pls let me know the visiting places in Tiruvannamalai

May 2, 2007

Jai Guru Datta, This weekend we r gng to Tiruvannamalai. Pls let me know the visting places in and around Tiruvannamalai. Any living saints present near by. Our list: Arunachala Temple Girivalam Path Seshadri Swamigal Ashram Ramana Maharishi Ashram Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram and Poondi swamy

samadhi............. Any other important places. Pls do let meknow. JaiGuru Datta Hema

Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check out

new cars at Autos.

May 4, 2007

Hello Hema, Those are the best places to see. Ramana's Ashram is a wonderful place. Visit the Ashram Book Store ; they have lovely books, DVD's and other articles of interest. Do a "Giri Pradakshina" (walking around the Arunachala Hill). It is 9 to 10 km and will take about 3 to 4 hours at a nice pace. Start early in the morning (6 am or so) and you can complete it by 10 am. Sriram Hemantheswari Karicherla <hemantheswari wrote: Jai Guru Datta, This weekend we r gng to Tiruvannamalai. Pls let me know the visting places in and around Tiruvannamalai. Any living saints present near by. Our list: Arunachala Temple Girivalam

Path Seshadri Swamigal Ashram Ramana Maharishi Ashram Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram and Poondi swamy samadhi............. Any other

important places. Pls do let meknow. JaiGuru Datta Hema Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell?Check out new cars at Autos.

Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check out

new cars at Autos.

May 5, 2007

Jai Guru Datta, Thanks a lot Sriram garu. Regards hemaSRIRAM KALAGA <drramkalaga wrote: Hello Hema, Those are the best places to see. Ramana's Ashram is a wonderful place. Visit the Ashram Book Store ; they have lovely books, DVD's and other articles of interest. Do a "Giri Pradakshina"

(walking around the Arunachala Hill). It is 9 to 10 km and will take about 3 to 4 hours at a nice pace. Start early in the morning (6 am or so) and you can complete it by 10 am. Sriram Hemantheswari Karicherla <hemantheswari > wrote: Jai Guru Datta, This weekend we r gng to Tiruvannamalai. Pls let me know the visting places in and around Tiruvannamalai. Any living saints present near by. Our list: Arunachala Temple Girivalam Path Seshadri Swamigal Ashram Ramana Maharishi Ashram Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram and Poondi swamy samadhi............. Any other important places. Pls do let meknow. JaiGuru Datta Hema Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell?Check out new cars at Autos. Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell?Check out new cars at Autos.

Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check out

new cars at Autos.

May 5, 2007

Dear Amma,

Tiruvannamalai is one of the panchabhootasthalas representing the fire element along with Chidambaram, Shri Kalahasthi, Thiruvanaikoil(Sanskrit name: Jambukeshwaram) and Kanchipuram representing sky, air, water and earth respectively.

As many as four Brahmotsavams are celebrated ever year, the one celebrated during the Tamil Month of Karthigai (November/December) is the most famous. The ten day event culminates on the day of Karthigai Deepam. That evening, a huge lamp is lit on a Cauldron with three tons of Ghee at the top of the Annamalai hills.

Every Fullmoon night, tens of thousands of pilgrims worship the Lord by circumambulating the Arunachala hill barefoot. The circumambulation covers a distance of about 14 km.

Places of attraction:

Arunachaleshwara Temple This gigantic temple is located at the foot of the sacred Annamalai or Arunachala Hill Nine lofty towers of the Arunachaleshwara Temple, the numerous stucco figures and the neatly and intricately carved stone sculptures stand as admirable testimony to the Dravidian Architecture and skills of the master craftsmen of the yesteryears. The temple is located on a sprawling 25 acre land, encompassing several shrines, mandapams, corridors and other such enclosures each adorned with massive pillars with sculptures minutely and aesthetically carved. A huge hall here has a thousand pillars, each elegantly carved, neatly and orderly installed bearing testimony to the planning skills of the engineers of those times. Numerous inscriptions dating back as early as to the 10th century and as a late as 16th century are found on the walls of this temple, recording the liberal contributions of kings and rich to this temple

Ramana Maharishi Ashramam: Guru Ramana Maharishi lived in Tiruvannamalai for fifty years until his death in 1950. His Ashram named Ramanaashramam is near the Arunachala hill to the west of the town.When you enter His ashram do visit his resting room, you will be amazed as to how cool it is. You will also find his articles and bed.

