Nakshatra Offerings to Arunachala
It is repeatedly mentioned in the Skandapurana that Lord Shiva will always have a special connection towards those who undertake pradakshina, tapas and austerities at Arunachala.
According to Nandikeswara, for heavenly enjoyments and eventual satisfaction, there is no greater place of sanctity than the Holy Hill. Remembrance of Arunachala purifies the mind, learning about its greatness perfects the ears and extolling its munificence sanctifies the tongue. It is also stated in the Purana that, “There will be no experience of physical and mental ailments wherever the lingam of Arunachaleswarar is worshipped”.
Offerings during 27 Nakshatras
Nakshatras or stars function as sensory organs of the Lord. Arunachaleswarar prefers particular offerings on each day of puja depending upon the ruling star of the day. The precise specification of offerings, however, has a scientific basis. For example, 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 . . ." evocative of light and fire, the offering of lamps (deepams) is suggested. It is therefore in the fitness of things that one offers just what is ordained as it is believed to greatly increase the significance of the seva.
The below table is based upon the Skandapurana:-
Day ruled by Nakshatra followed by Nature of Offering
1. Aswini — Vastram (Cloth)
2. Bharani — Abharanam (Jewels)
3. Krittika — Deepam (Lights)
4. Rohini — Thaapyam (Hot Offerings)
5. Mrigasira — Srigandham (Sandalpaste)
6. Aridra — Harichandanam (Red Sandalpaste)
7. Punarvasu — Kasturi
8. Pushyami — Karpuram (Camphor)
9. Asiesha — Kesari (Saffron)
10. Makha — Pachakarpuram in water
11.Pubba — Thambulam
12.Uttara — Dhoopam (Incense)
13.Hastha — Kaalaaguru (A Scent)
14.Chitta — Anulepanam
15.Swati — Scents
16.Vishaka — Chaamaram (Traditional Fans)
17.Anuradha — Swetachatram (White Umbrella)
18.Jyeshta — Go-ghritam (Cow’s Ghee)
19.Moola — Pearl Necklace
20.Purvashada — Kireetam (Crown)
21.Uttarashada — Nava-ratnams (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
For English speakers, to find out what the Nakshaktra is for the time you will be visiting Arunachala, check out this link here.
