Goddess Mariamman and Kasi Swami, Temple Founder

This week I visited Kiran and Philippe (co-founders of Greenland Ashram set in the Arunachala countryside) which is currently under development and is expected to be completed within the next several months, see this link for a pictorial representation of the current status of their Ashram. 

While there Kasi Swami, who lives nearby, stopped at Kiran's house to give her a selection of herbs and natural remedies and advice of how to use them to help cure a skin condition she is currently suffering from. One could say that Kasi Swami is a sort of patriarch of the local village and many villagers go to him for help with illnesses, advice for protection against the "evil eye," and for remedies that can bring better fortune into their lives. In Tamil Nadu such patriarchs are still very easy to find, and are usually highly respected in their communities.

Kasi Swami

After leaving Greenland Ashram I stopped by Kasi Swami’s small Mariamman Shrine of which he is founder. Mariamman is a ancient mother goddess worshipped by Dravidians from pre-Vedic times to bring rain and prosperity. One legend about the origin of Mariamman is she was the wife of Thiruvalluvar (the famed Tamil poet) and after she caught smallpox was reduced to begging from house to house for food. For relief and to keep flies off her smallpox sores she would fan herself with leaves from the neem tree. She recovered and people worshiped her as the Goddess of smallpox. Even now in Tamil Nadu to keep smallpox, cholera and chickenpox away, neem leaves are hung above the main entry-way of homes. 

Another belief is that Parasuram’s (incarnation of Lord Vishnu) mother was Renuka Devi who came to be worshipped in the names of Mariamman, Karumariamman and Renuka Parameswari in Tamil Nadu. 

Land surrounding the small Mariamman Shrine

For a fascinating insight into the mythological theme of Mariamman, I quote the following from David Kinsley’s vision of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu religious tradition, in his book "Hindu Goddesses". 

“An important theme in myths concerning the origin of village Goddesses is the injustice done to women by men. Two of the best-known myths concerning the origin of the popular goddess Mariamman in South India include this motif:-

In one version a young Brahmin girl is courted by and eventually married to an untouchable who has disguised himself as a Brahmin. On discovering the trick, the woman becomes furious and kills herself. She is transformed into a Goddess and in her Divine form punishes the untouchable by burning him to ashes and otherwise humiliating or humbling him. 

Trident and lemons beloved by this aspect of the Goddess

Unusual representation of trident in stone form

Another version of Mariamman’s origin identified her with an extremely pious, pure wife who is married to a devout holy man. She is so pure that she can perform miraculous tasks such as making jars out of loose sand and boiling water simply by placing a pot of water on her head. One day, however, she sees two gandharvas making love and feels envy for them. Thereupon she loses her miraculous powers. Discovering this and suspecting sexual disloyalty, her husband commands their son to kill his mother. The son obeys his father and decapitates his mother. Eventually she is restored to life but in the process her head and body gets transposed with those of an untouchable woman. Mariamman is thus understood to have a Brahmin head and an untouchable body, which is significant in terms of her ambivalent nature and her role as a village Goddess exemplifying the social status quo in which Brahmins are the head of the social system. 

Lion, the mount of this Shakti Goddess

However, it could be said that nowadays many are unfamiliar with the various legends connected with the Goddess Mariamman thus worship Her purely as Parvathi (Goddess Shakthi - wife of Lord Shiva). 

In small village Temples (such as the one in this posting) the Goddess is usually depicted in a sitting posture and flanked by Ganesha and Subramanya on her sides. She is portrayed as a beautiful young woman with a red-hued face, wearing a red dress. Sometimes she is portrayed with many arms—representing her many powers—but in most representations she has only two or four arms. She may be represented with two demeanours—one displaying her pleasant nature, and the other her terrifying aspect, with fangs and a wild mane of hair. 

Goddess Mariamman

In Tamil Nadu such Patriarchs as Kasi Swami are still very easy to find, and are usually highly respected in their communities. Here in the Tiruvannamalai area one of the most recent and famous such Swamis was Swami Vellayanada of Karumarapatti who died several years ago after reaching a hale and hearty age. As I am personally familiar with details of a miraculous healing that Vellayananda was involved in, and as he was such a colourful figure, will make a posting about him on Arunachala Mystic very soon.

Moola Mantra

The Moola Mantra is believed to give peace and joy. It has the power to transport one’s mind to a state of love and joy. It is regarded as a great devotional act and of great benefit to the seeker of truth and enlightenment. 

The Moola Mantra is a prayer that worships the great Creator and Liberator. It is a mantra of great spiritual power. It evokes the living God and asks protection and freedom from all sorrow and suffering. 

Even without chanting this mantra, just listening to it is believed to give peace. 

Om 

Sat Chit Ananda Parabrahma 

Purushothama Paramatma 

Sri Bhagavathi Sametha 

Sri Bhagavathe Namaha 

Moola Mantra repeated on loop

Meaning of Moola Mantra 

Om—The primordial sound by which the whole Universe vibrates. This Divine sound has the power to create, sustain, and destroy; giving life and movement to all that exists. 