Meditate there too apart form the Ramana Temple.

Sri Seshadri Swamigal Ashram : Mahan Sri Seshadri Swamigal lived in the late 20th Century. Sri Seshadri Swamigal Ashram is one of the holy places in our Town. People from all over the world visit his Ashram, which is situated near the Sri Ramana Ashram. The Garden in this Ashram attracts the people who visit here.

Yogi Ram Surathkumar Ashram : Yogi Ram Surathkumar Ashram, also known as Visiri Samiyar Ashram, is one of the beautiful place in our Town. It is situated near the Ramana Ashram. Devotees from all over the world visit Yogi Ram Surathkumar Ashram. He attained mukthi in the year of 2000.

Sathanur Dam : Sathanur Dam is one of the Major Dam Constructed across Pennaiyar River among Chennakesava Hills. This Dam was constructed during the year 1958. It has beautiful parks and a mini zoo. The garden is dotted with colourful statues. There is a swimming pool and a crocodile farm.

Padaveedu: This village of temples is 35 kms from Thiruvannamalai. Remains of a 13th century palace of the Sambuvarayars who were chieftains of the Chola Empire can be found near by.

Javadu Hills It is situated 75 kms from Thiruvannamalai. It is situated in the northwestern part of Thiruvannamalai, and a part of the Eastern Ghats. The beautiful mountain lies at about 2350 feet to 3500 feet above sea level, Javadu hills have many scenic spots. The cliffs and precipices of hills allure and excite tourists. Places of interest in the Javadu hills are Beema Falls, Komutteri Lake, Kavalur Observatory,Amirthi Forest, and the Glass House.

Beema Falls: This falls is situated 5 kms away from Jamunamarathur. Water flows approximately for 8 months of the year. The refelction of sun on the water falls glow like a silver sheet that is a beautiful and magnificent sight. This falls is one of the main attractions of tourists. People enjoy bathing in this falls. Majorities of the people enjoy bathing at this falls where water flow is less. The route to the falls and a bath will have an exotic extravaganza. This place is the resplendent rendezvous.

Komutteri lake: This is the biggest lake in the Javadu hills and it is also known as Kolappan lake. This is one of the scenic places that attract tourists. Recently this lake has been developed with boating facilities for the benefit of tourists. In the midst of the lake an island is developed for the enjoyment of the tourists.

Kavalur Observatory: This is 11 kms from Jamunamarathur on the border of Vellore District. This is the biggest observatory in Asia. Astronomy, stargazing and research on the stars are the main activities of this observatory. This is under the control of Government of India for protection and maintenance. Scientists from all over the country and abroad visit this place for observation and research. The biggest telescope that is controlled by computers is one of the main attractions for tourists.

Glass House: Situated on the highest peak of Javadu hills, is Melpattu village. In Melpattu village there is a Glass House that was constructed during British rule, and this is a tourist attraction. The Forest Department also maintains a herbal farm here. The Kilseppili-Valparai cave-like houses constructed by stones more than 5000 years ago are the Stone age houses, and they are worth seeing.

Apart from all the above places do Girivalam meditatively and you will have lot of beautiful and miraculous experiences. Choose a Full-moon day or atleast an auspicious night to do the Girivalam. Do not do Girivalam in the morning unless you are prepared for the physical strain of walking 14 Kms in the hot sun.

Take a water bottle filled with electrolytes to drink.Take care of your body too-For it is the temple of God.

Yours yogically,

Shreeram Balijepalli

Smarthrugaami-Dattavaibhavam , Hemantheswari Karicherla <hemantheswari wrote:>> Jai Guru Datta,> > This weekend we r gng to Tiruvannamalai. Pls let me know the visting places in and around Tiruvannamalai. Any living saints present near by.> > Our list:> Arunachala Temple > Girivalam Path Seshadri Swamigal Ashram Ramana Maharishi Ashram Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram and Poondi swamy samadhi............. Any other important places. Pls do let meknow. JaiGuru Datta Hema> > > Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell?> Check outnew cars at Autos.>

May 6, 2007

OM TAT SAT JAI GURU DATTA,

Pranams,

I have been a member of the group for some time and an ardent readerr of your website containing precious gems about the Great Avatars of Datta paramparathough this is my first post.Since the topic of Thiruvannamalai has come up I thought I could contribute a few things I know about the place.

