Arudhra Dharshan is one of the most sacred and grand festivals celebrated across Shiva temples, especially in Tamil Nadu. The festival venerates Lord Shiva in his dancing form as Lord Nataraja, symbolising the cosmic cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution. In Saivism, worshipping Shiva as the cosmic dancer is considered extremely auspicious and spiritually elevating.
According to Saiva traditions and ancient epics, Lord Nataraja performed his divine Ananda Tandava on the day of the Thiruvadhirai (Arudra) star during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January).
This celestial event forms the spiritual foundation of Arudhra Dharshan, which is celebrated with elaborate rituals, abhishekams, and processions.
Spiritual Significance of Margazhi and Arudhra Dharshan
Margazhi is regarded as one of the most sacred months in the Tamil calendar. It is a period dedicated to spiritual discipline, temple worship, devotional music, and religious discourses. Both Saivism and Vaishnavism revere this month, making it a vibrant time for devotees across South India.
As per Agamic traditions, the idol of Lord Nataraja can be ceremonially anointed only six times a year, and among them, the abhishekam on Arudhra Dharshan is considered the most significant. Devotees believe that witnessing this sacred ritual helps cleanse past karmas and brings inner harmony.
Uthirakosamangai- The Emerald Nataraja
Arudhra Dharshan is exceptionally renowned in the small village of Uthirakosamangai in Ramanathapuram district. The ancient Mangalanatha Swamy Temple houses a rare and extraordinary idol of Lord Nataraja carved from a single emerald stone, standing about five feet tall.
The origin of this massive emerald stone remains a mystery, especially given the region’s arid geography and the temple’s antiquity, dating back nearly 3,000 years. Tradition holds that this is the sacred site where Lord Shiva imparted the Vedas to Goddess Parvati.
Due to the radiant nature of emerald, the idol is covered with sandalwood paste throughout the year. Only on the day of Arudhra Dharshan is the paste removed, allowing devotees a once-a-year glimpse of the original emerald Nataraja, making this event deeply revered and visually spectacular.
The Five Pancha Sabhas of Lord Nataraja
There are five sacred temples where Lord Shiva is believed to have performed different forms of his cosmic dance. These temples are collectively known as the Pancha Sabhas, each representing a unique sabha (hall) and metal or artistic form:
| Temple Location | Sabha Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Chidambaram | Por Sabhai | Golden Hall |
| Madurai | Velli Sabhai | Silver Hall |
| Tirunelveli | Tamira Sabhai | Copper Hall |
| Courtallam (Kutralam) | Chitra Sabhai | Hall of Art |
| Tiruvalangadu | Rathna Sabhai | Hall of Gems |
Por Sabhai – Chidambaram
The Chidambaram Thillai Nataraja Temple holds the foremost place in the celebration of Arudhra Dharshan. The festival here spans ten days and is known as the Margazhi Brahmotsavam. In Saivism, the word Koil traditionally refers to this very temple.
Chidambaram is also one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, representing the element of space (Akasha). On the ninth day of the festival, the dancing idol of Lord Nataraja is ceremonially taken to the Por Sabhai (Golden Hall). On the day of Arudhra Dharshan, a grand abhishekam lasting several hours is performed, followed by the revered Rahasya Pooja, symbolising the formless divine.
Velli Sabhai – Madurai
The iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai is home to the Velli Sabhai (Silver Hall). Here, Lord Nataraja is depicted in a unique posture, dancing with his right leg raised, unlike in other temples.
According to the Tiruvilayadal Puranam, Lord Shiva altered his dance posture at the request of the Pandya king Rajasekharan, an event known as “Kaal Maatri Aadiya Puranam.” On Arudhra Dharshan, the Nataraja idols, along with Goddess Sivagami, are taken in majestic processions around the temple’s four Masi streets.
Tamira Sabhai – Tirunelveli
The Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli represents the Tamira Sabhai (Copper Hall). Situated along the banks of the Tamirabharani River, this ancient temple is praised in the hymns of Saint Tirugnana Sambandhar.
