Menu
Have you ever tasted the Thiruvadirai Kali ?
Significance of the Arudra Darisanam Thiruvadirai Nakshatra Day(Tamilnadu)
All Shiva temples celebrated Thiruvadirai on December 27 2023, Wednesday. Shiva Devotees on Arudra Darshanam, would visit the temple of Lord Shiva and seek the blessings of Lord Nataraja (As Shiva is called in the temple town of Chidambaram). On the Thiruvadirai day, which usually comes in the month of margazhi , Lord Nataraja comes out in procession to give darshan to his devotees. In Sanskrit ‘Arthirai’ is called ‘Ardhra’ and the Thiruvathirai anointing ceremony is called Arudhra Abisheka and the Thiruvathirai viewing as Arudhra Darshan. It is held as a great achievement to view Nataraja’s procession in Chidambaram. In Chidambaram abhishekam for the Lord on Thiruvadirai will be performed in a grand manner and the devotees will be given KALI as prasadam. Obtaining the prasadam, is attainment of bliss through the Lord.
Significance of the Arudra Darisanam Thiruvadirai Nakshatra Day(Tamilnadu)
All Shiva temples celebrated Thiruvadirai on December 27 2023, Wednesday. Shiva Devotees on Arudra Darshanam, would visit the temple of Lord Shiva and seek the blessings of Lord Nataraja (As Shiva is called in the temple town of Chidambaram). On the Thiruvadirai day, which usually comes in the month of margazhi , Lord Nataraja comes out in procession to give darshan to his devotees. In Sanskrit ‘Arthirai’ is called ‘Ardhra’ and the Thiruvathirai anointing ceremony is called Arudhra Abisheka and the Thiruvathirai viewing as Arudhra Darshan. It is held as a great achievement to view Nataraja’s procession in Chidambaram. In Chidambaram abhishekam for the Lord on Thiruvadirai will be performed in a grand manner and the devotees will be given KALI as prasadam. Obtaining the prasadam, is attainment of bliss through the Lord.
Story behind why Kali is given as Prasadham :
A Shiva Bhaktha named Sendanar, had the habit of eating food after offering naivedyam to the Lord and then distributing it among other devotees. He would eat only the leftover food. On the day of Thiruvadirai, due to constant bad weather he couldn’t get any essential items for preparing a proper meal and offering it to Shiva. He had no other option but to mix water with rice flour and prepare a mashed paste. Lord Shiva wanted to test his bhakti. He also wanted the people to know how sincere his devotee was to him. He disguised himself as a Shiva devotee and enjoyed what was given to him as food. And as he stood for a while in the Nataraja Sanctorum, he showered the Kali all over the premises, in recognition of his deep devotion. Everyone saw this as a miracle. Since that day of this miracle Kali is offered as prasadam to the Lord in the temple.
A Shiva Bhaktha named Sendanar, had the habit of eating food after offering naivedyam to the Lord and then distributing it among other devotees. He would eat only the leftover food. On the day of Thiruvadirai, due to constant bad weather he couldn’t get any essential items for preparing a proper meal and offering it to Shiva. He had no other option but to mix water with rice flour and prepare a mashed paste. Lord Shiva wanted to test his bhakti. He also wanted the people to know how sincere his devotee was to him. He disguised himself as a Shiva devotee and enjoyed what was given to him as food. And as he stood for a while in the Nataraja Sanctorum, he showered the Kali all over the premises, in recognition of his deep devotion. Everyone saw this as a miracle. Since that day of this miracle Kali is offered as prasadam to the Lord in the temple.
Legend Behind Arudhra darisanam :
Once when Maha Vishnu was lying down on the great Serpent Adhi sesha, Adhi sesha felt Maha Vishnu was quite heavy that time. He asked Maha Vishnu what was the reason. Maha Vishnu said that he was remembering and enjoying the Dance of Lord Shiva. The answer developed the desire in Adhi sesha to see the Great Dance of Lord Shiva. He asked Mahaa Vishnu how his desire could be fulfilled. Maha Vishnu asked him to go to Chidambaram and do penance. Adhi sesha went to Chidambaram and performed penance.