There are ashta (8)lingas on the girivalam path which represents the guardians of eight directions.There are many ashrams on the way Ramanashram Seshadri Swamigal Ashram,Agastiyar Ashram,etc.There is a famous temple on the Girivalam path known as Adi Annamalai Temple(legend says that Lord Brahma built the temple as an atonement for the sin commited by him and as a mark of respec to Lord Shiva for showing the right way.)It is a beautiful temple.

The Agasthiar Ashram Have a website which ives complete information on Thiruvannamalai including the siddha way of doing Girivalam as laid down by Sage Agasthair.It is very interesting to go throuh the website and I have provided the link below.

www.agasthiar.org/

I am attaching the htm file on siddha way of doing Girivalam

I have been doing Girivalam since the year 2000 at least 12 times a year along with a group of like-minded people with the blessings of Lord Arunachala ,Guru Ramana and all other Siddha Purush abiding in Arunachala.

Pranams

karthikeyan

On Sat, 05 May 2007 para_anuloma wrote :

>

>Dear Amma,

>

>Tiruvannamalai is one of the panchabhootasthalas representing the fire

>element along with Chidambaram, Shri Kalahasthi, Thiruvanaikoil(Sanskrit

>name: Jambukeshwaram) and Kanchipuram representing sky, air, water and

>earth respectively.

>

>As many as four Brahmotsavams are celebrated ever year, the one

>celebrated during the Tamil Month of Karthigai (November/December) is

>the most famous. The ten day event culminates on the day of Karthigai

>Deepam. That evening, a huge lamp is lit on a Cauldron with three tons

>of Ghee at the top of the Annamalai hills.

>

>Every Fullmoon night, tens of thousands of pilgrims worship the Lord by

>circumambulating the Arunachala hill barefoot. The circumambulation

>covers a distance of about 14 km.

>

>Places of attraction:

>

>Arunachaleshwara Temple This gigantic temple is located at the foot of

>the sacred [Arunachaleshwara Temple] Annamalai or Arunachala Hill Nine

>lofty towers of the Arunachaleshwara Temple, the numerous stucco figures

>and the neatly and intricately carved stone sculptures stand as

>admirable testimony to the Dravidian Architecture and skills of the

>master craftsmen of the yesteryears. The temple is located on a

>sprawling 25 acre land, encompassing several shrines, mandapams,

>corridors and other such enclosures each adorned with massive pillars

>with sculptures minutely and aesthetically carved. A huge hall here has

>a thousand pillars, each elegantly carved, neatly and orderly installed

>bearing testimony to the planning skills of the engineers of those

>times. Numerous inscriptions dating back as early as to the 10th century

>and as a late as 16th century are found on the walls of this temple,

>recording the liberal contributions of kings and rich to this temple

>

> [Ramana Ashram]

>

> Ramana Maharishi Ashramam: Guru Ramana Maharishi lived in

>Tiruvannamalai for fifty years until his death in 1950. His Ashram

>named Ramanaashramam is near the Arunachala hill to the west of the

>town.When you enter His ashram do visit his resting room, you will be

>amazed as to how cool it is. You will also find his articles and bed.

>

>Meditate there too apart form the Ramana Temple.

>

>Sri Seshadri Swamigal Ashram : Mahan Sri Seshadri Swamigal lived in the

>late 20th Century. Sri Seshadri Swamigal Ashram is one of the holy

>places in our Town. People from all over the world visit his Ashram,

>which is situated near the Sri Ramana Ashram. The Garden in this Ashram

>attracts the people who visit here.

>

>Yogi Ram Surathkumar Ashram : Yogi Ram Surathkumar Ashram, also known as

>Visiri Samiyar Ashram, is one of the beautiful place in our Town. It is

>situated near the Ramana Ashram. Devotees from all over the world visit

>Yogi Ram Surathkumar Ashram. He attained mukthi in the year of 2000.

