Sacred Geometry
Sacred geometry is geometry used in the planning and construction of sacred structures and sacred spaces.
In nature, we find patterns, designs and structures from the most minuscule particles, to expressions of life discernible by human eyes, to the greater cosmos. These inevitably follow geometrical archetypes, which reveal to us the nature of each form and its vibrational resonance. They are also symbolic of the underlying metaphysical principle of the inseparable relationship of the part to the whole. It is this principle of oneness underlying all geometry that permeates the architecture of all form in its myriad diversity. This principle of interconnectedness, inseparability and union provides us with a continuous reminder of our relationship to the whole, a blueprint for the mind to the sacred foundation of all things created.
In the ancient world certain numbers had symbolic meaning, aside from their ordinary use for counting or calculating . . . figures such as the octagon were related to the number of their sides (i.e. eight) and that number had a symbolic relevance.
The arrangement of the Asta Lingams around the octagonal perimeter of Arunachala reflect the geometry of a Cosmogram. The octagonal shape is surrounded by a total of eight Lingam Temples (Asta Lingams). Each of these Temples are located at the four cardinal and four inter-cardinal points. This was also believed by the ancients who originally constructed the Lingams at their eight cardinal and inter-cardinal points to represent, characterise and vitalise certain aspects and qualities of life in relation to specific fields of energy and influence.
“The formation of matter from energy and the natural motions of the universe, from molecular vibration to the growth of organic forms to the motions of planets, stars, and galaxies are all governed by geometrical configurations of force. This geometry of nature is the essence of the sacred geometry used in the design and construction of so many of the world's ancient sacred shrines. These shrines encode ratios of creation and thereby mirror the universe. Certain shapes found in ancient temples, developed and designed according to the mathematical constants of sacred geometry, actually gather, concentrate and radiate specific modes of vibration. For example, a particular structural geometry and precise directional orientation of a pyramid shape completely alters the electromagnetic properties of the space contained within the pyramid. Three dimensional structure and vibration are absolutely, though mysteriously connected. This is well known to makers of musical instruments. It was also known to the makers of ancient temples. Certain shapes resonate to cosmic frequencies too fine to be registered on the electromagnetic spectrum. The fineness of the vibration is the key to their powerful effect.”
[Paul Devereux]
Asta Lingams
Arunachala is surrounded by eight lingams (Asta Lingams) each residing in one of the eight directions of the four cardinal points (South – Yama, West – Varuna, North – Kubera, and East – Indra) and four intercardinal points (South East – Agni, South West – Niruthi, North West – Vayu and North East – Esanaya).
The guardians of the four cardinal directions are called the Lokapalas and are the deities who rule the specific directions of space. The name for the eight deities, four of the cardinal and four of the intercardinal directions is 'Asta-Dikpalas.’
By the turn of the Twentieth Century many of the shrines, temples and theertams at Arunachala were in a state of neglect and decay. In the case of the Asta Lingams the areas around the shrines were filled with squatters and encroachments and the Asta Lingams shrines themselves were unmaintained and their worship ignored.
It is believed by many that the work done by I.S.V. Arunachala Moopanar (Moopanar Swamigal) renovating and restoring the Asta Lingams and their adjacent land, was responsible for helping to re-establish the energetic power of the sacred geometry of Arunachala.
Moopanar Swami came to Arunachala from Tiruveneli around 1968 and became very well known throughout the Arunachala area. He was a devout, spiritual man who placed great emphasis on spiritual service. When he arrived at Arunachala, things were rather different to the present time and what particularly distressed Moopanar Swami was the dreadful, neglected condition of the Asta Lingams (eight Lingams) that surround Arunachala. Moopanar Swami used to spend a lot of time meditating and praying at the Arunachaleswarar Temple and he eventually came to believe that his mission directly imposed by Lord Arunachaleswarar was to renovate the Asta Lingams.
He was convinced that the restoration of the Lingam Shrines was essential to the revitalisation of specific fields of energy and influence surrounding the Hill. Through a combination of various social reasons, over the last few centuries Temples and Shrines throughout India had fallen into disuse and decay. This certainly occurred at Tiruvannamalai where the situation had become so bad that The Asta Lingams were even taken over by squatters and homesteaders. It is said that Moopanar Swami would even resort to driving the squatters off the Lingam premises with a stick!
