Thiruvidaimaruthur Mahalinga Swamy Temple

Mahalingam, Thiruvidaimaruthur

Thiruvidaimarudur Mahalingaswamy Temple view

Varagunapandian and Brahmahathi dosha: Stahala Purana of Thiruvidaimarudur

27 Shiva Lingas for the 27 siderial constellations: Remedial measures Nakshatra Dosha

Huge Nandhi (Bull Vehicle of Lord Shiva)

Mahalingaswamy temple, Thiruvidaimarudur is one among the three important Saivite shrines in India which adopt Maruda tree (Terminalia arjuna - Myrtales - Combretaceae family - commonly known as arjuna; Marudam tree in Tamil) as their holy tree (Sthala vriksha) and hence it is also known as Idai Marudur aka Madhyaarjuna in Thiruvidaimarudur, near Kumbakonam, Thanjavur district. The other two Saivites shrines are Mallikarjuna (Thalai Marudur ) temple in Sri Sailam, Andhra Pradesh and in  Thiruppudaimarudur (Kadai Marudur aka Sputarjuna) in Ambasamudram, Thirunelvelli district. This temple is more spacious with three circumambulatory paths i.e, 1. Aswametha prakaram; 2. Kodumudi prakaram and 3. Pranava prakaram. Going around Aswametha prakaram will yield the benefit of performing aswametha yagam; going around Kodumudi prakaram is equivalent to Mount Kailash Parikrama; and circumambulation of Pranava prakaram will bring liberation soul from rebirth (moksha).

Mahalingam (huge self manifested (Swayambu) Shiva lingam) is presiding deity and the consort Brihatsundaragujambigai aka Nanmulainayaki at this ancient Saivite shrine. The Shiva linga is also considered as Jothirlinga and Sakthi shrine is also known as one of the Sakthi Bheetas. The Chakra Maha Meru is installed at this shrine. The temple with its imposing tower (gopuram) is one of the Panchakroha shrines.

The five Shivalingams: 1. Mahalingam at centre; 2. Viswanatha; 3. Rishipureeswara; 4. Athmanatha and 5. Chokkanatha at this shrine form Panchalinga khetra (Five Linga shrines). The shrine also has 27 Shiva Lingas for the 27 siderial constellations (star groups) and the devotees offer prayer pujas to the concerned Shiva Lingam as remedial measure against Nakshatra doshas. The temple is considered as holy as Varanasi or Kasi.

A group of 12 independent temples have adopted Lord Mahalingaswamy as their presiding deity and the following 12 temples form associate (parivara shrines) temples: 

1. Vinayakar, Thiruvalanchuzhi; 

2. Swaminathan, Swamimalai; 

3. Ambigai, Thirukadiyur; 

4. Dakshinamurthy, Alangudi; 

5. Navagraha shrines in Suriyanar koil; 

6. Saneeswarar, Thirunallaru; 

7. Durgai, Patteswaram; 

8. Chandikeswar, Sengalur; 

9. Bhairavar, Sirkazhi; 

10. Natarajar, Chidambaram; 

11. Soamskandar, Thiruvarur; and 

12. Nandhikeswarar, Thairuvavaduthurai. 

Priests used mud pots to fetch water from river Cauvery for ablution purposes.

In Hindu astrological traditions, Brahmahathi dosha is considered as severe curse. This kind of doshas occurs if any one kills a brahmin (Hathi- sin caused by a murder – Brahminicide). The shtala purana indicates that Varaguna Pandiya’s horse accidentally crushed a Brahmin and killed him. The sin followed wherever he went. The Brahmahathi was chasing the king. The king sought asylum to Lord Mahalingaswamy. He entered from the front entrance and offered prayers and got out from the rear entrance. The Brahmahathi is still waiting outside the entrance for the king. The king was relieved of his sin. People inflicted with mental disorders may go around the circumambulatory path and get redress.

