Showing posts with label programme. Show all posts
Showing posts with label programme. Show all posts

20 November 2016

Procession of Panchamoorthies during Deepam Festival


To view interactive maps of the various Prakarams of Arunachaleswarar Temple, visit my Website Arunachala Samudra at this link here


This posting is in response to a reader who wants to know more about what happens on each day of the Deepam Festival. What Gods go on procession, what time do they give darshan, what is the route of their procession etc. Hope this posting gives enough information for readers who will be visiting Arunachala during this Festival to better understand the wonderful pomp and majesty of Arunachala Karthigai Mahadeepam.  

Below is a Map of the Third Prakaram of the Temple showing the sequence in which Aarti is performed to the Panchamoorthies inside Arunachaleswarar Temple before they begin their circumambulation of the mada veedhis (perimeter streets) around the Big Temple. 

The sequence of the five aartis are indicated by the numbering 1 to 5. 


Map showing the 5 Aartis during Deepam Processions 


Aarti to the Gods during the Deepam Festival


1. The beginning spot is at the back plinth in the Kalayana Mandapam. First Aarti.

2. The Panchamoorthies are then carried out of the front entrance of the Kalyana Mandapam, go left in the corridor between the outside of the Mandapam and the Shiva Sannidhi. Second Aarti.

3. At the end of the corridor, the procession turns right and the aarti is then performed in front of the Gods as they are facing the Hill (near the Arunagiri Mandapam). Third Aarti.

4. Continuing clockwise the procession passes the Shrine to the Goddess on its left until it reaches the Yagasala Mandapam. Where the fourth aarti is performed. Fourth Aarti.

5. The Panchamoorthies are then carried out through the various Prakarams and exit Arunachaleswarar Temple through the Thittivasal Gate. Inside the Alankaram Mandapam the Gods are decorated and put on their respective Vahanas. Afterwhich they receive their 5th Aarti. Fifth Aarti.

Thereupon the Panchamoorthies on their vahanas are pulled by tractor (except in the case of the Maha Radham i.e. giant wooden chariot which is pulled with chains by devotees . . . gents on the left and ladies at the right) around the perimeter streets of Arunachaleswarar Temple.


Aarti at back of Kalyana Mandapam, Arunachaleswarar Temple

Aarti at Yagasala, Arunachaleswarar Temple

Aarti at Alankaram Mandapam, outside Raja Gopuram, Arunachaleswarar Temple


Processions during Deepam Festival 

On Day One of the Deepam Festival, all 5 Gods (Panchamoorthies) come out in procession. Afterwhich, in the daytime -- only Lord Chandraskehara and Lord Ganesha come out in procession. The timing of day processions vary and for more specific information check at Big Temple. 

In the evenings all 5 Gods (i.e. Lord Shiva, Parashakti, Lord Ganesha, Lord Murugan and Chandikeswarar) begin their procession of the Temple Mada Veedhis. Starting from the Alankaram Mandapam (in front of the Raja Gopuram – East Gate) at approximately 10.30 p.m. It takes approximately 2-3 hours for the Panchamoorthies to perform circumambulation of the Temple Mada Veedhis. 





Arunachaleswarar Temple has 7 Prakarams, each of which is associated to a specific centre (chakra) of the body. 


1st and 2nd Prakarams (Central Shrine): The 2 contiguous Prakarams of the Central Shrine of Lord Annamalaiyar 

3rd Prakaram: Includes Deepa Darshana Mandapam, Pidari Shrine, Temples dedicated to the Elements, Kalyana Mandapam, Unnumulai Shrine (Mothers Shrine) 

4th Prakaram: Includes Shrine of the powerful Sri Kala Bhairava, Brahma Teertham, Puravi Mandapam with Ruku the Temple Elephant, unique Adi Mudi Shrine, Cultural Auditorium, famed Kili Gopura. 

5th Prakaram: Contains Raja Gopuram main entrance to Temple, 1000 Pillar Hall, 2 shrines dedicated to Lord Murugan, Sivagangai Teertham, a large monolithic Nandi and the Temple Sthala Vriksha – the Banyan Tree. 

