Annamalaiyar Temple - Varuna Lingam
Varuna lingam in Thiruvannamalai is the fifth of the
eight Lingams (Ashta Lingams) which one encounters during Girivalam in Thiruvannamalai.
This temple is placed west of the hill Arunachala. It is 8 kilometers away from
the Rajagopuram. Worship of this temple retrieves from crucial diseases and
promotes ones social status.
Varuna Lingam has the West as its directions. This
lingam is situated on the outer Girivalam pathway about one kilometer 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. Devotees are protected from
illness, particularly water related diseases.
Legend has it that the eye of Varuna is Surya and when
Surya appears in the constellation of Makara, it’s a special event and
honoured as Makara Sankaranthi. This day falls each year in mid-January and is
celebrated as Pongal Festival in Tamil country.
Varuna is the king of appreciation and enjoyment. He
governs the whole world. He is the God of rain and God of all the waters in the
three worlds. He surveys the deeds of man according to his karma and keeps them
under his control. Placating Varuna is believed to wash away accumulated sins.
Creation
Varuna Bhagawan had installed this important Lingam and
had worshipped Lord Shiva here. Varuna is the god of rain as per Hindu
Mythology. He rides Makara which is half fish and half antelope. The front side
of Makara is an Antelope with two deer legs and its backside a fish with a tail
of fish.
Navagraha
Varuna Lingam’s dominant Navagraha is Shani which is
also known as Sani. The moon signs of this Lingam are Capricorn (Makara) and
Aquarius (Kumbha).
Makara Sankarathi
As per Hindu legend, Varuna’s eye is Surya or the sun.
When the sun is seen in Makara constellation, the festival of Pongal which is
also known as Makara Sankarathi is celebrated. The event occurs in the month of
January.
Speciality
Worshipping this lingam provides health and removes
diseases.
Location
Varuna Lingam is located towards the west of Arunachala
hill. Varuna Theertham is a prominent landmark near this lingam. The distance
between this lingam and Rajagopuram is about 8km.
Geographic Position
Varuna Lingam in Thiruvannamalai is located at
12°14'57.8"N 79°02'04.8"E or 12.249384, 79.034677.