Thursday 10 September 2020

Arunachaleswarar Temple / Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple / Annamalaiyar Temple / அருள்மிகு அருணாசலேஸ்வரர் கோயில், Thiruvannamalai, Thiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu.

Thiruvannamalai is the 54th Thevara Paadal Petra Sthalam and  22nd,  & last sthalam of Nadu Naadu. 

Rishaba mandapam - 1000 Pillar mandapa on the left and 11 tier east side Rajagopuram 

Sekkizhar records that Thirugnanasambandar came to this temple after worshiping Lord Shiva of Arayaninallur Temple / Arakandanallur. Thirunavukkarasu Swamikal came to this after Thirupandi Kodumudi.

   அன்ணாமலை அங்கு அமரர்பிரான் வடிவு போன்று தோன்றுதலும்
   கண்ணால் பருகிக் கைதொழுது கலந்து போற்றும் காதலினால்
    உண்ணா முலையாள் எனும் பதிகம் பாடிக் கொண்டார் உடன்போந்து
    தெண்நீர்முடி ஆர்திருவண்னா மலையைச் சென்று சேர்வுற்றார்

Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar, Manickavasagar, Guru Namasivayam and Vallalar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

    பூவார் மலர்கொண்டு அடியார் தொழுவார் புகழ்வார் வானோர்கள்
    மூவார் புரங்கள் எரித்த அன்று மூவர்க்கு அருள்செய்தார்
    தூமா மழைநின்று அதிரவெருவித் தொறுவின் நிரையோடும்
    ஆமாம் பிணைவந்து அணையும் சாரல் அண்னாமலையாரே
... திருஞானசம்பந்தர்

    ஓதிமா மலர்கள் தூவி உமையவள் பங்கா மிக்க
    சோதியே துளங்கும் எண்தோள் சுடர்மழுப் படையினானே
    ஆதியே அமரர் கோவே அணிஅணா மலையு ளானே
    நீதியால் நின்னை யல்லால் நினையுமா நினைவி லேனே
..... திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள்

    விண்ணாளும் தேவர்கு மேலாய வேதியனை
        மண்ணாளும் மன்னவர்க்கு மண்பாகி நின்றானைத்
    தண்ணார் தமிழளிக்கும் தண்பாண்டி நாட்டானைப்
        பென்ணாளும் பாகனைப் பேணு பெருந்துறையில்
    கண்ணார் கழல்காட்டி நாயேனை ஆட்கொண்ட
        அண்ணாமலையானைப் பாடுதுங்காண் அம்மானாய்
....மாணிக்கவாசகர் திருவாசகம்

    அஞ்செலுத்தாய் வேதமாய் ஆகமமாய் நின்றமலை
    விஞ்செழுத்தாய் ஒன்றாய் விளங்குமலைநெஞ்சகத்தே
    வைத்தமலை நாயேனைத் தன் அடியார் கூட்டத்தில்
    வைத்தமலை அண்ணாமலை
...அண்ணாமலை வெண்பாகுரு நமசிவாயர்
    
மருளே ரிடைய பவப்பிணிக்கு மருந்தே வருக வாழ்வளிக்கும்
    மணியே வருக மனம் விளக்கும் மதியே வருக குறையாத
    பொருளே வருக மாற்றறியாப் பொன்னே வருக பொன்னாய
    பூணே வருக வேதாந்தப் பொலிவே வருக சித்தாந்தத்
    தெருளே வருக சிவஞானத் தேனே வருக திருவாளர்
    தேடி வைத்த பேரின்பத் திரளே வருக சன்மார்க்க
    அருளே வருக திருவருணை அருந்தாமுலையாய் வருகவே
    அலகில் விளையாட் டயருமெங்கள் அம்மே வருக வருகவே
.... உன்ணாமுலையம்மை பிள்ளத்தமிழ்

                                                          -“யாம் ஏத்தும்
    உண்ணாமுலையாம் உமையோடு மேவு திரு
    அண்ணாமலை வாழ் அருட்சுடரே
..... திரு அருட்பா
Moolavar  : Sri Arunachaleswarar, Sri Mahadevar,
                 Sri Aalwar Anna Nattudayar. Sri Annamalaiyar.
Consort    : Sri Abeethakusambal, Sri Unnamulai Ammai,
                 Sri Unnamalai, Sri Thiru Kamakottamudaya Nam                                  Piratiyar, Sri Ulakudaya Perumal Nam Piratiyar.