>

> [sathanur Dam]

>

>Sathanur Dam : Sathanur Dam is one of the Major Dam Constructed across

>Pennaiyar River among Chennakesava Hills. This Dam was constructed

>during the year 1958. It has beautiful parks and a mini zoo. The garden

>is dotted with colourful statues. There is a swimming pool and a

>crocodile farm.

>

>Padaveedu: This village of temples is 35 kms from Thiruvannamalai.

>Remains of a 13th century palace of the Sambuvarayars who were

>chieftains of the Chola Empire can be found near by.

>

>Javadu Hills It is situated 75 kms from Thiruvannamalai. It is situated

>in the northwestern part of Thiruvannamalai, and a part of the Eastern

>Ghats. The beautiful mountain lies at about 2350 feet to 3500 feet above

>sea level, Javadu hills have many scenic spots. The cliffs and

>precipices of hills allure and excite tourists. Places of interest in

>the Javadu hills are Beema Falls, Komutteri Lake, Kavalur

>Observatory,Amirthi Forest, and the Glass House.

>

>Beema Falls: This falls is situated 5 kms away from Jamunamarathur.

>Water flows approximately for 8 months of the year. The refelction of

>sun on the water falls glow like a silver sheet that is a beautiful and

>magnificent sight. This falls is one of the main attractions of

>tourists. People enjoy bathing in this falls. Majorities of the people

>enjoy bathing at this falls where water flow is less. The route to the

>falls and a bath will have an exotic extravaganza. This place is the

>resplendent rendezvous.

>

>Komutteri lake: This is the biggest lake in the Javadu hills and it is

>also known as Kolappan lake. This is one of the scenic places that

>attract tourists. Recently this lake has been developed with boating

>facilities for the benefit of tourists. In the midst of the lake an

>island is developed for the enjoyment of the tourists.

>

>Kavalur Observatory: This is 11 kms from Jamunamarathur on the border of

>Vellore District. This is the biggest observatory in Asia. Astronomy,

>stargazing and research on the stars are the main activities of this

>observatory. This is under the control of Government of India for

>protection and maintenance. Scientists from all over the country and

>abroad visit this place for observation and research. The biggest

>telescope that is controlled by computers is one of the main attractions

>for tourists.

>

>Glass House: Situated on the highest peak of Javadu hills, is Melpattu

>village. In Melpattu village there is a Glass House that was constructed

>during British rule, and this is a tourist attraction. The Forest

>Department also maintains a herbal farm here. The Kilseppili-Valparai

>cave-like houses constructed by stones more than 5000 years ago are the

>Stone age houses, and they are worth seeing.

> Apart from all the above places do Girivalam meditatively and you will

>have lot of beautiful and miraculous experiences. Choose a Full-moon day

>or atleast an auspicious night to do the Girivalam. Do not do Girivalam

>in the morning unless you are prepared for the physical strain of

>walking 14 Kms in the hot sun. Take a water bottle filled with

>electrolytes to drink.Take care of your body too-For it is the temple of

>God. Yours yogically, Shreeram Balijepalli

>Smarthrugaami-Dattavaibhavam , Hemantheswari

>Karicherla <hemantheswari wrote:

> >

> > Jai Guru Datta,

> >

> > This weekend we r gng to Tiruvannamalai. Pls let me know the visting

>places in and around Tiruvannamalai. Any living saints present near by.

> >

> > Our list:

> > Arunachala Temple

> > Girivalam Path Seshadri Swamigal Ashram Ramana Maharishi Ashram Yogi

>Ramsuratkumar Ashram and Poondi swamy samadhi............. Any other

>important places. Pls do let meknow. JaiGuru Datta Hema

> >

> > Ahhh...imagining that irresistible " new car " smell?

> > Check outnew cars at Autos.