The Lord is being worshipped here by Vedas, Airawatha (Elephant vehicle of Indra) and the seven great saints - Vashista, Agasthya, Pattinathar, Badragiriyar, Romarishi, Kapila and Markandiya rishi and the Tamil Siddhar Shivavakya. The Lord is also gracing the kings Varagunadeva, Sukeerthi, Veerasena, Chitrakeerthi, Uvanasuvan, Maandada, Vasuman and Anjatthuvasan. The Lord was also invoked by Appar and Sundarar with Thevaram hymns.

The ancient temple has 159 inscriptions. One specific inscription documents the presence of theatre (Natakasala) for enacting dramas. The theatre artists received patronage from kings and one veli  (approximately 3 acre) of cultible land was granted as gift to the artist for nurturing the art. The koothu (a form of folk drama) artists performed different styles of koothu including Arykoothu and Chakkaikoothu during festival time. The temple also served as the centre for fostering fine arts.

Arulmigu Mahalingaswamy Temple, Thiruvidaimarudur - 612 104, Thanjavur district is located 9 km north of Kumbakonam on Kumbakonam - Mayiladuthurai road. The shrine is well connected by public transport system.

Timing: 06.00 am to 12.00 pm and 04.00 pm to 09.00 pm.

Youtube

Thiruvidaimaruthur Mahalinga Swami Temple by Subashini Tremmel 

Emerald (Maragatha) Lingams and Idols in Tamil Nadu Temples

Shiva Lingam Sapta Vitanka Shrine: Source: The Hindu October 26, 2009

Emeral Natarajar, Uthirakosamangai (near Ramanathapuram) - Wikimapis

Emerald Lingam @ Siddhar Bogar Samadhi, Palani Murugan Temple (Source: Artist Shilpi.Blogspot)

Emerald Lingam @ Thiru Engoimalai Maragathachaleswarar Temple (Source: Temple Dinamalar)

Between fourth and twelfth centuries the huge temple complexes were raised by Chola, Pandiya, Pallava and Vijayanagara kings in South India. The remnants of stone architecture could be dotted all over India.  Each Hindu temple is normally dedicated to the principal deity and there will be sub-ordinate deities associated with the principal deity. The principal Hindu deities mostly represented Hindu temples include Lord Siva, Lord Vishnu, goddess Parvathi (consort of Lord Siva), Lord Vinayaka or Ganesha and Lord Subramanya. Lord Siva is usually represented as Siva Lingam. Siva Lingam is known as an icon of strength and fertility power. Another well known format of Siva is Lord Nataraja (the Lord of Dance). Lord Vishnu icons pose in three different forms – standing, sitting and lying. Most distinct form is Lord Ranganatha reclining on serpent bed. The icon serves as a tangible link between the worshiper and God. The image is often considered a manifestation of God, since God is immanent.

The Indian granite is regarded as the best variety. In exceptional occasions the South Indian sculptors chose emerald as the sculpting material.  Emerald is known as the gemstone from ancient times. The emerald stone traditionally deemed as the antidote of poison, is also associated with Garuda. Emerald is the naturally occurring mineral - silicate of beryllium and aluminum. It is obtained from as the hexagonal and pyramidal crystals. The natural and flawless emerald is regarded as the rare variety. The chromium content of the mineral beryl influences the natural color. The color and brightness determine the quality. Some varieties are in pale green in color or bluish green and some other varieties range from grass green to dark green colors.  The toughness of the stone according to Moh’s scale (hardness) is measured between 7.5 and 8.0 and since it brittle easily, extra care is required while sculpting. Of course you will also get synthetic emerald like stones.

The Religious Agamas (Saiva and Vaishnava), Shilpa Shastras and Hindu iconography speak volumes about this subject. The symbols and forms of Hindu icons show large variations from one period to the other; one region to the other and one sect of followers to the other. The Hindu iconography comprises the elements of Hindu temple architecture and ornamentation. It also provides ‘iconometric measurements’ and guidelines for sculpting the icons Hindu gods and goddesses. The well known Shilpa shastra text is called ‘Shipa Ratnakara.’

