Nellaiappar Temple: The Grand Celebration of Arudra Darisanam Festival 2026 The Nellaiappar Temple, located in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, is an architectural marvel dedicated to Lord Shiva. Known as Nellaiappar or Venuvananathar, Shiva is worshipped here alongside his consort, Parvati, depicted as Kanthimathi Amman. Nellaiappar Temple Arudra Darisanam festival 2026 date is January 3. With its rich history, mythological significance, and elaborate festivities, the temple stands as a spiritual beacon for devotees and tourists alike. Among its many celebrations, the Arudra Darisanam Festival holds a place of great reverence, drawing thousands of worshippers to witness and participate in the cosmic dance of Shiva. Historical and Mythological Importance of Nellaiappar Temple The Nellaiappar Temple is one of Tamil Nadu’s largest and oldest temples, embodying Dravidian architectural brilliance. According to legend, the temple’s origins trace back to Venuvanam—a sacred bamboo forest where Lord S...

Arudra Darisanam is one of the most significant festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva, celebrated with great fervor and devotion at the Kutralam Shiva Temple in Tamil Nadu. This auspicious occasion holds special importance at the Chitrasabha, one of the five Pancha Sabhas (sacred dance halls) of Lord Nataraja, the cosmic dancer form of Shiva. The festival, deeply rooted in Tamil Shaivite tradition, is an expression of devotion, art, and spirituality, embodying the union of the cosmos and divinity through the medium of dance. Arudra Darisanam Festival at Kutralam Shiva temple in 2026 is on January 3. The Significance of Arudra Darisanam Arudra Darisanam, also known as Thiruvathirai in Tamil, is celebrated on the full moon night in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January), coinciding with the Arudra star (Betelgeuse). The term ‘Arudra’ signifies the red flame, symbolizing Lord Shiva’s fiery cosmic dance, which is believed to represent the cycle of creation, preservation, and destru...

Arudra Darshan or Arudra Darisanam is observed in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December – January). Arudra Darshan 2026 date is January 3. It is essentially a Shaivite festival and celebrates the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva, which is represented by the Nataraja form. Arudhra signifies the golden red flame and Shiva performs the dance in the form of this red-flamed light. It must be noted here that Arudhra, Ardra, Arudhara, Arudra, Arudara are the different spellings used in English language to mention the same festival. Ardra or Arudhara or Thiruvathirai is also the name of a birth star or nakshatra in Hindu astrology. The star is associated with Shiva. Importance of Arudra Darshan Arudra Darshan is one of the most auspicious days associated with Lord Shiva. It is dedicated to the cosmic dance of Shiva. The cosmic dance of Lord Shiva represents five activities – Creation, Protection, Destruction, Embodiment and Release. In essence, it represents the continuous cyc...

The Splendor of Arudra Darisanam Festival at Pasupatheeswarar Temple, Karur Introduction to Pasupatheeswarar Temple The Pasupatheeswarar Temple, located in the heart of Karur in Tamil Nadu, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Renowned for its architectural grandeur and spiritual essence, the temple enshrines Lord Shiva in the form of a swayambu lingam, a naturally formed lingam. Revered as Pasupateeswarar or Aanilaiappar , the deity is celebrated for his connection to the divine and the nurturing of life, symbolizing the universal protector of all living beings. Karur Pasupatheeswarar Temple Arudra Darisanam Festival 2026 date is January 3. The temple is also notable for its shrines of Goddess Ambal, represented by two distinct forms: Sundaravalli and Alankaravalli . Sundaravalli's shrine faces south, emphasizing her role as a compassionate and powerful goddess. Among the many festivals celebrated here, the Arudara Darisanam stands out as a major annual event ...

Kodumudi Magudeswarar Temple: A Sacred Haven for Arudra Darisanam Festival 2026 The Magudeswarar Temple in Kodumudi, located in the Erode district of Tamil Nadu, India, is a magnificent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Renowned for its spiritual ambiance, this temple is a hub of devotion and culture. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Kodumudi Nathar and Makuteswarar, while Goddess Parvati takes the form of Panmozhi Nayaki and Soundarambika. Among the many festivals celebrated in this temple, the Arudra Darisanam Festival stands out as a significant event that attracts devotees from far and wide. This article delves into the grandeur of the Arudra Darisanam Festival, the temple's unique features, and its broader spiritual significance. Kodumudi Magudeswarar temple Arudra Darisanam festival 2026 date is January 3. Historical and Spiritual Importance of Magudeswarar Temple The Magudeswarar Temple boasts a rich history that spans several centuries. Situated on the banks of the Riv...

