Thiruvathira festival falls on the auspicious day when the full moon day of
Margali is in the constellation of Arudra. Thiruvadtrai especially pertains
to Siva. It is worth remembering that Siva is otherwise known as Adirayan
and Arudran (destroyer of the evil forces). It was on Thiruvadirai day in
Margali that Siva rendered his cosmic dance in the presence of Uma.
Tiruvadira refers to one of the festivals of the Nambutiris. Thiruvathira
represents a Fast and vigil in honour of Siva, observed by women only. In
the month of Dhanu. The Nambutiri people form the socio-spiritual
aristocracy of Malabar, and, as the traditional landlords of Parasu Rama’s
land, they are everywhere held in great reverence.
Every year on the asterism Thiruvathira in the Malayalam of Dhanu
(December-January), the women of Kerala celebrate this festival by
worshipping Lord Shiva for over a period of 7 days to maintain marital
bliss and happiness.
Thiruvathirai (Arudhra) in Tamil means "sacred big wave", using which this
universe was created by Lord Shiva about 132 trillion years ago.
Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu, the Sri Nataraja temple's annual Festival, is
celebrated on this date. In the month of Makaram Thiruvathira Star is
celebrated in Mathira Peedika Devi Temple, owned by Thiruvithamcore
Devaswom Board, near Kadakkal in Kollam District of Kerala state.
Thiruvathira has a connection with lord moon.
Thiruvadirai - Arudra Darisanam is celebrated in a grand manner in 5 Sabhas
of Sri Natarajar namely 1) Kanakasabha (Gold) - at Chidambaram (Thillai or
Tillai), 2) Velli Sabhai (Silver) at Madurai, 3) Ratna Sabha (Ruby) at
Thiruvalangadu, 4) Tamrasabha (Copper) at Tirunelveli, 5) Chitrasabha
(Pictures) at Kutralam.
In Thillai Chidambaram 10 day Festival is held during Thiruvathirai. On the
9th day night (i.e., 10th day very early morning) Maha Abhishekam will be
done to Lord Nataraja and Goddess Sivakamasundari at Raja Sabhai at around
3 am. The MahaAbhishekam will be held for about 3–4 hours.
Then special Thiruvabaranam (Sacred Jewels) Alankaram, Rahasiya Pujai will
be done to Sri Natarajar. Pancha Murthi Thiruveethi Ula will be held at
around 12 pm Noon. Soon after Pancha Murthi Ula in the afternoon Lord
Nataraja and Goddess Sivakami will bless devotees with Aarudra Darisanam
and enter Kanaka Sabhai (Golden Sabha).
In Kerala, apart from the traditional concept of associating the festival
with Shiva’s birthday, there is another popular concept. We believe it's on
this night, Lord Shiva finally proposed to Goddess Parvathy after her
intense penance to win his heart. This act of divine proposal is associated
as pinnacle moment for the victory of eternal love and romance.
Lord Shiva burning Kamadeva and later revived to a formless god
Also, it's on this very night, Lord Shiva resurrected the life of Kama Deva
(Cupid) to a formless body (no visible body) after being pleased with
intense prayers of his wife- Rati. The resurrection of Kama deva and
proposal to Parvathy makes this night as the most special occasion
celebrating divine romance and marital bliss.
Due to these myths, Thiruvathira is often regarded as one of the most
special occasions for Hindu ladies and girls.
Rites and customs
Makayiram fasting by mothers and offering of Ettangadi (roasted tubular
vegetables) to Lord Shiva
In olden days, Thiruvathira celebrations start 7 days before the actual
day, from the night when Aswathi Star (Ashvini) rises on the horizon.
Ladies used for fast for 7 days with a regular set of poojas at home etc.
However, this is not observed today, as the celebrations have gradually
been reduced to a two and half day affair. The eve of Thiruvathira is
called Makayiram, named after Makayiram Star (Mrigashīrsha). Mothers fast
for longevity and success of their children in memory of the act of Goddess
Parvathy who fasted the safe return of her son- Karthikeya when the latter
went for war with Tarakasura. Married women who have difficulties in
conceiving also fast. They long for blessings in the form of a kid of their
own.