Most of the icons are seen mounted on some specific vehicles (vahanam). The hands (four or eight – some times more) bear weapons, flower, book, holy water pot, fire, snake, drum, rosary, conch, wheel etc., The Hindu iconography includes many guidelines and rules for sculpting various forms of Hindu icons.

TEMPLES WITH EMERALD ICONS

Sapta (Seven) Vitanka Sthalams

Seven Saiva temples dedicated to Lord Thiyagaraja or Somaskanda (a form of Lord Siva) are located in the vicinity of the temple town Tiruvaroor in Tamil Nadu (Ancient Chola country –Southern banks of the holy river Cauveri). The Chola emperor Musukuntha Chakravarthy said to have obtained seven icons of Lord Thiyagaraja from Lord Indira. The emperor enshrined these seven icons at these seven shrines.All these seven Saiva shrines are referred as  ‘Sapta Vitanka Sthalams (Shrines). The tern ‘vitanka’ suggests that the Maragatha (emerald) Siva Lingam icons are self formed (swayambu) and not chiseled or sculpted. The seven Lord Thiyagaraja shrines are located at:

1. Lord Thiyaraja temple, Thiruvaroor. Here Thiyagaraja (Gomethaga Lingam enshrined) is called as Veedi Vitankar. The Lord is in a dance pose called ‘Ajapaa Natanam.’ 
2. Lord Dharbaranyeswarar temple – Thirunallaru, Pondichery Sate (near Nagapattinam). Here Thiyagaraja (maragatha Lingam enshrined) is called as Naga Vitankar. The Lord is in a dance pose called ‘Unmatta Natanam.’ 
3. Lord Kayarohaneswarar temple – Thirunagaikaronam (Nagapattinam) temple.  Here Thiyagaraja (Maragatha Lingam) is called as Sundara Vitankar. The Lord is in a dance pose called ‘Paraavaara Taranga Natanam.’ 
4. Lord Kannayira Natheswarar temple – Tirukkaaraayil, Tiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu. Here Thiyagaraja (maragatha Lingam enshrined) is called as Aadi Vitankar. The Lord is in a dance pose called ‘Kukkuta Natanam.’ 
5. Lord Sundareswarar temple  - Tirukkuvalai, Thiruvaroor district, Tamil Nadu. Here Thiyagaraja (maragatha Lingam enshrined) is called as Avani Vitankar. The Lord is in a dance pose called ‘Bhringa Natanam.’ 
6. Lord Vaimurnathar  temple - Tiruvaimur (near Tirunellikka) Tiruvaroor district, Tamil Nadu. Here Thiyagaraja (maragatha Lingam enshrined) is called as Neela Vitankar. The Lord is in a dance pose called ‘Kamala Natanam.’ 
7. Lord Maraikkaadanaar temple, Vedaranyam, Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu. Here Thiyagaraja (maragatha Lingam enshrined) is called as Bhuvani Vitankar.  The Lord is in a dance pose called ‘Hamsapaada Natanam.’

The ‘Gomethaga Lingam’ of Lord Thiyaraja temple, Thiruvaroor and the ‘Maragatha Lingam’ of Lord Kayarohaneswarar temple – Thirunagaikaronam (Nagapattinam) temple were stolen during early 1990s. The police case regarding the theft of these two priceless Siva Lingams remains undetected.

The Tamil Nadu CID police of  Economic Offences Wing (EOW) - Idol Wing has recovered the Maragatha Lingam icon - weighing 990 grams - belonging to  Lord Maruntheeswarar temple Thiruthuraipoondi, Thiruvaroor district, Tamil Nadu from the two member gang. The idol was stolen by the team of five gang members from the temple on February 22, 2009 during night time. The police acted up on tip-off and hatched plan to catch the criminals. On October 26, 2009, Monday,  the police team encircled the gang at Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus or CMBT, Koyambedu, Chennai. The antique value of the stolen Maragatha Lingam idol is estimated about Rs. 50 crore. Few days later the stolen Maragatha Lingam was handed over to the temple authorities (HR & CE). The CID police have emphasized the need for tight security to protect the priceless maragatha lingam icons in seven Saptha Vitanka sthalams and 27 upa-vitanka sthalams in Tamil Nadu.