Some of the important features of this temple are….
The temple was built in an area of 24 acres. The temple was built with 9 Gopurams and 6 prakarams. The 6th prakaram compound wall is of 700 feet on south – north, South wall is of 1479 feet and north wall is of 1590 feet. The East Rajagopuram is 217 feet with 11 tiers, the highest of all. The base of the east Rajagopuram is  135 feet x 98 feet. This Raja Gopuram was built by Krishna Devarayar. The names of the other Rajagoprams are Thirumanjana gopuram on the south, Vallala maharaja Gopuram, Kili gopuram between 3rd and 4th parakaram, Ammani ammal gopuram ( She only collected the money and constructed ) on the north, Pey gopuram on the west  and three kattai gopurams of shorter than Rajagopurams.

Vallala Maharaja on the Rishabam mandapa Pillar
Valla Maharaja in the niche of Vallala Maharaja Rajagopuram

After East Rajagopuram in the 6th and 5th prakaram important places / sannadhis are Arunagirinathar Annadhana mandapam, Sivagangai theertham, Kambathu ilayanar sannadhi, Sarvasakthi sannadhi ( Lord Shiva's various forms are painted on the ceiling ), Thirukalyana mandapam, Kalyana Sundareswarar, 16 pillar/ kal mandapam, 4 pillar mandapam, vahana storage rooms, 1000 pillar mandapam, Paathala Lingam, Gopurathu Ilayanar sannadhi, Periya Rishabam / Idabam/ nandhi under a mandapam. On the west side kattai gopuram Sannadhi for Ammaiappar and Annamalaiyar thirupatham. Kosalai is on the south side. Guest house is on the north side of 6th corridor.

Gopuraththu Ilayanar sannadhi- Lord Muruga gave Darshan to Arunagirinathar
Sarvasakthi temple

After climbing few steps through Vallala maharaja's gopuram we can enter in the fourth prakaram. Sannadhi/ important places are Brahma theertham, Sri Kala Bhairavar ( big in size), 4 Pillar mandapam, Mandapam with shops, Brahma lingam ( with four faces – via  fire, Vayu, earth water, and top Aakayam – Chathur mukha Lingam or we can call as pancha mukha lingam ), Vidyatheswarar, Naleswarar, Yanai thirai konda Vinayagar, Kambathu Ilayanar Sannadhi, Kalai Arangam and 6 feet Rishaban. In the right side pillar of the Nandhi mandapam a relief of King Vallalan with hand in worshipping posture and on the left pillar relief of hoysalas, Gandaberunda ( a mixture of bird and a an animal ). Another relief of Vallala maharaja’s image ( Seems to be aged ) is available in the Vallala maharaja’s gopuram passage.

Gandaberunda - A Hoysala relief

We have to pass through 6 tires Kili ( Parrot ) Gopuram  to reach 3rd prakaram. Lot of parrots are there in this gopuram. From this gopuram Arunagirinathar left his body to get Parijatham flower in the form of parrot. Since his body was cremated before his arrival, he remained as parrot. The important sannadis/ places are 16 pillar and 4 pillar mandapams, office room, Ekambareswarar, Chidambara nathar, Pidari Amman ( with a stone soolam at the front ), Kalatheeswarar, Golden chariot mandapam.  Unnamulai amman sannadhi, Balipeedam. There is sudhai sirpam on the right side passage of Kili gopuram ( Parrot gopuram ).

At the entrance of Moolavar sannadhi mandapam on the left Sri Sampantha Vinayagar and Dhandayuthapani on the right. In the front mandapam  Bharani deepam ( out side the mandapam ), Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam, Adhikaranandhi.

In the second prakaram, Sannadhi for Devara Thirumurai parayana mandapam, Nalvar, 63var in stone, Saptamatrikas, Lingangal, Iyappan, Gowthama maharishi, Durvasa maharishi, Shethra Kanni Ganapathy, Somaskandar urchavar, Arthanareeswarar, Urchava murti, Sri Sridevi, Boodevi sametha Venugopalan, Gajalakshmi, Valli Devasena Sri Subramaniyar, 63var in cheppu moorthangal, Swarna Kala Bhairavar, Palliyarai, Theertha well, Sabha mandapam.

