It has been repeatedly mentioned in Skandapurana that Arunachaleswara will always have a soft corner for those who undertake pradakshina, thapas and austerities in Arunachala. There will be no experience of physical and mental aliments wherever the linga of Arunachaleswara is worshipped.
Offering during 27 Nakshatras
Arunachaleswara likes different offerings on each day of puja depending upon the ruling star of the day. The precise specification of offerings, however, has a scientific basis. On the day ruled by Krittika (i.e., moon in Krittika), which is an incendiary or fiery constellation in consonance with the Yajur Vedic hymn, “Agnirnahpaatu Krittikaaha….” suggestive of light and fire, the offering of lamps (deepams) is suggested. It is therefore in the fitness of things that we offer just what is ordained as it would greatly increase the significance of the seva. Nakshatras or stars function as sensory organs of the Lord.
The following table based on Skanda will serve as a ready reckoner for offerings:-
Sl. No | Day ruled by Nakshatra | Nature of offering |
1 | Ashwini | Vastram (Cloth) |
2 | Bharani | Abharanam (Jewels) |
3 | Krittika | Deepam (Lamps) |
4 | Rohini | Thaapyam (hot offerings) |
5 | Mrigasira | Srigandham (Sandalpaste) |
6 | Aridra | Harichandanam (Red sandal paste) |
7 | Punarvasu | Kasturi |
8 | Pushyami | Karpuram (Camphor) |
9 | Aashlesha | Kesari (Saffron) |
10 | Makha | Pachakarpuram in water |
11 | Pubba | Thambulam |
12 | Uttara | Dhoopam (Incense) |
13 | Hasta | Kaalaaguru (a scent) |
14 | Chitta | Anulepanam |
15 | Swati | Scents |
16 | Vishaka | Chaamaram (the traditional fans) |
17 | Anuradha | Swetachatram (White umbrella) |
18 | Jyeshta | Go-ghritam (Cow’s ghee) |
19 | Moola | Pearl necklace |
20 | Purvashada | Kireetam (Crown) |
21 | Uttarashada | Navaratnams (9 precious stones) |
22 | Sravana | Bhadraasanam (as peeta) |
23 | Dhanishta | Gold |
24 | Satabhisha | Fine articles |
25 | Purvabhadra | Enjoyable (Bhogya) ones |
26 | Uttarabhadra | Horse |
27 | Revati | Golden chariot |
The seva-kartas (devotees who offer) will get special grace from Arunachaleswara by devout adherence to specified offerings.
For heavenly enjoyments and eventual salvation, according to Nandikeswara, there is no greater place of sancity than Arunachala.
The remembrance of Arunachala purifies the mind. Learning about its greatness perfects the ears. Extolling its greatness sanctifies the tongue. Those born in Arunachala are assured of material comforts and final liberation.
Ceremonies (like Shraaddha) performed in Arunachala even for sinners who die outside will get elevation. It is no wonder therefore that Arunachala excels the celebrated 7 kshetras of Ayodhya, Mathura, Maaya, Kashi, Kanchi, Avantika and Dwaraka:
“Ayodhyaam Mathuraam Maayaam
Kaasheem Kaancheem Avantikaam
Dwaarakaam cha Arunakshetram
Atishete na samshayaha” (Skaanda)
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