The Hill which is octagonal in shape is surrounded by a total of eight Lingam Temples (Asta Lingams). Each of these Temples are located at the four cardinal and four inter-cardinal points. This was also believed by the ancients who originally constructed the Lingams at their eight cardinal and inter-cardinal points to represent, characterise and vitalise certain aspects and qualities of life.
Asta lingams:
Indra Lingam (East)
Agni Lingam (South East)
Yama (Ema) Lingam (South)
Niruthi Lingam (South West)
Varuna Lingam (West)
Vayu Lingam (North West)
Kubera Lingam (North)
Esanya Lingam (North East)
The Lingams have the dominant Navagraha of the God to whom they are associated. It is believed that placating a specific Lingam will bring various benefits that are associated with the respective Navagraha.
Indra Lingam (East)
The Indra Lingam has east as its direction. It is associated with the celestial Lord Indra. This Lingam is situated on Car Street close to the eastern tower of Arunachaleswarar Temple.
Lord Indra is the king of Heaven according to Hindu mythology. His consort is Indrani. His vehicle is the celebrated four-tusked white elephant Iravathi. Indra manifests seated on his elephant wielding in his hand the weapon Vajra with which he destroys ignorance and bestows spiritual knowledge on his deserving devotees.
The Indra Lingam is dominated by the Navagrahas, Lord Surya and Lord Shukra (Venus). Devotees are blessed with long life and with prosperity, on worshipping Indra lingam.
Agni Lingam (South East)
The Agni Lingam has south-east as its direction. It is situated close to Seshadri Ashram on Chengam road and is the only Lingam located on the right side of the Girivalam Path.
Lord Chandra (Moon) is the dominant Navagraha of Agni Lingam. Lord Agni, is the God of the fire of Knowledge. He has seven hands and seven tongues. Agni is the light of the lives of all creatures and is invoked in the performance of Homa. His vehicle is the goat Saga who serves as the sacrificial beast in the fires of Homa.
Worshipping this Lingam helps devotees get relief from disease, to maintain good health and also helps them face problems and difficulties in their lives.
Yama Lingam (South)
The Yama Lingam has South as its direction. It is associated with Yama the God of death. It is situated beside the cremation grounds on Chengam road.
The dominant Navagraha of this Lingam is, Mangala (Mars). Yama is portrayed sitting on his mount, a powerful black buffalo named Mahishan and with two monstrous dogs by his side. He is supposed to carry a huge lasso with which he drags each being at the time of death to face heaven or hell according to the being’s karma.
Devotees get rid of their financial constraints on worshipping the Yama lingam. This Lingam is also conducive for longevity of life span
Niruthi Lingam (South West)
The Niruthi Lingam has South West as its direction. It is situated on the Girivalam pathway near the Shantimalai Compound. It is associated with Lord Rahu.
Niruthi is the king of the Asuras (demons) and he jointly rules the Southern realm along with Yama. His associate is a dog.
Legend reports that king Nala bathed in Niruthi Lingam Theertham to be relieved of sins incurred due to his karma. This Lingam is specially renowned to help people recover from the bad effects of black magic and other negative energies.
Health, wealth and fame are the beneficial aspects of this lingam. It is also beneficial for couples to worship at this Lingam if they wish to have a child. Worshipping this Lingam is believed to help devotees achieve detachment to worldly desire.
Varuna Lingam (West)
Varuna Lingam has the West as its directions. This lingam is situated on the outer girivalam pathway about one kilometre before the village of Adi Annamalai.
Varuna’s vehicle is Makara (that lives both on land and water) which is an animal with the head and front legs of an antelope and the body and tail of a fish.
This Lingam has Lord Shani as its dominant Navagraha. Varuna Theertham, a holy tank, is located here. Devotees are protected from illness, particularly water related diseases.
Legend has it that the eye of Varuna is Surya and when Surya appears in the constellation of Makara, its a special event and honoured as Makara Sankarathi. This day falls each year in mid-January and is celebrated as Pongal Festival in Tamil country.
Varuna is the king of appreciation and enjoyment. He governs the whole world. He is the God of rain and God of all the waters in the three worlds. He surveys the deeds of man according to his karma and keeps them under his control. Placating Varuna is believed to wash away accumulated sins.
