Day 1 Theepal - Sri Chandrasekhara: Deepam Festival December 6, 2014
Brahmostavam is intended to teach us the way to
divine self-realisation. The last of the celebratory observances during
Karthigai Festival is Thirthotsavam which literally means "water
festival". Three days are allocated at the end of Deepam to celebrate
the water festival at Ayyankulam Tank in front of Arunagirinathar Temple
(the third oldest Shiva Temple at Arunachala). The water festival is
representative of the sadhaka's plunge into the higher realms of
consciousness - and typifies an entering into samadhi ... the goal of
religious aspiration.
Sri Chandrasekhara
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The Theepal for the Gods are floating structure made
up of drums and timber and decorated with lights, flowers, religious
paintings and silken buntings. Lights are installed around the perimeter
of the tank and focus lights placed at strategic points. When the
murtis of the Gods come to Ayyankulam Tank they are placed lovingly on
the float which then pushes off and completes an allocated number of
turns upon the Temple Tank. Devotees sit on the steps of the tank to
take darshan of the God on the Theepal. Thereafter the deity of that day
is taken in procession around the mada veedhis (perimeter streets) of
Arunachaleswarar Temple.
Chandrasekhara on Float at Ayyankulam Tank
Lord Arunachaleswarar performs Karthigai Girivalam
Traditionally after Karthigai Mahadeepam Lord
Arunachaleswarar performs girivalam (pradakshina) of Arunachala. This
year girivalam occurred on Sunday, December 7, 2014. Many of His
devotees lined the street to take his darshan.
The Lord performing girivalam
Lord Arunachaleswarar
Procession goes around the full 14 km perimeter of Arunachala
Day 2 Theepal - Parashakti: Deepam Festival December 7, 2014
On the evening of the second night of
Thirthotsavam (i.e. Water Festival) Goddess Parashakti was taken out on a
float on the Ayyankulam Tank located in front of the Arunagirinathar
Temple a few minutes from the Big Temple.
Devotees seated on steps on side of the Tank
Parashakti Theepal
Parashakti Goddess leaving the Tank
Day 3 Theepal - Lord Subramanya: Deepam Festival December 8, 2014
On the third night of Thirthotsavam (i.e. Water Festival) Lord
Subramanya (with his two wives) are taken out on the float on the
Ayyankulam Tank located in front of the Arunagirinathar Temple.
Lord Subramanya
Float on Ayyankulam Tank
Lord Subramanya on Float
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