In the sanctum of a sacred temple
February 5, 2012 • Spiritual Adventures
We look today at day 3 of our journey where we spent the morning within the sanctum of the Arunachaleswar temple in Tiruvannamalai, South India. The temple is thousands of years old and radiates a spiritual power that is extremely palpable. Our group was blessed to have the opportunity to witness the abhishekam (bathing ceremony) of the presiding deity of the temple, God Siva in the form of a lingam (an elliptical shaped stone that represents god as timeless, formless and spaceless). Special thanks to one of the main priests at the temple who is a friend of mine who arranged this special experience for the group.
No photography is allowed in the inner most sanctum so we share with you a few photos that were taken in the outer areas of the temple complex.
We pose with Dandapani's friend, Ganesh Kurukkal, who is one of the main priest at the temple.
Some of our travellers...blissed out after the ceremony.
Lots of stalls line the street outside the temple selling offerings for pilgrims to purchase.
We leave the temple walking under the massive tower that is almost 13 stories tall.
Arunachala hill in the background and the temple are certainly one of my most favorites places in the world and now have won the hearts of my fellow travellers.
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