6th Prakaram: The sixth Prakaram considered to be the mada veddhis (perimeter streets) of Arunachaleswarar Temple. These mada veddhis are: Car Street (east), Thiruvoodal Street (south), Pey Gopura Street (west), and Big Street (north) 

7th Prakaram: The seventh Prakaram regarded as the 14 km girivalam roadway that circumscribes Arunachala Hill 


11 November 2016

2016 Karthigai Deepam at Arunachala


Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Tirukovil 
Tiruvannamalai 
Thirukarthigai Deepam Festival 2016 



Arunachala Deepam Cauldron in daytime during earlier Festival



30 November, 2016 
Wednesday Night: Durgai Amman Urchavam 

1 December, 2016 
Thursday Night: Pidari Amman Urchavam 

2 December, 2016 
Friday Night: Vinayaka Urchavam 

3 December, 2016 
Saturday Morning (early): 7.15 to 8.30. Flag Hoisting 
Morning (late): Panchamoorthy Silver Vimana procession 
Night: Athigara Nandi Vahana 

4 December, 2016 
Sunday Morning: Chandrasekhara in Surya Perai Vahanam Night: Silver Indira Vahanam 

5 December, 2016 
Monday Morning: Chandrasekhara in Bootha Vahanam 
Night: Shima Vahanam 

6 December, 2016 
Tuesday Morning: Chandrasekhara in Naga Vahanam 
Night: Kamadhenu and Virikpaksha 

7 December, 2016 
Wednesday Morning: Chandrasekhara in Rishabam 
Night: Big Silver Rishabam 

8 December, 2016 
Thursday Morning: Elephant with 63 Nayanars 
Night: Silver chariot 

9 December, 2016 
Friday: Maharadham 

10 December, 2016 
Saturday Morning: Chandrasekhara on Horse 
Evening: Pichandavar 
Late Night: Big Horse 

11 December, 2016 
Sunday Morning: Chandrasekhara on Purusha Meruga Vahanam 
Night: Kailasha (Ravana) Vahanam 

12 December, 2016 
Monday Early morning: 4 a.m. Bharani Deepam 
Evening: 6 p.m. Mahadeepam 
Late Night: Golden Rishaba Vahanam 

13 December, 2016 
Tuesday Night: 9 p.m. Chandrasekahra Theepal, Ayyankulam Tank 

14 December, 2016 
Wednesday Morning: Arunachaleswarar girivalam 
Night: 9 p.m. Parashakthi Theepal, Ayyankulam Tank 

15 December, 2016 
Thursday Night: Subramanian Theepal, Ayyankulam Tank 

16 December 2016 
Friday Night: Vinayaka and Chandikeshwara Theepal 



2016 Deepam Programme in Tamil


13 April 2016

Chittirai Vasantha Urchavam Invitation 2016


Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamamalai Chittirai Vasantha Urchavam 
Invitation From 12 April, 2016 Tuesday 


The 10 day Vasantha Urchavam Festival is going to occur at Arunachaleswarar Temple In regard to this  Monday, 11 April with Panchami Tithi with Rogini star 

Evening 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Sannidyar Ganesha Temple Puja Urchavam will start 


Right click Invitation below to view enlargement


Invitation to Vasantha Urchavam 2016


Day 1: 12.4.2016 Night: special puja 

Day 2: Day 3: Day 4: Day 5: Day 6: Day 7: Day 8: Day 9: Special Night Pujas 

Day 10: 21.4.2016 Thursday 
Morning: Iyyankulam Tank. Theertavari 
Night: Special puja at Gopala Vinayaka Temple (near Thrishul Hotel) 
Night: Temple Manmatha firing after 11 p.m. 



“Vasantha Utsavam is a ten day Festival depicting the blossoming of love. During this sacred event, Swami and Amman are gorgeously decorated with jewels. With the Temple Elephant fanning the Divine Couple with Shamara grass, they are taken with great ceremony in Mahapradakshina round the sacred Mahila Maram (trees) within the Third Prakaram – ten times every night for ten days = 100 times. 

