Yajur Vedi Avani Avittam for the year 2011

Avani Avittam 13-8-2011(Saturday)

1.Yagnopa veetha dharana manthra (since all have Yagnopaveetham this need not be done by evey one)

1. Aachamanam:

Shuklaam Bharadharam………. Santhaye
b.Om Bhoo…………..Bhoorbhavaswarom
c.Mamo patha samastha duritha kshya dwara sri paameshwara preethyartham
Sroutha smartha vihitha sadachara nithya karmaanushtanaa yogyatha sidhyartham brhma teja abhivrudyartham yagnopaveetha dharanam karishye.

d.Yagnopaveetha dharana maha manthrasya
Parabrhma rishi(Touch forehead)
Trushtup chandaha (touch below nose)
Paramathma devatha (touch heart)

e.Yagnopaveetha dharane viniyoga

Wear Poonal one by one by reciting(poonal should be held by both hands, the Brahma mudichu (knot in the poonal) being held above by the right hand facing upwards), left hand palm closing the pancha patram.

Yagnopaveetham paramam pavithram praja pathe,
Yat sahajam purasthad aayushyam
Agriyam prathi muncha shubram yagnopaveetham balamasthu theja.

Do Aachamanam, then wear the next poonal and do Aachamanam


After wearing all poonals thus remove the old poonals (together), by reciting

“Upaveetham bhinna thanthum jeernam kasmala dooshitham, visrujami jale punarbrahman varcho deergayurasthu me”.

put them aside on north side; do prokshanam (sprinkling water) and break them to pieces

Do Aachamanm

Summary meaning: I wear the white yagnopavitha that is purifying , which was born along with brahma, which is capable of increasing life .I am sure this would give glory and strength to me. I am destroying the dirty , soiled yasgnopavita .

2.Kamo karshet Japam (13-8-2011 morning)

Wear Pavitram (say Pavitram drithva), Darba darayami (insert two darbam between ring finger, dabam aashinaha (put darbam as seat)

a.Aaachamanam:

Shuklaam Bharadharam…….Santhaye
b.Om Bhoo
c.Mamo patha--- Preethyartham
Shube shobane muhurthe Aadhya brhmana , dweethiya parardhe, swetha varaha kalpe, , Vaivaswatha manvanthare, ashta vimsathi thame, kali yuge, prathame padhe, Jamboo dweepe, Bharatha varshe , Bharatha kande, Mero dakshine parswe., sahabthe, Asmin varthamane , vyavaharike prabhavaadheenam sashti samvatsaranaam madhye , Khara nama samvatsare, Dakshinaayane, Greeshma rithou, Kadaka mase, shukla pakshe, aadhya pournamasyam shubha thidou, Sthira vasara yukthayam, Sravishta nakshatra yukthayam, shubhayoga, shubha karana evam guna, viseshana visishtaayam, asyam pournamaasyam shubha thidou, taishyaam pournamaasyam* adhyot sarjana akarana praayaschithartham , samvatsara praayaschithartham, cha ashtothara satha samkhyaa “kamo karsheth manyura karsheth” ithi maha manthra japam karishye.

Throw away Dabam on north side. Touch water.

 
d.Then chant “Kamo karsheth manyura karsheth” 108 times tehn do upasthanam “Kama manyu upastham karishye” ,

e.Afterwards remove pavitram (remove knot of pavitram ) and then perform Aachamana and

pour water to water fall through middle finger saying “Om tat sat brahmaarpanam asthu”.

*Pournami is till 12.28 AM of 14-8-2011 IST ** Sravana Nakshatra is up to 6.6 PM IST on 13/8/2011 according to the Panchanga.

If in any country , you are performing the japam after 6.6 PM, change Sravana to Sravishta nakshtra yukthayam.If you are doing it after 12.28 AM of 14-8-2011 IST , change also Pornamasyam Shubha Thidhou to Pradhamyam Shubha Thidhou .

This would be for example applicable in many parts of USA. This is also applicable to mantras of Maha Sankalpam given below.

3. Madyanikam

Bramha yagnam: omit

4.Maha Samkalpam

(13-8-2011 after Madhyaanikam and Brahma yagnam@)
a.Aachamanam
b.Shuklam baradharam……..
c.Om bhoo
d.Maha samkalpam