> >

>

Issue 9 Introduction to Arunachala Giri Valam The SiddhaWay of Circling the Arunachala Hill This issue ofAUMzine is dedicated to Arunachala and the great annual Deepam festival.In this issue and in past issues, we have mentioned that the single mosteffective spiritual practice known to man is the Arunachala giri valam(circling the Arunachala Hill). This article is an elementary introduction tothe Siddha way of circling the Arunachala Hill. It contains material that theSiddhas of the Agasthiar lineage wish to reveal to first timers. Moreadvanced practitioners should consult the Sathguru for proceduresspecifically tailored to them. Giri =Hill, Valam = circumambulation. Hence Giri Valam means circling thehill and Arunachala Giri Valam means circling the Arunachala hill. Giri ValaYoga, The Most Effective Spiritual Practice To thehuman eye, the Arunachala Hill appears to be around 3000 feet high. But tothe Siddhas, it stretches out to infinity. Thus we can not even begin tocomprehened the spiritual preeminence of Arunachala. The Siddhas say thateven Soorya (sun) and Chandra (moon) circle Arunachala without going directlyoverhead. While there are many deities who are touched by Soorya during HisBaskara sparsa pooja, Arunachala is the only deity whom Sooryacircumambulates! Toeven think of Arunachala, let alone perform giri valam, one must have lots ofgood karma in his or her spiritual bank account, say the Siddhas. To know theproper Siddha procedure for performing giri valam, one must have theSathguru's grace. The Sathguru is the key to unlocking the spiritual treasurechest that's Arunachala. TheSiddhas say that any one who visits Arunachala must perform giri valam. Why?Because this is the proper procedure for worshipping Arunachala. Even Brahma,Vishnu and Rudra did it. When the Lord appeared as an infinite jothi sthambam(pillar of light), no one, including Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra couldcomprehend Him. Only after they performed giri valam could They see Him. Soif giri valam is the proper procedure for the Brahma, Vishnu and RudraTrinity, is it not the proper procedure for us? Everydeity including the Trimoorthi trinity have performed Arunachala giri valam.It's a spiritual exercise that every one of us must do, irrespective of race,religion or nationality. It's the one panacea for all ills spiritual andmaterial. It's the easiest way towards spiritual upliftment. It's thesimplest yet most effective spiritual practice known to man. It's yoga of thehighest order. Giri vala yoga is the easiest and most effective yogicpractice. There are no complicated postures to learn. If you can walk, youcan do girivalam. Even if you can't walk, if you can move, you can do girivalam. Nay, you must do giri valam. And what if you can't even move? Noproblem. Just ask some kind soul to carry you on the giri valam route! Yearnto do Arunachala giri valam and all the right things will happen; the Siddhaswill find a way to accomodate the sincere longing of a pure heart. The Grantorof All Desires Arunachalagiri valam is the easiest way to get whatever you want. Do you want to becomethe richest human on the face of the earth? Do you want to become thegreatest scientist the world has ever known? Do you want to be an emperor thelikes of whom the world hasn't seen? Do you want to become a Siddha? A saint?A devotee? All of these and more can be achieved through Arunachala girivalam. Whatever you want, you'll find in Him. Whatever you desire, whether itbe material or spiritual, can be gotten through Arunachala giri valam. LordArunachala is the grantor of all desires. Even divinities reach their exaltedstate only through His blessings. Arunachala is also the grantor of thatsublime, indescribable state of pure, unalloyed bakthi (divine love) in whichone merges with Him forever. As wehave mentioned elsewhere in this issue, every cubic inch of the spacesurrounding Arunachala is filled with millions and millions of sookshma(subtle) jothi lingams. Miliions and millions of Siddhas are forever presentin this punya boomi (holy land). This sacred land is like no other.It's the spiritual refuge for every one of us. An Infinityof Visions Withevery step on the giri valam route, we should look at the peak of theArunachala Hill. Each of these visions is known as a Arunachala MukaDarshan. There are an infinity of these Arunachala visions. The leader ofthe Siddha community, Maha Guru Sri Agasthiar, has been cataloging thesevisions for our sake from time immemorial. Sri Nandeesvara has beendescribing these visions and Sri Agasthiar has been cataloging them. And theendless saga continues! It's with this background knowledge that