Arudhra Darisanam Arulmigu Thillai Natarajar Temple, Chidambaram

A prominent Hindu ceremony entitled Arudhra Darisanam or Thiruvathirai Darisanam honours Lord Natraja, one of Shiva's well-known avatars. Every year during the Tamil month of Margazhi (in between December and January) this ceremony is celebrated with great zeal among the devotees. This festival is observed with tremendous fervour by the devotees of Tamil Nadu to honour the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva. The event honours Natraja, Lord Shiva's dancing manifestation, for his cosmic dance. According to the Vedas, Lord Shiva takes the form of Nataraja and performs the heavenly dance "Thandavam", while Arudhra symbolizes the bright-golden red flame blazing behind him.The Arulmigu Thillai Natarajar Temple is located in the Chidambaram town of the Cuddalore district. The temple was built in the tenth century, when Chidambaram functioned as the capital of the Chola dynasty. This temple is one of the “Pancha Bootha Sthalas”(Fire, Air, Water, Land, and Sky). Every year, the temple commemorates the occasion of Arudhra Darisanam with various festivities like special poojas, homams and car festival. On the occasion of this celebration, the presiding deity Lord Natarajar and his consort are adorned with silk robes and aromatic flower garlands. An “Abhisegham”(sacred bath) is performed on the deities along with special poojas. The presiding deity and his consort are carried in procession around the temple in an ornately decorated holy chariot as the faithful devotees chant hymns and devotional slogans alongside. Every year, lakhs of devotees flock to this event because Hindus believe that seeing the Arudhra Darisanam will bring serenity and contentment into their lives.