Uthirakosamangai
 

Lord Mangalanaathar temple at Uthirakosamangai (near Ramanathapuram) in Tamil Nadu is another ancient Saivite shrine glorified in Thiruvasagam by Saint Manickavasagar. The temple houses the most precious and rare emerald (maragatha) Natarajar icon. The six feet (1.83 meter) tall and huge sized Lord Nataraja statue has separate shrine at Lord Mangalanathar temple. Normally bronze icon of Lord Nataraja will be enshrined in Saivite temples. You can not find such a huge emerald Nataraja any where in the world. The idol will be covered in sandal paste all through the year. On the eve of Aardhra or Tiruvathirai star (Lord Siva’s birth star) the temple celebrates Arudhra darshanam festival. The sandal paste will be removed on this day. Thousands of people come here to witness the event. Thereafter the icon will be protected with sandal paste.

Tiruvidaichuram Temple
 

Lord Idaichuranathar temple, Tiruvidaichuram, Sembakkam (Vada Thiruvanaika) (Pancha pootha sthalam) is an ancient Saivite shrine located in the Chingleput, to Tirupporur bus route. The shrine represents water (one of five elements). Similarly Thiruvanaikka temple (near Tiruchirapalli) represents water element. It is one of the 32 Thevaram shrines located in Thondai Nadu region of Tamil Nadu. The self formed principal deity is the Maragatha Lingam.

Thiru-engoi-malai Temple
 

Lord Thiruvenginadhar Temple at Thiru-engoi-malai is another ancient Saivite hill-shrine located in the Tiruchirapalli – Musiri bus route. It is 40 km away from Tiruchirapalli. The self formed (Swayambu) Principal deity Lord Maragatheswarar(Malaikozhnthar) is an emerald (Maragatha) Lingam. It was reported that the Maragatha Lingam was stolen from the temple.

Panchetti (Panjetty) Temple
 

Sri Aanandavalli sametha Lord Agastheeswarar temple Panchetti (Panjetty),Chennai, Tamil Nadu is another Saivite temple located in the Chennai – Calcutta National Highways and the shrine is 30 km away from Chennai. Sri Anandhavalli, the consort of Lord Siva, has separate shine in this temple. It is a south facing shrine. The icon of this goddess is made up of emerald (maragatha) stone. 

Palani Temple (Hill Shrine)
 

Sri Dandayuthapani Swamy temple at Palani is the saivite shrine devoted to Lord Subramanya. The icon of Lord Dandayuthapani Swamy is sculpted out of the material formed after composing nine deadly poisons - Navapashanam” ( a combination of  Gauri Pasanam,  Jathilingam, Kandagam, Mridharsingh, Pooram, Rasam, Silasat, Veeram and Vellai Pasanam). The idol was conceptualized by Saint Bhogar (one of the 18 Siddhars of Tamil tradition) . You may find the shrine of Bhogar at the southern part of the Palani hill shrine. The Maragatha Lingam found at this shrine was believed to be worshiped by Saint Bhogar.

Siruvapuri or Chinnambedu Temple
 

Sri Unnamalai Amman Sametha Lord Agasteeswarar temple, Siruva puri, Chennai is Saivite shrine devoted Lord Subramanya and is located in the Chennai – Calcutta National Highways and the shrine is 37 km away from Chennai. The icon of Lord Agasteeswarar is the self formed one. The peacock (the vehicle of Lord Subramanya) is carved from emerald (maragatha) stone.