Sat—The all-penetrating Existence that is formless, shapeless, and omnipresent; it is the unmanifest experienced as the emptiness of the Universe. 

Chit—The infinite Pure Consciousness of the Universe 

Ananda—Bliss, love, and the true nature of the Universe 

Parabrahma—The Supreme Being in its Absolute aspect; the One who is beyond space and time. 

Purushothama—Purusha means Soul, and Uthama means the Supreme Spirit. It is the supreme energy force guiding us from the highest world. 

Paramatma—The indweller, the Antaryamin, who resides formlessly and is immanent in every creature and in all beings. 

Sri Bhagavathi—Female aspect of the Divine, which is characterised as the Supreme Intelligence in action, the Shakti Power. 

Same tha—Together within Sametha—“together" or "in communion with" 

Namaha—Salutation or prostration to the Universe 

The Power of Sound

“Sound and intelligence are synonyms. The sound frequencies or mantras have no beginning or end. They are as old as space and the Universe. Many ancient cultures discovered that the mind is made up of subtle energies, in the form of sound frequencies. Ninety percent of our mind is occupied by language-based activity. The mind has a sound pattern; the unconscious has a sound pattern. 

These sound frequencies, also known as mantras, are a part of the space energy (the others being earth, water, fire and air). When yogis talk about sounds, it is not the spoken sound they are referring to. Spoken sounds are the gross form of sounds that emerge from the unmanifest levels. The evolution of speech is as follows: first, there is a thought sound (thought also has a sound) called nada and paranada and the thought sound become speech sound.” 

Aadi Masam 2014

Aadi Masam (Aadi month) is an auspicious month for Tamilians, It is the fourth month in the Tamil calendar and filled with festivals and rituals. In 2014 Aadi Masam started on July 17th and will endon August 16th, 2014.

Aadi Masam is specially dedicated to the Goddess. During this month, Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays are the most important days during which grand pujas and rituals are performed in most Tamil Nadu Shakti Temples. All Fridays of Aadi Masam, especially the first and third, are considered very auspicious. 

This Festival occurs during the month of "Aadi" the 4th month in the Tamil Calendar. "Pooram" which is the star that occurs at this time, is one of the 27 stars (nakshatras) in Indian Astrology and is termed the star of Mother Parashakti. On this day, it is said that the Sun (Surya) and Moon (Chandra), exchange their constellation. Which means the Sun occupies the Moon's house of Katakam (Cancer constellation), and the Moon occupies the Sun's house of Simham (Leo constellation). Both the Sun and Moon rejoice at this exchange of houses, which is known as Parivarthanaa Yogam. 

Aadi Masam is termed inauspicious by many as Dakshinaayana Punyakaalam (Lord Surya -- the Sun god) changes his direction from north to south at this time) starts in this month. This is also called as Uttarayanam Punya Kaalam. In the Mahabaratha (Bhishma Parva), Bhisma waited till the birth of Uttarayanam to give away his soul as he had Iccha Mruthyu which means, (i.e. the ability to decide the day and time of one’s death). 

It is at the start of the Aadi month that the sun’s heat reduces and the rains start. It is during this time that the monsoon peaks on the West Coast and the rivers of Tamil Nadu (shrunken in the summer heat) get replenished, often to near full levels. Aadi is the month for sowing, rooting, planting of seeds and vegetation since it is peak monsoon time. 

Aadi Masam is a time of fervour and observances in Goddess related Water-forces and Natural forces (where prayers and pujas are offered to propitiate the powerful goddesses and seek their protection from the inauspicious aspects that are often associated with the month). The month of Aadi is considered very auspicious to connect oneself to this Divine power. However no Functions celebrating social occasions, such as weddings or other similar functions are celebrated during Aadi as such social functions are considered inauspicious during this particular Tamil month. 

Prominent Festivals during Aadi Masam, 2014 

Aadi Pirappu - July 17th 

Aadi Krithigai, - July 21st 

Aadi Perukku - August 3rd 

Aadi Amavasai – July 26th (no moon day) 

Aadi Pooram – July 30th (new moon day) 

VaraLakshmi Puja - August 8th 

Aadi Chevvai - All Tuesdays 

Aadi Velli - All Fridays 

Aadi Pooram

Dedicated to the birth of Sri Andal (one among 12 great Alwars of Sri Vaishnavism). 

The tenth day of the Aadi month is celebrated as Aadi Pooram day when Thirukalyanam (the Divine marriage of the God and the Goddess) is conducted. Special pujas are also conducted on this day. It is believed that if unmarried girls worship Goddess Andal on the tenth day of Aadi Pooram Festival, they will soon marry. 