Uthirakosamangai Sri Mangalanatha Swamy temple, situated in close proximity to Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu, India, is devoted to Lord Shiva. The annual festival in the shrine is observed for nearly 10 days and concludes on the Arudra Darshan day. Uthirakosamangai Sri Mangalanatha Swamy temple Arudra Darshan 2026 date is January 3. This renowned temple boasts numerous sanctuaries, with the primary ones dedicated to Mangalanathar, Mangalambigai, and Natarajar. Among the temple's treasures is a unique 6 ft (1.8 m) tall ancient maragatha Nataraja idol, intricately carved out of emerald, making it one of a kind. The annual Arudra darshan celebration at Thiru Uthirakosamangai temple started with kappu kattu ceremony ten days earlier. The highlight of the Arudra Darshan day is the santhana padi kalaithal (removing the sandal paste from the idol). It is performed on the six-foot-tall emerald (Maragada Natarajar) murti. Thirty-two types of abishekams are performed on the murti or vigra...

In Tamil Nadu, Anjaneyar Jayanthi is observed on Moolam Nakshatram in the Margazhi month or Margali Masam , which is one of the most auspicious months in Tamil Calendar. In 2025, Hanuman Jayanti in Tamil Month Margazhi is on December 20. Hanuman Jayanthi is observed during various time of year by different Hindu communities. Majority of the people observe it on the Purnima or full moon day in the Chaitra month (March - April). It is widely believed that Lord Hanuman is present where the story of Lord Ram is recited. Therefore people read the Ramayana on the day or recite prayers dedicated to Rama. The Sundara Kandam chapter of Ramayana is read by most people. Special prayers are held on the day in Hanuman Temples and are visited by large number of devotees. At home, idols or pictures of Hanuman are thoroughly cleaned at dawn. Idols and pictures are smeared with Sindoor. Sweets and bananas are offered to Hanuman. Some of the popular Anjaneya Temples in Tamilnadu orga...

Let me tell you the objective of why we come to you early morning, bow at your lotus feet and sing your praise! What we have come for is not to just get your grace and boons today alone. What we seek is this… Forever and forever, in the next seven births that we may take and we should be privileged to have a relationship with You in all Your avatars… O Lord, please ensure that any other desires of ours other than this are removed from our minds. Thiruppavai - 29 Oh Lord (KaNNaa) of rain (mazhai) and oceans (aazhi), please do not discontinue (kai karavEl), any thing (OnRu). Diving (pukku) into (uL) the ocean (aazhi); fetching the water (mugandhu kodu), causing thunder (aarthu); going up to the sky (ERi); darkening (kaRuththu) your body (mey) like (pOl) the form (uruvam) (uruvam) of the prime Lord (mudhalvan) of the universe (oozhi); standing (ninRu) and roaring (adhirndhu) like (pOl) the shining (minni) conch (valamburi) and the chakram (aazhi) of Lord Padhmanab...

The Tamil Margali Masam, or Margazhi Month, is the month of Bhakti and Music. In 2025, Margazhi month begins on Monday, December 16, 2025 and ends on Monday, January 13, 2026. The importance of Margali Masam was announced by none other than Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita when says Maasanam Margasheershoham - among the twelve months, I am Markali. Rendering of Thiruppavai and Thiruvempavai, religious discourses and music festivals are the major highlights during the period. The month is kept aside for spiritual activities. Auspicious events and marriages are not performed in the month. The reason for avoiding auspicious activities is that the month is the dawn period for Devas and people do not want to engage in any other auspicious activities other than worship of Gods. Importance of Margazhi Month - Religious Activities in the month Margali Month  is of immense spiritual importance and the greatness of the Margali can be gauged from the fact that Lord K...

Pavai Nombu, also known as Margali Nonbu, is observed in Tamil Nadu during Margazhi masam or Margali month. It is said that Andal performed Pavai Nonbu to merge with Sri Ranganatha (Lord Vishnu). Pavai Nombu is performed by women for prosperity and to get good husbands. The history of Pavai Nonbu is more than 2000 years old and is mentioned in the early Tamil scriptures. In 2025, Margali month begins on December 16 and ends on January 13, 2026. Importance of Margali Nombu The history of Pavai Nonbu is more than 2000 years old and is mentioned in the early Tamil scriptures. The ritual is observed on all the days in the Margazhi Masam. The popular belief is that Andal performed Pavai Nonbu to merge with Sri Ranganatha (Lord Vishnu).  Pavai Nonbu is performed by women to get good husbands and for peace and prosperity. Why is Pavai Nombu Observed? - The Story and Reason The general belief is that the Pavai Nombu was observed for Katyayani (a form of Durg...