Reference

1. Arulmigu Dhandayudhapani Temple, Palani
2. Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu Tourism
   Sapta Vitanka. Templenet
3. Siruvapuri Murugan Temple
4. Stolen ‘Maragathalingam’ idol recovered from gang The Hindu October 26, 2009
5. Thiru Engoimalai Maragathachaleswarar Temple
6. Tiruvidaichuram -Idaichuranathar Temple
7. Thiruvarur. WhatisIndia
8. Uthirakosamangai Sivankoil, Wikipedia

Pradosham: An Important Saivite Worship Ritual Observed in Lord Shive Temples in India

Pradosham Worship Will Give the Most Wanted Relief from Doshas. While performing Somasukta Pradakshinam chant the name of Lord Shiva. 'Thiru Neela Kandam' (Lord with Blue Throat)

Pradosham worship aims in getting relieved from leading doshas (malefic aspects) found in your horoscope. No one is free from doshas. You will have at least few doshas like marriage obstacles, lack of child,

 indebtedness and so on. What ever may be the kind or numbers, your Pradosham worship will give the most wanted relief from doshas. Lord Shiva will have grace on His subjects and rectify all faults or sins.

Pradosham is an important Hindu Saivite pooja ritual (way of worship) observed on 'Thiriyodasi tithi' (thirteenth lunar (moon) day of the waxing as well as waning moon phases) in all Shiva temples about 48 minutes during sun set. We call the specific 48 minutes i.e, 24 minutes before sun set (end of a particular day) and 24 minutes after sun set (the commencement of the particular night) as 'Sandhya kalam' and this period is also referred as 'Asura Velai' (Demons timings). Saints and yogis will not advice us either to drink or eat any food. Lord Narasimha (Incarnation of Lord Vishnu) also killed the King Hiranya during this period. Instead they advice us to us to light a lamp and chant mantras, slokas and offer prayers. It is an auspicious time for performing yoga.

Legend

The famous Hindu Puranic story about Devas and Asuras united and teamed together to churn the milky ocean using the celestial serpent Vasugi as rope and mount Mantara as the churn stick. As the churning process

 progressed the serpent got ferocious and spit deadly poison called 'Alakala visham.' The Devas became spell bound and appealed Lord Shiva to save them from dangers of the snake poison. Lord Shiva came to their defence and decided to consume the snake poison by Himself. As the poison was dreadful it affected even Lord Shiva. This event happened on an Ekadasi (eleventh lunar) day. Lord Shiva even fainted for a day and that was 'Dwadasi'.(twelveth lunar) day. As Lord Shiva lives in every living being, the entire universe came to a standstill. There could be no birth. Goddess Parvathi felt the dangers of snake poison and checked the poison by holding Lord Shiva's neck. The poison stayed at the neck of Lord Shiva and the neck color turned blue.
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The Devas and Asuras got together to churn the ocean, using Mandramalai & Vaasuki, the snake. As they continued to churn the ocean, Vaasuki the snake began to tire and started spewing its poison. Siva came and consumed all the poison. Goddess Parvati rushed and held his neck so that the poison would not spread to the whole of his body. Thus Siva became blue up to his throat and is also known by the namavali "Neelakandan" ( neela-blue colour from poison, kandam-throat).

Soon Lord Shiva recovered from His fatigue and recovered back to His normal health and was immensely pleased and commenced His Cosmic dance with His drum and trident (trishul). All Devas witnessed this dance through Nandi (Celestial Bull and Vehicle of Lord Shiva). Since the first Pradosham was on a Saturday and Thiriyodasi tithi' (thirteenth lunar (moon) day, 'sani-pradosham became Mahapradosham.

The energy level of the universe will be high on 13th lunar day. Lord Saturn is the Lord of Karma and ruler of life. Therefore the subjects learn to uplift their souls by surrendering Lord Shiva and pray Him to release the from the bondage of Karma. All your Doshas will not create obstacles.

Five Pradoshams

1.Nithya Pradosham: To be precise Pradosham is the specific time period of 48 minutes (24 minutes before sunset and 24 minutes after sun set) that occurs every day (Nithya Pradosham).