Legend has it that Vishnu Chitha (known as Periazhwar) was a sincere devotee of Lord Ranganatha of Srivilliputhur. He was childless for a very long time. His prayers were answered and on Aadi Pooram day, when the devotee was collecting flowers in his garden to be used for puja, he found a girl child. The child was named Kothai who grew up with devotion to Lord. 

Sri Andal

Every day, Vishnu Chitha made a garland of Thulasi leaves to offer to the deity at the Temple, which Kothai used to wear before offering to the Lord. One day, a devotee happened to see her wearing this garland and replaced it with another garland. However, the Lord refused to accept the new one and said that He would only wear the garland worn by Kothai. Vishnu Chitha realized that his daughter was a manifestation of the Goddess Mahalakshmi. Andal then came to be known as Choodi Kodutha Sudarkodi, meaning ‘garland offered after being worn’. 

In Saiva Temples (as is observed at our own Arunachaleswarar Temple) this day is celebrated as the Valaikappu Festival for the Goddess, when glass bangles are offered to the Goddess and then distributed to devotees. The wearing of these bangles are said to provide offspring and generally protect one from evils. (Valaikaappu is a Festival during which a pregnant woman wears glass bangles, the sound of which is said to protect her and the child from evil forces). 

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For the schedule of the 2014 Valaikaappu (Bangle) Festival at Arunachaleswarar Temple and the Fire Walking Ceremony in front of the Unnamalai Shrine please go to this link here. 

Similarities between two great Mahans

Received an interesting email (reproduced at the bottom of this posting) from Mr. K. Bharath Kumar pointing out the similarities between the two great Mahans, Sri Shirdi Sai Baba and Arunachala’s own Sri Seshadri Swamigal. 

I’ve also noted the likeness between these saints and often visit the back of the samadhi of Sri Seshadri to take darshan of the statues of the two Mahans sitting side-by-side. 

Two great Mahans

"Sri Seshadri Swamigal arrived at Tiruvannamalai in 1889 when he was 19 years old. He lived uninterruptedly at this place for the next forty 40 years until 1929. He lived the life of an Avadhuta, with no home or ashram, and moved from place to place within Tiruvannamalai. After he left the body, his devotees made his samadhi at a spot off the Chengam Road, which was later to incorporate also an Ashram in his name which is located next to Ramana Maharshi Ashram."

To learn more about the great Mahan Sri Seshadri Swamigal go to this link here: 

"Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi lived between 1838 and 1918 and whose real name, birthplace and date of birth are not known. An Indian spiritual guru and a fakir that transcended the barriers of religions, Sai Baba of Shirdi was regarded with great reverence by both Hindu and Muslim followers. He lived in a mosque and after death his body was cremated in a Temple. 

His philosophy ingrained 'Shraddha' meaning faith and 'Saburi' meaning compassion. According to him Shraddha and Saburi were the supreme attributes to reach the state of godliness."

To find out more about Sri Shirdi Sai Baba, go to this link here: 

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Similarities between Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi and Sri Seshadri Swamigal of Tiruvannamalai (Arunachala) 

There is a close likeness between Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi and Sri Seshadri Swamigal of Tiruvannamalai. 

1. Both lived in their chosen small towns for half a century without moving or wandering outside anywhere. 

2. They both lived moderately, placed least emphasis on external appearances, clothes, grooming, etc. 

3. Both were well versed in difficult yogic practices. 

4. Both gave away all material possessions, presents given to them - then and there - without hoarding any possessions. 

5. Both stressed on sincerity of devotion, power through prayers and right conduct to all devotees. 

6. Both were remarkable healers - even mud and sand became effective medicines when given with their blessings. 

7. Both were able to foretell the future of people and prescribed remedies for their problems. 

8. Both manifested themselves as the favorite Gods of their devotees - whatever they may be - i.e., they were personifications of many important Hindu Gods who appeared from both these saints' physical shells on many occasions based on devotees' prayers/needs. 

9. Both of them were very simple in their lifestyles taking the least from humankind and nature and have given maximum service useful for several generations. 

10. Both of them did not write a single book, nor did they give any elaborate lectures. Both conveyed through simple examples and parables - sometimes meaningful sometimes confusing to their devotees. 

11. Both did not start any ashrams, nor did they start new rituals or formal procedures, or a lineage of disciples as most modern saints/sadhus typically do. They were both interested solely for the upliftment of humankind - to move humans towards realizing their true self and God and spent their entire life in this mission. 

12. Both EVEN NOW exist in subtle spiritual form LONG after their samadhis (passing away) and devotees are being helped and guided in mysterious ways by them EVEN NOW. 

[Mr. K. Bharath Kumar] 

2014 Supermoons

The third quadrant of 2014 will be bathed in moonlight as three perigee "supermoons" occur in consecutive months: July, August, September. The just completed poornima (full moon) of July 12, 2014 was the first of three “perigee” moons, nowadays known as “supermoons”. Such moons are around 15% bigger and 30% brighter than an ordinary full moon. The closest supermoon of the year comes with August 10, presenting a moon that’s only 356,896 kilometers (221,765 miles) from Earth. 