There was another muni and devotee of Lord Shiva in that place, called Vyaagra paadha. He prayed to God to get the paws of a tiger, so that he could pluck flowers early in the morning to offer to God, before any bee touches the flower. He was also praying to God to see His Great Dance for a long time. Pleased with his prayer the God appeared on the Thiruvathirai day and danced in Chidambaram. The Nataraja image of the Lord is prayed with great devotion this day. In Chidambaram and other temples it is celebrated as Arudraa dharshanam. In this festival abhisheka (holy anointing) of Lord Nataraja takes place early in the morning and then He comes around the town.
On the day of Arudra Darshanam a special Abhishekam is done to the Lord Nataraja along with his consort Sivakamasundari. Followed by a special Archana to the Lord Nataraja. Devotees would throng the temples to have the glimpse of Lord Nataraja on the day of Arudra Darshan. A fire ritual will also be performed in the temples to please Lord Shiva.
Chidambaram is considered as one of the five places that represent the Pancha Maha Bhoota sthalas ( Fire, Air, Water, Land and Sky). Chidambaram is the place that represents the Sky or Aakasam.
Once when Maha Vishnu was lying down on the great Serpent Adhi sesha, Adhi sesha felt Maha Vishnu was quite heavy that time. He asked Maha Vishnu what was the reason. Maha Vishnu said that he was remembering and enjoying the Dance of Lord Shiva. The answer developed the desire in Adhi sesha to see the Great Dance of Lord Shiva. He asked Mahaa Vishnu how his desire could be fulfilled. Maha Vishnu asked him to go to Chidambaram and do penance. Adhi sesha went to Chidambaram and performed penance.
There was another muni and devotee of Lord Shiva in that place, called Vyaagra paadha. He prayed to God to get the paws of a tiger, so that he could pluck flowers early in the morning to offer to God, before any bee touches the flower. He was also praying to God to see His Great Dance for a long time. Pleased with his prayer the God appeared on the Thiruvathirai day and danced in Chidambaram. The Nataraja image of the Lord is prayed with great devotion this day. In Chidambaram and other temples it is celebrated as Arudraa dharshanam. In this festival abhisheka (holy anointing) of Lord Nataraja takes place early in the morning and then He comes around the town.
On the day of Arudra Darshanam a special Abhishekam is done to the Lord Nataraja along with his consort Sivakamasundari. Followed by a special Archana to the Lord Nataraja. Devotees would throng the temples to have the glimpse of Lord Nataraja on the day of Arudra Darshan. A fire ritual will also be performed in the temples to please Lord Shiva.
Chidambaram is considered as one of the five places that represent the Pancha Maha Bhoota sthalas ( Fire, Air, Water, Land and Sky). Chidambaram is the place that represents the Sky or Aakasam.
Significance of the Dance of Lord Nataraja
Lord Nataraja’s dance is considered as a representation of the movement in all the particles. This movement in particles is the basis for the very existence of the universe. This movement is the source of all the energy and hence the cause for the universe to exist. The dance of Lord Nataraja represents the five vital activities namely “ Creation, Protection, Destruction, Release and Embodiment”.
Lord Nataraja is known as Sabesan, the Lord who dances. The posture of the idol of Lord Nataraja is with his left leg lifted and suppressing the demon of ego under his right feet. The right hand of Lord Nataraja is in the posture of Abhaya Hasta or the hand of protection to his devotees.
This form of the Lord Nataraja is known as the one who performs a still dance. It is believed that the power of Lord Shiva is at the nearest to the people of Earth on the Arudra Darshan day and hence devotees would throng the temple of Lord Nataraja on Arudra Darshan day. The night on which the Arudra Nakshatra or star is sighted has the longest night in the whole year. From the next day onwards, the day starts to get bigger thereby making the nights smaller.
Lord Nataraja’s dance is considered as a representation of the movement in all the particles. This movement in particles is the basis for the very existence of the universe. This movement is the source of all the energy and hence the cause for the universe to exist. The dance of Lord Nataraja represents the five vital activities namely “ Creation, Protection, Destruction, Release and Embodiment”.