Tadeva lagnam sudhinam tadaiva, tharaa balam chandra balam thadaiva , vidhya balam daiva balam tadaiva, Sri Lakshmi pathe aangriyugam smaramaami
Apavithra pavithro vaa sarvaavasthaam gathopi vaa , ya smareth pundari kaksham, sabahyanthara suchi , manasam vaachikam paapam , karmanaa
Samuparjitham, sri Rama smaranenaiva vyopahathi na samsaya .Sree rama Rama
Tidhir Vishnu, Tatha vaara, nakshatram Vishnu reva cha
Yogascha karanam chaiva sarvam Vishnu mayam Jagat ,
Sri Govinda , Govinda, Govinda
Aadya sri bhagawatha, Aadi vishno, Aadinarayanasya achinthyaya , aparimithaya, sakthyaa, briyamaanasya, mahaa jaloughasya madhye,
paribrhamatham aneka koti brhmaandanam madhye, eka thame, prithya aptejo vayvakaasaa ahankaradhi -mahada vyakthai-aavaranair- aavruthe- asmin mahathi bramanda-karandaka-madhye aadhara sakthi –koormaa nandathi ashta diggajopari prathishtithasya , athala-vithala-suthala-rasaathala-thalaa thala-mahaathala-pathalakyai loka sapthakasya upari thale, punya kruthaam nivaasabhuthe bhoor –bhuvar-suvar-mahar-janarr-thapa-satyaakhyai loka shatkasya adho bhage mahaa nalayamana phani raja seshasya sahasra phanaa mani mandala mandithe, dighdanthi-shunda dhanda-uttambhithe, panchasath koti yojana vistheerne, lokaloka –achalena valayithe lavaneshu-sura-sarpi-dhadhi-ksheera-udakaarnavischa parivruthe, jambhu-plaksha-saka-salmali-kusa-krouncha-pushkarakhya saptha dweepanaam madhye, Jamboo dweepe, Bharatha varshe, bharatha kande, prajaapathi kshetre dandakaaranya-chamapakaaranya-vindhyaaranya-veekshaaranya-vedaaranayaadhi, aneka punya aaranyaanam Madhya pradeshe, karma bhoomou, rama –sethu-kedharayoo madya pradaeshe , Bhaageerathi-Gouthami-Krishna veni-Yamuna-Narmadaa-Thungabadhraa-Triveni-Malaapahaarini-kaveri- ithyadi , aaneka punya nadhi viraajithe, Indraprastha-Yamaprastha-Aavanthikaapuri-Hasthinaapuri-Ayodhyaa puri-Maayaa puri-Kasi puri-Kanchi puri-Dwarakaa aadi aneka punya puree viraajithe Sakala jagat srushta, parardha dwaya jeevana, bramana dweethiya parardhe, Pancha sathabdhou, prathame varshe, prathame mase, prathame pakshe, prathame divasae, aahni, dweethiye yame, trithiye muhurthe, swayambhuva-swarochisha-uthama-thamasa-raivatha-chakshu shakheshu, shatsu manusha atheetheshu, sapthame vaivaswathe manvanthare, aashta vimsathi thame, kali yuge, prathame padhe, Jamboo dweepe, Bharatha varshe , Bharatha kande, Mero dakshine parswe. Asmin varthamane , vyavaharike prabhavaadheenam sashtya samvatsaranaam madhye , Khara nama samvatsare, Dakshinaayane, Greeshma rithou, Kadaka mase, shukla pakshe, aadhya pournamasyam* shubha thidou, Sthira vasara yukthayam, Sravishta nakshatra yukthayam, shubhayoga, shubha karana evam guna, viseshana visishtaayam, asyam pournamaasyam* shubha thidou,
anaadhya vidhya pravarthamane asmin mahathi samsara chakre vichitrabhi karma gathibhi vichitrasu yonishu puna puna anekadha janithwa kenapi punya karma viseshena idhaanimthana manushye dwijanma visesham prapthavatho mama jjanmabhyasa jjanama prabruthi ethath kshana paryantham , baalye, vayasi kaumare yowane vaardhake cha jagrath swapna sushupthya avasthamsu mano vak kaya karmendriya jnanendriya vyaparai kama-krodha-lobha-moha-madha-mathsaryaadhi sambhavithaanam iha janmani janmanthare cha jnana ajnana kruthaanam maha pathakanaam mahaa patathakanumanthratwadeenam , samapathakaanaam upapaathakaanaam malini karanaanam nindhitha dhana dhaano upa jeevanaadeenam aapathrikarananaam jathi bramsa karaanam vihitha karma thyaagaaadeenam jnanadha sakruth kruthanaam ajnanatha asakruth kruthaanam sarveeshaam papaanam sadhya aapanodhanartham
aswatha narayana sannidhou-deva brahmana sannidhou-tryaa trimsath koti devathaa sannidhou-sri visaalakshi sametha visweswara swami sannidhou-mahaa ganapathi sannidhou-seetha lakshmana bharatha sathrugna-hanumt samedha sri rama chandra swmai sannidhou-sri rukmani sathyabhama samedha sri gopala Krishna swami sannidhou-hari hara puthra swami sannidhou-sri lakshmi narayana swami sannidhou sraavanyaam pournamasyaam adhyopakrama karma karishye.Thadangam sravanee pournamasi punyakale sareera shudhartam shuddhodhaka snanam aham karishye
Athi krura maha kaya, kalpanthahanopama,
Bairavaya namasthubhyam anujnam dathu marhasi.

Take bath after sankalpam or do prokshanam

5.Yagnopa veetha dharana manthra

Aachmanam,

Wear pavitram, darbam and darbasanam as did for kamokarsheet japam
wear poonal

Shuklaam Bharadharam………. Santhaye
b.Om Bhoo…………..Bhoorbhavaswarom
c.Mamo patha samastha duritha kshya dwara sri paameshwara preethyartham
Sroutha smartha vihitha sadachara nithya karmaanushtanaa yogyatha sidhyartham brhma teja abhivrudyartham yagnopaveetha dharanam karishye.

d.Yagnopaveetha dharana maha manthrasya
Parabrhma rishi(Touch forehead)
Trushtup chandaha (touch below nose)
Paramathma devatha (touch heart)
Yagnopaveetha dharane viniyoga

Wear Poonal one by one by reciting(poonal should be held by both hands, the Brahma mudichu (knot in the poonal) being held above by the right hand facing upwards), left hand palm closing the pancha patram.

Yagnopaveetham paramam pavithram praja pathe,
Yat sahajam purasthad aayushyam
Agriyam prathi muncha shubram yagnopaveetham balamasthu theja.

Do Aachamanam, then wear the next poonal and do Aachamanam

After wearing all poonals thus remove the old poonals (together), by reciting

“Upaveetham bhinna thanthum jeernam kasmala dooshitham, visrujami jale punarbrahman varcho deergayurasthu me”.

put them aside on north side; do prokshanam (sprinkling water) and break them to pieces

Aaachamanm; remove pavitram and put aside.

6. Kanda Rishi Tharpanam

1,Aachamanam
2,Shklaama baradharam
3.Om bhoo
4.Mamo patha samastha durida kshya dwara sri parameshwata preethyartham sravanyaam pournamaasyam adhyoyapakrama karmangam kanda rishi tharpanam karishye.
Wear poonal as garland and do tharpanam using water mixed with thil (black gingely) and akshatha

Take water in closed palm and let fall on left side (little finger side)
Each manthra has to be chanted thrice and tharpanam done.

1.Prajapathim kanda rishim tharpayami
2,Somam kanda rishim tharpayami
3.Agnim kanda rishim tharpayami
4.Viswaan devaan kanda rishim tharpayaami
5.Saahinkeer devatha upanishadha tharpayami
6.Yagnigeer devatha upanishadha tharpayaami
7.Vaaruneer devatha upanishadha tharpayami
8.Brhamanahum swayubhuvam tharpayaami
9.Sadasaspathim tharpayami
wear poonal in the normal fashion and then do aachamana in clear water (no thil)


7.Vedarambham

Though these are essential part of Avani avittam , I am not giving this because Vedic manthraas are very diffcult to transliterate in to English and reading them wrongly would be counter productive.

