telling lies and the 'Thalampoo' for bearing false witness. He also decreed that no temples would be dedicated for Lord Brahma and that 'Thalampoo' should never be offered in worship. Brahma and Vishnu realising their mistake prayed to Lord Shiva to remain there as a 'Jothi lingam'.

Festivals:

Brahmotsavam celebrated in the Tamil month of Karthikai. Four Brahmotsavams are celebrated every year, the most famous of which is the one celebrated during the Tamil month of Karthigai (November/December). This ten day event culminates on the day of Karthigai Deepam and on that evening, a huge lamp is lit in a cauldron with three tons of ghee at the top of the Annamalai hill.

Giri valam : Every full moon night, tens of thousands of pilgrims worship by circumambulating the Arunachala hill barefoot. The circumambulation covers a distance of about 15km.

Chitra Powrnami (full moon) night in the Tamil calendar year, lakhs of pilgrims come from across the world to worship Him

Pariharam:

Significance of Girivalam based on Days

• Sunday: One attains salvation and gets liberated through Lord Shiva

• Monday: One sores to great heights socially and boosts his morale

• Tuesday: One gets freedom from debts, wards off poverty, cleanses the past karmas

• Wednesday: One attains proficiency in art/work and leads a successful life

• Thursday: One attains the highest state of wisdom as the Saints

• Friday: One attains prosperity and gets blessings of Lord Vishnu.

• Saturday: One attains the blessing of Navagraha and all the ill effects of the planets will vanish

Asthta Lingas and their powers

There are 8 lingams and 8 Nandis in 8 directions along the path of girivalam. There are also several holy tanks, ashrams and mandapams.

Indra Lingam (East Direction)

This is the first lingam on the path of girivalam. Lord Indra the king of Devas is worshiping Lord Shiva at this place. This lingam is auspicious for people whose ruling planet is Sun and Sukran (Venus). Worshiping Indra lingam boosts the moral and the social status.

Agni Lingam (South East Direction)

This is the second lingam on the path of girivalam. This is the only lingam on the right side of the girivalam path. This lingam is auspicious for people whose ruling planet is Moon. This Lingam signifies fire which is the very source of all living beings. One who worships this lingam gets relieved from disease and fear.

Yama Lingam (South Direction)

This is the third lingam on the path of girivalam. Lord Yama is the God of Death. But he also denotes truthfulness and steadiness. This lingam is auspicious for people whose ruling planet Sevvai(Mars). This lingam wards off the fear of death and bestows long life.

Niruthi Lingam (South West Direction)

This is the fourth lingam on the path of girivalam. It is very auspicious to see the hill from inside this temples prakaram. This relieves us from difficulties and gives us a feeling of bliss and peace. This lingam is auspicious for people whose ruling planet Raagu. It is also believed to bestow boon to issueless women to beget children and happiness in the family.

Varuna Lingam (West Direction)

This is the Fifth lingam on the path of girivalam. Varuna means water the key essential need of all living beings. This lingam is auspicious for people whose ruling planet Sani(Saturn).It is believed that one who worships this lingam is relieved from diseases.

Vayu Lingam (North West Direction)

This is the sixth lingam on the path of girivalam. Vayu means wind or air. There is no life without air and this is the element essential for survival and is all over. This lingam is auspicious for people whose ruling planet Ketu. One who worships this lingam is relieved of all diseases mainly those related to respiratory.

Kubera Lingam (North Direction)

This is the seventh lingam. Lord kubera is the God of wealth. This is the place where Lord kubera is worshipping Lord Shiva. This lingam is auspicious for people whose ruling planet Guru(Jupiter).One who worships Kubera lingam is blessed with wealth and well being.

Esanya Lingam (North East Direction)

This is the Last lingam along the girivalam path. This lingam is believed to be one of the 7 Rudras(Saints) of shiva who is sitting on the tiger skin with holy ash smeared all over the body. This lingam is auspicious for people whose ruling planet Budhan(Mercury).One who worships this lingam is relieved from all the difficulties and receives good karma.