one shouldapproach the limitless ocean of revelation that's Arunachala giri valam. Tothink that one can become an expert at Arunachala giri valam in a few yearsis sheer lunacy! SriAgasthiar has codified a substantial chunk of this spiritual knowledge in theform of 1008 volumes for His Siddha disciples. Each of these volumes is madeup of 108 books with 1008 chapters each. He has cataloged 100,008introductory giri valam procedures for His junior Siddha disciples. There aremany more for more advanced Siddhas! There are different sets of giri valamprocedures for humans, Siddhas, Devas, deities and so on. Thisknowledge was revealed to the Sathguru, Guru Mangala Gandharva Venkataramanby his divine teacher Sri Idiyaapa Eesa Siddha over the course of many years.What we present in this article is not even a millionth part of thisknowledge, because according to Sri Agasthiar, the human mind can not evengrasp that much. The rest must be learnt directly from the Sathguru. A GlimpseInto Beginners' Giri Valam Here'sa rough sketch of the Arunachala giri valam route. Though it's not to scaleand it's not exact, it can be of help to those of you who are new toArunachala giri valam. The shaded area is the Arunachala Hill and the thickblack line is the giri valam route. The green dots are some of the importantlandmarks on the giri valam route. These and a few others are described inthe text that follows. Enterthe Arunachala temple through the East gopuram (tower), landmark 1 inour giri valam map. Makeyour way to the Brahma Lingam shrine within the temple. Thisshrine is the starting point for your first giri valam. Worship the Lord andmake your way to the south gopuram. TheSouth gopuram of the Arunachala temple is landmark 2 in the giri valam map.Look at the Arunachala Hill from the south gopuram. This vision is known asEka Munikkal Koombu Muka Darshan. This is the vision that reminds one offorgotten promises. If you don't stay true to your word, whetherinadvertently or not, bad karma is the result. This vison reminds you ofthings that you may have to do to keep up your word. Visitthe Indra Lingam shrine, landmark 3 in our giri valam map. This is the firstof the eight Ashta Dik Lingams on the giri valam route. Thenext stop is the Karpaga Vinayaka Ganesh temple, landmark 4 in our giri valammap. Worship Lord Ganesh and continue on the giri valam route. AgniLingam shrine, landmark 5 in our giri valam map. This is the second of theeight Ashta Dik Lingams on the giri valam route. Just within this segment ofthe giri valam, there are hundreds of important Arunachala darshans. Theseshould be learnt directly from the Sathguru. IndraTheertham sacred pond and Indra Mandapam. SeshadriAshram, landmark 6 in our giri valam map. The vision from here is Théjó MukaDarshan. This vision makes the indecisive decisive; it gives clarity ofthinking to those who are muddled. It helps those who are not successful inbusiness or in making friends. RamanaAshram, landmark 7 in our giri valam map. Éru Pancha Muka Darshan, the visionthat redeems. Expiatory darshan for those who may have sinned because of thepressure of circumstances. Protects them from sinning again. NearRamana Ashram is another little ashram. The vision from here is Dhida MukaDarshan. The Lord advised the Universal Mother to see this darshan during Hergiri valam! This is the vision that gives one a resolute, purposeful approachto life. The wavering mind becomes purposeful as a result of this darshan. NandiMandapam on top of a huge rock. The vision from here is Bringi Muni MayaanaDarshan. Nextwe come across the huge Prithvi Nandi deity, the first of the Pancha BoothaNandi deities on the giri valam route. The vision from here is PrithviBangaaru Muka Darshan. This is a very important darshan. Offer deepam andincense to Arunachala from here and prostrate yourselves in front of Him. Thisvision offers relief from poverty. It blesses one with wealth and gold. YamaLingam shrine, landmark 8 in our giri valam map. This is the third of theeight Ashta Dik Lingams on the giri valam route. AppuNandi deity in a small mandapam, the second of the Pancha Bootha Nandideities on the giri valam route. Look at the peak of the hill through thehorns of the Nandi deity. This vision is known as Mitra Chaaru darshan. Thisis the vision that reunites those who are estranged or separated; it's thevision that retrieves that which you may have lost, whether it be land, moneyor anything else. NirutthiLingam shrine, landmark 9 in our giri valam map. This is the fourth of theeight Ashta Dik Lingams on the giri valam route. SivaRaja Singa theertham pond. On the banks of this pond is a Nandi deity. Lookat the peak of the hill