Arudra Darshan is a festival observed by Lord Shiva devotees in South India. It is dedicated to Nataraja and is celebrated in the Tamil month of Margazhi on the day of Pournami (full moon) coupled with Thiruvadirai Nakshatra. It is believed that Shiva performed the dance of bliss, the Ananda Tandava, and is called Arudra Darshan. It is also said that it is the longest night of the year.
Arudra Darshan falls on January 13, 2025, with the Arudra Nakskatram starting at 11:24 am on January 12 and ending at 10:38 am on January 13. Continue reading to know the significance of this festival.
What Is Arudra Darshan?
Arudra is an important star (Nakshatra) in Hindu astrology and plays an important role in this festival. There are 27 stars in the Hindu calendar, and the Arudra star shines brightly when it coincides with the full moon day in the Margazi Tamil month. It is believed that Lord Shiva took the form of Nataraja and did the Ananda Tandava on this day, and hence, it is considered sacred.
Many Shaivaites link this day to Mahashivaratri, and this festival is a way to honor and celebrate Lord Shiva's cosmic dance. The lord is in the Nataraja (dance) form when he does this cosmic dance. Arudra is a star in the constellation with a golden-red flame. It is believed that Shiva dances in the shape and form of this light. Another belief is that Nataraja was born on this day, and hence, Abhishekam is performed on this day, and a special offering to Kali is offered.
Cosmic dance is not only a physical expression but also denotes the subtle vibrations that nurture, create, preserve, destroy, release, and embody the universe. The dance shows movement in every minuscule particle and is the reason for the existence of this universe. It is depicted as the ultimate energy and shows the never-ending cycle featuring the five major activities called the Pancha Kriya.
Lord Shiva, in the Nataraja form, is shown with his left leg raised and his right foot crushing a demon of ignorance. This highlights His mastery of desires, evil, and air. His right palm is in Abaya Hasta, which signifies that he is protecting His devotees. He is believed to have control over the five elements of the universe where His Damaru symbolizes space, His resting foot represents earth, the Ganges flowing from His hair signifies water, the pot of flame in His hand embodies fire, and His flowing hair signifies air.
As per sacred texts, Lord Shiva's power reaches his devotees on the Arudra Darshan day. Those who pray to Shiva on this day are blessed with good health, fortune, success, protection against enemies, and the bad effects of past Karma.
Legend Of Arudra Darshan
There is a great story related to this auspicious day. Once, Lord Vishnu was resting on Adi Shesha, his five-hooded serpent. The serpent had unusual discomfort and felt that the lord was weighing heavier than on other days. However, he did not want to disturb Lord Vishnu and waited for the Lord to wake up and tell him about his discomfort. Adi Shesha wanted to know why he felt so. Lord Vishnu said he was contemplating Lord Shiva’s divine dance in Nataraja form.
Upon hearing this, the serpent wanted to witness this dance and expressed his wish to Vishnu. With His guidance, Adi Shesha went to Chidambaram to do a rigid penance.
Meanwhile, saint Vyagrapada was also in deep penance in Chidambaram for the same reason. He wore the feet of a tiger to protect against honey bee stings when he collected flowers for his pooja to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva, pleased by the rigorous penance of Vyagrapada and Adi Shesha, appeared before them and gave them a boon. Both expressed their wish to witness the performance of Shiva’s cosmic dance. Shiva obliged and performed the dance of bliss or Ananda Tandav in Nataraja form to fulfill their wish. It is believed that Nataraja did this dance on Thiruvadhirai day and hence called the Arudra Darshan.
On this auspicious day, Lord Shiva devotees wake up early in the morning and take a bath. They observe a fast as it is believed to be auspicious. A ghee lamp is lit, and a pooja is performed for the deity at home. After this, they visit the Shiva temple to pay their respect and witness the Homa (fire ritual) and Abhishekam in His honor. The Abhishekam is done with items like milk, fruits, coconut water, curd, honey, etc. Temples also conduct the Divine marriage of Shiva and Parvati.
Once the wedding is completed, the idols are placed in the Temple courtyard, and a dance performance is held. Seeing this dance is believed to be auspicious and bestows prosperity and happiness to devotees. Legends of Lord Shiva are narrated in some temples as a discourse on this day.
It is believed that Lord Shiva is nearest to the people on Earth on this day, and hence, His devotees throng Lord Nataraja's temples.
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