The Satsang Hall

Proceeding up the stairs, from the Sri Sadisvara Mandiram, on the first landing is Sri Ramana at age 21 in Virupaksha (virupākśā) Cave. On the second landing is Sri Bhagavan later in life on Arunachala. To be seen when descending the same stairs is Adi Sankara.

The Inner Shrine

At the top of the stairs is an altar that holds Siva and pañca-liṅgam; five linga-s. This may be understood to signify the true nature of the five-fold activity (pañcakṛtya) of Siva (sṛṣṭi sthiti saṁhāra tirobhāva anugraha)(creation, preservation, destruction, obscuration or disappearance, and liberating grace), the corresponding five forms or aspects (pañcamukha) of Siva in their formless true nature (brahmā viṣṇu rudra īśāna sadāśiva or sadyojāta vāmadeva tatpuruśa aghora īśāna), or the real nature of the corresponding five “elements” (pañcabhūta) (earth, water, fire, air, space) that constitute the universe.

This brings one to the Inner Shrine. In it are found only Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi and the Siva Lingam; ādi śivaliṅgam.

The Satsang Hall

Retracing one’s steps out of the inner shrine and turning, one enters the satsang hall. Immediately to the left and right are two murti-s (mūrti) each. One must turn completely around in order to obtain a full view of them.

From this perspective, on the far right is Dakshinamurti (dakṣināmūrti) with four disciple sages (Sanandana, Santkumāra, Sanatsujāta, Sanaka). He signifies the absolute Knowledge of silent Being. Next to the left of him is Nataraja (naṭarāja) in his ananda tandava (ānanda tāṇḍava) (intense dance of bliss). Further to the left is the Lingodbhava (liṅgodbhava), the infinite light of Consciousness. On the far left is Ardhanarisvara (ardhanārīśvara), the undifferentiated One. A Siva-lingam stands before him. All four of these forms of Siva are dealt with extensively and the details of their symbolism are fully explained in Advaita Devatam. The reader is advised to refer to that book to comprehend the significance of them.

Gazing at the front of the satsang hall, on the left altar, is Sri Ribhu Rishinatha (śrī ṛbhu ṛṣinatha), the ancient sage whose spiritual teachings appear in Ribhu Gita and the Upanishads. Nidagha (nidāgha), his enlightened disciple, is seated on his right absorbing the supreme Knowledge.

On the right altar is Sri Adi Sankaracarya (śrī ādi śankarācārya), the great sage and wondrous exponent of Advaita Vedanta.

In the center, above the altar, is the Sadguru, full of grace, who is himself That, Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi.