Temple Tonic for the soul

Ardhanareeswara Hill Temple is less than a 45-minute drive away, yet it had been a long time since I last visited. Thanks to my mother’s insistence, I joined her this morning for a special pooja conducted by her maternal uncle’s family.
“Puliampatti Thatha,” as we fondly called him, was a calm, composed and ever-smiling person. He passed away peacefully, chanting the name of Lord Arthanareeswara. He had served as the dharmakartha of the  Temple for many years. For the past 25 years, on the day of the “Kodi Etram,” their family has been performing this special abhishega pooja.

Puliampatti Aatha (in pic) is now 88 years old — still active, cheerful and positive. I was glad to spend some time talking to her today at the temple. One quality I have always admired in her is the impartial love and respect she shows towards all her three daughters-in-law. Perhaps that is the reason the family continues to remain united as one strong unit.
During my teenage years in Salem, I shared a special bond with all three chitappas. Today’s visit brought back many nostalgic memories.
The significance of this unique temple is that Shiva and Shakti are worshipped as “two in one” — in a single form. Man and woman may be different, yet equal. The energy within the temple is truly amazing, and the intricate carvings are a treat for the eyes.
The sthala vriksham of the temple is the Iluppai tree. Its massive trunk (in pic) reminded me of a giant elephant’s foot. The ancient Punnai tree near the Perumal temple could well be over a hundred years old.
Our ancestors built temples around trees and worshipped them with reverence. Our generation, sadly, cuts trees in the name of creating space. I almost cried when I noticed that two huge trees had been removed at the Soleeshwarar Temple in Perundurai during the kumbabishegam a few months ago.
Nature is God. As humans, we should never forget that we are among the last entrants to Planet Earth.

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