Dhanurmasa, Dhanur Month, which falls from mid December to mid January is considered as Shooonya Masam or Kharmas. Dhanurmas 2025 - 2026 begins on December 16, 2025 and ends on January 13, 2026. Dhanur Masam is considered inauspicious in some regions. Only prayers and godly functions are performed during the period. The importance of Dhanurmasam is mentioned in the Dhanurmasa Mahatmya of Pancharatra Agama, Agneya Purana and also in a scripture called Smriti Muktavali. Dhanur Mas is basically the period the sun shifts from the Dhanu rashi to Makar rashi and it ends on the Makar Sankranti. Worship of Lord Vishnu during the morning hours in Dhanurmasam is considered highly auspicious. Vishnu Sahasranama is chanted during the period. Other important mantras chanted are those dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. The most popular offering made to Lord Vishnu in the month is Moong dal. There is a belief that worshiping Lord Vishnu on a single day during Dha...

Arudra Darisanam festival observed on Thiruvathirai nakshatra day in Margazhi Masam (December – January) is of great importance at the Chidambaram Nataraja temple in Tamil Nadu. A unique naivedyam or food offering known as Tiruvathirai Kali is offered on the day. In 2026, Arudra Darshanam At Chidambaram Nataraja temple is on January 3, 2026. Arudra Darisanam festival is associated with the cosmic dance of Shiva. It is observed on Ardra or Thiruvathira or Thiruvathirai nakshatra or birth star as per Hindu astrology. Thiruvathirai Kali is a rustic sweet dish prepared using broken rice and jaggery. Fried Raisins and cashew nuts are sometimes added to the dish. Legend has it that a poor man, Sandanar and his wife, did not have anything to offer to Nataraja on the auspicious occasion of Margazhi Arudra Darisanam festival. The poor man told his wife to make kali using some leftover broken rice and jaggery. It is said that the couple used to eat the food only after offering first to ...

Arudra Darshanam festival which falls on Thiruvathira nakshatra day in Margazhi month is of great importance at the Tiruvarur Thyagaraja temple in Tamil Nadu. It is the only day when the right leg of the main deity of Shiva worshipped in the temple is visible to devotees. Rest of the year the right leg is covered with flowers. In 2026, Arudra Darshanam At Tiruvarur Thyagaraja Temple is on January 3, 2026. Shiva is worshipped at Tiruvarur Thyagaraja temple in the Somaskanda form. In the Somaskanda form, Shiva has Goddess Parvati seated to his left and Murugan or Skanda seated in between the divine couple. The murti was installed by Chola King Muchukunda. The murti was originally worshipped by Bhagavan Vishnu. It is believed that Bhagavan Vishnu used to keep the murti close to his heart and it used to go up and down when Bhagavan took a breath. Later, the murti was given to Indra. Chola King Muchukunda, an ardent devotee of Shiva, got the murti from Indra. A Muchukunda Sahasranama A...

Koodaravalli is a unique ritual observed in the Margazhi month in Tamil culture and is associated with Andal or Goda Devi. Koodaravalli is synonyms with Akkaravadisal (a sweet prepared using rice, moong dal, milk, jaggery and sugar). Koodaravalli 2026 date is January 12. It is observed on the 27th day of the Margazhi month (December – January). It is mentioned in the 27th verse of Tiruppavai that Andal and her friends who had completed the Pavai Nombu Virtham shared the sweet with Ranganatha (Bhagavan Srihari Vishnu). 27th verse of Tiruppavai koodarai vellum seer govinda undhannai paadi parai kondu yaam perum sammaanam naadu pugazhum parisinaal nanraaga choodagame thol valaiye thode sevip poove paadagame enranaiya palagalanum yaam anivom aadai uduppom adhan pinne paar choru mooda ney peydhu muzhangai vazhi vaara koodi irundhu kulirndhelor embaavaay To mark the end of the pavai nonbu girls dress up in beautiful clothes and adorn themselves with scented flowers and beautiful jew...

