Tiruvannamalai Ashram Inauguration
Tamil Nadu, India - April 19, 2008
A grand inauguration ceremony was conducted at the new ashram in Tiruvannamalai on April 19th 2008. With the majestic Arunachala as backdrop this is one of the most beautiful and going forward will be the most visited Nithyananda ashram in India. Being a full moon day, the day was also celebrated in Tiruvannamalai as Giri-Dakshina Giri Valam (14 km barefoot circumambulation of
Arunachala). Atleast
1 million people have been estimated to have walked around the mountain
that day and almost everyone who
walked were drawn into the ashram by the intense energy field of 1008 shiva lingas and an inner circle of deities all placed
strategically in a circle around the main deities Sri Anandeshwara and Anandeshwari, Subramanya and Ganapathy. Around them in a circle are the Ashta Lingas of the Gods who rule the eight directions of the Universe. Around them in a
circle are the Navagraha deities (deities associated with the nine planets) along with Navagraha trees (trees associated with the nine planets). Made
out of Nava Pashana or the nine
poisons and 1008 rare herbs prepared
using an ancient science passed over
by yogis and siddhas, the worlds
largest healing Ananda Linga at 21
feet will be
installed and energized on Buddha
Purnima.
The inauguration was attended by some top
dignitaries like Sridharan Chairman of Tiruvannamalai muncipality, Dhanus Chairman of Annamalai temple trust, Muthuswamy President of Sheshadari ashram, Pitchandi MLA of Tiruvannamalai constituency, Gnanashekaran MLA of Velur, Vishu popular Indian movie actor and Manivarma ex-MLA.
The morning began with energizing the deities, arati to
Arunachala followed by arati to the deities. Master then planted a Banyan tree sapling behind
the main deities. The ashram was then officially inaugurated by Master by
unveiling the plaque. Following is an excerpt from the Masters
talk on this day.
"I welcome you all with my love and respect to this small and sweet function. From this morning onwards, the spiritual proceedings have
started in this new ashram. In just 15 days, this ashram has been brought to the stage it is in now. The decision was taken on 1st April and by the grace of God, everything has been done in just 15 days. We thank you all for having come. Through this morning’s kumbabhishekam and inauguration function, the Tiruvannamalai Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam branch ashram has been inaugurated. We offer this Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam ashram to the entire world. We offer this place to the entire world for years to come for the revival, sustenance and protection of Sanatana Dharma and also for the purpose of meditation and inner world wisdom. This place will grow and spread like a banyan tree with roots like Arugu and quench the spiritual thirst of people, fulfilling them with wisdom and the flowering of inner bliss, thereby establishing
Nithya Ananda – Eternal Bliss."
Master then gave darshan at different intervals to all the people who came to the ashram. While darshan was going on,
continuous arati was being performed to Sri Anandeshwara & Anandeshwari, Archana was
offered by devotees and 5 of the senior Swamis of Nithyananda order offered
vibhuthi (sacred ash) to every visitor to the ashram. This
mega spiritual mela at the new ashram that was built in below 15 days also
houses a Lifebliss Galleria booth and Nithyananda food temple. People kept flowing in until 10am the next day. The seemingly impossible task of getting the ashram ready in just 15 days
happened effortlessly with the Masters blessings and
grace as always.
Following are some of the pictures that were taken during the event.
On the eve of Ashram inauguration in Tiruvannamalai, Swamiji looking over the preparations
Swamiji entering the Tiruvannamalai temple with Meru and Shivalinga which are made up of Nava Pashanas (nine poisons) which will remain the Garbha of energy
Swamiji was given traditional welcome at the temple
Devotees bringing the Utsava Murthis to the chariot to start the procession
Swamiji starts the procession
Procession in progress in Thiruvannamalai temple premises
Swamiji visiting the Banyan tree at the temple premises
Swamiji hoisting Dhyanapeetam flag at the new Ashram premises