END
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6.Gaayathri japam (14-8-2011)
For Yajur Vedis

1.Aachamanam

Wear pavitram darba etc
2,Shuklaam baradharam
3.Om bhoo
4.Mamo patha samastha duritha kshya dwara sri parameshwara preethyartham Tadeva lagnam sudhinam tadaiva, tharaa balam chandra balam thadaiva , vidhya balam daiva balam tadaiva, Sri Lakshmi pathe aangriyugam smaramaami
Apavithra pavithro vaa sarvaavasthaam gathopi vaa , ya smareth pundari kaksham, sabahyanthara suchi , manasam vaachikam paapam , karmanaa
Samuparjitham, sri Rama smaranenaiva vyopahathi na samsaya .Sree rama Rama Shubhe Shobane muhurthe adya Brahmana dwiteeya paradhe , Swetha varaha kalpe, Vaivaswatha Manvanthare, Ashtavimsathi thame , Kali yuge, Prathame pade, Jambhu Dwipe, Bharatha Varshe,Bhartaha Kande, Mero Dakshine Parswe, Sakabdhe, Asmin Varthamane Vyavaharike, Prabhavadhi Sashti Samavathsaranaam Madhye, Sri Khara nama Samvathsare , Dakshinayane, Greeshma Rithou, Kadaka mase Krishna pakshe aadhya prathamaayam* shubha thidou Bhanu vaasara yukthayaam Sathabishak nakshatra yukthaayam shubha yoga shubha karana evam guna viseshana visisishtaayam asyaam prathamaayam shubha thidou mithyaa theetha prayaschittartham ashtothara sahasra samkya gayatri maha manthra japam karishye.
Start from Pranavasya Rishi brahma…. followed by aayathith anuvagasya… and then chant the gaythri manthra 1008 times.
Complete with Abhivaadaye and then complete with
Kayena vacha…….
* Prathma is from 6.26 AM of 14-8-2011 up to 1.35 AM IST .Afterwards change to Dwitheeyam shubha thidhou
**Sravishta Nakshatra is up to 7.45 PM on 14/8/2010 IST , afterwards Sathabishak Nakshatra yukthayam .
Please compare the time when you are doing japam to IST and do corrections accordingly.

Appendix Brahma Yagnam.

1. Perform Achamanam
2. Face eastern direction and do “Shuklam baradaram….” Followed by pranayamam “om Bhoo…”
3. Mamopatha samastha duritha kshya dwara sri Parameshwara preethyartham Brahma Yagnam karishye. Brahma yagnena Yakshye.
4. Chant and clean the hands with water
Vidhyudasi paapmanam vidhya me paapmanam amruthath Sathya mupaime
And then chant
Om Bhooo tat savithurvarenyam
Om Bhuva Bhargo devasya Dheemahi
Ogum suva Dhiyo yona prachodayath
Om Bhooo Tatsa vithurvarenyam Bhargo devasya dheemahi
Om Bhuva Dhiyo yona prachodayath
Ogum Suva Tat savithurvarenyam Bhargo devasya Dheemahi Dhiyo yona prachothayath

5. Chant Vedic manthras
Om Agnimeele purohitham Yagnasya Dheva mruthvijam, hotharam Rathna Dhathamam
Om Ishe Twoje Thwa vayavasthapayavastha Devo vassavitha prarpayathu sreshtathamaya karmane
Om Agna Aayahi veethaye grunano havyadathaye, ni hotha sadhsi bharhishi
Om sanno devirabheeshtaya Aapo peethaye sam yorabhisravanthu na
After this recite if possible vedic manthras that you know like Rudram, Chamakam etc

6. Sprinkle water round the head by reciting
Sathyam Thapa sradhayam juhomi

7. Recite three times with folded hands
Om namo brahmane namosthwagnaye nama pruthwyai nama oshadheebhya namo vaache namo vaachaspathaye namo vishnave bruhathe karomi.

8.Clean the hands again with water by reciting “vrushtirasi vruschame paapmanamamruthath sathyamupaaga”
Do aachamanam
8. Chant “shuklam baradaram….”
9. Do Pranayamam, “om Bhoo…”
10. Mamopatha samastha duritha kshaya dwara sri parameshwra preethyartham deva-rishi-pithru tharpanam karishye.
11. Touch water and clean your hands
12. Do deva tharpanam through the tip of fingers
1.Bramodaya ye deva thaan devaan tharpayami
2.Sarvaan devaan tharpayami
3. Sarva deva ganaan tharpayami
4.Sarva deva pathnis tharapayami
5.Sarva deva ganapathnis tharpayami
13, Do rishi tharpanam by wearing yagnopaveetha as garland and pouring out water from the liitle finger
1,Krishna dwaipayanaya ye rishaya thaan rishin tharpayami
2. Sarvaan risheen tharpayami
3.Sarva rishi ganaan tharpayami
4. Sarve rishi pathnis tharpayami
5,Sarva rishi gana pathnistharpayami
6. Prajapathim kanda rishim tharpayami
7. Somam kanda rishim tharpayami
8. Agnim kanda rishim tharpayami
Put the Yagnopaveetham in normal fashion and pour water from the tips of fingers
9. Viswan devan kanda rishin tharpayami
10. Samihithir devatha upanishada tharpayami
11. Yagnigir devatha upanishada tharpayami
12.Varuneer devatha upanishada tharpayami
Put the Yagnopaveetham and pour water by towards the left
13. Havyavaham tharpayami
14.Viswaan devaan kanda rishin tharpayaami
Pour water by the bottom of the palm towards self
15.Brahmanam swayambhuvam tharpayami
16.Viswan devan kandarishin tharpayami
17.Arunan kandarishin tharpayami
Put the Yagnopaveetham in normal fashion and pour water from the tips of fingers
18.Sadasaspathim tharpayami
19.Rig vedam tharpayami
20.Yajur Vedam tharpayami
21. Sama Vedam tharpayami
22. Atharvana Vedam tharpayami
23. Ithihasa puranam tharpayami
24. Kalpam tharpayami
14.Only those who have lost their father (others go to step 15)do Pithru tharpanam wearing the yagnopaveetham on the right shoulder pouring water between the thumb. And index finger.
1.Soma pithruman yamo angiraswan agni kavyavahana ithyadaya ye pithara
thaan pithrun tharpayami,
2. Sarvaan pithrun tharpayami
3. Sarva pithru ganan tharpayami
4. Sarva pithru pathnistharpayami
5. Sarva pithru ganapanthnistharpayami
6.oorjam vahanthi amrutham grutham paya keelaalam parisruyatham
swadaastha tharpayatha me pithrun trupyatha, trupyatha, trupyatha
7.Aabrahma sthambha paryantham jagat trupyathu
15.Put the yagnopaveetha in the normal fashion
Pour water saying Om That sat Brahmarpanamasthu
And then do aachamanam.
Brahma yagnam(sacrifice to Brahma) is the oblation offered to satisfy Devas, Rishis(sages) and Pithrus(ancestors). It is supposed to be performed daily after Madhyannikam, But nowadays it is done mainly on avani avittam days.

"Dasopadesam"

Paramacharya Maha Swamigal
JagadGuru Shri Chandrasekarendra Saraswati

One of our duties as human beings is to avail ourselves of every opportunity to do good to others. The poor can serve others by their loyal work to the country and the rich by their wealth to help the poor. Those who are influential can use their influence to better the condition of the lowly. That way we can keep alive in our hearts a sense of social service.