2.Monthly (Masam) Pradosham: Pradosham occurring on 'Thiriyodasi tithi' (thirteenth lunar (moon) day after new moon (Amavasya) day.

3.Paksha Pradosham: - - 0430-0600 PM - Pradosham occurring on 'Thiriyodasi tithi' (thirteenth lunar (moon) day after full moon (Pournami) day.

4.Sani Pradosha (also called as Maha Pradosham: Pradosham occurring on 'Thiriyodasi tithi' (thirteenth lunar (moon) on Satur day is termed as Maha Pradosham or Sani Pradosham. According to Puranas Pradosham event  occurred only on Saturday.

5.Pralaya Pradosham (Day of Deluge): It is considered as the day of deluge. All souls in this universe will be uniting with Lord Shiva.

Rishabarudar:

Rishabarudar (a form of Lord Shiva and His consort Goddess Parvati mounted on the bull) is represented as Pradosha moorthy. The icon will be decorated with garlands and mounted on a palanquin. The priests will perform ablution and pooja to Shiva Linga, and Nandhi. Pradosha moorthy will go around the circumambulatory path of the temple. The harathy worship at the north-east corner of the temple will bring benefits equal to the performance of 1000 Ashwamedha Yaga.

Somasukta Pradakshinam

All Saivite devotees take a specific pradakshinam (circumambulating) called Somasukta Pradakshinam. Normal circumambulating in Lord Shiva temples will be clockwise. But in Somasukta Pradakshinam the devotees will pray Nandhi Deva and proceed towards anti-clockwise direction and reach Gomuki (place where the abhishekam water comes out from sanctum sanctorum) and pray Lord Chandikeshwar. After this return back to Nandhi Deva in clockwise direction and pray Him again. View Lord Shiva (Shiva Linga) between the horns of Lord Nandhi Deva. You have completed one Somasukta Pradakshinam and complete two more Somasukta Pradakshinams. You are creating a semi-circular pathway which resembles like a crescent moon. While performing Somasukta Pradakshinam chant the name of Lord Shiva. 'Thiru Neela Kandam' (Lord with Blue Throat).

Pallikodeswarar at Suruttapalli: You must visit this famous Lord Shiva temple located near Uthukottai (Andhra Pradesh - Tamil Nadu border) and offer your Pradosham prayers to Lord Pallikondeswarar. You can find Lord

 Shiva in a sleeping pose. It is believed that the Lord has consumed serpent poison and lying down. You can also find His Consort Goddess Parvati and Devas.

Reference

1.http://www.ammas.com/ar/home.cfm?r=va&topicid=9&bid=0&qid=146756

2.http://www.eprarthana.com/offers/sanipradosham/sani_pradosham.asp
3.http://www.pillaicenter.com/PracticeLibrary/Pradosham/
4. http://www.saigan.com/heritage/snip...

5.http://www.shaivam.org/siddhanta/Pradhosham.htmlcrescent moon.

How To Celebrate Annabhishekam in Siva Temples in India

A Festival Celebrated to Lord Siva the Preserver of Annam

An Overview

Annabhishekam is held on full moon day in the seventh month of every year - i.e. Aippasi (Tamil calendar) Asvina (Hindu calendar) (October/ November), for Siva Lingam, presiding deity of all Siva Temples in South India. Devotees believe that performing Annabhishekam to the Lord on this day would rid them of all their problems.

What is Abhishekam?

Abhishekam is the process of bathing the deity. According to Siva Agamas (pooja rules) abhishekam is considered as one part of the shodashopachara pooja. Siva Agamas give lot of importance to abhishekam in Siva pooja and it makes the ceremonies many times more effective. Your priest may perform Abhishekam by simply using holy water or perform elaborately with milk, curds, honey, ghee, sugar, coconut water, holy ash, sandal paste, fruit juice etc.

Lord Siva will be pleased by the process of bathing with the prescribed eleven ingredients like water, milk, curd, ghee, honey etc. If you pour a drop of water on the ‘Linga form' you will receive the blessings of Lord Siva. He will remove all your difficulties and will grace with happiness and joy.

Annabhishekam : A Thanks Giving Festival

The seventh month in the calendar is the holy month. According to astrology Sun resides in the house / rasi Libra. The harvesting of paddy in Tamil Nadu would have got completed by this time. People are more interested in thanking Lord Siva with Annam (cooked fragrant rice). They believe that Lord Siva has only created annam (cooked rice) and He alone offers His grace and protects His subjects with annam (cooked rice).

Siva Lingam: An Abstract Form of Lord Siva

Since Lord Shiva is widely worshipped in the form of the Siva linga as well as presiding deity, annabhisekam will be performed only to Siva lingam. Siva linga form has three parts. The four-sided lower-most part forms the base and is known as avudai. The ‘Yoni' or octagonal eight-sided pedestal (mid-part) is provided with a passage for draining away the water or other liquids poured on top by devotees. The ‘Lingam' or cylidrical shaped top most part remains on the pedestal. The height of lingam is one-third of its circumference. The three parts of lingam symbolize the trinity of Hindu pantheon i.e. Brahma (the creator) resides at the bottom, Vishnu (the preserver) resides in the middle and Shiva (the destroyer) resides on the top.

Eleven Ingredients Prescribed for Abhishekam

The Shiva Linga abhishekam is done with the prescribed 11 ingredients:

1) Gingely oil

2) Pancha kavyam (mixture of five ingredients i.e. milk, curd or yoghurt, ghee and cows urine)

3) Panchamrutham (mixture of five ingredients i.e. fruit, jaggery, ghee, honey and sugar candy)

4) Ghee

5) Milk

6) Curd or yoghurt

7) Honey

8) Sugar cane juice

9) Lime juice

10) Tender coconut water

11) Sandal paste

Annabhishekam

Annabhishekam is performed next to milk on this specific day. During abhishekam ‘Sri Rudram' (hymn at chapter 16 & 18 of Yajurveda part of veda) is chanted. Rhythm chanting of the Sri Rudram will purify the entire atmosphere. Sri Rudra has eleven sections. Similarly Lord Siva has eleven forms (Ekadasa Rudra). Annabhisekam will take place mostly in the evening. In some temples it may take place in the noon.

The Sive Linga will be covered with cooked rice. They may even cover the floor of the sanctum sanctorium and may extend up to the steps. They will use the snacks like Vadai, appam to decorate the deity. They will also use vegetables and fruits. As a result the Siva Linga will appear with eyes, ear, nose and mouth. The fruits and vegetables will be piled up on the floor and steps. The ‘harathi' will be followed. The Siva linga will remain covered with annam for about one yamam, or one and half hours.

Lord Siva: Preserver of Annam

Lord Siva is the preserver of annam (Annanam Pathaye Namaha). He is considered as annam and he is also the consumer of annam (Ahamannam .. Ahamannatho). The devotees believe that anyone who witnesses annabhshekam will be relived from the troubles of rebirth.

Maha Harathi

Devotees will collect the cooked rice covered around Lingam and immerse it in rivers or ponds. The cooked rice used to cover the base and floor will be collected and distributed to devotees.

After removal of the cooked rice, the Siva Linga will have abhishekam with the remaining five ingredients (Total ingredients: eleven - Five before annabhishekam). After this the main deity will be decorated with clothes and jewels. The Maha Harathi will be shown to the deity. With this the annabhishekam will be concluded.

Summary

Annabhishekam with cooked rice to Lingam is an annual ritual in all Siva Temples. But it is a daily ritual at Thiruvanaikoil. In Thiruvannamalai it is done during ‘Karthigai festival'. In Palani it is done during the Tamil month Aani.

Useful Links:

• Rudram (Praise of Lord Siva) Chamakama