Greatness of sri Arunachaleswara (A) “Naamasmaranamaatrena yat paataka vinaashanam” – Skanda (3-1-11) (B) “Na kshetramarunaadasti Naasti devo-aruneswaraat Naapi pradakshinaadanydividyatebhya- adhikam Tapaha” –Skanda (3-24-52) In praise of Sri Arunachaleswara (From Ashtothram) 1 Aum Shronaadreeshaaya Namaha 2 Aum Arunaadreeshaaya Namaha 3 Aum Devaadheeshaaya Namaha 4 Aum Janapriyaaya Namaha 5 Aum Prapannarakshakaaya Namaha 6 Aum Dheeraaya... Continue Reading →
Aurora of Arunachala
The importance of the sacred place of Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu lies in the secret of its being the centre of the thejo linga kshetra and in its being the secret abode of the Supreme Lord Shiva in his elemental form of fire. While the celebrated linga adorns the temple of Arunachaleswara, Skandapurana comes out... Continue Reading →
An an-thrilling conception
The Skandapuranic legend centering round Vighneswara is doubtless known to many but is narrated here not only in the interests of accuracy and authenticity of the anecdote but also to include it as part of a fairly comprehensive series of legends that throw light on the greatness of Arunachala and to focus attention on the... Continue Reading →
Humility melts the Lord
It is not perhaps know to many that the thejo linga of Paramatman does not get destroyed even in a deluge and that it enjoys the reputation of constantly being worshipped by rains of flowers, by the melody of divine music and by the dance and prayers of the celestial nymphs. The kind Lord Paramashiva,... Continue Reading →
The greatest kshetra – A profound secret
There was once a great desire on the part of Sages in Naimisharanya forest to know which among the many Shiva kshetras on land was the greatest one. Earlier, this indeed was the question which bothered Sage Markandeya who however preferred to seek an answer from Nandikeswara. “Deveswara, Ocean of Kindness!” said Markandeya, addressing Nandikeswara,... Continue Reading →
Thithi pujas
It has been authoritatively stated in Skandapurana that Arunachaleswara would like certain specified major offerings (naivedyams) depending upon the phases of the moon (thithis) in the same way as different offerings are earmarked for the ruling constellations (nakshatras). The impact of lunar rays on earth especially on vegetation, herbs, oceanic waves and tides and certain... Continue Reading →
Nakshatra pujas
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... Continue Reading →
Legendary Light on greatness
Sage Markandeya once asked Nandikeswara, “Bhagawan! You are always immersed in the thoughts of the blissful image of Shiva. The nectar called the greatness of Arunachala related by you has made me ecstatic. How is it that the Pandyan King Vajrangada having been found guilty of committing sacrilege in Arunachala regained the glory of his... Continue Reading →
Universe glows from the glowing Arunachaleswara
"Great Nandikeswara!" said Sage Markandeya, “I had the pleasure of listening to your narration of the legend about Vidyadharas (Kantishali and Kaladhara) - a legend which can be likened to the lunar disc throwing light on the ocean of greatness called Arunachaleswara. However, how did King Vajrangada attain salvation? How did he worship Arunachaleswara? How... Continue Reading →
Regulation of worship
Arunachaleswara wishes that utsavams at the temple are celebrated in a fitting manner at least once a month. The shishyas who process the pujas, according to him, must be well-versed in the Vedas, virtuous, gifted, pure in mind and always radiating a pleasant attitude and exuberance. They should be disciplined and display internal and external... Continue Reading →
Worship of Arunachala
“I have already told you”, said Arunachaleswara addressing Sage Gautama, “how I had settled in Bhu-loka as Arunachaleswara. You are very dear to me. Many among the fortunate start worshipping me right from early times by virtue of their “punya” of the previous life. I want you to excel all and, as the foremost among... Continue Reading →
The jyothi of Arunachala
Devi assumed the role of Mahishasuramardini - as Durga and put an end to the life of the mighty rakshasa. Although there was widespread jubilation of a justifiable nature, Parvathi’s calculations and conclusions were different. Addressing Durga, she said, “Vindhyavasini! As a result of your unique accomplishment, my thapas reached its fitting finale without impediments.... Continue Reading →
Greatness of Arunachala