“Supermoon” is a situation when the moon is closer to Earth in its orbit than on average, and this effect is most noticeable when it occurs at the same time as a full moon. So, the moon may seem bigger although the difference in its distance from Earth is only a few percent at such times. Full Moons vary in size because of the elliptical (oval) shape of the Moon's orbit. The Moon at its nearest (around 363,000 km) is called a perigee and at its furthest (405,000 km) an apogee. When the time of the perigee aligns with a full or new moon it is called a “Supermoon”.

When the rising full moon is viewed low in the sky, it creates what’s called as a “moon illusion”. For reasons not fully understood by astronomers or psychologists, low-hanging moons look unnaturally large when they beam through trees, buildings and other foreground objects. 

Technically speaking, the moon turns full at the instant it lies most opposite the sun for the month. Because the moon stays more or less opposite the sun throughout the night, watch for a full-looking moon in the east at dusk, highest in the sky around midnight and low in the west at dawn. On the nights around the night of full moon, the moon looks full for a few nights. 

The geological effects on Earth from a “supermoon” are supposed to be minor according to studies by terrestrial seismologists and volcanologists. Their findings are that the combination of the moon being at its closest to Earth in its orbit, and being in its “full moon” configuration (relative to the Earth and sun), should not affect the internal energy balance of the Earth since there are lunar tides every day. The Earth has stored a tremendous amount of internal energy within its thin outer shell or crust, and the small differences in the tidal forces exerted by the moon (and sun) are not enough to fundamentally overcome the much larger forces within the planet due to convection (and other aspects of the internal energy balance that drives plate tectonics). 

All full moons (and new moons) combine with the sun to create larger-than-usual tides, however “supermoons” have even more affect on ocean tides.

Super Moons 

Hinduism propounds the idea that the (nine) Navagrahas (of which Chandra = the moon, is one) are 'markers of influence' -- living energies which put out waves which affect our awareness by seizing our consciousness when we come under their influence. Reports of psychics and seers agree that Grahas cause a direct energy influence upon the energy bodies and minds of all life on earth. The nine planets (Navagrahas) are transmitters of Universal, archetypal energy and the qualities of each planet helps maintain the overall balance of polarities in the solar system. 

The moon is a powerful influence on the human psyche. During full moons (and even more so during the intense “supermoon” periods) one may feel more restless or experience more turbulent energies. 

The sun is the indicator of the soul and the moon is the vehicle of the mind that receives the light of the soul. Even though all the Navagrahas are represented at Arunachala, the moon with its particular association with Lord Shiva (Chandrasekhara) is believed to have an extraordinary and particular influence at this place. 

To read more about Lord Siva as Chandrasekhara, go to this link here. 

Arunachala Oracle

We recently uploaded onto our website Arunachala Samudra a new programme entitled Arunachala Oracle. When you first arrive at the programme introductory page you will learn of the workings of the Oracle and be then taken to a meditation page of an effulgent picture of the Lord and (if you wish) listen to inspirational Arunachala-Siva audios run on a continuous long loop. When you feel calm and composed you may then ask the Oracle your question and leave it to Divine Providence to supply you with the answer. 

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“In India there is still a custom in villages of people depending on providence when there is no possibility of a decision being arrived at by reasoning on a particular matter, and of taking recourse to Dharmapatra, the leaf of impartiality to know the will of Providence; when they ascertain it thus, they act accordingly, without further argument or reasoning. The leaf of impartiality is made use of in the following manner: 

“Yes” and “No” are written on some fragments of paper or on Vilva leaves, which are put into an empty water-pot, and a child is asked to pick up one fragment or a leaf. If the child picks up a “Yes” fragment, the person who has recourse to this expedient knows that Providence sanctions the contemplated course. If the other pieces is picked up, he takes it that the will of providence forbids the course.” 

[Page 140—Sri Ramakrishna the Great Master Part 1] 

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As well as the Leaf of Impartiality utilised in India for many hundreds of years, there are many other methods used by Devotees to access the will of Divine Providence. Sri Sathya Sai Baba often used to counsel his devotees that when they had a situation that required action, they could revert to “chits” in order to access the Will of Divine Providence. In this respect He suggested that the devotee keep a number of tokens or coins on their altar in order to access a “Yes” or “No” answer from the Divine. 

A great devotee of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba, Shri Madhav Lele published a well known book, “Your Questions and Shree Sai Baba Answers,” which is comprised of 720 possible answers available in response to a devotee’s question. 

The premise of Arunachala Oracle is the same as the Leaf of Impartiality, the recommendation of chits from Sri Sathya Sai Baba and the book of guidance of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba. 

