Chronicles of a lone blogger - 3

Standing on the footboard of the bus travelling across the river Kavery, the divine experience of watching the Sun set along the banks of the river Kavery is a sight to behold. When I see the crimson sky, the birds flying back to their nests with a sense of satisfaction and solidarity, the humble coconut trees that never stand straight caressing the river showing gratitude and respect to Mother Nature, a plethora of waves of forlornness deeply embodied in me vanish into thin wisps of oblivion. When the cool breeze caresses me with love, the nascent pores that are deeply embedded in my skin, spring up with ebullient intensity. An experience that needs to be experienced.

The Tiruvanaikaval Jambukeshwarar temple was built by the Chola king Chengot Cholan during the 1st century BC. Chengot Cholan who is also one of the 63 Nayanmars, had already built 70 other Shiva temples all over Tamil Nadu! This temple which was built according to the Saiva Agamas, symbolizes the human body and the idol of Lord Shiva symbolizes the Soul - the eternal entity. There are 5 praharams and I see them as the 5 sheaths or koshas that enclose the Divine Soul - the Atma Linga. (Note: I may be wrong in my assumption :) ).

Built in an area close to 18 acres and measuring 2500 feet by 1500 feet, the temple boasts some of the finests gopurams and mandapams in Tamil Nadu. When Parvati (the goddess and not my dearest blogger :P ) mocked at Lord Shiva’s penance, Lord Shiva got pissed off with her and punished her by ordering her to go to earth! (Is earth so bad? ;) ) Parvati being an ideal wife who follows her husband's orders to perfection (this could be our blogger if she agrees :P) had no other alternative other than to follow her husband's orders, came to Tiruvanaikaval to conduct her penance. Parvati made a Lingam out of the water from the river Kavery beneath the 'Venn Naaval' tree . Thus the Lingam was called as the 'Appu Lingam' (Water Lingam).

The moment we step into the temple, a sense of tranquility sweeps in. As my feet touches the sand filled floor of the temple, the palpitations of my heart grows faster with loads of ardency embodied in my blood. Atrociously known for the extreme mood swings, the very moment I step in, the kama boga thoughts run away from my mind and all that remains is an extreme selfless yearning for the Divine Love of God.

(The journey continues..)