through the horns of this deity. This is the place tomake spiritual resolutions. This is the place to give up bad habits. Theangel Siva Raja Singa, who guards this spot, is the witness for theresolutions you make here and the bad habits you give up here. Once given up,we dare not succumb to these habits again. Siva Raja Singa will remind us ofour holy promise to Arunachala. But if we still break our resolve, we'll haveto face the wrath of this most powerful angel. Because of these stipulations,many figure that it's best to not make a resolution. But this is no solution.Spiritual upliftment is the result of making resolutions and sticking tothem. To visit Arunachala and not make spiritual resolutions is to havewasted a unique opportunity. Make positive resolutions, stick to them andmarch on the path of spiritual upliftment. As wecontinue on the giri valam route, we see dense shrubbery on our right. Thisshrubbery is so dense that it obscures Arunachala from our sight. The Siddhasrefer to this shrubbery as Kaama Kaadu, the forest of desire. Once we " enter " the forest of desire, we can't see Arunachala any more.This is the symbolism behind this dense shrubbery. This is the place to giveup improper desires. If you have succumbed to lustful desires, this is theplace to ask for forgiveness. This is the place to expiate the bad karmaresulting from lust and the evil wrought by it. This is also the place toexpiate those sins resulting from not caring properly for the yagnopaveethasacred thread. How? By doing anga pradakshinam upto Théyu Nandi. The detailsshould be learnt from the Sathguru. ThéyuNandi deity, the third of the Pancha Bootha Nandi deities on the giri valamroute. Look at the peak of the hill through the horns of this deity. Thisvision is known as the Chathur Muka Darshan. Lord Brahma saw this darshanduring His giri valam. It's the vision that makes one proficient in the Vedascriptures and well versed in other forms of knowledge. Those who see thisdarshan will also get Lord Brahma's grace. Nextis the important Gayatri Darshan. Those who see this darshan will get thegrace of Mothers Gayatri, Savitri and Sarasvathi. As weproceed further we see the Sakthi Siva Darshan. This is the vision whichoffered solace to King Nala and his wife Damayanti. This vision reunitesestranged couples and kids who have been separated from their parents. Itpromotes unity and harmony in family life. SooryaLingam shrine, landmark 10 in our giri valam map. VarunaLingam shrine, landmark 11 in our giri valam map. This is the fifth of theeight Ashta Dik Lingams on the giri valam route. UnnamulaiMandapam and Unnamulai Theertham pond. Mother Unnamulai is Lord Arunachala'sconsort. She performed years of severe penance at this spot to be united withArunachala. Remember the Mother's penance when you reach this spot. Thevision from Unnamulai mandapam is known as Somaskanda Drashan. AdiAnnamalai temple, landmark 12 in our giri valam map. The vision of Arunachalafrom this temple is known as Siva Yoga Muka Darshan. The great SiddhaThirumoolar saw this darshan. Those who want to get Thirumoolar's grace mustget this darshan during their giri valam. This is very importnat for them. ManivaasagaTheertham pond. Sing Thiruvaasagam songs from this spot. Next is theManivaasaga Mandapam. The darshan from this spot is known as Lavanya SukaMuni Darshan. This is the vision that makes one beautiful. However ugly onemay be, this vision will make them beautiful some how or the other, may bethrough cosmetic surgery too! Those who are disfigured will get some of theiroriginal looks back through the help of doctors. VaayuLingam shrine, landmark 13 in our giri valam map. This is the sixth of theeight Ashta Dik Lingams on the giri valam route. The vision from here is knownas Kanda Neeru Muka Darshan. It's the vision that offers relief from allphysical problems related to wind. Nexton the route is a Nandi. The vision through the horns of this deity is knownas Janma Saabalya Muka Darshan. This vision offers salvation from cursesreceived in many many births. AbayaMandapam, landmark 14 in our giri valam map. The vision from here is the DasaMuka Darshan. It's a darshan that offers relief from many problems. The demonRavana got redemption from his sins through this darshan. Sri LaSri Lobha Matha Agasthiar Ashram, landmark 15 in our giri valam map. This isthe ashram which is being established by the Sathguru, Guru Mangala GandharvaVenkataraman, the 1001-st teacher in the Agasthiar divine teacher lineage.The vision from here is the SivaSakthi Aikiya Svaroopa Darshan, the vision of Siva and Sakthi in perfect alignment.This is a great panoramic view of Arunachala! Those who just