On the third day of Vasantha Utsavam is the birth of Manmatha, also known as Kama the God of love (lust). Manmatha is depicted looking for Siva. 

At 9 p.m. on the fifth and eighth days the Temple lights are switched off so that the procession is in the dark. After going around the sacred Mahila Maram ten times the lights are switched back on to great rejoicing. 

Lord Shiva opens His third eye on the final days of the Festival and the burning of Manmatha takes place. 

During this sacred Festival the Jumbo Keswara Lingam, that is set in stone on the raised platform in the midst of the sacred trees is filled to capacity with water. Plants and flowers are placed to float inside the recess of the Lingam, appearing to make the Lingam levitate and blossom. 

Sri Appar Swami’s birthday takes place on Satyam Natchatram day. Sri Appar Swami is taken on a chariot round the Maha Veedi – Seventh Prakaram.” 
[The Light of Arunachaleswarar] 


Kamadeva: God of Love



The Story of Kama The God of Love 

“When Shakti became Parvati, daughter of the king of Himalayas, She was doing tapas for Lord Shiva. At the same time the great sages, the four sons of Brahma, Sanakar, Sanandanar, Santanar, Sanatkumarar came to Lord Shiva for enlightenment. The Lord gave them enlightenment in the form of Lord Dakshinamurti. Who are the cause as well as the energy for the whole world are into yoga, the whole world got more inclined to yoga and life sustenance was in trouble. 

Meanwhile the Devas, who were tortured by the Surapadma and his brothers Taraka, Simhamukha, knew that those demons can be killed only by the son of Lord Shiva and Shakti. Disappointed that both God and Goddess were doing yoga instead of marrying, they asked cupid to disturb the meditating Lord Shiva with his arrows in order to induce lust for Parvati. When desperation sets in, reasoning gets pushed down. Can the Supreme be induced with lust by anybody? The cupid refused since he knew that it would be fatal for him. But the other Devas threatened to curse him if he didn't obey. Saying that it is better to be killed by the God of gods than by the curses of Devas, he went with his wife, Rati, to the abode of Shiva where He was in meditation. 

The cupid shot the flower arrow on the Lord. The next moment the fire from the eye in the forehead of the Lord burnt the cupid. Undisturbed He continued His meditation. The cupid is of the reputation that his arrows never fail. But well, it can apply to others, can it be for the Almighty? His arrows were useless in front of the Lord and he too became just a heap of ash! 

Shocked by the death of cupid all the Devas realised their plots would not work out with God. They understood that only sincerity can get showers of His grace and any other pressure can have no affect upon the Lord. They surrendered themselves in front of the Lord and pleaded for mercy. The Lord forgave them and married Parvati and gave Subrahmanya for the destruction of the demons. On their request He also bring back to life Kama, however he would be visible only to his wife and not to others. Because of this reason Kamadeva is called ananga (one without limbs).” 


24 September 2014

2014 Navratri Function at Arunachaleswarar Temple


Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai Invitation 
for 
The 2014 Navratri Festival






The Festival will be conducted from Wednesday, 24 September, 2014 to Friday, 3 October, 2014. All days will be celebrated in the Tirukalyana Mandapam at the Arunachaleswarar Temple each evening. 





Official Temple Programme


24 September 2014 The Goddess Parashakti moves from the Artha Mandapam to the Tirukalyana Mandapam. 

25 September 2014 Rajarajeshwari Alankaram 

26 September 2014 Gajalakshmi Alankaram 

27 September 2014 Manomani Alankaram 

28 September 2014 Rishba (bull) Alankaram and Panchamurti special abhishekam 

29 September 2014 Andal Alankaram 

30 September 2014 Saraswati Alankaram 

1 October 2014 Lingapuja Alankaram 

2 October 2014 
(i) Mahishamardini and 
(ii) Unnamulai Amman Sandana Alankaram (moolasthana of Amman in Shakti Shrine covered with sandalpaste) 

3 October 2014 Vijayadasami 
(i) morning, Parashakti special abhishekam with panchamurti and 
(ii) morning, Panchamurti Abhishekam at Moolasthana of Amman in Shakti Shrine 

4 May 2014

2014 Chittarai Vasantha Ursavam Invitation


Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple Tiruvannamalai 
Chittarai Vasantha Ursavam 
Invitation for May 3, 2014 Saturday to May 12, 2014 Monday 



Vasantha Utsavam is a ten days festival depicting the blossoming of love between Lord Shiva and the Goddess. 


