A few days ago I visited the Ashram of Sri Siva Siddha Mona Swami to check out the (almost) completed Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple constructed at the Ashram.
The Ashram is in a peaceful spot within the radius of the power of Arunachala, however the road to it is circuitous and for ever twisting upon itself. Thus although the actual distance from Arunachala Hill is around 25 kms, the journey by road is more like 35 kms.
It was very nice to be in the countryside and away from the hustle and bustle of Tiruvannamalai.
Our road eventually led to the gate of the Ashram. And the first thing we noticed was the huge statue of Siva in sitting pose on the roof of the Temple. From the ground to the top of the statue, it is 54 feet.
On asking, Swamiji told us that the total cost for building the Temple thus far comes to 1 crore 15 lakhs (i.e. Rs.11,000,000). All that remains to be done is completion of the Temple flooring which is estimated will come to around Rs.10 Lakhs.
Projects for the further development of the Ashram and Temple will include the following:
Purchase of adjacent one acre of land for development. Estimated cost Rs.20 Lakhs.
Construction of Kalyana Mandapam Hall for Weddings and Functions.
Creation of a new Dining Facility.
In niches on the outside wall of the Temple are shrines dedicated to Lord Vinayagar, Lord Murugan, Lord Dakshinamurti and the Goddess Durga
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| Side view of completed Temple |
Although the Temple was closed for mid-day, we were kindly allowed inside to take photographs.
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| From left to right, Sacrifical Altar, Flag Staff and Lord Nandi |
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| The Shrine of Lord Shiva, with attendant keepers at doorway |
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| Background of Nandi is the Meenakshi Shrine |
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| Shrine of the Goddess |
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| Back of Siva Sannidhi representations of the 18 Tamil Siddhars |
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Outside the Temple is the Navagraha Shrine
Puja including abhishekam and aarti occur every day at:
5.00 a.m.
12.00 p.m.
4.00 p.m.
8.00 p.m.
Each month special pujas take place at Pradosham (evenings from 4.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.) and at Poornima from 6 a.m. to 12 noon. The Poornima puja includes Abhishekam, Fire Homam and Anandam.
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The Ashram of Sri Siva Siddha Mona Swami is set in a peaceful area. Currently 8 sannyasins are staying at the Ashram under the care of Swamiji. However there are a couple of rooms available for (ONLY) gents to stay at.
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| Left is current Dining Area |
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| Swami's room with curtain on right. Adjacent Office and Administration |
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| Sri Siva Siddhar Mona Swamigal |
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| Swamigal |
Throughout this Arunachala Mystic website, there are postings describing the history and healing intercessions of Sri Siva Siddhar Mona Swamigal.
Due to his earlier intense sadhana he was gifted certain siddhas including clairvoyance and powers of healing. An increasing number of devotees and pilgrims visit Swamigal at his Ashram to consult with him and receive his blessings.
Now that there is a Temple at his Ashram devotees may also wish to arrange a puja in conjunction with their own needs in order to further bless their prayers.
Pujas to support sankalpas can be arranged on behalf of interested parties. In this respect if any individual person wants to support one of the 4 daily puja, the cost is Rs.1000/-.
To sponsor a 6 hour Poornima Fire Homam with Puja is Rs.20,000/-.
For more information on any of the above please get in touch direct with Swami's Ashram. Contact details below:
Sri Siva Jothi Mona Siddhar Dharma Paribalana Trust
Sethavarai, Nallan Pillai Petral Village & Post,
Gingee Tk
Villupuram Distrct,
Tamil Nadu
Landline: (0)4145-295514