An old Malayalam movie song that features the first activities during
Thiruvathira, especially the famous Dhanumasakuli praising the glory of
Parvathy, Shiva and Kamadeva On the morning of Thiruvathira, girls who
attained puberty and ladies take an early morning bath before sunrise. As
per traditions of olden days when it used to be held in open ponds, it's
called Dhanumasakuli (The great bath of Dhanu) where ladies take a deep
bath applying turmeric and various exotic oils prior to the bath. So during
the bath, they sing traditional songs praising the sacrifices of Lord
Kamadeva and songs related to romance and then splash the water in a
rhythmic way called Thudi. As society changed, such bathing ceremonies
don’t exist commonly today. However, an early bath is still common for
Thiruvathira. Soon after the bath, married ladies apply Mylanchi
(Mehandi/Henna) on the hands of unmarried girls of the family. The fact
behind this ritual has a deeper significance. One such notion goes that the
darker the color of the Mehndi, the more her husband will love her. The 8
Tubular vegetables that make the famous Thiruvathira Puzhukku (a melange
dish) be taken for the day
Recipe for making Ettangadi and Thiruvathira Puzhukku
The whole day is regarded as fasting for ladies, so they don’t consume any
form of rice. Rather they take a special meal for the day, made with 8
different tubular vegetables. As the fasting for Thiruvathira starts from
the previous night for most of the ladies (as part of Makayiram fasting),
the first set of Thiruvathira meal is taken on the night of Makayiram by
roasting all these 8 vegetables and pulses on open fire/charcoal. The
roasted dish is called Ettangadi which will be served first to Lord Shiva
and Parvathi and then consumed by ladies of the house. The same dish will
also be served on the mornings of Thiruvathira as breakfast. For rest of
the day, they take a special meal called Thiruvathira Puzhukku, a melange
dish smashed 8 different tubular vegetables along with Koova Payasam
(Arrowroot pudding with jaggery), banana chips and steamed bananas along
with tender coconut water. This is based on a belief that Devi has offered
the above food to Shiva when he came as an old ascetic in disguise to test
her devotion prior to the proposal. As a custom, no one must sleep during
the afternoon, so ladies mostly engage in spiritual activities like singing
Thiruvathira songs mostly in praise of Shiva, Parvathy and Kamadeva.
A popular movie song on Thiruvathira night activities
The highlight of this festivities is the famous Thiruvathira dance done in
the evening.
The belief is that it was after sunset Lord Shiva proposed to Parvathy and
in the joy, Parvathy and her companions danced throughout the night
entertaining the lord. Also, it was during this performance, Parvathy
highlighted the greatness of Kamadeva in his sacrifice for the divine
union, by singing songs praising him. It was after listening to the songs,
Lord Shiva decided to revive Kamadeva and bless him.
Due to this belief, on this night, no one sleeps. While women prepare for
the dance, men assemble and sit throughout the night enjoying the
performance. However, it may not be strictly observed today.
Traditional Thiruvathirakali performances
10 flowers/herbs needed to adore on Thiruvathira night by ladies
The preparation for Thiruvathirakali is called Chamayam, reminiscent of
Parvathy’s preparation for the dance. Ladies take a bath soon after sunset,
collect 10 kinds of flowers (known as Dasapusham) which will be kept in any
Shiva temple’s premises. After the moon rises, the process of adoring these
flowers starts which is called Pathirapoochoodal (Adornment of Flowers at
midnight). These flowers represent the 10 passions as generated by Lord
Kamadeva (Cupid). The senior most lady of the house will take
Ashtamangalyam (the auspicious platter consisting of 8 items like Mirror,
Lamp etc) while other girls carry lamps and 108 betel leaves, areca nut and
lime. All these will be placed before the flowers and then each lady starts
adoring the flowers. Once the flowers are adorned, then the dance ritual
starts with performers form a circular pattern around the main lamp and
follow a circular movement around it clapping their hands. The songs are
mostly in praise of Shiva and Parvathy’s persistence to win Shiva’s love. A
majority are traditional Kathakali Padams (Songs used for Kathakali
performances), composed in Sopanam Music style.