Vayu Lingam (North West)
Vayu Lingam has the north-west direction as its direction. It is situated on the girivalam pathway, about one kilometer after the village of Adi Annamalai
Vayu is the Hindu god of wind and he is often associated with Indra. His vehicle is the deer. Kedhu (Kethu) is the dominant Navagraha of this Lingam. As Vayu is the God of wind, He provides creatures with vital life-giving breath thus sustaining the entire Universe.
It is reported that at any time of the day, and in every season, when one enters this shrine one is always greeted by a gust of wind.
Relief from heart diseases, stomach problems, lung problems and general illness are conferred to the devotees on worshipping this Lingam.
Kubera Lingam (North)
Kubera Lingam has the North as its direction. It is located on the girivalam pathway before entering the town and a few hundred metres before the Panchamukham.
The Kubera Lingam has Lord Brihaspati (Guru or Jupiter) as its dominant graham. He has three legs and eight teeth. His vehicle is a female goat. His abode is in the capital of the Himalayas. His consort is Yakshi. He is the Chief of the Yakshas who safeguards the riches of the Devas. He is a very friendly with Shiva.
It is believed that Lord Kubera came to this place to worship Arunachala in order to maintain his wealth and prosperity. Hence a Shiva lingam was installed and consecrated at a point exactly north from the mountain.
Kubera is the God of wealth and material possessions. He does not create wealth, but he is believed to be the one who distributes wealth amongst his devotees.
Esanya Lingam (North East)
Esanya Linga has the north east as its direction. It is located on the old girivalam road to town, beside the main cremation grounds.
This lingam was installed by Esanyan and has Lord Budha (Mercury) as its dominant Navagraha.
Esanya is one of the seven Rudras of Shiva. He is covered with ashes and surrounded by ghosts, he has matted locks and fierce eyes and is seated on a tiger skin. He holds the crescent moon and the river Ganga in his locks. His body is adorned by coiled serpents. In his hands he holds the mortal drum and the trident of Shiva.
Devotees are blessed with peace of mind on offering prayers to Easanya Linga.
Sacred geometry is geometry used in the planning and construction of sacred structures and sacred spaces.
In nature, we find patterns, designs and structures from the most minuscule particles, to expressions of life discernible by human eyes, to the greater cosmos. These inevitably follow geometrical archetypes, which reveal to us the nature of each form and its vibrational resonance. They are also symbolic of the underlying metaphysical principle of the inseparable relationship of the part to the whole. It is this principle of oneness underlying all geometry that permeates the architecture of all form in its myriad diversity. This principle of interconnectedness, inseparability and union provides us with a continuous reminder of our relationship to the whole, a blueprint for the mind to the sacred foundation of all things created.
In the ancient world certain numbers had symbolic meaning, aside from their ordinary use for counting or calculating . . . figures such as the octagon were related to the number of their sides (i.e. eight) and that number had a symbolic relevance.
The arrangement of the Asta Lingams around the octagonal perimeter of Arunachala reflect the geometry of a Cosmogram. The octagonal shape is surrounded by a total of eight Lingam Temples (Asta Lingams). Each of these Temples are located at the four cardinal and four inter-cardinal points. This was also believed by the ancients who originally constructed the Lingams at their eight cardinal and inter-cardinal points to represent, characterise and vitalise certain aspects and qualities of life in relation to specific fields of energy and influence.
“The formation of matter from energy and the natural motions of the universe, from molecular vibration to the growth of organic forms to the motions of planets, stars, and galaxies are all governed by geometrical configurations of force. This geometry of nature is the essence of the sacred geometry used in the design and construction of so many of the world's ancient sacred shrines. These shrines encode ratios of creation and thereby mirror the universe. Certain shapes found in ancient temples, developed and designed according to the mathematical constants of sacred geometry, actually gather, concentrate and radiate specific modes of vibration. For example, a particular structural geometry and precise directional orientation of a pyramid shape completely alters the electromagnetic properties of the space contained within the pyramid. Three dimensional structure and vibration are absolutely, though mysteriously connected. This is well known to makers of musical instruments. It was also known to the makers of ancient temples. Certain shapes resonate to cosmic frequencies too fine to be registered on the electromagnetic spectrum. The fineness of the vibration is the key to their powerful effect.”