can't seem toget married will get married as a result of this vision. This vision reunitesestranged couples and promotes harmony in family life. It's the vision forbegetting children who will grow up to be Siddhas and saintly beings. Themajestic Adhikaara Nandi shrine, landmark 16 in our giri valam map. KuberaLingam shrine, landmark 17 in our giri valam map. This is the seventh of theeight Ashta Dik Lingams on the giri valam route. This is a deity worshippedby Mother Lakshmi Herself and thus a very important stop on the giri valamroute. IdukkuPillaiaar Ganesh shrine, landmark 18 in our giri valam map. The shrine whichcan remove the karma of millions of births. Thevery important Pancha Muka Darshan. This vision blesses the devotee withcareer advancement. Nextwe pass by the cemetery area. The vision from here is the important KónaLinga Muka Darshan. This is the vision for renunciants who want nothing butthe Lord, whose sole refuge is the Lord's lotus feet, who are pure of heartand who have no desires except the Lord. These souls must see this darshan.It'll do them much good. (By the way, let it be known that the ochre coloredrobes are meant only for true renunciants. It's a great sin to wear the ochrerobes without having renounced everything.) EesaanyaLingam shrine, landmark 19 in our giri valam map. This is the eighth of theeight Ashta Dik Lingams on the giri valam route. MotherDurga temple, landmark 20 in our giri valam map. The vision of Arunachalafrom here is known as the Maaya Kuzhi Vadu Darshan. If you see this darshanalong with the Pournami full moon, the maaya arising out of a milliondesires, the maaya of an agitated mind that hankers over a million thingswill go away. Lustful feelings will subside in their intensity. Impropersexual desires will decrease. Those who have led a life of sin should seekexpiation at this spot. They should forego their sinful life and lead a goodlife marked by lots of charitable deeds; they should feed and clothe thepoor, offer free medical and educational help to them. PavazhaKundru Muruga temple, landmark 21 in our giri valam map. The darshan of theLord here is equivalent to the darshan of the Lord of the Palani Hills. BoothaNarayana shrine, landmark 22 in our giri valam map. The vision from this spotis known as Pasupathi darshan, meaning that the pasus (individualsouls) must reach the pathi (God) through giri valam by the grace of aSathguru. This is the spot where the beginners' giri valam is deemedcomplete, provided you fed the poor and the needy during your giri valam.Offer the results of your giri valam to Lord Bootha Narayana for safekeeping. Visitthe Irattai Pillaiaar Ganesh shrine, landmark 23 in our giri valam map. Enterthe Arunachala temple again through the East gopuram. Make your way to theSouth gopuram and from there to the West and North gopurams, landmarks 26 and25 respectively in our giri valam map. Worship all the deities in the templeincluding Nandeesvara and the Muruga deities known as Kambatthu Ilaiyanaarand Gopuratthu Ilaiyanaar. Offer your respects at Sri Durvaasa Rishi'ssanctum. Surrender to the Lord and the Universal Mother in their main sanctaand request Their grace. Ask to be Their devotee eternally. Mentally offeryour respects to Maha Guru Agasthiar, the revealer of this knowledge and Hisdivine teacher lineage. Keep inMind... Makesure you follow the basic giri valamrules during your giri valam. Feed the poor and the needy during girivalam. Talk about God alone during giri valam. Be totally spiritual duringgiri valam. Sharethis precious knowledge with one and all. It's not enough that you do girivalam; make sure you involve others in giri valam too because that's whatMaha Guru Agasthiar wants every one of us to do. Rememberthat what the Sathguru has revealed in this article is only a glimpse intothe first of 100,008 introductory giri valam procedures! In other words, thisis only a glimpse into the beginner's giri valam procedure. Just think of howmuch more there is to learn! Seek out the Sathguru who can reveal more andmore of this knowledge to you. As we said before, the Sathguru is the key whounlocks the treasure chest that's Arunachala. Beeternally grateful to Sri Agasthiar and His divine teacher lineage, therevealers of this knowledge. Om. Om Salutations to ArunachalaOm Salutations to Sri Agasthiar, the Maha GuruOm Salutations to the Agasthiar LineageOm Salutations to the SiddhasOm Salutations to the SathguruAUMzine Issue 9 Tableof Contents AUMzine Archives Home 1999 AllRights Reserved. The material in this site can not be mirrored or reproduced inany form either in part or in full without prior written permission of theauthor (email: info). om