The dance continues till early morning in batches of ladies, while those
who rest, normally cheer/encourage the dancers along with chewing betel
leaves (Pan). As a custom, one must chew 108 betel leaves throughout the
night. Men also don’t sleep, rather they too sit and enjoy the performances.
As a belief, the first Thiruvathira soon after marriage is the most sacred
and auspicious one. It's called a Poo Thiruvathira and the whole dance
process will be dedicated to the new groom of the house with the bride and
her relatives/companions celebrating the occasion.
HOW TIRUVADIRAI KALI CAME ABOUT?
In the 10th century CE, there was a woodcutter by name Senthan, who lived
near Chidambaram. Senthan was illiterate, and was an ardent devotee of the
Lord Shiva of Chidambaram. In Chidambaram, the Lord is in the form of
Nataraja, the dancing Shiva. Though poor, Senthan had the practice of
feeding a good meal to one devotee of Shiva every day. His means were
limited and he had a hand to mouth existence. His only income was from
felling and selling wood. Still, unless he fed one devotee of Shiva every
day Senthan would not rest. “Feeding a devotee of Shiva is equivalent to
feeding Lord Shiva himself” he used to say to himself. Fortunately, his
family supported his good deed and he had managed to carry on this practice
for years together without a break. Senthan’s life was going on peacefully.
One day in the month of Margazhi , early in the morning, unusually, there
was a heavy downpour. It was so heavy that very soon there was ankle deep
water everywhere. The rain did not stop and it went on drizzling the whole
day. Senthan went out to fell wood but the trees were all so wet. In spite
of the rain, Senthan managed to get some wood and brought them to the
market. He was in for a shock as people refused to buy wet wood. “Sentha,
you know we cannot use the wet wood in our stoves. How can we buy from
you?” they said. “Dry them up after the sun comes up and we shall buy
afterwards”.
They were perfectly right in not buying the wood. Who would buy wet wood?
Senthan was worried about his income that day. No sales meant no money, no
rice, provisions and fresh vegetables for the guests and no feeding of
devotees that day. “Please, please buy at least some wood today” was all
that he could plead with the people who were shopping for wood. He could
not tell them his worry of not being able to feed a devotee. His pleas were
of no avail as people went about to other shops who had stocked dry wood.
Depressed by the day’s events, Senthan went home with a heavy heart. It was
nearing late afternoon and there were not many people on the road due to
the continuous rain. He sat on the verandah of his house, contemplating on
how to keep up his vow. He had neither the provisions to cook for a devotee
nor a devotee to feed that day. He could not, but reconcile to the
situation by thinking that it was the Lord’s will indeed that his vow
should be broken. “I surrender to you O Lord” he mentally prayed. “If this
is your will, so be it”. He bowed down his head as if the Lord was in front
of him. As he raised his head, he saw a person clad in saffron, wearing the
Rudraksha beads, walking towards his house. The person’s face exuded
saintliness and radiance. It was as if he was some divine being. Senthan
was, for a moment overjoyed, that he got a person to feed, but the very
next moment, remembered that there was no rice in the house to cook. He
was in a dilemma, as to what to do. By that time, the saintly person had
reached the verandah of Senthan’s house.
