Tiruvannamalai - India

End of July I left for India. At this moment I am in a town called Tiruvannamalai. The first three weeks of my stay in India I Spend at the Oneness university of Sri Baghawan and Ama. It was an impressive journey, a wonderful summer camp and an intriguing process. I am now offically a oneness blesser, inititated to give deeksha's. I'll write more about this in another blog.
Tiruvannamalai is one of the most venerated places in Tamil Nadu. In ancient times, the term "Annamalai" meant an inaccessible mountain. The word "Thiru" was prefixed to signify its greatness, and coupled with the two terms, it is called Tiruvannamalai.

The temple town of Tiruvannamalai is one of the most ancient heritage sites of India and is a centre of the Saiva religion. The Arunachala hill and its environs have been held in great regard by the Tamils for centuries. The temple is grand in conception and architecture and is rich in tradition, history and festivals. The main Deepam festival attracts devotees from far and wide throughout South India.

There is a long spiritual tradition in this place. The Arunachala hill is one of the most holy places in india because the mountain is said to be a manifestation of Shiva, one of the most important Hindu gods. Every month with full moon over 100.000 people walk around the mountain. This is a 4hrs walk. In December with full moon is Deepam. A huge fire is set on the mountain top and many devotees climb the mountain. The fire is symbol for the endless fire Shiva became to burn the ego of Brahma and Vishnu, two other Hindu gods.

Tiruvannamalai also is the home of Sri Ramana Maharshi. At the age of 16 he became enlightened. Since then he meditated for over 20 years in different caves of the Arunachala mountain. He actually devoted his life to this mountain and knew every spot of it. The caves are also to be visited. I went there several times to meditate and that is a beautiful experience.

Another enlightened person in Tiruvannamalai is Sri Siva Sakthi Ammaiyar. Ammaiyar, the respectful name for mother, gives daily darshan to people in pure silence. The first time I went ther, I was too late for the Darshan. It lasts for 15 minutes and starts at 10 and at 17 hrs daily. But still it was an amazing energy that was held in the space. Since the first time there I have not missed one darshan. Even stronger, I moved from the place where I rented a room to the ashram. It is not luxurious, but good enough, cheap and close to everything. Ammaiyar really spreads motherly love and it is very strong, warm and unconditional.

This are only two of the many ashrams in Tiruvannamalai. If you ever get the chance and you are on a spiritual journey in India you definately must go to Tiruvannamalai.

My next stop is Pondicherry, the home of Sri Aurobindo and the mother. After that I am off to Auroville, a society created by mainly western people.