Arunachala Oracle is comprised of 630 possible answers compiled from sayings and recommendations of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Arunachala saints and devotees and answers of the book of Madhav Lele. 

When visiting this programme please treat it with respect. You will receive an answer from Divine Providence directly proportionate to the extent of your seriousness and surrender. 

To learn more about the Oracle and then ask your question go to this link here. 

2 Maha Sani Pradoshams while Saturn is Exalted

Two of the most powerful Pradoshams of 2014 occurred on Saturday April 12th and Saturday April 26th. When Pradosham falls on Saturday (Sani) it has unique properties that enhances karma removal power. 

Photographs of April 26, 2014 Pradosham at Arunachaleswarar Temple.

Nandi milk abhishekam

According to Hindu astrology Saturn is known to affect one adversely on occasions when it placed in a certain position in one's horoscope. A prayer to God, especially on Saturdays, is said to mitigate one’s hardships. Thus, it is believed that by observing a Vrata (vow) and offering prayers to Lord Shiva on Shani Pradosham, one can escape from the ill effects of Lord Shan (one of the Navagrahas or nine celestial Gods). 

Nandi being bathed with vibhutti

Pradosham fast is observed from sunrise to sunset and ends with the evening puja. Since the name Pradosham literally means ‘a period just before sunset and after sunset’, the Pradosham period for prayers is from 1.5 hours before sunset and 1 hour after sunset. While most devotees prefer observing a strict fast by refraining from food and drinking only water, some devotees practice a partial fast by consuming fruits and water. 

Tumeric wash for Nandi

Nonetheless, the strictness of the fast totally depends on the devotees. Even after offering the evening prayers, devotees eat only the Prasad and recommence with eating proper food only the next morning. During the day of the fast, devotees visit Shiva temples and offer pujas and chant mantras. 

Offering aarti to God

On Pradosham Day Puja is performed on Pradosham kaal. This Pradosham kaal is exactly for 2 hours and 24 minutes. Pradosham kaal means twilight period. The twilight period starts approximately 1.5 hours before sunset and ends 1 hour after the sunset. During this period, the devotees believe that God Shiva and Parvati are most happy and will satisfy prayers asked during the puja. 

Performing circumambulation inside Temple Compound

The Gods on Nandi in procession at Big Temple

Lord Annamalaiyar and the Goddess

Legend of Sani Pradosham 

Sani Pradosham, the Pradosham which falls on a Saturday, corresponds to the planet Saturn and is associated with the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. 

According to legend, there was a ruler of Ujjain called Chandrasen, who was a pious devotee of Shiva and worshipped him continuously. He was blessed with a celestial gem which could create miracles. Rivals of Ujjain, King Ripudaman and King Singhaditya of neighbouring kingdoms decided to attack Ujjain to appropriate the celestial gem. King Chandransena unaware of the impending attack was involved in his worship of Lord Shiva. A farmer's boy (Shrikhar), walking on the grounds of the palace heard the king chant Lord Shiva's name. However on being discovered by the King’s guards, the farmer’s boy was removed from the palace grounds and sent to the outskirts of the city near the river Kshipra. 

Shrikhar (the farmer’s boy) continued to pray and news spread to a priest named Vridhi. Who upon the urgent pleas of his sons, also started to pray to Lord Shiva. The attack by the enemies of the King occurred on a Saturday and with the help of the powerful demon Dushan, (blessed by the God Brahma to be invisible), the invading Kings plundered the city and attacked the inhabitants, who were all Shiva devotees. Upon hearing the pleas of his helpless devotees, Shiva appeared in his Mahakal (form of light) and destroyed the enemies of King Chandrasen. 

Upon the request of his devotees Shrikhar and Vridhi, Shiva agreed to reside in the city and become the chief deity of that kingdom. From that day on, (at that place) Shiva resided in his light form as Mahakal in a Lingam that was formed on its own from the powers of Shiva and Parvati. 

It is believed that people worshipping Shiva on Sani Pradosham will be free from the fear of death and diseases and have an increase in their worldly wealth. 

To learn more about Sani Pradosham at Arunachaleswarar Temple, go to this link here.

Varuna Japam, April 28, 2014

Varuna japam and yagam at Arunachaleswarar Temple was performed on April 28, 2014. The rendition of Varuna Japa whilst immersed in the Arunachaleswarar tank, is a ritual meant to propitiate the rain god (Varuna) to bestow copious rain and banish famine, is also aimed at appeasing the Almighty to ensure common good and world peace.

Homam to propitate the rain Gods

Priests at Temple Tank

Immersion whilst performing Japam

Darshan of Arunachala whilst chanting

Varuna Japa comprises many rituals. Some scholars stand for hours in chest deep water in a Temple tank whilst chanting the Varuna mantra or other mantras. Some perform abhisheka to the Lord's processional deities, others conduct homam to propitiate the rain Gods, do japa or recite the Vedas and sanstras. 

