Significance of Aarudhra Darshan and Thiruvadhirai Festival

ந்ருத்த மூர்த்தி தியானம் ஏகாஸ்யம் து சதுர்புஜம் த்நயனம் வாேம து துர்ரகம் சந்த்ரம் பத்ரசிகிப்ரஸாத கரம் ேசார்த்வம் பதம் சிதம் | ஸவ்ேய ஸ்வஸ்திக டலம் டமருகம் கங்கா அபேய பிப்ரதம் வந்ேத கீர்ணஜடம் நேடசமநிசம் அபஸ்மாரேதேஹஸ் திதம் ||

சிவகாமந்த தியானம் சக்திம் ச த்விபுஜாம் ஸு லம்பிதகராம் நீேலாத்பலம் பிப்ரதீம் சியாமாபாம் ச த்விேநத்ர சாருவதனாம் ப்ரத்யக்ரவணஸ்தனீ ம்ீ | நானாஷண ேஹம ர த்ன ம டாம் ேகேசன க்தாம் ப ெஜ ேதவம்ீ தாட வ மூர்த்திநா ச ஸஹிதாம் ெகௗரீம் ஸுபத்மஸ்திதாம் ||

Nruththamurthy (Lord Nataraja) Dyaanam Ekaasyam thu chaturbhujam thrinayanam vame thu durdhoorakam Chandram pathra sikiprasaarithakaram chordwam padam kunchitham | Savye swastika kundalam damarukam gangaabaye bibhratham Vande keernajatam natesamanisham apasmaaradehesthitam ||

Shivakaama Sundari Dyanaam Shakthim cha dwibujaam su lambhithakaraam neelothpalam bibhratheem Shyaamabhaam cha dwinethra chaaru vadanaam prathyagra veenasthaneem | Naanaa bhushana hema ratna makutaam kesena yukthaam bhaje Deveem thandavamurthinaa cha sahitaam gowreem supadmasthithaam ||

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Aarudhra Darshan is an important Hindu festival celebrated on the full moon day of the Tamil month Margazhi (மார்கழி) or Dhanurmasa (December – January). This full moon day coincides with the ‘Thiruvadhirai’ or “Aarudhra’ star, considered to be a favourite day for Lord Nataraja – Lord of Dance (1) (Shiva). It is an important festival to ‘Saivites.’ This star could be seen in the North-West skies and it sparkles like a ruby in bright red colour.

Aarudhra Darshan, Aarudhra vratam or Thiruvadhirai Nonbu, Kaikottikali dances, Pathirappoochoodal, Festival of Black-paste or Krshna-gandha-utsava, Thiruvadhirai Kali and Ezhukari Koottu are linked to this festival.

Aarudhra Darshan or Thiruvathira Festival ஆருத்ரா தசனம் / திருவாதிைர உத்ஸவம்

From puranas we learn that on this holy day Lord Shiva performed the blissful cosmic dance in front of his ardent devotees – Saints Pathanchali, Vyagrapadha and Adisesha (Lord Adisesha is the five headed serpent on whose body Lord Vishnu lays down). The subjects of Lord Shiva also witnessed this dance. They wanted to celebrate this day as ‘Aarudhra Darsanam’ or cosmic dance (2) of Lord Nataraja. They wanted to seek the grace of the Lord for protecting the cosmos with his grace.

As per another tradition, on this day, Lord Shiva gave darshan to saint Manickavasakar on the completion of his recital of Thiruvempaavai. In Perur of Melai Chidambaram, Lord Shiva is believed to have given darshan to Kamadhenu (the divine cow of plenty) on this day. To comemmorate this, in the early morning abhishek is commenced on the image of Shiva and the ceremony continues till day-break when the lord gives darshan to the cow.