In a deep and melodious voice he spoke, “I have been travelling all day
long and I have a long way to go. Could I get something to eat?” Senthan
was trembling with joy. “Of course, Holy Sir! It is my privilege to feed
you. Please, please do come in” The words had come out of his mouth
involuntarily. As he gave the person water to wash his feet, Senthan’s
logical mind came to the front. “What are you going to feed him Sentha?” it
said. “You know very well there is not even a grain of rice at home” As if
reading Senthan’s mind, the holy person said, “I am not particular about
rice, my friend. I will happily partake whatever you give me. All I want is
some food”. Nodding his head in a hurry, Senthan rushed in to see if
anything was available in the kitchen. His eyes fell on the small quantity
of Ragi flour kept in a corner of a shelf and some little bit of jaggery in
a small vessel. Coconuts, being grown almost in all houses, used to be
available in the house always. After making his guest comfortable and
giving him water to drink, Senthan quickly whipped up a sweet dish with the
ragi flour, jaggery and coconut scrapings, the dish had the consistency of
thick halwa and could be shaped into balls. It was called “kali”
(pronunciation – ‘Ka’ as in cup and ‘Li’ as in liquid – though the exact
‘l’ sound is not available in English language) Praying to Lord Shiva to
forgive him for not feeding rice and a full meal, Senthan offered this
“kali” to the guest with great hesitation. The guest was so happy consuming
the dish and kept telling Senthan that the dish was extremely tasty so much
so that he wanted some of it to be packed for his dinner! “I love this
tasty preparation of yours. If something is still left, can you pack it for
me so that I can eat it on my way for dinner?” said he. Senthan was
overjoyed and packed the remaining “kali” in a banana leaf using a thread
made of banana fibre and gave it to the saintly guest.
The guest thanked Senthan and went his way. The next day was the star
of Ardra and early in the morning, there would be special worship to Lord
Shiva at Chidambaram as in all Shiva temples. As the priests opened the
doors of the sanctum of Chidambaram, they were shocked to see “kali” strewn
around on the floor. Bits of “kali” were also sticking to the murti’s mouth
and hand and there was a contented smile on Lord Shiva’s face. The priests
were aghast at this happening. Never was “kali” considered fit to be served
to the Lord and never had it been served ever in the temple. So it was a
mystery to all as to how this had happened in the locked temple. The
harried priests immediately informed King Gandaraditya Chola who was also a
great devotee of Lord Shiva. Gandaraditya was the second son of Parantaka
Chola I of the Chola dynasty, who succeeded his father in 950 CE.
Gandaraditya was himself a great devotee of Lord Shiva of Chidambaram. So
was his queen Sembian Mahadevi.
In fact Gandaraditya was a very reluctant ruler and was more of a
saint that he gave up his throne to his brother Arinjaya Chola within a few
years of becoming King, so that he could pursue religious activities full
time. It is said that in the everyday worship of Lord Shiva at his palace,
at the end of the worship, Gandaraditya used to hear a soft tinkle of the
Lord Nataraja’s anklets as a mark of the Lord’s presence there. This
particular day the King did not hear the sound and was quite concerned as
to whether something went wrong in his worship. He went to sleep with this
thought nagging in his mind. Early that morning, Gandaraditya had a dream
in which Lord Shiva had appeared and told him that He had gone to Senthan’s
house to eat “kali” and therefore was not present in the palace the
previous evening. The King was wondering who this Senthan was and what was
the “kali” Lord Shiva was referring to. Just then, this news of ‘kali’
strewn in the sanctum of the Lord came in. As soon as he heard the news ,
the King, overwhelmed, rushed to the temple. He was overjoyed at the sight
of the “kali” strewn all over. Describing his dream to the priests he asked
eagerly, “Where is the great Senthan? I want to see him. He has fed the
Lord with his own hands”
The priests were dumbfounded at the King’s revelation but they also
did not know who this Senthan was. The King sent his guards into the town
to find out about Senthan and came to know that Senthan had gone to witness
the procession of the chariot (Ther in Tamil) of Nataraja which was
scheduled to start shortly. The King, priests and guards rushed to the
place where the chariot was ready for the procession but could not locate
Senthan as there was a huge crowd. . As they were wondering what to do
next, the time for pulling the chariot was nearing and as was the custom,
the King also went to hold the sturdy rope with the help of which the
‘Ther’ would be drawn. Little did he realise that Senthan was also holding
the same rope behind him. Pull as they might, the chariot would not move
even a millimeter, as the wheel of the chariot got stuck in the muddy
ground as a result of the heavy rain the previous day.