“Mahishasura”, explained sage Gautama to Parvathi, “must really have been a devotee of Arunachaleswara in his previous life. That is why although he acquired the form Mahisha by a curse of the Rishis for his misdeeds actuated by pride and prejudice, he has a Shiva linga adorning his neck.” “Is there any one in the... Continue Reading →
Invincibility of earthly wonder
It is Lord Arunachaleswara’s wish that Parasakti who through her inimitable powers and prayers is protecting the universe which is a projection of herself should receive sevas In Arunachala in the attractive name of Apeetha-kuchamba -a name suggestive of eternal youthful energy, inexhaustible source of knowledge, illimitable kindness and insatiable thirst for fulfilling the wishes... Continue Reading →
Shortcuts to Divine Grace
Identification of the factor that brings about a flood of knowledge is rendered easy and quick through the grace of Sadgurus like Mahan Sri Seshadri. Knowledge is the causative force leading one to salvation. Alternatively, attainments such as this can be very easily reached by observance of vratams (austerities and disciplines) in Shiva kshetras. Material... Continue Reading →
A visit for visible fruits
“Great thapasvi!”, said Parvati Devi to sage Gautama, I have a feelings of complete fulfillment from what you have told me about the greatness of Arunachala. I am struck by its mystic glory. Namaskarams to you! You will be glad to note that Shiva himself has directed me to carry on the balance of thapas... Continue Reading →
Vedic therapy for the fiery flame
“How did the fiery lingam of Arunachala”, Parvathi asked Gautama Maharshi, “come within reach of all living beings? How did it cool down? How did holy waters originate in Arunachala? Cooled down for universal protection : “As the fiery Arunachaleswara stood and occupied a radius of several miles”, replied Gautama, “all Maharshis did a... Continue Reading →
Mystic mountain of miracles
Arunachaleshwara has the reputation of being the champion of the handicapped and the unfortunate in the legendary fight at the time of Daksha –yagna several Devatas who had lost their limbs at the hands of Veerabhadra worshipped Arunachaleshwara and recovered their former figure and blemishless beauty. Thus Indra got his teeth, Agni his hands, Sun... Continue Reading →
The magic of Holy Waters
Shiva stands majestically in the form of mountain in Arunachala. “Shivam Shonachalaakritim”, says Gautama, also, the Shiva linga is mountain itself “Shivalingam-adirupam”, he asserts. The wonderful lingam of gigantic stature is worshipped by all Devatas and Rishis. Sacred waters There are several theerthams in Arunachala containing the holy waters of Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Narmada,... Continue Reading →
Shiva bestows boons
“People who indulge in mere nama-sankirtan or offer prayers to Arunachaleswara even from distant places”, Gautama Maharshi told Parvathi Devi “will have salvation conferred on them. (“Kirtito janardooraihi Shonadririti muktidaha”). Gifts, havans, homas, japa and all types of thapas in the mountainous region will bring infinite benefits. Long ago, in order to enlighten Brahma and... Continue Reading →
Parvathi descends to Earth
“Great Brahma!”, said Sanaka Maharshi to the Creator, “You are endowed with a wealth of qualities. By Shiva’s grace and your kindness as the Jagadguru, I have heard from you a lot about the greatness of Arunachala. The sanctity of the place is as wonderful as it is capable of redeeming people from all sins.... Continue Reading →
Genesis of Jyothir-linga
Once Sanaka Rishi asked Brahma about the greatness of Arunachala, ” Chaturmukha! Lord of the fourteen worlds, foremost among the Devatas and praised in the Vedas”, Sanaka said to Brahma in great humility and with folded hands, “By Your Grace, I have got full enlightenment. By Your great and singular initiation, the wealth of devotion... Continue Reading →
Apeetakuchamba & Arunachaleswara
Krittika is a great star ruled by Agni, the Lord of Fire – in consonance with the hymn of Yajur Veda “Agnirnahpaatu Krittikaaha….” That is also incendiary constellation identifiable with the manifestation of Devi. Hence when Goddess Parvathi herself undertakes a pradakshinam of the fiery lingam in Arunachala on Karthika Krittika day especially at sunset... Continue Reading →
Benefit of Giri-Pradakshinam
“Whoever undertakes the Giri-pradakshinam with the mind securely fixed in My dhyana”, says Lord Arunachaleswara, "will get the benefit of My early grace.The dust he himself raises with his feet will serve as an instrument of immortality”. Whoever begins the mountainous pilgrimage will get unexpected help even from the Devatas in various ways. The Devatas... Continue Reading →
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