Suchindram Temple, also known as the Thanumalayan Temple or Sthanumalayan Temple, is an important Hindu temple located in Suchindram in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, India. Suchindram temple festival 2025 is from January 26, 2025 to January 3, 2026 The famous car festival will be observed on January 2. The 10 day festival is observed in such a way that the final day happens on the annual Ardra Vratham day. The ratholsavam or annual chariot festival will be observed on January 2, 2026. The 10-day festival observed in Tamil Margazhi month (December - January) attracts thousands of devotees. Special pujas and rituals are observed during the period. The temple is decorated traditionally with flowers, lamps, lights and leaves for the occasion.  Suchindram Temple: A Divine Confluence of Culture and Spirituality The Suchindram Temple, also known as the Sthanumalayan Temple, stands as a magnificent testament to South India’s rich cultural heritage and deep...

Tiruppavai is a collection of thirty stanzas (pasuram) in Tamil written by Andal in praise of Bhagavan Srihari Vishnu. Gita Press of Gorakhpur is providing Thiruppavai Text in Tamil in pdf format free. You can download it and use it for your personal use. The book contains the pasuram and its meaning in Tamil This is a simple text link with all the pasurams in tamil Link – Tiruppavai in Tamil  (it is in Tamil Language big file with detail explanations) An example of a Pasuram in English Oh! you people born to live (vaazhveer gaal) in this world (vaiyam), won't you listen (keleero) to the deeds (kirisai) we do (chey) to ourselves (naam) and to our (nam) idol (paavai)!.  We sing (paadi) in praise of the feet (adi) of the Lord (paraman) who is in meditative sleep (paiyath thuyil) on the ocean of milk (paal kadal).  We do not eat (unnom) ghee (ney).  We do not drink (unnom) milk (paal).  We bathe (neeraadi) early morning (naat kaale).  We...

Thiruvathirai festival, in Tamil culture is observed on the day when Lord Shiva performed the Tandava. The festival is also a commemoration of Shiva’s Nakshatra (Birthday Star) Ardra. Thus the festival is popularly known as Ardra Darshan or Arudra Darshanam. In 2022, the date of Thiruvathirai Festival is January 6. In Kerala, the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvathira festival is observed on the same day but for a different reason, it is more of a women’s festival with women emulating Goddess Parvati, who tries to get Shiva as her husband. Read about Thiruvathira in Kerala here . The Thiruvathirai Festival is observed in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December – January). Special prayers are held on the day at all Shiva temples. Milk, honey, water, sandal paste and other cooling liquids are offered to Lord Shiva on this day. This is to cool a burning and turbulent Shiva who is performing the Tandava – the cosmic dance of Nataraja . It is also believed that Kama,...

Arudhra Darshan, also known as Ardra festival, is an auspicious day dedicated to Lord Shiva in Tamil Calendar and it celebrates ‘the cosmic dance’ of Lord Shiva as Nataraja. Here is a wonderful discourse on Arudhra Darshan by Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Swamigal (who is also known as Paramacharya, Mahaswami or Maha Periyavar). The discourse is in Tamil.

Margazhi (mid December – to mid January) is a holy month in Tamil Culture and is dedicated to worship and music. Food is also an important part of Margazhi culture. Special delicacies are prepared during the month. The Hindu has created a video on the traditional food prepared during the period.  Margazhi, the ninth month of the Tamil calendar, holds special significance in Tamil culture, particularly for its religious and cultural observances. During this month, many people follow certain dietary practices, especially those who are devout Hindus. Some common foods eaten during Margazhi in Tamil culture include: Pongal: This dish is a staple during the Margazhi month. It's a savory dish made of rice and lentils, often seasoned with black pepper, cumin, and curry leaves. It's typically served with coconut chutney and sambar. Kozhukattai: Also known as modakam, these are steamed dumplings made of rice flour and filled with either sweet or savory fillings. Sweet fillin...

The Tamil Margazhi month (Mid December to Mid January) is famous for the numerous Indian traditional classical music concerts and dance programs especially in Chennai. The entire month is kept apart for music and spiritual activities by many people. More than 3,500 concerts take place during the period in Chennai making it one of the biggest music and dance festival in the world. Margazhi, the Tamil month that typically falls in December-January, is synonymous with music and dance in Chennai. The Margazhi season is famous for its Carnatic music concerts, dance performances, and other cultural events, making it a highlight of Chennai's cultural calendar. During the Margazhi festival, Chennai comes alive with the melodious strains of classical music. Hundreds of concerts are held in various sabhas (cultural organizations) throughout the city. The most prestigious of these sabhas include the Music Academy, Narada Gana Sabha, Mylapore Fine Arts Club, and Krishna Gana Sabha, among ot...