During Arudhra Dharshan, the processional deities of Lord Nataraja and Goddess Sivakami are brought to the sacred dancing stage. Adjacent to this hall is the shrine of Sadhana Sabapathi, covered with sandalwood paste, offering devotees a rare and spiritually enriching visual experience.
Chitra Sabhai – Courtallam (Kutralam)
The Kutralanathar Temple at Courtallam is associated with Sage Agasthya and represents the Chitra Sabhai (Hall of Art). The sabhai is adorned with exquisite mural paintings and artistic depictions.
On Arudhra Dharshan, Lord Nataraja is worshipped here with special rituals, including the significant Thandava Deepa Aradanai. The temple’s location amid the scenic Western Ghats adds to its spiritual and aesthetic appeal.
Rathna Sabhai – Tiruvalangadu
The Vadaranyeswarar Temple at Tiruvalangadu, near Chennai, represents the Rathna Sabhai (Hall of Gems). Dating back to the 5th century, it is also one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams.
This sacred site is associated with the fierce Urthuva Tandava, performed by Lord Shiva during his cosmic dance contest with Goddess Kali. The revered saint Karaikal Ammaiyar is believed to have witnessed this dance here in an inverted posture, attaining eternal bliss.
Conclusion
Arudhra Dharshan is not merely a festival but a profound spiritual experience that celebrates the cosmic rhythm of existence. Witnessing Lord Nataraja in his divine dance form is believed to bring inner peace, spiritual clarity, and liberation. Across Tamil Nadu, this sacred occasion continues to inspire devotion, art, and philosophy, making it an enduring symbol of Saiva tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Arudhra Dharshan?
Arudhra Dharshan is a sacred Saivite festival that celebrates Lord Shiva in his dancing form as Nataraja. It commemorates the cosmic dance performed by Shiva on the day of the Thiruvadhirai star during the Tamil month of Margazhi.
2. Why is Margazhi considered special in Hindu tradition?
Margazhi is regarded as a highly spiritual month dedicated to devotion, early morning prayers, temple worship, and religious discourses. Both Saivism and Vaishnavism consider it ideal for spiritual practices and self-discipline.
3. Why is the Uthirakosamangai Nataraja idol unique?
The Nataraja idol at Uthirakosamangai is carved from a single emerald stone, which is extremely rare. Due to its radiating properties, it remains covered with sandalwood paste and is revealed only once a year on Arudhra Dharshan.
4. What are the Pancha Sabhas of Lord Nataraja?
The Pancha Sabhas are five sacred halls where Lord Shiva performed different cosmic dances. They are located at Chidambaram, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Courtallam, and Tiruvalangadu, each symbolising a unique aspect of Shiva’s dance.
5. What is the spiritual meaning of Shiva’s cosmic dance?
Shiva’s cosmic dance symbolises the eternal cycle of creation, preservation, destruction, illusion, and liberation. It represents the rhythm of the universe and the balance between matter and consciousness.
6. How often is Lord Nataraja anointed in temples?
As per Agamic traditions, Lord Nataraja is ceremonially anointed only six times a year. Among these, the abhishekam performed on Arudhra Dharshan holds the highest spiritual significance.
7. Which Pancha Sabha is considered the most prominent?
Chidambaram’s Por Sabhai is considered the foremost among the Pancha Sabhas, as it represents the element of space and hosts the most elaborate Arudhra Dharshan celebrations.
8. Is Arudhra Dharshan celebrated only in Tamil Nadu?
While Arudhra Dharshan is most elaborately celebrated in Tamil Nadu, especially in major Shiva temples, it is also observed in Shiva temples across South India and by Saivite communities elsewhere.
9. What is Rahasya Pooja in Chidambaram?
Rahasya Pooja is a unique ritual performed behind a curtain at Chidambaram, symbolising the formless aspect of Shiva and the concept of divine consciousness beyond physical representation.
10. What is the significance of witnessing Arudhra Dharshan?
Devotees believe that witnessing Arudhra Dharshan helps purify the mind, remove negative karmas, and guide the soul toward spiritual liberation through the grace of Lord Nataraja.