Moolavar is in normal size with golden nagabaranam. Ambal is small in size. In Koshtam, Ganapathy, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.

The 15th Century Arunagirinathar has sung hymns in praise of Murugan of this temple, Kshethrakovai pillai Tamil also praise Lord Muruga.

    செயசெய அருணாத் திரிசிவ யநமச்
        செயசெய அருணாத் திரிமசி வயநச்
    செயசெய அருணாத் திரிநம சிவயத் திருமூலா
        செயசெய அருணாத் திரியந மசிவச்
    செயசெய அருணாத் திரிவய நமசிச்
        செயசெய அருணாத் திரிசிவ யநமஸ்த் தெனமாறி
.... திருவருணை (1323) திருப்புகழ்
    திருப்புகழ்முழங்குமணி ஈராறு செவியனே
    சிறுபறை முழக்கியருளே
    தென்னருணை வளர்கோபு ரத்துவாழ் முருகனே
    சிறுபறை முழக்கி யருளே
... ஷேத்திரக்கோவைப் பிள்ளைத்தமிழ்

 East side RajaGopuram- View from inside


HISTORY & INSCRIPTIONS
The temple has a long history. The temple was constructed by  Pallava, Chozha, Pandya, Hoysala kings in stages. Each one of them had left their stamps. The original structures were changed in some areas during construction and renovation/ thiruppani. Nattukottai Nagarathars had done a lot of thirupani to this temple.

There are more than 100 inscriptions available in the temple walls. They were between 849 AD to 1582 AD. These inscriptions mainly records the donations given to this temple. Apart from Tamil inscriptions, some  of Telegu inscriptions are also found on the 3rd  prakara wall. Some of the inscriptions were lost during renovations. The inscriptions are recorded and Published under South Indian Inscriptions Volume VIII from 57 to 165, ie AR 469 of 1902 to 574 of 1902. Some of the inscription details are given below.

As per the inscriptions this place was mentioned as Thiruvannamalai and Lord Shiva as Thiruvannamalai Mahadevar, Thiruvannamalai Andar,

Veerapandyan Thalai konda Koparakesari inscription ( AR  469 of 1902, SII VIII- 57) records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp for which 96 goats are gifted by Iladaipadi Koodaludayan Vazhai Kizhan.

Kannaradevan’s period inscription ( AR 475 of 1902, SII VIII- 63) records the endowment of naivedyam – Thayiramuthu – Curd rice  for which 20 cows are gifted.
 
Kovi Rajakesari Barmar’s 13th year reign inscription  ( AR 476 of 1902, SII VIII- 65) records the endowment to an Eri  for which 20 kalanju gold by Vanakovarayan Kunamandhan Kurumbakolaalan Vayira mekanar Kodukkan Sirrampuliyur Nadan... the inscription is incomplete..

Rajendra Chozha's 19th year reign inscription ( AR 476 of 1902, SII VIII- 66 ) with his full meikeerthi records the endowment of naivedyam and two Perpetual Lamp and 14 perpetual lamps to the temple, sri Vimanam by the kings servant. The details of the Naivedayam  for morning, afternoon and evening with various materials like rice vegetables are given For Naivedayam a land and the paddy income from the land to be given to the temple.  For the perpetual lamps totally ( 192 for two and 336 for 14 Lamps ) 528 goats as Saava moova peradukal was gifted.

Konerimai Kondan Thiribhuvana Chakravarthy Kulasekara Chakravarthy’s 16th year reign inscription records the ( AR 482 of 1902, SII VIII- 71 ) endowment of burning a perpetual lamp for which 32 cows and a Rishabam ( male ) by Varanavasi SinganatharMaluva chakravarthy on Masi month 12th day Saturday.

Veeraviruppanna Udayar period inscription ( AR 483 of 1902, SII VIII-72 ) records the endowment of worship and pooja for which lands gifted. The income is accounted in terms of Taxes and the amount to be converted to Paddy to be given to the temple.

