K.A.Viswanathan – ME Bureau 

 

 

Lord Shiva , in his manifestation as dancing Nataraja  gives his darshan to us in the early morning of the day on which the confluence of the full moon and the star Arudra which occurs only once a year. This revelation of the Lord is called Arudra darshan . Arudhra signifies the golden red flame and Shiva performs dance  in the form of this red-flamed light.

 

All temples in Mumbai where the idol of  Lord Shiva  is installed celebrate the Arudra darshan with high devotion . On Arudra day they conducted Mahanyasa Rudrabhishekam to lord Nataraja as early as 3 a.m. in the morning . The chief priest performs the ceremony of bathing the idol of Lord Nataraja with milk, honey, curd, sandal paste and holy waters in the morning and then  the  idol was taken around  the area. 

 

Margazhi month, known as the Twilight in Heaven time, is the most suitable occasion to take a cue from the Sun while it is in Sagittarius, the period known as the time the Gods rest and rejuvenate. 

 

During this auspicious time, Lord Shiva’s birthday comes, which is celebrated on the Arudra star day .It is believed to be the day when Lord Shiva’s energy is very close to the earth; hence it has been given the importance of being His birthday. In this dancing form as Nataraja , Lord Shiva lifts His left leg and has His right foot stepping on the demon of ego, famously known as “the God who dances a still dance”.

 

It is also the longest night of the year. After this date, days get longer and nights get shorter. The cosmic dance of Lord Shiva represents five activities – Creation, Protection, Destruction, Embodiment and Release. In essence, it represents the continuous cycle of creation and destruction. On this day temples are decorated with Rangoli and flowers. Special pujas and abhishekams are performed to the Lord Shiva in Shiva temples. Arudra is a very powerful star. Most people born on the Arudra star day will hold significant places in the Society.

 

The star is also called Tiruvadhirai in Tamil, is one of the 27 lunar mansions of Hindu astrology. It is known as Shiva's star, a cosmic representation of His third eyes, red and intense. Arudra is part of the constellation of Orion, shinning as the brightest red star in the sky. Siva's star is colossal. For sake of comparison , if it were the size a football stadium, Earth would be a spec of dust, and the Sun no larger than a mango. The most important Arudhra Darshan festival takes place at the Chidambaram Shiva Temple in Tamil Nadu. The cosmic dance of Lord Shiva is enacted every year on the day.