In Kerala, this day is celebrated as Thiruvathira Festival. There are many stories regarding the origin of this festival. It is said to be the day on which lord Shiva agreed to become the husband of goddess Parvati, as a reward for her severe penance. Another version is that Thiruvathira festival is celebrated in commemoration of the death of Kamadeva, the mythological god of love. Yet another version is that Thiruvathira is considered to be favourite day of Lord Shiva. Special pujas are offered to the deity on this day. Kerala celebrate this festival by worshipping Lord Shiva for over a period of 7 days to maintain marital bliss and happiness. In temples, Thiruvathirai festival celebration spread over a period up to two weeks. Events includes special abhishekams, poojas, harathi, special Arudhra Darshan, deities procession, recitation of holy hymns from Thiruvempaavai, Thirupalliyezhuchi, Saandu (Black Paste) servai, Natanam, Oodal uthsavam, Maanickavasagar uthsavam, Sandippu Utsavam, Brahmotsavam and so on.

Kaikottikali dances and Pathirappoochoodal ைகெகாட்டிக்களி நடனம் மற்றும் பாதிரப்சூடல்

The midnight worshipping of Lord Shiva with flowers, fruits and garlands is another important ritual, which involves performances of Thiruvathira kali or Kaikottikali dances. The custom called Pathirappoochoodal, wearing flowers at midnight and dancing and clapping around lighted brass lamp at the rhythm of popular and devotional Kathakali songs and Tiruvathira songs is mainly common among the Namboodiris and Amblavasis (temple servants) and Bairs ladies.

The ladies also get immense pleasure from Oonjalattom, that is, swinging on an oonjal (swing) tied to bamboo sticks. This is a special item of amusement associated with festival of Thiruvathira in Kerala.

Folk dance and folk music performances are a common sight in different parts of Kerala, during the Thiruvathira celebrations.

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Glory of Aarudhra Vratam or Thiruvadhirai Nonbu ஆருத்ரா விரதம் / திருவாதிைர ேநான்பு

Skanda puranam describes about this Aarudhra vratam. When the sun shines in the dhanur rasi that is in the month of margazhi, in the day of thiruvadhirai for which rudra is the devata, this vratam is observed.

One gets up early in the morning on this Thiruvadhirai day and salutes the Dancing Lord. Again after taking bath goes to the abode of Lord Shiva and worship the southern face of Shiva Linga by abhishekam and offerings, lights up the ghee lamps to illuminate the abode. Observe fasting for the whole day.

Munychakechar, Vyagrapadhar and the serpent karkotakan observed this vratam and saw the blissful dance of the Lord. Saint Vyagrapadhar got austerous Upamanyu as his son. A brahman called Vipular observing this vratam went to kailash with the body by a splendid divine carrier and returned back. Later he got liberation. As the Lord is dancing blissfully and gracefully on this day this vratam is considered quite auspicious to please the God.

Observance of Thiruvadhira Nonbu is kept by the women folk of Kerala on this auspicious day, with the prayer to get good husband. They discard rice meals and consume only plantains, fruits and tender coconut. Puthenthiruvathira or Poothiruvathira is the first Thiruvathira of a girl after her marriage and it is celebrated on a grand scale with much pomp and grandeur. During this festival, a dance form called Thiruvathirakali is performed.

The Festival of Black-paste: Krshna-gandha-utsava (3) சந்தனம் மற்றும் வாசைன சாந்து உத்ஸவம்

The procedure to be adopted in conducting the Black-paste festival is found in the text, Kriya- krama- dyotika by Aghora Sivacharya. This text is most popular in Tamilnadu and is followed by a large number of temples. It is also dated in the later Chola period in 1158 CE. The author gives the saka era of the composition of the text and furnishes good examples of festivals prevalent in later Chola period when the images of Siva Nataraja were very popular. The association of black-paste with Nataraja in this festival assumes significance. The black-paste festival and the festival of Cosmic dancer are part of and identical with one and the same festival, according to the text.

The Kaaranaagama gives the process of preparing the black paste and also the reason why the festival is conducted. Sandal paste and thick agaru paste should be mixed with Jaggry in proportion. The mixture should be placed in a brass vessel and heated up. A lid should be placed over the vessel and the smoke arising from the burnt mixture should be collected in the lid. This should be mixed with cow's ghee and made into the Black-paste for use in the festival.