Festival Programme



Day 1: 03.05.2014 Saturday Night Special Puja and Abhishekam 
Day 2: 04.05.2014 Sunday Night Special Puja and Abhishekam 
Day 3: 05.05.2014 Monday Night Special Puja and Abhishekam 
Day 4: 06.05.2014 Tuesday Night Special Puja and Abhishekam 
Day 5: 07.05.2014 Wednesday Night Special Puja and Abhishekam 
Day 6: 08.05.2014 Thursday Night Special Puja and Abhishekam 
Day 7: 09.05.2014 Friday Night Special Puja and Abhishekam 
Day 8: 10.05.2014 Saturday Night Special Puja and Abhishekam 
Day 9: 11.05.2014 Sunday Night Special Puja and Abhishekam 

Day 10: 12.05.2014 Monday 
Morning: Bath at Ayyankulam Tank (Outside Arunagirinathar Temple) 
Evening: Special Puja and Abhishekam at Gopal Vinayaka Temple (near State Bank of India) 
Night: Around 10.00 p.m. at Flagpost, Siva Sannidhi, Arunachaleswarar Temple. Manmathan Dhaganam Function with crackers and fireworks 


Each day during the above function there will be a feeding at Arunachaleswarar Temple. If devotees wish to donate, Rs.6,000/- pays for the feeding of 300 pilgrims per day. 


For devotees that wish to pull the Golden Radham (chariot) around the Temple Prakaram, a donation of Rs.1,500/- is suggested. 


Temple Office details for donations: 

Office 
Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, 
Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu 606601 
Landline:  (0)4175-252438 

10 April 2014

Panguni Utthiram – Thirukalyanam Festival


Panguni Uthiram is celebrated during Panguni Month (March-April) during Uthiram Nakshatra day. In 2014 Panguni Uthiram date is April 13. Panguni is special because of the coming together of the star Uthiram and Pournami (April 14, 2014). 

Panguni Uthiram (Falgun Purnima) full moon day is known as the time of celebration of the Celestial Wedding of Lord Siva and Goddess Parvathi; Lord Muruga and His consort Goddess Devayani and Lord Vishnu and His consort Goddess Andal. This day also celebrates the divine wedding day of Lord Rama and the Goddess Sita. 

This celebration of Divine marriage also emphasises the protection of marital life from separation. It is believed that offering prayers to God at this time will give good mental equilibrium to couples and bestow them with strength, love, affection and understanding. 



Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, Thiruvannamalai 
Panguni Utthiram – Thirukalyanam Festival 
Invitation Sunday 13th April, 2014 Friday 18th April, 2014 





Schedule of Festival on first day Sunday 13th April, 2014 

At 11.45 a.m. in the Garbagraha of Annamalaiyar Temple and Unnamulai Temple Marriage Festival. 

Evening 6.00 p.m. At Amman flag post Arunachaleswarar will come in procession and the exchanging of garlands will occur. 

8.00 p.m. Arunachaleswarar and Parashakti after exchanging garlands both move to the Thirukalyanam Mandapam. 

11.00 p.m. at Thirukalyanam Mandapam, the Thirukalyanam Festival will occur. 

12.00 p.m. Lord Arunachaleswarar with Goddess Ambal will come out on the Rishaba (bull) Chariot procession. 


After that daily, the Panguni Festival will occur. Everyone is invited. 





Schedule of Festival from Monday April 14th, 2014 to Friday April 18th, 2014 

Monday April 14, 2014: Night 8.00 p.m. Swami Annamalaiyar travels in procession to Eilnathur Village to have feast food celebrating the marriage. 