God Varuna 

Varuna in the Vedas is a powerful God. He is the guardian of cosmic order (rta=rhythm=ruth=truth) and in charge of the oceans, water sources and rains. He is worshipped by seagoing people and fishermen. His vahana (vehicle) is shark fish or crocodile. Tamils have always believed in his control over rains and worshipped him for rains. In this respect one of the oldest Tamil book “Tolkappiam” says he is the God of littoral areas/Neithal. 

Lord Varuna with crocodile vahana (vehicle)

On another level Varuna is in charge of West direction, (Lord Indra controls East). Mitra and Varuna are paired in Vedic hymns which to the belief of interpreting them as Day and Night, Sun and Moon, Light and Dark, and Positive and Negative energy. The Tamil saint Agastya (who made a grammar of the Tamil Language) is considered to be the son of Varuna and Urvasi. 

In Valluvar’s Tirukkural, it is said: 

Couplet 18 "If rains fail, festivals of the year and the daily worship of the gods will cease". 

Couplet 19: "Charity and devotional practices will not be observed in the world unless rain falls." 

Extract from article by London Swaminathan 

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Below is an audio of the proper chanting of Varuna Japam.





Amurya upa surye
Yabhirva surya saha
Ta no hinvantvadhvaram

Apo devirupa hvaye
Yatra ghava pibanti na
Sindubhya kartva havi


May waters gathered near the Sun, and those wherewith the Sun is joined, speed forth this sacrifice of ours. I call the Waters, Goddesses, wherein our cattle quench their thirst; oblations to the Streams to be given.


Tat tva yami brahmaa
Vandamanastada saste
Yajamano havirbhi

Ahe amano varueha
Bodhyurusasa ma na
Ayupra moi


I ask this of thee with my prayer adoring; thy worshipper craves this with his oblation. Varuna, stay thou here and be not angry; steal not our life from us, O thou world-ruler.

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The Science of Mantra

Below is an extract from an illuminating and fascinating exposition on the physics and metaphysics of sound (mantras) by the late Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi. 

"If the divisions of labour on a hereditary basis is good for all society, what specifically is the benefit gained from the vocation of Brahmins, that is preserving the Vedas?" is a question frequently asked. 

The potter makes pots for you; the washerman launders your clothes; the weaver weaves clothes for you to wear; the cowherd brings you your milk; the peasant tills the land to grow rice for you to cook and eat. Everyone does some work or other essential in the life of everybody else. The rice (or wheat ) grown by the tiller sustains us all. The cloth woven by the weaver is indispensable to our modesty, it is also needed to keep us warm in the cold season. We drink the milk brought by the cowherd and also use it to make buttermilk; we cook our food in the pot made by the potter. We find that all jatis provide commodities useful for the society. What is the Brahmin's contribution in this context? What vocation is assigned to him by the Sastras which are the basis of varna dharma? 

To read more of this narrative go to this link here.

Lord Dakshinamurti and a Man's Good Fortune

I have been constantly surprised at the huge crowds that visit the small Dakshinamurti Temple located near Ramana Ashram on the Chengam Road. This crowd increases to huge proportions in particular on Thursdays, which is the day dedicated to the Guru, represented by Lord Dakshinamurti.

The reason for my surprise is that this God represents a very esoteric aspect of the Divine and one that I did not think would be significant to the local population at large.

Dakshinamurti is the visual representation of the Supreme Guru. Under the Kallaal (spreading Fiscus tree) in Kailas, Dakshinamurti is seated in the pose of perfect peace and bliss. His form is of a youth of sixteen years and at his feet, sit the four rishis: Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana, and Sanatkumara. The Lord does not utter a word but his very pose gives the Rishis instruction and they depart, enlightened with all their doubts dispelled.

Painting of Lord Dakshinamurti

The significance of this God is explained in the below extract of a talk between Ramana Maharshi and a devotee. 

Significance of Lord Dakshinamurti

Maharshi: . . . which is the real power? Is it to increase prosperity or bring about peace? That which results in peace is the highest perfection.

Devotee: But people in Europe and America would not appreciate such an attitude and would desire a display of powers and instructions by lectures, etc.

Maharshi: Lectures may entertain individuals for a few hours without improving them. Silence on the other hand is permanent and benefits the whole of humanity.

Devotee: But silence is not understood.

Maharshi: It does not matter. By silence, eloquence is meant. Oral lectures are not so eloquent as silence. Silence is unceasing eloquence. The Primal Master, Dakshinamurti, is the ideal. He taught his Rishi discipes by silence. 

Devotee: But then there were disciples for Him. It was all right. Now it is different. They must be sought after and helped.

Maharshi: That is a sign of ignorance. The power which created you has created the world. If it can take care of you, it can similarly take care of the world also.

[Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi]

Visiting Temple on Chengam Road

Lord Dakshinamurti Temple

Crowds line to take darshan of Lord Dakshinamurti

Only yesterday I was informed by a local resident of the reason for the huge increase of interest in this particular Temple dedicated to Lord Dakshinamurti. Apparently a man living adjacent to the Temple and a big devotee of this God, won a large amount in the Lottery, word of his good fortune which he attributes to the grace of Dakshinamurti, has travelled word of mouth through the town, until now the crowds visiting this Temple on Thursday can extend up to a 100 yards in length. 

Tetrad and Blood Moons

On April 8, Mars, Earth and the sun aligned in a rare “opposition of the planets”. Such a phenomenon occurs once every 776 days. What makes the alignment remarkable is that on April 15, 2014, a week after the happening, will mark the beginning of four successive dark red “blood moons” which will be visible to us on earth. 

Opposition to the Planets

Lunar eclipses in general are sometimes called ‘blood moons’ because the light bouncing off the moon is refracted through the Earth’s atmosphere giving it a coppery hue (it’s the same mechanism that make sunsets and sunrises look red). To learn in more detail about Blood Moons, go to a comprehensive link at “What is a Blood Moon?” 

Blood Moon

According to NASA this highly unusual “tetrad” four successive total ‘blood-red’ lunar eclipses each followed by six full moons – will start on Tuesday April 15 and finish on September 28th, 2015. 

This incredible alignment has only happened a handful of times in the last 2,000 years, some religious lore attests that each of the last three occasions of such a unique “tetrad,” has been significant in that it coincided with a globally momentous religious event. 

Significance of Arunachala Girivalam Asta Lingams

Mooppanar Swami came to Arunachala from Tiruveneli around 1968 and became very well known throughout the Arunachala area. He was a devout, spiritual man who placed great emphasis on spiritual service. When he arrived at Arunachala, things were rather different to the present time and what particularly distressed Mooppanar Swami was the dreadful, neglected condition of the Asta Lingams (8 Lingams) that surrounded Arunachala. Mooppanar Swami used to spend a lot of time meditating and praying at the big Temple and he eventually came to believe that his mission directly imposed by Arunachaleswarar was to renovate the Asta Lingams. 

He was convinced that the restoration of the Lingam Shrines was essential to the revitalisation of specific fields of energy and influence surrounding the Hill. Through a combination of various social reasons, over the last few centuries Temples and Shrines throughout India had fallen into disuse and decay. This certainly occurred at Tiruvannamalai where the situation had become so bad that The Asta Lingams were even taken over by squatters and homesteaders. It is said that Mooppanar Swami would even resort to driving the squatters off the Lingam premises with a stick! 

The Hill which is octagonal in shape is surrounded by a total of 8 Lingam Temples (Asta Lingams). Each of these Temples are located at the four cardinal and four inter-cardinal points. This was also believed by the ancients who originally constructed the Lingams at their 8 cardinal and inter-cardinal points to represent, characterise and vitalise certain aspects and qualities of life, namely: 

East, Indra Lingam, Sun 

South East, Agni Lingam, Fire 

South, Yama Lingam, Death 

South West, Niruthi Lingam, Growth 

West, Varuna Lingam, Rain 

Northwest, Vayu Lingam, Air 

North, Kubera Lingam, Wealth 

North East, Easanya Lingam, Peace 

Restoration of the actual Asta Lingams is now complete; although development of land attached to the Lingams still continues. Many people believe that the revitalisation of the Lingams is in some way responsible to the sudden revival of interest in Arunachala. 

Map of Asta Lingams at Niruddhi Lingam

Life and Work of Arunachala Mooppanar (I.S.V. Arunachala Mooppanar) 

It was late evening, Saturday, April 10, 1999, when I.S.V. Arunachala Mooppanar (lovingly referred to as Mooppanar Swamigal), shed his mortal coil to reach the Feet of Lord Annamalaiyar, as Lord Siva is known in Tiruvannamalai. He was 76. It was a great loss to all those who had come to know and love him for his selfless life as a sivathondan, servant of Siva. In Tiruvannamalai, where he had spent the last 35 years, he was referred to as the 64th Nayanar (the saints of Tamil Saivism)--a place he richly deserved. 

Mooppanar led a married life for 22 years. Having no children, he adopted his elder brother's son and daughter when the former remarried on the demise of his first wife. When the daughter reached marriageable age, she died suddenly through illness. This was traumatic for Mooppanar. The son was then in the 8th standard, and Mooppanar viewed his own life to date. He questioned, "Is this all there is to life? There has been no real happiness so far. Am I going to spend the rest of my life looking after the boy?" Dispassion set in, and soon he felt the need for a more meaningful life. It was then that he made the momentous decision to leave everything behind and come to Tiruvannamalai to serve Lord Siva by offering sambrani dhupam, a traditional temple incense, to the Lord. 

