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... 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 →
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 →
Eligibility
The Swetashwara Upanishad says that those who are eligible to receive the benefits of Jeevanmukti state are threefold: (1) The disciples of a Sadguru (2) The devotees of God, and (3) The neutral ones among the atheists and theists (even an atheist gets cleansed of all sin and redeemed from bondage if he catches the... Continue Reading →
Ishwara on Jeevanmukti and Videhamukti
Videha Mukti “All knowing Maha Vishnu!”, says Iswara according to Soota Samhita (Mukti Khanda – 2nd chapter) which is part of Skandapurana, "In Vedanta Sastra, the concept of Mukti is explained as of different types. But the most important five of them are (1) Salokya (2) Sameepya (3) Saroopya (4) Sayujya and (5) Swarupa. Mundakopanishad... 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 →
Chapter 4 – 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 →
Chapter 3 – Apeetakuchamba and 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 →
Chapter 2 – 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 →
Chapter 1 – Greatness of Arunachala (that attracted Mahaan Seshadri and a host of Sages)
If Varanasi(Kashi) is reputed to confer immortality on those dying there, Arunachala (Thiruvannamalai) holds out the same benefit to all those who remember its glorious name! Remember, it is just the remembrance of Arunachala: “Nama smaranamatrena yatpaatakavinaashanam” declares the celebrated Skandapurana. By remembering the great name, all sins of a person will disappear and he... Continue Reading →
Introduction to “Greatness of Arunachala” by Mahaan Sri Seshadri Swamigal
Sadguru Sri Seshadri Swami's "Sesha Gita" The mountain of Arunachala, Thiruvannamalai, is a monumental linga affording protection to animate and inanimate world in addition to the incomprehensible galaxy of bodies in Brahmic manifestation. As a place endowed with the potentiality for erasing sinful karma and for promoting prospects of salvation, Arunachala is the only one of... Continue Reading →
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