[Paul Devereux]
Asta Lingams
Arunachala is surrounded by eight lingams (Asta Lingams) each residing in one of the eight directions of the four cardinal points (South – Yama, West – Varuna, North – Kubera, and East – Indra) and four intercardinal points (South East – Agni, South West – Niruthi, North West – Vayu and North East – Esanaya).
The guardians of the four cardinal directions are called the Lokapalas and are the deities who rule the specific directions of space. The name for the eight deities, four of the cardinal and four of the intercardinal directions is 'Asta-Dikpalas.’
By the turn of the Twentieth Century many of the shrines, temples and theertams at Arunachala were in a state of neglect and decay. In the case of the Asta Lingams the areas around the shrines were filled with squatters and encroachments and the Asta Lingams shrines themselves were unmaintained and their worship ignored.
It is believed by many that the work done by I.S.V. Arunachala Moopanar (Moopanar Swamigal) renovating and restoring the Asta Lingams and their adjacent land, was responsible for helping to re-establish the energetic power of the sacred geometry of Arunachala.
Moopanar Swami came to Arunachala from Tiruveneli around 1968 and became very well known throughout the Arunachala area. He was a devout, spiritual man who placed great emphasis on spiritual service. When he arrived at Arunachala, things were rather different to the present time and what particularly distressed Moopanar Swami was the dreadful, neglected condition of the Asta Lingams (eight Lingams) that surround Arunachala. Moopanar Swami used to spend a lot of time meditating and praying at the Arunachaleswarar Temple and he eventually came to believe that his mission directly imposed by Lord Arunachaleswarar was to renovate the Asta Lingams.
He was convinced that the restoration of the Lingam Shrines was essential to the revitalisation of specific fields of energy and influence surrounding the Hill. Through a combination of various social reasons, over the last few centuries Temples and Shrines throughout India had fallen into disuse and decay. This certainly occurred at Tiruvannamalai where the situation had become so bad that The Asta Lingams were even taken over by squatters and homesteaders. It is said that Moopanar Swami would even resort to driving the squatters off the Lingam premises with a stick!
The Hill which is octagonal in shape is surrounded by a total of eight Lingam Temples (Asta Lingams). Each of these Temples are located at the four cardinal and four inter-cardinal points. This was also believed by the ancients who originally constructed the Lingams at their eight cardinal and inter-cardinal points to represent, characterise and vitalise certain aspects and qualities of life.
Asta lingams:
Indra Lingam (East)
Agni Lingam (South East)
Yama (Ema) Lingam (South)
Niruthi Lingam (South West)
Varuna Lingam (West)
Vayu Lingam (North West)
Kubera Lingam (North)
Esanya Lingam (North East)
The Lingams have the dominant Navagraha of the God to whom they are associated. It is believed that placating a specific Lingam will bring various benefits that are associated with the respective Navagraha.
Indra Lingam (East)
The Indra Lingam has east as its direction. It is associated with the celestial Lord Indra. This Lingam is situated on Car Street close to the eastern tower of Arunachaleswarar Temple.
Lord Indra is the king of Heaven according to Hindu mythology. His consort is Indrani. His vehicle is the celebrated four-tusked white elephant Iravathi. Indra manifests seated on his elephant wielding in his hand the weapon Vajra with which he destroys ignorance and bestows spiritual knowledge on his deserving devotees.
The Indra Lingam is dominated by the Navagrahas, Lord Surya and Lord Shukra (Venus). Devotees are blessed with long life and with prosperity, on worshipping Indra lingam.
Agni Lingam (South East)
The Agni Lingam has south-east as its direction. It is situated close to Seshadri Ashram on Chengam road and is the only Lingam located on the right side of the Girivalam Path.
Lord Chandra (Moon) is the dominant Navagraha of Agni Lingam. Lord Agni, is the God of the fire of Knowledge. He has seven hands and seven tongues. Agni is the light of the lives of all creatures and is invoked in the performance of Homa. His vehicle is the goat Saga who serves as the sacrificial beast in the fires of Homa.
Worshipping this Lingam helps devotees get relief from disease, to maintain good health and also helps them face problems and difficulties in their lives.
