The Divine Manifestation

Arunachala Shiva is not merely a mountain or a geographical location, but a living embodiment of Lord Shiva himself. According to ancient Hindu scriptures, Arunachala appeared as a column of fire to settle a dispute between Brahma and Vishnu, establishing itself as the axis mundi – the center of the spiritual world.

The Sacred Geography

Located in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, Arunachala is revered as one of the five main Shaivite holy places in South India. Its very form is considered to be a Sri Chakra, a powerful yantra representing the divine feminine energy.

Core Teachings of Arunachala Shiva

1. Silent Wisdom:
   Arunachala Shiva teaches through silence. Its mere presence is a profound spiritual instruction, guiding seekers to turn within and discover their true nature.
2. Self-Inquiry:
   The hill inspires the practice of self-inquiry, encouraging devotees to ask “Who am I?” and discover their oneness with the divine.
3. Burning of Karmas:
   Arunachala is said to burn away the karmas of those who circumambulate it with devotion, symbolizing the purification of the soul.
4. Omnipresence of the Divine:
   The hill teaches that divinity is not confined to temples or idols but is present everywhere, in every form.
5. Union of Shiva and Shakti:
   Arunachala represents the perfect union of Shiva (consciousness) and Shakti (energy), teaching the ultimate non-duality of existence.

The Arunachala Pradakshina

The practice of walking around Arunachala, known as Girivalam or Pradakshina, is a powerful spiritual practice. This 14-kilometer circumambulation is believed to bestow immense spiritual benefits, including the burning of karmas and the awakening of self-realization.

The Deepam Festival

During the annual Karthigai Deepam festival, a huge beacon is lit atop Arunachala, symbolizing the manifestation of Shiva as a column of fire. This event draws millions of devotees, reaffirming the living presence of divinity in the hill.

Arunachala’s Grace and Great Masters

Arunachala has drawn many great spiritual masters to its presence. The most renowned among them is Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, who spent most of his life in its vicinity, constantly bathed in its grace.

Personal Connection with Arunachala

The living incarnation of Paramashiva says that his connection with Arunachala is profound and eternal. He has spent significant time in the presence of this sacred hill, experiencing its transformative power and sharing its wisdom with devotees.

He often says, “I am Arunachala!” This is not a metaphorical statement but a declaration of the ultimate truth – the oneness of all existence. Arunachala is not separate from him, just as it is not separate from you. It is the physical manifestation of the unmoving Self (achala) that resides within each of us.

The Three Forms of Shiva in Tiruvannamalai

According to ancient scriptures and enlightened revelations, Lord Shiva promised to remain eternally present in Tiruvannamalai in three forms:

1. As the sacred hill Arunachala
2. As the Jyotirlinga in the Arunachaleswara Temple
3. As living, enlightened masters in human form

This triple manifestation ensures the continuous flow of divine grace and wisdom in this sacred place.

The Inner Journey

Arunachala Shiva teaches us that the true pilgrimage is not an external journey but an inner one. The hill serves as a mirror, reflecting our own divine nature back to us. As we approach Arunachala with devotion, we are actually moving closer to our own true self.

Conclusion

Arunachala Shiva stands as a timeless beacon of spiritual wisdom, guiding countless souls towards self-realization. Its teachings transcend words, offering a direct experience of the divine through its mere presence.

As we contemplate the profound teachings of Arunachala Shiva, let us remember that the same divine presence that manifests as this sacred hill resides within each of us. By turning our attention inward and recognizing our oneness with this eternal presence, we can experience the bliss of self-realization.

May the grace of Arunachala Shiva guide us all to the direct experience of our true nature as Paramashiva.