Showing posts with label Flag Hoisting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Flag Hoisting. Show all posts

24 July 2020

2020 Adi Pooram Flag Hoisting: Arunachaleswarar Temple





Today’s Flag Hoisting ceremony at Arunachaleswarar Temple marked the beginning of the Adi Pooram Festival. Because of the ongoing health crisis, the Adi Pooram ceremonies this year are not open to devotees. However the Temple through their official You Tube Channel have posted a very nice video of today, July 24, 2020, the first day of Adi Pooram 2020.





Adi Pooram Brahmotsavam is celebrated in all Hindu temples in Southern India in the month of Adi, which corresponds to the English months of July-August, when the asterism Pooram (Delta Leonis) is in the ascendancy. It is observed to propitiate the Sakti Goddess who is said to have come into the world on this occasion to bless all. She is thus worshipped in order that one may secure happiness for oneself and for loved ones. 

Aadi Pooram is also dedicated to the birth of Goddess Andal, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. Pooram or Puram is one among the 27 Nakshatras in Hindu Astrology.



Lord Ganesha

Parashakti Amman


3rd Prakaram, Siva Sannidhi


Flag Hoisting, 2020 Adi Pooram


2020 Adi Pooram Festival commences









21 July 2014

Adi Pooram Festival 2014, Flag Hoisting


Today Flag Hoisting at the Unnumalai Shrine at the Big Temple was observed in celebration of the start of the 2014 Adi Pooram Festival. 


Flagpost at Mother's Shrine with Gopurams and Arunachala background

Devi Parashakti at Unnamulai Shrine

Flag Hoisting, 2014 Adi Pooram Festival



2 March 2013

Flag Hoisting at Arunachaleswarar Temple


I am currently researching and preparing material to update to my website Arunachala Samudra. In this respect on researching the symbolism of the Flag Hoisting ceremony which occurs on the first day of the Deepam Festival (and also in connection with all major Festivals at the Temple) I found the below information explaining the significance of this tradition and as it is so interesting am posting it today on Arunachala Grace.


Flag Hoisting First Day Deepam Festival 2012

A permanent Dhvaja Stambha is believed to be a later addition to the Hindu Temple. Initially, it was temporary and was primarily used to indicate the beginning of a festival or other auspicious days and occasions. Whatever its history may be, the Pancharatra scripture states that a Temple without a Dhvaja cannot be said to be a Temple! 

Dhvaja Stambha Arunachaleswarar Temple


Dhvaja Stambha, or Flag Staff, which is an important feature of the Temple, is located in front of the Siva Sannidhi. A Dhvaja Stambha usually represents the prosperity and pride of a Temple. But some texts suggest that the bottom of a flag post symbolizes Shiva, middle portion Brahma and the top portion Vishnu.

Today, Dhvaja Stambhas are permanent and in the case of Arunachaleswarar Temple it is plated with a precious metal. The top portion of the flag staff has three horizontal perches or three branches pointing towards the Sanctum Sanctorum. It symbolizes righteousness, reputation and propriety or the Trimurtis – Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva. 

Bali Pitha

At the base of the Flag Staff is located the Bali Pitha (sacrificial altar for one’s malas, sins). One who hoists the Dhvaja (flag) aloft a Hindu Temple attains a divine body and enjoys the company of gods." So declares the treatise Deeparnava. 

Ornate Vinayaka at base of Dhvaja Stambha


There is a widespread belief that the Dhvaja Stambha gives an idea to a devotee from a long distance about the idol installed in the Temple and about the Vahana or Vehicle used by the deity. It is hoisted when there is an auspicious ceremony or festival in the Temple. 


First Day of Deepam 2012, Flag Hoisting


Symbolically, hoisting the flag suggests setting out to conquer, and a devotee comes to the Temple to conquer his ego and gain control over the baser nature with the help of the Supreme Being. The Sanskrit word for the flag is ‘Dhvaja’ and it means whatever is raised. In the religious sense, whatever raises man to a higher level of understanding and activity is a ‘Dhvaja.’ The flag also suggests hope and desire to overcome ignorance. The Temple visit invigorates the devotee, recharging him with strength and bravery to face the hardships of daily life knowing full well that in the ultimate those who have surrendered to the will of God find victory. 

The Dhvaja which suggests the victory of good over evil is a symbol of victory and superior wealth. It signifies commanding respect, patriotism and kingship. The Kings of old in order to exhibit their Lordship over their kingdom and proclaim their continuing rulership would hoist a flag above their battlements or palace. 


Flag Hoisting Ceremony, Deepam 2012

God is seen as the King of Kings, an Emperor above all emperors. He is the Supreme Power, not just on earth but in the entire universe; which is, after all, His creation. The Hindu mind thus thinks it only befitting that tribute be paid to this all powerful Master - the Dhvaja is thus sent aloft. If an ordinary citizen pays tribute to his king and receives favour, why the surprise when a devotee pays tribute to his King! 


2012 Deepam Flag Hoisting


Sometimes the flag or banner hoisted in the Temple acts as a message board and gives an idea about the deity worshipped in the temple. It also suggests which particular incarnation or manifestation of the God is given importance in the temple. An interesting minor function of the Dhvaja is its use as a warning. Just as a city without the king's flag is a city 'without owner', a mandir without a Dhvaja is open to harassment by evil elements. The Dhvaja warns, "Beware, your entry is prohibited!" 

[Reference: Indian Temple Traditions – Kalpatharu Research Academy]


19 November 2012

2012 Deepam Flag Hoisting



The first day of Karthigai Deepam Festival (November 18, 2012) begins with the hoisting of the flag (Dwajaroghanam) signifying the commencement of the Festival. At this ceremony Lord Arunachaleswarar is brought out from the Temple and placed in front of the flagpole to witness the proceedings. The flag is hoisted amongst Vedic chanting and nagaswara music (drums and cymbals). The priests then invites the sacred rivers, deities and rishis to come and witness the occasion.


Crowds for the Flag Hoisting




Function was well attended


The Flag Hoisting



After conclusion of the ceremony the statue of Lord Arunachaleswarar is taken around the main streets, and then installed in the Kalyana Mandapam which is located in the third prakaram of Arunachaleswarar Temple.



Lord Arunachaleswarar

Blessing from the Gods


This year a huge garland was placed upon the Raja Gopuram of Arunachaleswarar Temple. 




1 December 2011

Flag Hoisting - Deepam Festival Day One



The days before the Flag Hoisting at the Arunachaleswarar Temple marking the start of the Deepam Festival, the streets around the Big Temple, get a quick make-over in preparation for the many upcoming processions. In the below photograph, the surface of Thiruvoodal Street is being readied for the various radhams (cars, chariots) that will be circumbulating outside the Temple's massive perimeter.









Hosing the Radhams





Organising the Murti's umbrellas





29th Day November, 2011
Morning: Dwajaroghanam (Hoisting of festival flag)


Tuesday, 29th November marked the Flag Hoisting on the first day of the 2011 Karthigai Deepam Festival as celebrated at the Arunachaleswarar Temple. The previous three days involved celebrations and processions originating at the Durgai Amman Temple, which is the only Temple other than Arunachaleswarar Temple which is officially connected to the Karthigai Festival.




Circumbulation of the Siva Sannidhi





The God and his Consort




Hoisting Festival Flag




Flag Hoisting




Darshan of Murtis outside Temple




Circumbulation of Gods
outside Temple Perimeter