Rajaraja Chozha’s 16th year reign inscription ( AR 485 of 1902, SII VIII-74 ) records the endowment of worship and pooja for which a tax free Land was gifted. The income in terms of paddy to be supplied to the Meikanda Devar temple of Thiruvennainallur.

Kulothunga Chozha’s 26th year reign inscription ( AR 486 of 1902, SII VIII-75 ) records that the houses belongs to the temple to be sold. Of the same amount 50% has to be deposited in  the temple treasury and balance can be taken over by the persons resided. 

Koperunchingas 36th year Rule inscription ( AR 487 of 1902, SII VIII-76 ), records the endowment of burning a perpetual Lamp for which a gift of 32 Cows and a rishabam by Madurantaka Poththappi Chozha’s brother Madhusudhanadevar’s son Kakkunayagadevan.

Chozha King Rajaraja-I’s 17th year reign ( AR 490 of 1902, SII VIII-70 ) records that a small king Aragalur Thombai Alwan Rajarajadevan Vanakovarayan ( who ruled this place ) endowment of worship to Ponparappina Perumal near madapalli for which a tax free land was gifted.

Chozha King Rajadhiraja’s 32nd year reign inscriptions ( AR 492 of 1902, SII VIII-82 ) records the endowment of Adalvallan pooja on Karthigai celebration for which Gold was gifted by the Kings servant  of  Sathriya Sigamani Valanattu Thirunaraiyur Nattu Ettisiruvelur Kilavan Arangavarayanan alias ... divakara Mooventha Velalan.

Chozha King Rajaraja’s  20th year reign inscription ( AR 493 of 1902, SII VIII-83 ) records that 7 people had reconstructed the eri and rectification of thoombu /sluice gate, which was breached due to flood and the same was left for many years unattended. For doing this a Land was donated with periphery limit stones – soolakkal – erected. This Land has to be divided in to 10 shares and how many shares to each person is mentioned. This includes a Devaradiya’s name as “Thiruvambalam Piriyathapillayar”. It is to be nothed that devaradiyars also participated in the reconstruction of eri.

The Kulothunga’s ( conquered Madurai, Sri Lanka, Karur and cuts the Pandya Kings head ) 27th year reign inscription ( AR 516 of 1902, SII VIII- 106 ) is considered as an important one. It records the Political instability in his period. The Small kings joined together and a decision was taken against Magathai Vanakovarayan and Kulothunga Chozha Vanakovarayan, not to entertain any relation with them. This is the indication for the fall of Chozha Dynasty.

Thiribhuvanadevar Aragalur Rajarajadevan Ponparappinan Vanakovarayan period 35th year reign inscription ( AR 557 of 1902, SII VIII- 148 ) records the endowment of worship of Lord Shiva and paving of vimana with gold plates. He came personally on Mithuna Sunday 8th day and worshiped Lord Shiva. For the same he had gifted 3 Villages as devathanam with Lands consists of trees wells and fields to this temple. The inscription further records the amount of money / gold / paddy as Tax to be paid to this temple. Of the three Villages one is named after him as “Ponparappina Nallur”.

Chozha King Kulothunga Chozha’s 24th year reign inscription ( AR 560 of 1902, SII VIII- 151) records the endowment of Thirumanjanam / sacred bath and perpetual lamp for which, 8 kalanju gold, Coconut farm, and Lands, 32 Cows by Arungundrakizhayan Narpathaonnaayirappillai and Mangayarkarasiyar. The highlight of this inscription is during Thirumanjanam and Aarathi / pooja and ringing bell to be witnessed by Chakkiliyar ( a sub div of SC & ST ).

The Vijayanagara Kings Thappuvarayakandan Sri Ariyanna Udayar’s 19th year reign inscription on the Vallala Gopuram ( AR 562 of 1902, SII VIII- 153) records the endowment to the Meikavalar / watchman Veerasinga devar’s son Petraperumal. For him  the temple has to give Paddy measuring Thooni pathakku ( a measure ) per day, Food / Choru nanazhi ( a measure ) and for dress / Pudavai 600 kasu per year.