Tuesday April 15th, 2014: Night at the Thirukalyanam Mandapam, the Nalagu Festival will occur. (The giving of saris and bangles to married ladies). 

Wednesday April 16th, 2014 Evening at Thirukalyanam Mandapam, there will be the Ungal (swing) Festival 

Thursday April 17th, 2014 at Thirukalyanam Mandapam special homam takes place in morning Evening there will be Ungal Urcharvam. 

Friday April 18th, 2014: At Midday Lord Shiva, Goddess Ambal will visit Thamari Nagar Tank and on their return stop at Kumara Kovil Temple for special arthi. 

Nighttime: Music function and procession at Arunachaleswarar Temple as part of marriage celebrations. 


27 February 2014

2014 Arunachala Mahashivaratri


For those wishing to attend the Mahashivaratri Function at Arunachaleswarar Temple this year, the Temple will be open throughout the night. Crowds will be big so unless you have arranged permission to attend the pujas being conducted inside the Siva Sannidhi, best to be satisfied enjoying being inside the Temple Compound, viewing the exquisite rangolis on the floors, lighting a Deepam jyothi on the steps of the Temple tank and enjoying the excellent devotional dancing and singing at the Temple auditorium. 




Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai 
Mahashivaratri Festival Celebration 
Invitation Thursday February 27th, 2014.  




Below is a copy of the Temple Invitation, listing the full programme with a short English translation.




Details of the programmes in the Temple Auditorium on the evening of Thursday 27th February, 2014 and early morning of Friday 28th February, 2014. 


Timing:
6.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. Devaram poems with music 
7.05 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Kalaratna Bharatnatyam Dance Group (Chennai) 
8.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. Sri Krishna Kalamandhir (Vellore) Bharatnatyam Dance Group 
9.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. Sri Nithi Bharatnatyam Dance Group (Tiruvannamalai) 
10.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m. Banaka Bharatnatyam Dance Group (Bangalore) 
11.00 p.m. to 2.00 a.m. Saxophone music of devotional songs by Sivanandan Group (Chennai) 


Mahashivaratri Night Puja Programme 

1st Kala Puja 8.30 p.m. February 27 
2nd Kala Puja 11.00 p.m. February 27 
3rd Kala Puja 2.00 a.m. February 28 
4th Kala Puja 4.00 a.m. February 28 


Night of Mahashivaratri February 27-28 at 12 midnight 
Commencement of the Sri Lingodbhavamurti (at back of Siva Sannidhi) Special Abhishekam 

13 August 2013

2013 Mahakumbhabhishekam Sriramanasharam



A Mahakumbhabhishekam at Sri Ramanashram is scheduled between August 23rd, 2013 and August 25, 2013. 

The below programme lists the full schedule over the three day function. 



Right click to view enlargements











21 October 2012

Karthigai Deepam Festival 2012


Posters with details of Karthigai Deepam Festival 2012 have already been put up around town. In this post I have uploaded the poster showing the programme of major events in the 2012 Deepam Festival. I have also included below, photographs of those major events in 2011. To read a full report of the 2011 Deepam Calendar and also to view many photographs of last year's Festival, please go to my website Arunachala Samudra at this link here. Within the next few days I hope to post the full programme for 2012 Karthigai Deepam Festival.


Right click on all photographs to view enlargements.




Programme of 2012 Karthigai Deepam Festival

Flag Hoisting 2011 Deepam Festival



Flag Hoisting 2011 Deepam Festival




Silver Karpaga Virutcham (Wish Fulfilling Tree) 2011

Silver Kamadhenu Vahanam (Wish Fulfilling Cow) 2011

Silver Rishabha Vahanam (Silver Bull) 2011


Lord Panchamurthigal 2011


Maha Radham 2011





29 November 2008

Deepam Programme 2008


Today is the first day of the Deepam Festival as celebrated at Tiruvannamalai. The sequence of the Festival is explained below. The lighting of the flame on top of Arunachala actually takes place on the 10th day of Deepam and stays alight for between 8-10 days.

