THIRUVATHIRAI / ARUDRA DARSHAN

THIRUVATHIRAI  /  ARUDRA  DARSHAN

Thiruvathirai / Arudra Darshan is observed on the full moon night, in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December – January) and this is also the longest night in a year. The festival is mainly observed in the Tamil speaking world.  The most important Arudra Darshan festival takes place at the Chidambaram Shiva Temple in Tamil Nadu.

This is of special significance in Shiva temples when thousands of devotees worship Nataraja early in the morning on the full moon day of the month of Dhanurmasam / Margazhi.   This is called Arudra Darshan. 

Lord Shiva will be in the form of Nataraja in his cosmic dance form.

The cosmic dance is called Ananda Thandavam or Dance of Bliss. 

The grace of this dance , of Lord Shiva represents five activities – Creation, Protection, Destruction, Embodiment and Release. In essence, it represents the continuous cycle of creation and destruction.  Arudra Darshan celebrates this ecstatic dance of Lord Shiva.

Ananda Thandavam Posture symbolizes:

The demon under his feet represents Lord as destroyer of Ignorance/Ego

The Fire in His hand signifies Destroyer of Evil Forces

The raised hands – Abhaya Hastha – Savior of life

The radiance behind Lord reveals the perpetual motion of the Universe

The drum beats represents the origin of ‘Om’ Pranava Manthra (Origin of Sounds)

The left, right and the eye on forehead represents Lord Sun, Lord Moon and Wisdom/Knowledge/Fire respectively.

The ear rings on both the ears of Lord represent the union of man and woman – The inseparable form of Lord as Shiva Shakthi.  The right ear and left ear embellished with Makara Kundalam and Stri Kundalam denotes the indivisible form of Lord.

The crescent shaped Lord Chandra on his matted hair locks symbolizes the perfect benevolence and splendor.

The matted hair locks and Goddess Ganga signifies the absolute Energy and perpetuity of life in this Universe. 

          Thiruvathirai is holy day and devotees’ worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi, submitting them to seek their blessings. Observing Thiruvathirai Vratham would bring long life to the husband and thereby prosperity and good life to the family.  But Vratham is optional and not compulsory.

We celebrate this festival by offering Kali  and 7 curry Kootu to Lord Nataraja. 

Married Women will change new Saradu, yellow sacred thread which holds Thirumangalyam / Mangal Suthra.  In some families, Women and girls, also tie Nombu Saradu around the neck.  

RECIPES OF THIRUVATHIRAI  :  

KALI   

7 Curry Kootu

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