Thus it was that, having made provisions for his family, he arrived in Tiruvannamalai around 1965. On his arrival he met the chief priest, Ramalinga Sivachariar. The priest told him that what he had in mind would neither provide a roof over his head nor food for his hungry stomach. Ramalinga Sivachariar offered him a job selling panchamritam, a sacred blend of five fruits, at the temple shop jointly run by him and another priest. He also encouraged Mooppanar to carry on with his Siva puja (his puja items, now stored in the premises of the Kubera Lingam, are worth not less than Rs. 30,000). For the next five years he ran the panchamritam shop. There was neither gain nor loss. This too, he felt, was not his destiny. The opportunity to do thirupani, temple renovation, came when the owner of Udupi Brindhavan Lodge offered him free board and lodging. Freed from the burden of earning a living, he embarked on his ashtalinga thirupani in earnest. In the beginning he was given encouragement and help by one Ramanananda Swami. 

The 14-kilometer circumference of the holy Arunachala Hill is dotted with several small shrines, including the Ashtalingams (eight Siva icons). Neglected over the years, these shrines had fallen into a sad state of disrepair. Mooppanar felt it was his destiny to restore them to their original glory. With this in mind, he approached the temple authorities, as all these shrines belong to the temple. The officer asked, "How are you going to carry out your renovation?" 

Mooppanar replied, "There will be no committee. Siva is the boss, and I am the servant." The officer told him to carry on, if he had that much faith in himself. The temple would not interfere as long as he did not seek financial assistance from them. Thus began the arduous task of restoration. He first started on a small scale, doing minor repairs. 

Later, as more money came in, he undertook restoration on a grander scale--providing electricity, drilling bore wells and building tanks for water storage. Cottages for the devotees have been built at Yama Lingam, Nirudhi Lingam, Palani Aandavar Koil, Surya Lingam, Varuna Lingam, Vayu Lingam and Kubera Lingam. 

Mooppanar told devotees, "I am not doing this out of desire. I am a sivanadiyar, slave of Siva, born a human and a Saivite, and doing Siva puja (worship rite) for more than 25 years. If I do not carry out the repairs and restoration, there is no point in having taken birth. I have come for that purpose." 

Toward the end of 1998 he had to discontinue his elaborate Siva puja due to ill health--diabetes, high blood pressure and a heart attack--brought on by stress caused by opposition from certain quarters that stood to lose when Mooppanar went to court to repossess property that rightfully belonged to the Ashtalingams. Over the years he had successfully gone to court more than once to reclaim Ashtalingam property. At the time of his death, there was a court case pending for Isanya Lingam, the eighth Ashtalingam, where work is currently in progress. From memory, he could give the actual acreage of each shrine. 

On the first of every Tamil calendar month, he would walk around the hill at night, performing abhishekam, ritual bathing, and puja at every shrine. In the early days, barrels of water and items for abhishekam would be carried in a push cart from shrine to shrine by a devoted band of followers. This went on for many years. Following his heart attack at the end of 1998, he was unable to walk around the hill. 

Swamiji had great compassion for cows. Every morning, on the way to the temple, he would stop at the cowshed to feed the cows and calves tidbits that he would pick up from the hotel. Through his devotees, he had contributed a few animals to the temple. At his request one devotee built a permanent shelter for the animals. On a regular basis he would have agathi leaves bought for the cows, a treat for them. Only after darshan of Lord Annamalaiyar and Unnamulai Amman would he have breakfast himself.

A man of discipline and self-control, he never imposed himself on anyone. Though he had free lodging, whenever the hotel was full, he would sleep in the corridor. He never visited old people or young children without taking some food for them. He would buy loose flowers for the Lord on his way to the temple every morning. 

When Mooppannar was hospitalized following a heart attack in early April, 1999, his devotees wanted to take him to Chennai for treatment. He refused. If he should die, it had to be in Tiruvannamalai. He was adamant about this and he breathed his last in this sanctified place. 

He was well-read and could recount stories from the Puranas. His stories would be interspersed with plaintive refrains from songs in praise of Lord Siva. In the early days he had accompanied the chief priest when the latter conducted temple consecrations in various parts of Tamil Nadu. Mooppanar was assistant in charge of everything. 

Mooppanar appointed five trustees to carry on the work after him. He also put some money in fixed deposit, the interest from which was to help to maintain the shrines he had restored. 

A large crowd gathered for his funeral. Garlands were in abundance, so much so that the path to the cremation site was lined with them. No one would accept money for services rendered during the funeral. Even the hospital where he received treatment refused to accept any form of payment from the trustees. Though small in stature, he was a giant among men. He feared no one. There are plans afoot to have a statue of Mooppanar erected in the grounds of Kubera Lingam. Palms together, he will be facing the hill. It is hoped that the trustees fulfill Mooppanar's dream by completing the restorations he dedicated his life to. 

[By Rajeswari Nagalingam] 

For more information about the Asta Lingams, and to learn about their esoteric significance visit my website Arunachala Samudra at this link here.