A R U N A C H A L A S A M U D R A - Karthigai

MAJOR FUNCTIONS

DAY FOUR NIGHT - KALPAVRIKSHA AND KAMADHENU VAHANAS

One of the most popular of the processions during the Deepam Festival at Arunachala, is that of Kalpavriksha (also known as Karpavirutcham), the wish fulfilling tree and Kamadhenu, the wish fulfilling cow. Both of which emphasis the wish fulfilling aspect of Arunachala.

During the Deepam Festival on the Fourth Night, Lord Arunachaleswarar is seated under the Kalpavriksha Tree. The Kalpavriksha is a mythological divine tree said to fulfil all desires. Its mythology narrates that the wish-fulfilling tree originates from the churning of the ocean of milk after which the god Indra, returned with the tree to his paradise.

Lord Arunachaleswarar. Day Four. Night

The second major Radham appearing on the night is that of Kamadhenu (literally meaning; "the cow; from whom all that is desired is drawn", or "the divine cow providing for all needs"). The Kamadhenu is the Divine cow-goddess described in mythology as the mother of all cows who provides the owner with whatever is desired.

Theories as to the origin of the Kamadhenu are two-fold. One scripture describes her as the daughter of the creator god Daksha, and another narrates that Kamadhenu also emerged from the churning of the cosmic ocean. The Kamadhenu is Goddess Saraswati's vahana during this Deepam night procession.

The Gods on their way out of the Temple

It is often the wish fulfilling aspect of Girivalam that brings many pilgrims each Poornima (Full Moon) to the Hill, whatever the difficulty or weather, to perform circumambulation. In fact many pilgrims prefer it when the conditions are extreme (cold, heavy sheeting rain, previous tapas such as fasting and mortification etc) as they believe that the greater the difficulties encountered when performing girivalam, the greater will be the focus of their sankalpa (intention) and ultimate success of their wish.

Circumambulation of Wish Fulfilling Tree (Kamadhenu behind)

The now deceased Annamalai Swami explains the power of the Hill as thus:-

". . . It is not an ordinary hill. It is spirituality Itself. It has a powerful, magnetic pull to the Self. Seekers who come to this place with the intention of realising the Self will have untold benefits to do pradakshina on the night of full moon.

The Gods moving down Car Street

In the proximity of this holy hill the presence of the Self is more powerful and more self-evident than anywhere else. Indian mythology speaks of a wish-fulfilling tree. If you find this tree and tell it what you want, your wish will be granted.

Arunachala also has this reputation. This is why so many people come here on a full moon night and walk around it. But very few people come here and ask for their complete freedom, for undisturbed peace.

Kamadhenu. The wish fulfilling Cow

Arunachala is a light. It shines. It is the light of the Self, and the light of the Self will continue to shine on you whether you believe it or not. Arunachala is greater than all other religious places. There are other holy, powerful places in the world, but none have the power of Arunachala . . . There is a huge amount of shakti, or spiritual energy, here."

Cultural and Spiritual Programmes, Arunachaleswarar Temple 2015 Deepam

Throughout the 2015 Deepam Festival there are cultural programmes both inside and outside the Temple Compound. These programmes include Bharatanatyam dance, Tamil singing and instrumentation and the dramatic re-enactment of spiritual tales.

As well as the cultural/spiritual programmes, there are also daily spiritual discourses (in Tamil) held in the venue of the Samayva Paravi (which is near the Bhairavi Shrine: 4th Prakaram).

Singing and dancing programmes inside the grounds of Arunachaleswarar Temple are conducted in the Auditorium next to the Puravi Mandapam (near Rukku the Elephant)

Children with dance programme

Auditorium next to Puravi Mandapam and Rukku elephant

Cultural programmes daily in auditorium

Presentations of singing and dancing in hall

As well as cultural programmes, there are also spiritual discourses being conducted in the Samaya Peravai. The Samaya Peravai is set in gardens near the Bhairavi Shrine. Ordinarily that Compound is closed, so a very nice opportunity to enjoy the tranquility of the gardens and coolness of the historical building.

Samaya Peravai

Peaceful garden with seating

Gopura backdrop

Traditional South India architecture

High roofed. Cool spacious room for discourses

Making Sure it All Works
During Festivals, there is even more work and maintenance (both inside and outside the Temple Compound) to ensure a well run, successful function.

The below photographs are of preparations and maintenance during this 2015 Arunachala Karthigai Deepam Festival. The first three photographs are from outside the main east Raja Gopura Temple Gate, the rest of the photos are from inside the Arunachaleswarar Compound.