Arunachaleswara Temple:
Introduction:
Arunachala Hill -- The Hill of light! It's said that Lord Shiva was manifested in Arunachal hill in the Man-Woman form and a pillar of fire! Arunachaleswara temple is one of the five temples associated to five basic elements. This temple is associated wit the element of FIRE!
Temple Structure:
Arunachaleswara temple is one of the largest temples in India. This temple is spread over 24 acres and is known for its architectural and sculptural splendour! There are 9 towers in the temple. Raja Gopuram in the east is the tallest tower.
Inside the temple:
Arunachaleswara temple is famous for Lord Shiva and Maa Parvathi. As always, I do meditate after the Darshan of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvathi. Bowed down in front of the huge Nandi and prayed.
Ramana Maharshi had meditated inside this temple for years and got enlightenment.
Arunachala Hill - The hill of light!
Arunachala hill is considered as the Shiva Lingam. Pilgrims all across from India, circumambulate the Arunachala hill in barefoot to seek blessings. The path is around 15 kms and there are 8 lingams located at the eight directions. The eight lingams are - Indra lingam, Agni lingam, Yama lingam, Niruthi lingam, Varuna lingam, Vayu lingam, Kubera lingam and Esanya lingam. Since 8 lingams are there hence you'll find 8 Nandis as well.
Ramana Maharshi Ashram:
When Maharshi arrived in Tiruvannamalai, he went to the Arunachaleswara temple. He spent the first few weeks in the thousand-pillared hall, then shifted to other spots in the temple, and eventually to the Patala-lingam vault so that he could remain undisturbed. There, he spent days absorbed in such deep samadhi that he was unaware of the bites of vermin and pests. After about six weeks in the Patala-lingam vault, he was carried out and cleaned up. For the next two months he stayed in the Subramanya Shrine, so unaware of his body and surroundings that food had to be placed in his mouth to keep him from starving.
Ramana Maharshi Ashram is built near the Arunachaleswara temple. I visited the ashram and did meditation!
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