Thiruvadhirai Kali and Ezhukari Koottu (4) திருவாதிைர களி மற்றும் ஏழு காய் கனிகளுடன் கூடிய கூட்டு

During the Aarudhra / Thiruvadhirai festival, in the house holds, people clean and decorate their houses. They will draw big ‘kolams’ before the entrance of their house and tie festoons. They will also perform pooja to Lord Shiva. They will offer a kind of sweet pudding called ‘Thiruvathirai kali’ and multi vegetable dish/savoury (Ezhukari kootu) to Lord Shiva. The members of the house will also recite devotional holy hymns from “Thevaram”, “Thiruvasagam” and “Thiruvempaavai”. The guests will be offered basmam, kumkum, turmeric, betel leaves (tamboolam) etc. Kali with Ezhukari koottu will be served to one and all.

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ஆருத்ரா தியானம் ருத்ர: ஸ்ேவதவ்ருஷாரூட: ஸ்ேவதமால்யஸ்சதுர்புஜ: | சூல கட்க அபயவரான் ததாேனா ேம ப்ரஸீ தது ||

மந்திரம் ஆர்த்ரயா ருத்ர: ப்ரதமானேயதி | ஸ்ேரஷ்ேடா ேதவானாம் பதிரக்னியானாம் | ந க்ஷ த்ர ம ஸ்ய ஹ விஷா விேதம | மான:ப்ர ஜாங்ரீஷ ன்ேமாத வரான்ீ ||

Aarudhra Dyaanam Rudhrah swethavrushaarudah swethamaalyaschatur bhujah | Shula katga abhayavraan thadano mey praseedatu ||

Mantram Ardhraya rudhrah prahtama na yethi | Shresto devaanaam pathiragniyaanaam | Nakshatramasya havisha videma | manah prajaangriirishanmothaveeraan ||

Foot Notes:

(1) Lord Shiva Represent Nataraja Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance is represented as ‘Nataraja’ (Lord of dance). The cosmic dance is known as dance of bliss (Anandha Thandava). Lord Shiva performs five most important functions to keep the world alive. They include creation, protection, destruction, embodiment and saving with grace. Lord Nataraja’s cosmic dance pose represents all these five activities – the hourglass shaped drum held in his upper right hand by the Lord represents the function ‘creation’; the second right hand gesture symbolising ‘fear not’ represents ‘protection’; the fire held in the upper left hand represents ‘destruction’; the second left hand points towards raised foot signifies liberation from successive birth; the foot planted on the earth represents Lord’s ‘embodiment’ function; and finally the foot held aloft also symbolises the ‘grace’. The dwarf demon lies at the bottom of the planted foot signifies ignorance. The flames surrounding the lord represent the universe. The snake found around the Lord’s waist signifies yogic energy (kundalini or prana-sakthi). The cosmic dance form of Lord Nataraja represents the continuous cycle of creation of soul, protection of soul, destruction of soul, embodiment of soul and liberation of the soul from successive birth. Lord Nataraja dances with his consort Devi Sivakami.

(2) Cosmic Dance Aarudhra or Thiruvaadhirai is considered as favourite nakshathram of Lord Nataraja, though the Lord never takes birth. He appeared to the holy saints Pathanchali and Vyaagrapaadha on this day. Legends have it that, once when Mahaa Vishnu was lying down on the great serpent Adhisesha, Adhisesha felt Mahaa Vishnu was quite heavy that time. He asked Mahaa Vishnu what was the reason. Mahaa Vishnu said that he was remembering and enjoying the Dance of Lord Shiva. The answer developed the desire in Adhisesha to see the Great Dance of Lord Shiva. He asked Mahaa Vishnu how his desire could be fulfilled. Mahaa Vishnu asked him to go to Chidambaram and do "tapas". Adhisesha came to Chidambaram and prayed the Lord for a long time. There was another muni and devotee of Lord Shiva in that place, called Vyaagra paadha. He prayed to God to get the legs of tiger, so that he can pluck flowers early in the morning to offer to the God, before any bee touches the flower. He was also praying God to see His Great Dance for a long time. Pleased with their prayer the God appeared on the Thiruvaadhirai day and danced in Chidambaram. Hence the Nataraja image of the Lord is prayed with great devotion on this day.