Yama Lingam (South)
The Yama Lingam has South as its direction. It is associated with Yama the God of death. It is situated beside the cremation grounds on Chengam road.
The dominant Navagraha of this Lingam is, Mangala (Mars). Yama is portrayed sitting on his mount, a powerful black buffalo named Mahishan and with two monstrous dogs by his side. He is supposed to carry a huge lasso with which he drags each being at the time of death to face heaven or hell according to the being’s karma.
Devotees get rid of their financial constraints on worshipping the Yama lingam. This Lingam is also conducive for longevity of life span
Niruthi Lingam (South West)
The Niruthi Lingam has South West as its direction. It is situated on the Girivalam pathway near the Shantimalai Compound. It is associated with Lord Rahu.
Niruthi is the king of the Asuras (demons) and he jointly rules the Southern realm along with Yama. His associate is a dog.
Legend reports that king Nala bathed in Niruthi Lingam Theertham to be relieved of sins incurred due to his karma. This Lingam is specially renowned to help people recover from the bad effects of black magic and other negative energies.
Health, wealth and fame are the beneficial aspects of this lingam. It is also beneficial for couples to worship at this Lingam if they wish to have a child. Worshipping this Lingam is believed to help devotees achieve detachment to worldly desire.
Varuna Lingam (West)
Varuna Lingam has the West as its directions. This lingam is situated on the outer girivalam pathway about one kilometre before the village of Adi Annamalai.
Varuna’s vehicle is Makara (that lives both on land and water) which is an animal with the head and front legs of an antelope and the body and tail of a fish.
This Lingam has Lord Shani as its dominant Navagraha. Varuna Theertham, a holy tank, is located here. Devotees are protected from illness, particularly water related diseases.
Legend has it that the eye of Varuna is Surya and when Surya appears in the constellation of Makara, its a special event and honoured as Makara Sankarathi. This day falls each year in mid-January and is celebrated as Pongal Festival in Tamil country.
Varuna is the king of appreciation and enjoyment. He governs the whole world. He is the God of rain and God of all the waters in the three worlds. He surveys the deeds of man according to his karma and keeps them under his control. Placating Varuna is believed to wash away accumulated sins.
Vayu Lingam (North West)
Vayu Lingam has the north-west direction as its direction. It is situated on the girivalam pathway, about one kilometer after the village of Adi Annamalai
Vayu is the Hindu god of wind and he is often associated with Indra. His vehicle is the deer. Kedhu (Kethu) is the dominant Navagraha of this Lingam. As Vayu is the God of wind, He provides creatures with vital life-giving breath thus sustaining the entire Universe.
It is reported that at any time of the day, and in every season, when one enters this shrine one is always greeted by a gust of wind.
Relief from heart diseases, stomach problems, lung problems and general illness are conferred to the devotees on worshipping this Lingam.
Kubera Lingam (North)
Kubera Lingam has the North as its direction. It is located on the girivalam pathway before entering the town and a few hundred metres before the Panchamukham.
The Kubera Lingam has Lord Brihaspati (Guru or Jupiter) as its dominant graham. He has three legs and eight teeth. His vehicle is a female goat. His abode is in the capital of the Himalayas. His consort is Yakshi. He is the Chief of the Yakshas who safeguards the riches of the Devas. He is a very friendly with Shiva.
It is believed that Lord Kubera came to this place to worship Arunachala in order to maintain his wealth and prosperity. Hence a Shiva lingam was installed and consecrated at a point exactly north from the mountain.
Kubera is the God of wealth and material possessions. He does not create wealth, but he is believed to be the one who distributes wealth amongst his devotees.
Esanya Lingam (North East)
Esanya Linga has the north east as its direction. It is located on the old girivalam road to town, beside the main cremation grounds.
This lingam was installed by Esanyan and has Lord Budha (Mercury) as its dominant Navagraha.
Esanya is one of the seven Rudras of Shiva. He is covered with ashes and surrounded by ghosts, he has matted locks and fierce eyes and is seated on a tiger skin. He holds the crescent moon and the river Ganga in his locks. His body is adorned by coiled serpents. In his hands he holds the mortal drum and the trident of Shiva.
Devotees are blessed with peace of mind on offering prayers to Easanya Linga.
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