Suddenly, a booming voice was heard from the sky (Ashareeri).
“Sentha”, the voice commanded, “sing Pallandu for me and the Ther will
move”. The voice was heard by all, loud and clear and all the people in the
crowd were looking as to who this ‘Senthan’ was. Senthan himself was
shocked at his name booming from the sky, but he was very sure that it was
not he who was being addressed. “I am an illiterate. So it must be some
other Senthan in the crowd who is being addressed”, he thought to himself.
As if to respond to his thoughts, the voice boomed again, “You are the
person Sentha! Focus on me and you will sing!” Senthan immediately realised
that it was his Shiva who was commanding him. He closed his eyes and
meditated on the beautiful form of Nataraja and poetry flowed out of his
mouth as a river would flow from its origin! He, who had not even studied
an alphabet, sang thirteen verses of the “Pallandu” in chaste Tamil.
“Pallandu” is a song of blessing. In this song, Senthan has had the
privilege to bless the Lord of the Universe thirteen times in the thirteen
verses. Gandaraditya, who had recognized Senthan by then, was overcome with
joy and respect and wanted to be blessed by him. Lord Shiva, had once again
showcased the devotion of an ordinary person, to the world, to reinforce
the fact that to Him all are equal. And ‘kali’ became an offering to Lord
Shiva on Ardra Darshan day!!
SONGS OF KERALA AND METHOD OF MAKING PULUKKU
1 https://youtu.be/WG_XayFtRsE
2 https://youtu.be/1JAYrqwtMe0
3 https://youtu.be/SoDYlq6K0sk
4 https://youtu.be/UhWFB_-08xI
5 https://youtu.be/fviqtSugAJY
6 https://youtu.be/yiBfVKP_st8
7 https://youtu.be/UGJ3FDz1EX8 ow to do kali puzhukku
K Rajaram IRS 13125
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: 'gopala krishnan' via iyer123 <[email protected]>
Date: Mon, 13 Jan 2025 at 08:02
Subject: [iyer123] THIRUVATHIRA- ARUDRA DARSAN
To: Iyer <[email protected]>
THIRUVATHIRA OR ARUDRA DARSHAN 2025
Dear friends,
Today is Thiruvathira celebration. The way it is celebrated in Kerala and
Tamilnadu has slight variation. Pathira poo chootal and Thiruvathira kali
are not given much importance in Tamilnadu. The following is a forward about
Thiruvathira celebrations in Tamilnadu. Hope a divine reading.
Gopalakrishnan 13-1-2025
Thiruvathira or Arudra Darshan 2025 in Tamil Date, Time and Shubh Muhurat:
How To Observe Thiruvathirai Viratham? Follow 7-Step Puja Vidhi To
Celebrate of Lord Shiva's Cosmic Dance
Arudra Darshan is a powerful and spiritually enriching festival dedicated
to Lord Shiva, offering devotees an opportunity to connect with the divine
energies of the universe.
Festivals & Events Meera| Jan 12, 2025 04:38 PM IST
Arudra Darshan
Thiruvathira or Arudra Darshan, a significant Tamil festival, is dedicated
to Lord Shiva and is observed on the day of Arudra Nakshatram, also known
as Thiruvaathirai Nakshatram, during the Maargazhi Masam. This day is
considered highly auspicious as it coincides with the Pournami (Full Moon),
enhancing its spiritual significance.
Thiruvathira 2025 date falls on January 13. For many devotees, Arudra
Darshan marks the celebration of Lord Shiva’s divine Nataraja form, and it
is believed to be the day of Lord Shiva's cosmic birth. This is in contrast
to the Maha Shivaratri festival, which is considered Lord Shiva’s birthday
in other parts of India.
Thiruvathira or Arudra Darshan 2025 Date & Shubh Muhurat
In 2025, Arudra Darshan will fall on Monday, January 13, with Thiruvathirai
Nakshathram beginning at 11:24 AM on January 12 and concluding at 10:38 AM
on January 13.
