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On Arunachala

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Beginning our ascent to visit the shrines of Arunachala.
Looking down at the Temple of Arunachaleshwar in Tiruvannamalai.
The Arunachaleshwar Temple.
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Skandashram, where Ramana Maharshi spent much time before coming to the present location at Ramanashram.
Near Skandashram, the path leading to the top of Arunachala, where a famous sadhu lives.
Trudging to the top of Arunachala.
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Taking a breather during our ascent to the mists above.
At the top of Arunachala, where annually on a special festival, huge amounts of flamable oil are poured out and ignited, making the top an enormous bonfire.
Having carried sugar, milk, ghee, and tea to the top as offering to the resident sadhu, we await darshan, while hungry monkeys approach.
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The tussle for the sugar begins!
Swami Mangalananda faces off the monkey thieves.
The monkeys get a last snarl from Swami Mangalananda who unsuccessfully attempts to dissuade the monkeys from taking the sugar.
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Descending from the top.
One of many caves on the mountain.
Back at the bottom of the mountain, the temple of Arunachaleshwar awaits.


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