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Thiruvathira

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Also known as Thiruvathirai

Thiruvathira (also known as Thiruvathirai or Arudhra Darisanam) is a Hindu festival predominantly observed in the Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The term Thiruvathirai (Arudhra) in Tamil translates to "sacred grand wave," symbolizing the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva.

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Encyclopedic overview

16 sections
Contents
  • Arudra Darshan in Chidambaram (Thillai)
  • Origin
  • Liturgical practices
  • Literary significance
  • Cosmic dance of Shiva
  • Global observance
  • Notable observations
  • Significance in Tamil Nadu
  • Culinary traditions
  • Temple celebrations
  • Significance in Kerala
  • Observances and rituals
  • Thiruvathirakali dance
  • World records related to Thiruvathira Kali
  • Previous records
  • References

Thiruvathira (also known as Thiruvathirai or Arudhra Darisanam) is a Hindu festival predominantly observed in the Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The term Thiruvathirai (Arudhra) in Tamil translates to "sacred grand wave," symbolizing the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva.

In Tamil Nadu, the festival holds special significance at the Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, where the annual Arudhra Darshanam is celebrated with grandeur. This event commemorates the celestial dance of Lord Nataraja, an embodiment of Shiva.

Excerpted from Wikipedia’s “Thiruvathira” article, available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.

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