Man by himself cannot create even a blade of grass. We will be guilty of gross ingratitude if we do not offer first to God what we eat or wear - only the best and choicest should be offered to Him.

Life without love is a waste. Everyone should cultivate "Prema" or love towards all human beings, bird and beast.

Wealth amassed by a person whose heart is closed to charity, is generally dissipated by the inheritors: but the family of philanthropists will always be blessed with happiness.

A person who has done a meritorious deed will lose the resulting merit if he listens to the praise of others or himself boasts of his deeds.

It will do no good to grieve over what has happened. If we learn to discriminate between good and evil, that will guard us from falling into the evil again.

We should utilise to good purpose, the days of our life-time. We should engage ourselves in acts which will contribute to the welfare of others rather than to our selfish desires.

We should perform duties that have been prescribed for our daily life and also be filled with devotion to God.

One attains one's goal by performance of one's duties.

Gnyana is the only solvent of our troubles and sufferings. 

Karmas for a Brahmin since birth

Thus spake Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetathipathi Shri Jayendra Saraswati Sankaracharya Swamigal

6. Annaprasana:

In the 6^th month of the child Annam mixed with curd, honey, ghee should be given to the child in the prescribed manner; as per Vedic procedure.

7. Choulam:

Third year keep tuft (kudumi) as per laid down procedure

8. Upanayanam

 For Brahmin boy upanayanam has to be done in the 8^th year (counted from Karbham (womb)).  Out of the 14 smartha karmas upanayanam is most important.  Upanayanam should not be performed to First son on the first month. (Should not do for Jyeshta puthran on Jyeshta month). 

Adeesargal:

Rig Veda            Brihaspathi,

Yajurveda           Sukran
Sama Veda        Angarakan

Atharva Veda     Budhan

   

It is good to perform upanayanam on the day of Adeesa.

The outer limit for upanayanam is 16 years, Over 8 years of age upanayanam can be done only after doing proper prayachitam. If upanayanam is not done within 16 years Brahmanyam will go.  He will not be eligible to do Vedadyayna, Vaideeka karmas, dhanam etc.

After upanayanam Brahmachari should follow these:

·         Wear all times Dhandam, Ajinam (deer skin), Mounji (thread on waist)

·         Do everyday Trikala sandhyavandanam and Brahmayagnam

·         Go for Bikshai and offer it to the Guru and eat with his permission

·         DO Samithadanam morning and evening everyday

·         Do Vedadyanam of his Shaka

Is it possible to all these in today’s condition? Yes, it was happening 50 years ago so why not now?

These have to be followed at least for the first year after upanayanam.

Every Brahmin should know and do the following minimum daily requirements:

• Snanam  (bath)
• Sandhya
• Japam
• Homam
• Devapooja
• Athithi satkaram

It is the very essential duty of a father to ensure his son gets enough tutoring to perform these basic things.

Every Brahmachari, after performing Samithadanam, prays to Agni devatha as under:

Shradamr, Medham, Yashaha, Pragnyam, Vidyam Buddhim, Shriyam, Balam, Aayushyam, Tejaha, Arogyam, Dehime Havyavahana

When everyday he prays like this sincerely he will definitely get everything with blessing of Agni devatha. Like a beetle constantly reminds its young about its presence one by stinging it everyday, Brahmachari gets complete blessings of Agni Devatha by daily prayers as stated above.

If one is unable to do Snanam, Sandhya, Japam, Homam, Deva pooja, Athithi pooja he must do Gayathri Japam everyday.  Brahmanathvam will leave him for ever if he fails to do Gayathri everyday.

We imagine that we are the body and do so much makeup and dressing but forget the soul the existence of which the body is alive and attractive. What is the use of thinking power that we are endowed with?

We do not see much difference between birds, animals, reptiles etc. They also eat, sleep and procreate.  We do the same thing.

This body is made up of five elements. Even if one of the elements is absent we can not be alive. If they are not balance we feel acute discomfort. We get obesity, cold and cough, acidity, constipation, rheumatic ailments etc with such imbalance. Easwara has created every species with such precision and protecting us.  Is it not necessary we pray to Him everyday? What is the use of our human birth if we do not realize this simple truth and fail to pray everyday?

We have to introspect where we were before this birth, what we were, how and why we are born, where we will go from here. If we do not do this what is the difference between human beings who have thinking power and others who do not have?

Wet wood will not catch fire.  Only after it dries by the heat (of sun) it can be lighted. Similarly the mind that is immersed in vasanas (attraction to material things) will get realization (Gnyanam). Using the Agni of Vairagyam the mind has to be dried to get Gnyanam. This is called purity of mind.

Brahmacharya, Ahimsa, Daya, Desire less for worldly things, cleanliness, not brooding, (feel sad or self pity), Truth (sathyam), humble, steady mind (sthira Budhhi), not sentimental, Eswara dhyna, Friendship of enlightened people (realized souls), interest in scriptures like Upanishads and such dharma Shastras and work of realized souls, see all equally, devoid vanity and prestige, solitude (eakantham),  desire for moksham (realization of self) are tools for purity of mind.

A question may arise in the mind of the reader that we started with Upanayanam and we are talking different subject.  Every man has to think all these then only he would be able to appreciate the necessity for doing the daily duties. In order to stress this importance of daily duties we had to tell all the related aspects.

Every citizen will have to pay taxes as per law. As a man desires to acquire wealth like crop, minerals, rains, fertility of land etc through nature and mother earth he has to pay taxes to the Devas (the Almighty, Eswara).

Can a man produce a grain of rice or a blade of grass? All these are creation by Him. Therefore we have to pay, our obeisance; it is our duty. This is the superior thinking of Hindu religion.and dharma prescribed by the Vedas  

What we learn in cradle remain till we die. What we teach and how we mould our child from childhood will determine his life quality and his attitude to life around him.

A father who is interested in the welfare of his child must perform the upanayanam of his child in right time and teach Vedas for a minimum of one year, teach him the all aspects of  Brahmacharya ashram,  do everyday sandhya, Gayathri japam, Brahma yagnyam in correct manner, read good scriptures, befriend devotees to God (Adiyargal).

Narayana

The importance of Sandhyavandanam as told by His Holiness

Jagadguru Chandrasekarendra Saraswati Mahaswamigal

of Kanchi Kamakoti Petam

In Danurveda (the Science of archery) there are two kinds of arms; Astra and Shastra. The astra shot would destroy the substance on which it is aimed at (astra prayoga). There is an astra that the Brahmins have to shoot everyday to destroy the evil. When we say astra prayoga we have shoot a weapon. What is that weapon? We throw water to destroy “the evil that is manifested in us; to get rid of sins and impure thoughts; to wipe the dust of bonds, covering the knowledge and reveal the true self; for Knowledge to shine like Sun”.  This astra prayoga has to be done three times a day. While we try to do a hard work we say hold your breath and do it. That is exactly what

we do in Sandhyavandanam by offering Argyam (throwing water).

