Thread by @KindsoulRitzS

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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 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.'

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.

Agni Lingam (South East)

Agni, is the God of the fire of Knowledge. He has 7 hands and 7 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.

Yama Lingam (South)

The Yama Lingam has South as its direction. 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.

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.

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.

Vayu Lingam (North West)

Vayu Lingam has the north-west direction as its direction. It is situated on the girivalam pathway, about 1 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.

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.

Esanya Lingam (North East)

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.

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