The Vijayanagara king Veeraprathaba Sri VeeraKrishna Maharayar inscription in the 1000 pillar mandapa (  AR 574 of 1902, SII VIII- 165 )  records the various activities. He came to Kalahasti and constructed the Rajagopuram and 1000 Pillar mandapa to that temple. And for this temple, Rayar Krishnamaharayar constructed 1000 pillar mandapa, Temple tank and the channel from Thirumalaidevi Ammansamudram to fill water 11 tier Rajagopuram, Vinayagar Sannadhi Chariot, VanavarayaChozhan doorway, Uthama Chozhan doorway, Ambal Temple doorway, Jewelry, Gold and Silver plating of Vimanas, othuvars who recites the Thevaram etc.

This inscription is on a wall of a House in 7 Wells area of Chennai. The inscription records the endowment of burning a lamp and maintenance of nandhavanam at Thiruvannamalai Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple, by Kanthappa Pazhaniyar. For which a House situated at Veerasamy Pillai street in Peththanayakan Pettai, Chenna Pattinam was gifted after his daughter-in-law Poonjolai's use. The House rent ( kudakooli ) has to be used for the above purpose. 

Inscriptions
Telugu Inscriptions
LEGENDS
Once there was an argument between Brahma – the creator and Maha Vishnu the savior, about who is great. To make them realize their ignorance, Lord Shiva gave the darshan of as a Shiva jyothi and asked them to find out the start and end of him. Maha Vishnu took the form of Varaha, excavate the earth to find out the start of Lord Shiva. Brahma took the form of Bird Annam and flied up up and up. Both Maha Vishnu and Brahma couldn’t find the start and end of Lord Shiva and accepted Lord Shiva is only great of all and worshiped him. Lord Shiva changed his form from jyothi in the form of Hill called Thiruvannmalai. For worship by Maha Vishnu, Brahma and the devotees Lord Shiva gave darshan in the form of Lingothbavar.   

It is believed that death at Kasi will attain mukthi, Birth at Thiruvarur will attain Mukthi, Worship at Chidambaram will attain mukthi and Think of Thiruvannamalai will attain mukthi. Hence the others may not be possible but can think once can attain mukthi.

POOJAS & FESTIVALS
Even though festivals are celebrated throughout the year the Thirukarthikai deepam is being celebrated in a grand manner for 17 days. 10th day  mahadeepam is placed / burnt in a large deepam pot at the top hill. 11 days after mahadeepam every evening at 18.00 Hrs deepam is  placed on the top of the hill for which 2 cans of gee and wick bundle is being carried by the  people from the temple.

Apart form Karthigai Deepam, 10 Days Chithirai Vasantha Urchavam, 1 day Vaikasi Urchavam, 10 days Ani Brahmotsavam, Ani Thirumanjanam, Aipasi Annabhishekam, Kandar Sashti, Arudra darshan in Markazhi, 10 days Thai brahmotsavam, Manalurpettai Theerthavar Urchavam, Maha Shivaratri, Masi Mahan Pallikondpattu theerthavari urchavam and 6 days Panguni Uthiram festival will be celebrated in a grand manner.

Temple chariot

ARUNACHALESWARAR TEMPLE TIMING.
Morning 05,00 Hrs to 12.30 Hrs
Evening 15.30 Hrs to 21.30 Hrs
Morning
5:00 Hrs Temple Opens for first session pooja 
5:30 Hrs Gomotha Pooja 
6:00 Hrs Oudshakala Pooja 
8:30 Hrs Kaalai Santhi Pooja   
Noon
11:00 Hrs Uchi kala pooja 
12:30 Hrs Temple close 
15.30 Hrs Temple open for Second session pooja  
18.00 Hrs Sayaratchai kala pooja    
Night
19.30 Hrs 2nd Kala Pooja 
21.00 Hrs Artha jama pooja
21.30 Hrs Temple Close  

CONTACT DETAILS
Joint Commissioner/Executive Officer
Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple 
Thiruvannamalai-606601
Phone : 04175- 252438.
E-Mail- arunachaleswarartempletvm@gmail.com 
Temple official web site

HOW TO REACH :
Frequent bus facility is available from Chennai, Kanchipuram, Villupuram, Tindivanam, Bangalore etc,.
Thiruvannamalai Railway station is on the Villupuram to Katpadi and the temple is 2 Km from the station.
The temple is 63 KM from Villupuram, 67 KM from Tindivanam,  83 KM from Vellore and 191 KM from Chennai.
Nearest Railway station is Thiruvannamalai and Railway Junction is Villupuram