2.     When some one is doing a work sincerely we say (in Tamil) that he is performing holding his breath. So this work of destroying evil in us has to be done holding the breath. If we do this everyday as prescribed the impure thoughts would go away. We hold the breath to do this. So we say “Pranan Ayamya”(hold the breath)”. We do not say “Nasikam Ayamya (hold the nose)”.

3.     What ever work we do we must concentrate. So is the case when we do Asyta Prayoga using water as Astra. We should hold breath for getting concentration. If we hold the breath how does it hold the mind from wandering?  When the mind is still, breathing stops. When we experience immense happiness or unbearable sorrow or greatly excited our breathing stops for a moment; the mind is still.  Then it runs fast. We do not stop breathing voluntarily. When breathing stops mind is still and vice versa.

4.     When we do Argya pradanam we should do it with concentration.  Pranayamam helps to concentrate.  Pranayamam is yoga that has to be done for a long period of time with under teacher and it is very difficult. We normally do 10 pranayams at a time; sometimes we do three as per procedure.  Had we been doing pranayams from the date of Upanayanam we all would have been Yogeeswaras. What ever we do we have to do properly; is it not?  We must hold breath for 30 seconds in one Pranayamam. Need not do for more time. It must be done suitable to individual’s health. If Pranan stops mind would be still. If this is achieved the water we give as Argya is the Astra.

5.     Every action in sandhyavandanam is an offering to Parameswara. Astra prayoga of Argya should be done. Then Gayatri japam has to be done. Pranayama should be done as many times as possible, but not much. We must do Sankalpa, Marjanam, Prasanam, Punar marjanam, Argya Pradanam, Japam, Strotram, Abhivadanam saying that I do all this to get blessings of Parameshwara. This is know as sankalpa. Marjanam mantra to be said and water to be sprinkled on head. (first five mantras on head, sixth on feet and seventh on head).  Pranayamam is the main activity in the entire sandhyavandanam.  All three times of the day Pranayamam to be done. It should be done only prescribed number of times; excess may cause discomfort unless done under supervision of a learned teacher.  But daily Pranayamam has to be done by everyone (including one is ill) everyday there will no discomfort at all.

6.     We do sin by thought, speech, and body. We have to get rid of the reaction arising out of these sins. So we do karma to get rid of these sins through the Sandhyavandanam.  We utter mantras (speech) do gayathri japam (thought), do marjanam and others (bodily actions). Apart from this Sandhyavandanam is also a form of Bakhti yoga and Gnyana yoga.

7.     Persons who do sandhyavandanam must have individual vessels.  Sandhyavandanam has to be done using those vessels. Pranayamam must be definitely done. Everything to be done as an offering to Eswara (Eswararpanam). Sandhyavandanam should not be done hurriedly.

8.     Several men rose to the level of Maharishis only because they did sandhyavandanam regularly and perfectly. Gayathri japam is being done from the day of the Maharishis in whose lineage we have been born (whom we prostrate saying Abivadanam every time we do Sandyavandanam).  It is ones duty to observe and do what one is expected to do everyday, at least to honour the rishis in whose lineage we have come from. There have been several rishis after the first rishi. In each gotram the number of rishis are mentioned;three rishis, five rishis , seven rishis etc. This confirms that there were that many rishis in that gotram. Srivatsa gotram had five rishis.

9.     One should not break the continuity of the great lineage. One should perform sandhyavandanam three times a day along with Pranayamam with sincerity, with out loss of mantra (pronunciation) uchranam, with total surrender of action to Parameswara with Bakhti and understanding the meaning of each mantra and Prayoga.

Gayathri Japam

1.       The meaning of the word “Gayathri” is that whosoever sings her glory they will be protected. Singing means to utter Her name with devotion and Bhakti. One who sings Gayathri mantra with devotion and bhakti would be ever protected.  That is why the manra avquired the name “Gayathri”.  

2.       In Veda it is said that “Gayathri chandasam matha” which mean that Gayathri is mother of all veda mantras. Chandas means Veda. As per the Shastras the foremost important part of any work is to keep the body clean without decline in mantra shakti. “ deho devalayaha prokto jivaprokthaha sanathanaha”.

3.   The body is a temple.  Jiva is easwara form (easwara roopa). Unclean matter should not taken to the body. Meat, Tobacco and such unclean matter should not be taken to the body (a temple). It is know that temple should not be visited when we are not clean. Similarly importance is attached for cleanliness of the body. 

4.       Body has energy derived from meditation and mantra japam. Adding undesirable material to the body would deteriorate the wellness of the body and weaken the energy. There is a difference in up keeping of house and temple. The restrictions on cleanliness are more severe for temple than for a house. Similarly some bodies are expected to be cleaner than others. Brahmana bodies have to be maintained as clean as temple because the body is purified by constant mantra japam and energy. These Brahmana bodies have to protect the Veda mantras and hence they have to be always maintained pristine pure. No impurities should be added to the body by consuming unwanted materials. It is the foremost duty of Brahman to preserve Vedas and through that do well to the welfare of all species. As he has to do this a Brahmana is bound by many restrictions in his action and expected to observe strict discipline. He can not think others are doing why not I? He can not ask others are consuming certain unclean materials why not I? He can not think others are having certain bodily pleasures why restriction for me? Bramhana’s body is not for enjoying pleasure but for preserving and protecting the Vedas. That is the reason  we spend money and perform Upanayanam. If the body is kept clean like a temple and maintain discipline for everyone would be fine (sowkyam).

5.       While other men are creating wealth by doing different work why not a Brahmana? Yes, he can exert to create wealth after faithfully performing the duty laid down for him.  He should not choose incorrect methods to earn wealth.  Poverty is necessary for Brahman. He should not go to different countries, practice undesirable (Anacharam) methods and earn wealth. There is no need for earning wealth in such away. The primary duty is to preserve the Vedas and our Dharma. Earning wealth is secondary.

6.       If Brahmana preserve the fire of Mantra Shakti that would do good for everyone. The fire of Mantra Shakti is now not burning. Body has become unattractive. Impure things are being added to the body. However, just a spark is still there. If that spark is made big there would be fire one day. That spark is “Gayathri Mantra”.  This mantra has come for generations with continuity.  If Gayathri mantra is not meditated upon for three continuous generations he would not be a Brahmana. If yagna is not performed for three generations then he is impure Brahmana. There is Prayachitam for again gaining the purity. However, there is no prayachitam where Gayathri japam” is not done for three generations. He had lost the Brahmin hood. He is just a relative of Brahmin (Brahmana Bandhu). So is the case of a Kshtriya; he is just a Khshatriya Bandhu.    