Of these the first day is connected with the Durga Amman Temple. Each day denotes different functions and ceremonies at either the Durga Temple, the Annamalai Temple or in the streets surrounding them.

Deepam is a festival which traditionally is connected with the Hill and Arunachaleswarar Temple. In this connection Durga Amman Koil (Koil = Temple), is the only other Arunachala Temple that actually participates in the functions.

The reason for this is supposed to be because of the Goddess and the demon Mahisha (see ‘
The Fight with Mahishasura’). Before her battle the Goddess appointed four noble Bhairavis (celestial damsels) to keep watch on all four sides of Arunagiri. She ordered:

"Admit only those who have come to worship Arunachala and are tired, hungry and thirsty. Others should not enter. She then appointed strong men to guard the boundaries of Arunachala and continued Her penace at Her ashram." [The Glory of Arunachala]

For this reason, the first day of Deepam Festival is always a celebration of the Goddess, recognised as a Guardian of Arunachala.

Festival Days 2008:

29th November, Saturday -- Durgambal festival:
During the night of this festival Durga Amman idol is taken in procession in Vimana.

30th November, Sunday -- Pidari festival:
In which the Goddess Pidari is brought in procession on a statue of a Lion.

1st December, Monday -- Anukjai Vignesvara Puja:
The elephant God Vinayka is taken out in the streets on a silver mount.

2nd December, Tuesday -- (First Day) Annamalai Temple:
Procession of five Deities in the morning and five Deities in the evening.

3rd December, Wednesday -- (Second Day) Annamalai Temple:
Morning procession of Chandrasekar (Lord Siva) and Vinayaka. Evening five Deities.

4th December, Thursday -- (Third Day)
Morning Vinayaka, Chandrasekar, Vimana, Buta Vehicles. Evening the five Deities, Lion Vehicle, Silver Swan Vehicle.

5th December, Friday -- (Fourth Day)
Morning Vinayaka, Chandrasekar, Vinayaka Snake Vehicle. Evening, five Deities. Silver Kalpataru (wish fulfilling tree), Silver Kamadhenu (wish fulfilling cow) procession.

6th December, Saturday -- (Fifth Day)
Morning Vinayaka, Chandrasekar, Mooshikam, Mirrored Bull Vehicle. Evening five Deities. Silver Mooshikam, Silver peacock. Big Silver Bull Vehicles procession.

7th December, Sunday -- (Sixth Day)
Morning Vinayaka, Chandrasekar, Mooshikam, Silver Elephant, 63 Nayanamars Vimanam. Evening five Deities, Silver Car, Indra Vimanam and other silver vehicles procession.

8th December, Monday -- (Seventh Day)
Morning the five Deities juggernaut. Dragging the rope of the car in Vrichika Lagna. Evening the five Deities returning from juggernaut.

9th December, Tuesday -- (Eighth Day)
Morning Vinayaka, Chandrasekar Silver Vimanam. Evening at 4 p.m. Bhiksandar festival on golden Meru (Sri Chakra). At night the five Deities. Horse vehicle procession.

10th December, Wednesday -- (Ninth Day)
Morning Vinayaka, Chandrasekar Mirror Vimanam. Evening the five Deities. Kailasa Vehicle, Kamadhenu Vehicle procession.

11th December, Thursday -- (Tenth Day)
Morning Barani Deepam. At noon sacred bath in Brahma Tirtham. At 6 p.m. the five Deities proceed in golden Vimanam. Great Deepam Darsan lit on top of Arunachala; the flame will be alight for between 8-10 days. That night at the Temple, the five Deities proceed on golden Bull Vehicles.

12th December, Friday -- (Eleventh Day)
Night at 7 p.m. float for Chandrasekar. Annamalaiyar going round the Hill.

13th December, Saturday -- (Twelfth Day)
At 7 p.m. at night for Parasakti Amman.

14th December, Sunday -- (Thirteenth Day)
At 7 p.m. night float for Subramanian (Lord Murgan).

15th December, Monday -- (Fourteenth Day)
Chandikesvarar festival procession on Silver Bull Vehicle.