Arunachaleswar Temple, India
Arunachaleswar Shiva Temple AKA Annamalaiyar Temple, Southern India
The mythology behind the Arunachaleswar temple relates to the sacred place associated with the fire linga (phallus) of Shiva. After Shiva lost his wife, Sati, he wandered in the forest naked. He came across of group of women who in turn desired him. Their husbands cursed his linga that is should fall off. As the God’s phallus struck the ground the other gods, Vishnu & Brahma, watched as it turned into a bright column of light which reached through the clouds and down into the earth.
Vishnu transformed into a boar and dove to the bottom of the ocean in an attempt to find the base of the column. Brahma transformed into a swan to search for its pinnacle. Vishnu confessed that he could not find the top but Brahma lied and said that he had discovered the base.
Shiva saw through this lie. He announced Brahma’s deceit whilst thanking Vishnu for his honesty. Vishnu, in turn, requested that Shiva leave a part of his linga behind in the form of a fire on the Arunachala hill. The Arunchaleswar Shiva Temple sites at the foot of this hill today and is one of the largest and oldest temples in Southern India.
The massive shrine temple is adorned with majestic towers, 5 prakaaras and splendid Mandapams; and stretches over 25 acres. The most striking features of the temple stand in the form of 4 mighty towers. The tallest of these is the eastern tower at 66 m which is called the Rajgopuram.
The walls are broad and high resembling the main walls of a fort. There are 360 thirthas and 400 lingas which encircle the holy hill in an 8 mile circuit. The Arunachala hill is renowned for its natural and miraculous healing powers. Many hermitages are situated in close proximity to create ideal locations for quiet introspection in a sacred location.
Every year in November or December the area presents a 10 day Deepam festival which is held to celebrate Shiva’s manifestation. The festival is a devotion attended by many pilgrims and the festivities take the form of joyous dancing and singing and processions.