Lord Nataraja is known as Sabesan, the Lord who dances. The posture of the idol of Lord Nataraja is with his left leg lifted and suppressing the demon of ego under his right feet. The right hand of Lord Nataraja is in the posture of Abhaya Hasta or the hand of protection to his devotees.
This form of the Lord Nataraja is known as the one who performs a still dance. It is believed that the power of Lord Shiva is at the nearest to the people of Earth on the Arudra Darshan day and hence devotees would throng the temple of Lord Nataraja on Arudra Darshan day. The night on which the Arudra Nakshatra or star is sighted has the longest night in the whole year. From the next day onwards, the day starts to get bigger thereby making the nights smaller.
Thiruvadirai Festival in Kerala
Thiruvathira is the nakshatra or “star” of Shiva as per the Malayalam calendar. It is believed that on this day, the Goddess Parvathi finally met Shiva after her long penance and Shiva took her as a saha-dharma chaarini (equal partner).
Thiruvathira star in the Malayalam month of Dhanu is regarded as the birthday of Lord Shiva. It is also believed that Goddess Parvathy joined him on this day after a long penance. The legend says that the Goddess could not influence the mind of Lord Shiva and took the help of Kamadeva, the god of desire. Kamadeva shot his arrow of flowers to Lord Shiva and changed his mindset. Shiva was meditating all this time and became angry when the arrows of flowers disturbed his mind. Furious Lord burned down Kamadeva into ashes and then he accepted Parvathy as his partner.
Thiruvathirakali or Kaikottikaliis a unique dance performed in Kerala on the auspicious day of Thiruvathira, the birthday of Lord Shiva. It is performed by women who seek blessings for eternal marital bliss. It falls in the Malayalam month of Dhanur (Margazhi)(December-January). This dance is said to have brought back Kamadeva to life too.
As per the belief prevailing in the state of Kerala, this happened on the Thiruvathira star of Malayalam month Dhanu and hence, the women started celebrating the festival of Thiruvathira. In central Kerala, people will make a special dish on that day called, “Thiruvathira Puzhukku” using raw banana, cowpeas (Black Eyed Peas), Chinese Potato (Koorkka), Greater Yam (Kachil), Yam and Colocasia. All these will cook well and then will mix with a paste of Green Chilly and Coconut. After mixing it will be heated for a while and pour a few teaspoons of coconut oil before letting it cool. This dish will be the main food on Thiruvathira day in central Kerala.
And ….. Do share your experiences with me too !!
Thiruvathira is the nakshatra or “star” of Shiva as per the Malayalam calendar. It is believed that on this day, the Goddess Parvathi finally met Shiva after her long penance and Shiva took her as a saha-dharma chaarini (equal partner).
Thiruvathira star in the Malayalam month of Dhanu is regarded as the birthday of Lord Shiva. It is also believed that Goddess Parvathy joined him on this day after a long penance. The legend says that the Goddess could not influence the mind of Lord Shiva and took the help of Kamadeva, the god of desire. Kamadeva shot his arrow of flowers to Lord Shiva and changed his mindset. Shiva was meditating all this time and became angry when the arrows of flowers disturbed his mind. Furious Lord burned down Kamadeva into ashes and then he accepted Parvathy as his partner.
Thiruvathirakali or Kaikottikaliis a unique dance performed in Kerala on the auspicious day of Thiruvathira, the birthday of Lord Shiva. It is performed by women who seek blessings for eternal marital bliss. It falls in the Malayalam month of Dhanur (Margazhi)(December-January). This dance is said to have brought back Kamadeva to life too.
As per the belief prevailing in the state of Kerala, this happened on the Thiruvathira star of Malayalam month Dhanu and hence, the women started celebrating the festival of Thiruvathira. In central Kerala, people will make a special dish on that day called, “Thiruvathira Puzhukku” using raw banana, cowpeas (Black Eyed Peas), Chinese Potato (Koorkka), Greater Yam (Kachil), Yam and Colocasia. All these will cook well and then will mix with a paste of Green Chilly and Coconut. After mixing it will be heated for a while and pour a few teaspoons of coconut oil before letting it cool. This dish will be the main food on Thiruvathira day in central Kerala.
And ….. Do share your experiences with me too !!
Storyteller Sharada Sampathkumar