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE


South Gopuram
East side Rajagopuram with a 4 Pillar mandapa - 217 feet tall with 11 tiers
A recently built mandapa in front of East side rajagopuram

100 Pillar Mandapa with Rishaba mandapam

Vallala Maharaja Gopuram
Brahma Theertham and Kattai Gopuram
Ammani Ammal Gopuram & Rishaba mandapam in 4th prakaram
Moolavar Sannadhi
Moolavar Sannadhi


Pathala Lingam on the Lift and east Rajagopuram is in straight view with Murugan sannadhi

adhikara Nandhi near dwajasthambam
Balipeedam
 Base of Dwajasthamba relief - Ekapatha Thirimurti
Bharani Deepam
Ambal Sannidhi
Pidari Amman Temple
Water spout
Kiligopuram ( Parrot Tower )
Sarvasakthi Temple Ceiling paintings
Sarvasakthi Temple Ceiling paintings
Sarvasakthi Temple Ceiling paintings
Sarvasakthi Temple Ceiling paintings
Sarvasakthi Temple Ceiling paintings
Sarvasakthi Temple Ceiling paintings
Sarvasakthi Temple Ceiling paintings


a Maharaishi..?


ARULMIGU ARUNACHALESWARA TEMPLE COMPLEX


1. East Rajagopuram
2. Sivagangai Theertham
3. Murugan sannadhi
4. 16 Pillar mandapam
5. Sarvasakthi Vinayagar Temple
6. 1000 Pillar mandapam
7. Paathala lingam
8. 4 Pillar mandapam
9. Peria Nandhi
10. Thirukkalyana Mandapam with Kalyana Sundareswarar sannadhi
10. Kopurathuilayanar sannadhi
11. Vallala maharaja Gopuram
12. Sri Kala Bhairavar
13. Brahma Theertham
14. 4 Pillar mandapam
15. Shops, Temple architect sample in a mandapam
16. Kalai Arangam
17. 6 Feet Nandhi
18. Kili Gopuram
19. North Kattai Gopuram
20. Ammani Ammal Gopuram
21. South side kattai Gopuram
22. Thirumanjana Gopuram
23. Brahma lingam
24. Vidhyatheswarar
25. Naleswarar, Vinayagar Sannadhi on the back side 
26. Yanai Thirai konda Vinayagar
27. Karthigai Deepa mandapam 16 Pillar
28. Office Room
29. Ekambareswarar
30. Pidari Amman
31. Chidambareswarar
32. Kalatheeswarar
33. Vahana mandapam
34. 4 Pillar Mandapam
35. Sthala Vruksham
36. 4 Pillar mandapam
37. Sri Arunachaleswarar Sannadhi
38. Sri Abeethakusambigai, Sri Unnamulai Ammai sannadhi
39. Annamalayar Thirupatham
40. Ammaiyappar
41. Kosalai
42. West side Kattai Gopuram
43. Pey ( பேய்  ) Gopuram
44. Arunagirinathar Annadhana mandapam
45. Vahana mandapam
46. Guest Houses

SANCTUM SANCTORUM LAYOUT


1. Sanctum Sanctorum with Pradhosha Nandhi
2. Devara Parayana mandapam
3. Nalvar
4. 63 var
5. Saptamatrikas
6. Lingas
7. Iyappan
8. Gowthamar and Durvasa Maharishi\
9. Kshethra Vinayagar
10. Somaskandar
11. Arthanareeswarar
12. Sridevi & Bhudevi sametha Perumal sannadhi
13. Lingas
14. Gajalakshmi
15. Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar
16. Lingas,Urchavarkal / procession deities
17. 63var
18. Lingangas
19. Swarna kala Bhairavar
20. Palliyarai
21. Theertha Kinaru
22. Saba mandapam
23. Urchavas
24. Sampantha Ganapahi
25. Dhandayuthapani
26. Adikara nandhi
27. Dwajasthambam
28. Balipeedam
29. Bharani deepam

Temple Layout PC Website
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

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