7.       We have to make the existing small spark a big one. A spark by itself is of no use.  But there is possibility to make fire from that spark. It is therefore necessary to do, on Sundays at least Gayathri Japam 1008 times. Avoid eating food outside home. Avoid impure foods and give away undesirable habits. Keep body pure to enable Mantra Shakti to reside. A minimum of 10 Gayathri must be done three times a day.

8.       All three prescribed times are calm and restful. Morning is time when all species wake up from sleep. The mind will be calm at that time.  Evening all would return from work and hence restful. Afternoon The sun is at Zenith and all will be quiet. One must meditate upon Gayathri, Savitri and Saraswati respectively in three kalas. Morning is mainstay for Vishnu. Afternoon is mainstay for Brahma. Evening is mainstay for Shiva.  Therefore, Gaythri dyana should  be in Vishnu roopa in the morning, Brahma roopa in the afternoon and Shiva roopa in the evening. All three together is known as samashti Gayathri. Also if individually done it is Viyushti Gayathri.

9.       All Veda mantras are in the Gayathri mantra. That mantra gives strength for every other mantra.  Without Gayathri japam other mantras will not be effective. Gayathri is the hypnotic mantra for attaining mukhti. It is the hypnotic mantra for controlling the desires and reaching the goal for which we have got this birth. Gayathri is now a small spark. By reducing the mundane work one and taking vow to do more and more Gayathri japam, and keeping body pristine clean we must preserve the spark with the hope that spark at least will remain and one day light a big fire.   

10.  In sandhyavandanam Argyam and Gaythri japam are two important features. All others are its limbs. One who is incapacitated should give Argyam and do minimum of 10 Gayathris. One should not conclude that as these two are important it is fine to do only these two. That would only result in doing away with these two also. So if the whole thing is performed the main would stay. Even during worst times this must be done.  During Mahabharatha war as there was shortage of water Argyam was given using dust.

11.  Argyam is to be given before sun rise, at noon and before sun set. There was one Idaikattu Chittar.  He was tending cattle. He said in Tamil “Kanamar konamar kandu kodu. Aadukan poguthu par poguthu par”.  That is before seeing the sun(morning), when sun is straight (noon), when sun is visible (before sun set) give Atrgyam. By taking a dip in Ganaga and Sethu (Rameswarm) all our sins will be washed away.

12.  There will be effectiveness for Veda Mantra only if Argyam and Gayathri are performed properly with regularity. So Sandhyavandanam must be done regularly as prescribed. Once in life time a dip in Ganaga and Sethu is must.

13.  If one is ill some one will have to do sandhyavandanam on their behalf and pour water in their mouth. Nowadays it looks as though we are perpetually ill. Medicine is necessary if one is ill. Gayathri mantra is medicine for our soul. That should not be discarded for any reason whatsoever. It is more important than medicine. Even one day gap should not be there in performing sandhyavandanam. Wrong food and other habits must be given away. One must do prayachitam for what ever Anacharam so far done. 

14.  It is easy and possible for every one to do Gayathri japam. Sandhyavandanam must be done till there is life in this body. Gayathri should be worshipped as mother (Matru roopa).  God appears in innumerable forms and bless us. Most affection we get from Mother.One can confide everything to mother without fear.  Therefore even if God can appear in any form Mother Form is most welcome.  Veda proclaim Gayathri is mother.

15.  Males do Gayathri japam.  What about females? If males do Gayathri japam the females get the full affect.  So also every species.

16.  Every mantra has a specific result and purpose. The purpose and effect of Gayathri mantra is “Chitta Shudhhi” , purity of thought.  All mantras eventually lead to “Chitta Shudhhi”.  Gayathri is the straight result. Gayathri mantra is common for all three Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama). Atharva Veda has different Gayathri mantra. Atharva vedist take upadesa accordingly after upanayanam. If Atharva vedist desire to learn any of the other three Vedas he must undergo Upanayanam once again for this purpose.

17.  Even today everyone can do sandhyavandanam regularly in the morning and evening. Those who go to office can give Argyam early in the morning.  Madyanika Argyam can be given in the evening. Like we ask others for milk and food when we are unwell we should ask others do sandhyavandanam for us.  We must be very strict in food and other habits. One should not eat unacceptable food and avoid eating with people who take food not prescribed for us. We have to be strictly and keep away as we no objection for their habits.

    

Panchayatana pooja

Panchayatanam means location of symbols of Gods before the worshipper.  There is a rule as to where the symbol of a particular divinity should be placed in the worship. The important Divinity is placed in the Centre and the rest are placed in the corner directions around the central Divinity starting from North East.

Who is the important divinity is determined by the family tradition, or the inclination of the worshipper arising from his karmas (vasanas).

Saiva:          worshipper of Shiva as the important divinity

Vaishnava:  worshipper of Vishnu as the important divinity

Sakta:          worshipper of Sakti as the important divinity

Saura:          worshipper of Surya as the important divinity

Ganapatyam: worshipper of Ganapati as the important divinity

Skanda (Kumara or Murugan or Kartikeya) is not separately included in the Panchayatana (Five).because Shiva is generally worshipped in association with Uma and Skanda as Somaskanda. So it gives the certainty that Skanda is located between Shiva and Devi as evidenced by the placement of Skanda between Shiva and Devi.in temples.  Therefore in Panchayatana Skanda is placed as shown in the diagrams.

Also Skanda and Ganapati need not be totally distinguished but are counted as one as Skanda is but a child.-Kumara.

If still one consider that Skanda must be the centre Divinity it can be as per arrangement shown.

In Panchayatana pooja the divinities face East and the worshipper sits facing north. The positions of Divinities have been stated accordingly.

Some times and some places t may be necessary that Divinities face north or south and the worshipper sitting in front of them. What position the divinities occupy then???

The Smriti says

                “poojayapoojakayormadhyam prachi prokta vichakshanaihi

                Prochyeva prachi sodishta muktava vai devapoojanam

In the matter of devotional worship the middle space between the Divinity and the worshipper must be considered as east.  In other matters the natural East is considered as such. The determination of other directions should be made accordingly. The worshipper must invariably avoid facing south.

The diagram showing the placement of divinities for different Panchayathanam along with Skanda is shown.

Rameswaram visited on August 2^nd 2011

We three – Amma, ranjani and I, Reached on 2^nd morning at 5AM by Sethu express from Trichi. Stayed at Saravana  Hotel.