Five Holy Halls (Sabais) of Lord Nataraja The five holy shrines of Lord Nataraja (i.e., Lord Shiva) temple are located in five places in Tamil Nadu. Thiruvelankadu, Rathna sabai (Hall of Ruby), Chidambaram, Kanaka sabai (hall of Gold) Madurai, Rajitha sabai (Hall of silver), Thirunelveli, Thamira sabai (Hall of copper), Courtralam, Chitra sabai (Hall of Artistic work).

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(3) Black-paste: Krshna-gandha The Kaaranaagama says that all living beings are covered with three kinds of impurities the aanava (egoism), kanmam (past actions), and maaya (innate) and these are further classified into gross and subtle impurities. The gross impurity, mainly the egoistic impurity is placed at the feet of the guru while the other subtle ones are placed at the feet of the Dancing God. The Black-paste represents the impurities wailing the living beings. Dancing Lord Siva removes the impurities. Siva performs the dance (Tandava) for protecting the world and he dances assuming the Aghora form. After the removal of black-paste, the deity given ritual bath - snapana, the Nrtta-festival is conducted. The application of Black-paste and its removal are parts of the Nrtta festival and symbolize the removal of mala. The mala is ignorance out of which the impurities arise. The ignorance is like a demon and deserves to be wiped out and that is what the Lord does while dancing. The apasmara at the feet of the Lord personifies this ignorance. As the removal of ignorance is a terrific-ghora phenomenon, the Lord assumes the Aghora form. The Nrtta performed by Siva is called the Aghora dance. Worship is therefore performed to the south facing Aghora face of the mula Linga. The devotees will stand, looking into the southern face of Linga. The elimination of the black-paste itself is Nrtta says this Agama thus pointing out that processional festivals conducted in temples are based on this philosophy. A point of interest is that Nataraja is called Nrtta-naayaka.

(4) Thiruvadhirai Kali and Ezhukari Koottu It is a classical combination made for the Thiruvadhirai Festival. Thiruvadhirai Kali being rice powder cooked with Jaggery. Ezhukari Koottu or kuzhambu is prepared with seven different vegetables.

Ingredients for kali are : Raw rice, jaggery, coconut, cardamom, cashews, and ghee. Roast rice until red. Wash rice and grind into a coarse meal, like rava. Roast cashews in a tsp of ghee until golden brown. Set aside. In a pan, heat water and dissolve jiggery. Once dissolved, add coconut, ground rice powder and a tsp of ghee. Mix well and transfer to another vessel. Pressure cook this for 2 whistles. When done, cool and fluff. Mix roasted cashew nuts and ground elaichi / cardamom.

Ingredients for Ezhukari kootu or kuzhambu are: Seven or more variety of sweet root vegetables (like sweet potato, potato, red pumpkin, white pumpkin, plantain, peas, lima beans, green beans, runner beans, cluster beans etc.) Tamarind paste, Turmeric powder, Asafetida, Toor dal, Channa dal, Mustard seeds, coriander seeds, curry leaves, chilies, oil, salt. Pressure cook dal with a pinch of turmeric powder. In a big pot, mix vegetables, tamarind paste, turmeric powder, salt with enough water and boil until the vegetables have cooked and tamarind does not smell raw. Combine the ground paste and cooked dal and bring it to a boil. Allow this to boil on a low flame for 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning as required. In a small pan, het oil, splutter mustard seeds and add some curry leaves. Add this to kootu along with cilantro and asafetida.

Serve kali with ezhukari koottu to one and all to celebrate this great joy of seeing the dance of Lord Shiva on Thiruvadhirai festival.

Courtesy: M R Ravi Vaidyanaat Agama Academy / ஆகம ைமயம் Visit: www.agamaacademy.org

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