Thiruvathira 2025: Arudra Darisanam tithi, significance, rituals and celebrations

Arudra Darisanam 2025

• Arudra Darisanam Date: January 13, 2025
• Pournami Tithi begins: 5:03 am, January 13, 2025
• Pournami Tithi ends: 3:56 am, January 14, 2025

Significance of Arudra Darisanam

This festival is a profound expression of devotion to Lord Shiva, celebrating his cosmic dance that symbolises the cyclical nature of creation, preservation, and destruction. Known as the Thiruvadhirai Vrata or Arudra Darshana Vrata, this observance is one of the eight primary fasting rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva. It holds immense significance, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where it is celebrated with great zeal.

According to Hindu mythology, on the day of Thiruvadhirai, Lord Shiva performed his divine dance, the ‘Ananda Tandava,’ at Chidambaram, a sacred temple town. This cosmic event was witnessed by the devoted Adisesha (the serpent king) and Vyaghrapada (a sage), who had prayed fervently to behold this divine spectacle. The festival commemorates this celestial event, and devotees across the globe honour Lord Nataraja with devotion.

Arudra Darisanam rituals and celebrations

Morning Worship and Abhishekam

Devotees begin the day with a ritualistic bath, followed by prayers to Lord Shiva. They visit temples to witness the Abhishekam, where Lord Nataraja’s idol is ceremonially bathed in milk, curd, honey, and other sacred substances. Temples are adorned with ghee lamps, creating an ethereal and divine atmosphere.

Offerings and delicacies

Special offerings, including Kali (a sweet dish made with rice, jaggery, and lentils) and Thalakam (a traditional multi-vegetable curry), are prepared. These dishes hold symbolic significance and are distributed among devotees as prasad.

Processions and fasting

A grand procession of Lord Nataraja’s idol takes place, accompanied by devotional songs and traditional dance performances. Devotees observe a day-long fast, abstaining from food and water, as a mark of reverence.

The fast is broken the following day after morning worship, culminating in a shared meal with fellow devotees, fostering unity and spiritual togetherness.

Arudra Darisanam serves as a reminder of the cosmic balance and the eternal cycles of life represented by Lord Shiva’s dance. It emphasises the triumph of good over evil and the interconnectedness of all creation.

For devotees, participating in this festival is an opportunity to immerse themselves in divine energy, strengthen their faith, and experience the blissful presence of Lord Nataraja.

Thiruvathira is not just a festival but a profound spiritual experience for devotees. Through fasting, prayer, and participation in temple rituals, devotees seek to align themselves with the cosmic rhythm symbolised by Lord Nataraja’s dance. This celebration serves as a reminder of the universal cycles of balance and harmony.

As the lamps glow and the sacred chants fill the air, Thiruvathira 2025 brings devotees together in a shared moment of divinity and joy. Observing this festival deepens one’s faith and connection with Lord Shiva, inspiring a sense of peace and cosmic unity that resonates long after the celebrations end.