Arudra Darshan Significance & Importance
Arudra Darshan holds special importance as it honours Lord Shiva in his
Nataraja form, symbolising the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and
destruction. The festival is a time for devotees to connect with the divine
energy of Lord Shiva and reflect on the eternal cycle of the universe. This
celebration is particularly special in Tamil culture, where it is believed
that Lord Shiva performed the Ananda Tandava, a celestial dance, to reveal
the secrets of the universe. The dance signifies the continuous flow of
creation, preservation, and destruction in the cosmic order.
Thiruvathira Puja Vidhi
The rituals for Thiruvathira are conducted early in the morning and follow
a traditional procedure to honour Lord Shiva. Here’s a detailed guide to
the steps involved in the celebration:
Step 1: Morning Preparations
Devotees begin the day with a holy bath before sunrise, which is believed
to purify the body and soul. Fasting, whether partial or complete, is also
a customary practice on this day to aid in spiritual purification.
Step 2: Setting Up the Altar
In homes and temples, a sacred altar is prepared with an idol or image of
Lord Shiva, preferably in the Nataraja form. The altar is decorated with
fresh flowers, and oil lamps are lit to honour the deity, creating an
atmosphere of devotion and reverence.
Step 3: Abhishekam (Holy Bath)
In temples, priests perform Abhishekam, where the idol of Lord Nataraja is
bathed with a variety of sacred substances such as milk, honey, curd, ghee,
coconut water, and rose water. Each of these items has its symbolic
significance:
Milk symbolizes purity.
Honey represents sweetness and compassion.
Curd signifies nourishment.
Ghee embodies strength and clarity.
Coconut water symbolises fertility and growth.
Rose water is a symbol of love and beauty.
Step 4: Chanting Sacred Mantras
Priests and devotees chant mantras, with the Om Namah Shivaya mantra being
particularly prominent. This powerful mantra is believed to invoke
blessings from Lord Shiva and radiate positive energy.
Step 5: Offering Prayers and Rituals
A common offering during Arudra Darshan is the Bilva leaf, which holds
great importance in Hindu rituals. Devotees also present fruits, sweets,
and incense sticks as prayers for peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
Step 6: Reciting Shiva Stotras
Devotees recite sacred texts such as the Shiva Tandava Stotra, Shiva
Sahasranama, and other Shiva hymns to honour Lord Nataraja. These hymns
describe his cosmic dance and the universe's creation and dissolution. The
recitations are considered acts of reverence and meditation.
Step 7: Observing the Fast
Many devotees choose to observe a full-day fast as part of their offering.
The fast is typically broken at sunset with sattvic food, symbolising
discipline, self-control, and respect toward the divine.
Arudra Darshan is deeply intertwined with several mythological stories that
highlight Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance. One of the most celebrated legends
tells the story of Lord Shiva performing the Ananda Tandava at the
Chidambaram Temple in Tamil Nadu. In this legend, Lord Shiva reveals his
cosmic form and performs the dance to show the gods, including Vishnu and
Brahma, the rhythms of creation and dissolution. His dance signifies the
ceaseless cycle of life and death, creation and destruction, that governs
the universe.
Another story revolves around Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva’s consort, who
asked him to reveal his cosmic dance. On the day of Arudra Darshan, Lord
Shiva granted her wish, showcasing his divine dance. This tale emphasises
devotion, surrender to the divine, and the blessings that come with true
faith and humility.
Arudra Darshan is a powerful and spiritually enriching festival dedicated
to Lord Shiva, offering devotees an opportunity to connect with the divine
energies of the universe. The rituals, prayers, and legends associated with
this day serve as reminders of the cosmic balance that governs life and the
universe. It is a time for devotees to reflect on their spiritual journey,
seek Lord Shiva’s blessings, and honour the eternal rhythm of creation,
preservation, and destruction that he embodies through his Nataraja form.
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