2.  Sri Raghavan Sastry had made arrangement. 

·       3.  Started for Danushkodi by jeep. This 20 kms from Rameswaram. After 11 km of good tar road we just drive through sandy beach for about 9 kms. There is no road at all. Just a beaten drive path used by motor vehicles. Only four wheel drive is possible because of sandy ground. Only a person used to the place can drive to reach the desired spot. There is no direction what-so- ever. Some old dialapelated buildings and water tanks are seen. The locals told us that the entire commune was washed away in 1964 by heavy cyclone that struck 26 times in a short span of a week. As sea rises in cyclone season every year no one has come back here.  Yet the confluence of Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal (that is Danushkodi) is best place to do samudra snanam . Its is also called Sangamam of  two oceans are called Mahodathi and Rathnakaram. So we went there by jeep after a rough ride of about one half an hour.

      4.  The sea shore looks like huge bow (danus).  Hence it is called Danushkodi). The bridge built by bagwan Sri Ramchandra Prabhu, can be seen if one goes down a few meters into the sea, they say. The bridge commence at Tirupullani. We could see none as it is supposed to be under a heap of sand.

·         We did elaborate sankalpam and did samudra snanam.  We had to make 36 dips in the sea to ward of 36 types of sins (papams).arising out of ,pitru, rishi and deva,sapam, pavam,.nindanai

·         We made Sivalingam out of sand in the shore and did Siva pooja. After pooja the sand is collected and preserved and offered pooja and neivedyam everyday till the sand is dissolved in Prayag (Allhabad sangam of three rivers-Ganga, Jamuna and Saraswati).

·         5. We then went to Sringeri Sankara Mutt kept the Sivalingam there and went to Ramnatha swami temple and had bath from water drawn 22 wells. A person accompanied to lift water and shower on us. The temple authorities have made good arrangement for the devotees to have this well water shower. Each person is charged Rs13/- for using water from all the 22 well and Rs12/- for the person who accompany to lift water. Thus one pays Rs.25/- in all.

·         6. Then e returned to the Sringeri mutt and performed Hiranya shardam with 5 bokthas. We served food and offered dakshina of Rs.300/- each.

·        

7     7. In the evening at 5:30 Pm we had darshan of the Ramanatha swami. We performed Milk abhishekam to Swami and archana.to swami and Ambal, “Parwadavardhani”. She is Maharani here. She looks wonderful with extraordinarily beautiful eyes. We had dinner and rested for the day.

·         8. On August 3^rd, morning at 7 AM we set of by car to “Devipatinam”, via Ramanthapuram about 65 kms from Rameshwaram. In the sea shore, inside the sea water there are Navagrihams. This is known as Navabhashanam. Any Griha dosha nivriti is done here. Having a dip in the sea is recommended. Even Paramacharyal had samudra snanam here.

·        9.  The next stop was “Thiru utara kosa mangai”, a sivasthalam.of importance. It is said that Siva first appeared here as sawyambhu.   Manikavachagar has mentioned this sthalam in 38 places and has two full chapter on this lord. Ambal is Mangaleswari. There is a Ilandai maram said to be more than 3000 years old. There is Sahasra lingam near the ilandai maram.  There is Maragada Natarajar of about 4 feet (made of single piece of  maragadam).  Lord is covered with sandal paste and hence the maragadam could not be seen.

·        10.  The third stop was at Tirupullani about 20 kms from Rameswaram. Lord Jagannath swami here was worshipped by Emperor Dasaratha (father of Sri Ram) who also performed putrakameshti yagam here and payasam was given to his three  queens (mothers of Sriman Rama, Lakshmana, Bhratha, and Chatrugna). 

      

      11. Later while his invasion of Lanka Here Rama, did penance for three days in darba sayana requesting Samudra rajan to give way to enable him to walk across to Srilanka. One can see the place where Rama did draba sayna.  Idol is installed here in sayana posture. Payasam is given as prasad. Mahalakshmi is here too. Outside Sakshi Hanuman is here. Hanuman was witness to tell everyone that it was Vibhishana with four of his friends, and not Ravana as most of the Vanaras including King Sugriva thought,  when they came to do saranagadi to Sri Rama.

·        12. In Rameswaram there is small hillock where Sri Rama stood and looked across at Sri lanka to plan strategy. From here one can have a look at the complete island of Rameswaram.

The trip ended here.

Rameswarm Temple:

1. This is a huge temple built by Sethupati rajas. In the beginning it was not a temple like we see now.

After Ravana was slain Sri Rama got Brahmahati dosham (that is slaining of a jiva (brahaman); whatever may be the reason, results is dosha). Sri Rama wanted to perform Siva pooja to get Brahmahati dosham nivarthi.  Sri Anjaneya proceeds as per Sri Rama’s instruction, to get Siva lingam from Kailash for doing pooja. Lord Shiva gives him two  lingams. But before Anjaneya reaches, with lingams, Rameswaram sea shore, Sita devi makes a lingam out of sand and Sri Rama performs  and completes pooja before Anjaneya reaches with two lingams. Anjaneya was disappointed and expresses it Sri Rama and Ma Sita.  Sri Rama ask him to remove the sand lingam to install the one he has brought. Despite using all his might Anjaneya could not dislodge the sand lingam. Sri Rama asks Anjaneya to install, one he had received at Kailash, near the sand lingam and the second one at a few paces away and bless him that these two lingams will be worshiped by all.

2. There was no roof, no room for the lingams. Later the temple came up in phases and has reached the stage we see now. Sethupathi kings built this beautiful temple. The sea shore that was where the lingams were installed has receded about 2 kms inside so we have more land near the temple.

3. Rameswarar in lingam form is now hardened as stone. Ambal Parvadavardhani is extremely beautiful.  She is the Maharani of Rameswaram and everything is done as per her order. Both are facing East. The lingams brought by Anjeneya are there. One is still worshipped by Anjaneya and we can see both these.

4. There is Brahma.facing north. It is dark and no lights are allowed. If one touch his feet he gets Brahma’s blessings. We could only touch and not see.

5. Anjeneya is facing south and keeps worshipping shiva lingam brought from Kailash who is facing east.

All 22 theerthams are inside the temple. Water tastes and differs in property and temperature  in each of the 22 theerthams. 

6. Kanchi Shankar mutt is about 1 km from the main entrance of the temple in the sea shore, known as Agni theertham.  If one can not go to Danushkodi, he can do samudra snanam here. Sri Pon Muthuramalinga thevar was one of the initial patrons for constructing this building complex. Sringeri mutt is next door to the temple.

7. Nalvar (appar, Sundara, Manikavachagar and Sambandar), have sung so many songs praising HIM.

The temple is very important sthalam but all round, as we find everywhere in India, the whole place is full of dirt and garbage. Why Indians are that way is a mystery. 

