Thiruvannamali Arunachaleswarar Temple
Thiruvannamalai Aippasi Annabishekam… Annabishekham means offering of cooked raw rice to Lord Shiva during the Full moon day of the Tamil month Aippasi in most of the Shiva Temples, and especially this event would be grandly celebrated in the Annamalayar Temple, Thiruvannamalai. Similar to performing various Abhishekhams to the Shiva Lingam, like curd, milk, honey and oil, Annabishekham, is a type of Abhishekham where cooked raw rice would be adorned to the Shiva Lingam, in order to express our thanks to Lord Shiva, for giving abundant food to us throughout our life. Food only satisfies our body, and it also helps us to sustain in our life.
Without food no one can live in this world. Even if we have lot of money in our hands, only if Lord Shiva blesses us, we could be able to eat food satisfactorily. Hence it is our most important duty either to take part in the sacred Annabishekham event held in the temples. Annabishekam will be performed at the Annamalayar Temple in Tiruvannamalai on the occasion of Aipasi Poornima. Devotees can joyfully witness the occasion of Annabishekam, and as per their convenience they could also stay for the entire day to receive the immense blessings of Lord Shiva.
Though many abishek (Holy Bath) is performed to the Lord, Annabishekam is considered to be a very special one! Covering the Shivalinga completely with food is called as Annabishekam. For those who see this Annabishekam Heaven is certain. This is what the ancients have said that the place where rice is found is heaven.
Annabishekam is performed every year in the Annamalayar temple in Tiruvannamalai. Devotees will be allowed to visit the Annamalayar temple as usual after 6 p.m. on the Annabishekam day. On the Annabishekam day, the same food is offered as Prasad to the devotees who come for darshan.
It is believed that there will be no shortage of food for those who eat it, and also our belly would be satisfied with whatever we take. It is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva on this day will remove all sorts of Doshams and would add sweetness to our life.
“OM SRI ANNABISHEKASHIVAYA NAMO NAMAHA”
WRITTEN BY
R. HARISHANKAR