Devipatinam- famous for Navabhashanam.

There are Navagrihas installed in the sea water. When we visited there was low tide and sea was far off. But sea comes in and the Navagrihas submerge in the water. Sea bath is recommended for certain doshams. One can have sea bath in only one place; either at Agnitheertham or Dhanuskodi or here. but not in all three in one visit. If no Navagriha pooja is done one can offer Navadanyam; sold for Rs.5 a packet containing all 9 danyam. One should not turn to look back while returning. 

Tiru Uttarakosamangai:

The Sivalingam is swayambhu. It existed even before Ravana. Emperor Dasaratha worshipped here. Swami  is known as Mangalanathar and HIS consort is Mangaleswari. This place is more famous for Maragada Natarajar. Ilandai maram and Sahasra lingam are other important worship place.

Manikavachagar has written on two poems, expressing his divine experience. one is titled as "Neethal Vinnapam" (prapanja vairagyam) consisting of 50 verses. Another one is "Tiru Ponoonjal" havin nine verses.

TiruPullani

Famous temple of Aadi Jagannathar, Darbha sayana ramar, Mahalakshmi, Kothanda ramar.

Even Emperor Dasaratha got relief of his doshams and begot Vishnu himself  as the great four sons. We  all get blessings from the Lord. Many dosha nivarthi is performed here.  There are many people who do japam  for a mandalam, tila homam etc for those persons who need dosha nivarthi.

Very beautiful temple indeed.

Viralimalai Shanmuganathan Tirukovil.

Viralimalai is located about 28 kms from Tiruchi on Tiruchi-Madurai National Highway. It is in Pudukottal district of Tamilnadu. In 7^th or 8^th century AD,.this place was covered with thick forest Today there is not much of wood. in the place. In 9^th Century AD when Kodumbaloor velar were the kings this village was very prosperous. (Kodumbaloor is about 6km away from Viralimalai). The temple architecture is in Kodumbaloor pattern confirming that they patronized the temple. Kodumbaloor was under the Cholas.  Aditya chola (grand father of the great Raja Raja Chola of Brihadeeswara temple fame) has contributed for developing this temple, as per noting in the temple.

Kuravanji dance is associated with Murugan. Most families in that village were Isai vellalar. Bharathanatyam was a well developed art in the 9^th centuray AD and thereafter. It is said that there were dancers who were masters in one of the 32 adavus. As late as 1993 Maha bSivarathri festival was held here with pomp and fair.

Great saints and yogis (Munivargal, siddahrgal, gnayniyargal in Tamil) meditated here in the form of “KURA” trees. The trees were spread every where In Tamil we say “Viravi for spread. Hence the name Viravi Malai later turned to Virali Malai. There was typical kind of medicinal plants here known as Viral Mooligai. The name virali malai may have been derived also because of this.

Longtime ago there lived a small boy, who was dumb and docile, in Vayaloor, a village; about 10 kms from Tiruchi, famous for Murugan temple,. The place is also called Kumara Vayaloor, Kumar meaning Murugan. Vayaloor Murugan has given spiritual enlightenment to many; Sri Arunagirinathar and Sri Muthuswamy Dikshidar are two well known personalities who received Vayaloor Murugan’s blessings. The dumb boy was treated roughly by his parents and in general by others.  One day out of fear the boy hid himself behind Murugan in the Vayaloor temple and the priest locked him at the end of the day without knowing the boy was there.  Murugan gave darshan to the boy and gave him ability speak and intelligence to be a poet. Murugan named him as Marungapuriyar The next morning when the temple was opened the people saw the boy with radiating face and were happy that he could speak  

One day Murugan asked Marungapuriyar to accompany HIM on a hunting expedition to the Viralimalai. There Murugan asked the boy to build a temple for him on top of the hill.  The boy made efforts and the temple was built by Chief of the tribe there. He was the first priest.

Later several kings patronized and expanded the temple. Vadi Lakkaiya Naickers and later in 18^th and 19^th century Palayakarars  and King Pudhukotai Thondaiman looked after the temple. One of the Palayakarar Sri Karmuthu Pillai was  a true devotee of the Lord. One day after temple worship he was returning to home when the river Mamudi was in floods.  He was stranded. More than hunger his urge for a cigar was grat as he was a habituated to smoke cigar. Murugan appeared as a man and offered him cigar. So Karumuthu pillai started the practice of offering Cigar for evening pooja. This practice was stopped by the King Ramachandra Thondaiman. Murugan informed the King that he is happy with the cigar offer and hence the cigar offer is being continued even now.

The temple is on small hillock. There are 207 steps. The steps are made very conveniently so one can ascend with ease.

At the bottom of the hill is the temple for Maikan udaiyal. (lady with kajal eyes). Idumbar sannadhi and vinayagar sannadhi follow when one is half way up.

Shanmuganathan sannadhi is on top. HE facing east having 6 faces and 12 hands. We could see all the six faces because they have placed a mirror to see the faces on the back side. The Lord is about 4 feet standing with Valli and Devesena. Muruganudaya azage azayagu.  

There are sannadhis for all Kostha devas as per Siva temple. There are also sannadhis for Arunagirinathar, Naradar, arundati and vashistar., kasiappa munivar (father of Soorapadhman). Naradar came to the Lord for pleading in favour of Brahma, his father. While all the Rishi patnis gave breast milk to baby murugan arundati did not.  Vasihtar was up set and cursed her.  Murugan did not appreciate Vasishtar for his act. So Vasishtar came here with his wife Arundati to do tapas

There is Saravana poigai and a river.  But today there is not water in either of them and the population have ruined the place to a lot extent.

The place is populated by large number of peacocks and of course monkeys. Today they have kept peacocks protected

Sri Arunagirinathar was spending most of time in Vayaloor murugan temple. One day Murugan asked him go over to Viralimalai and HE would see him there. While travelling to Viralimalai by foot Sri Arunagirinathar was guided by Murugan himself through thick forest. While climbing the hill Murugan gave Sri Arunagirinathar darshan on peacock with her consorts Valli and Devesena.  In his Tirupugaz, Sri Arunagirinathar has stated this experience.he had, in 16 verses.

There is also a temple for Mennakshi Sudareswara near where Sri Arunagirinathar gort darshan. This temple is carved in the hill as cave temple.(gugai). There is also Navagrhas.

The sthala vriksham is KASI VILVAM. The beauty is there is no tree in the place with thorn.

The temple is a must see.  Viralimalai area is now having large number of industries, like Sanmar and TVS.

Buses from Tiruichi bus station to viralimalai temple every 5 minutes. And the charge is just Rs.7/= (for 28 kms) on August 7, 2011.