Arudra darshanam - December 21/ 22, 2010

Dear Members:

The auspicious Arudra Darshanam is to be observed on December 21, 2010 by those living in U.S.A., Canada, and other countries of the American continents; those living in other parts of the world should observe this Holy Day on December 22, 2010.

This Arudra Darshanam is the festivity associated with Lord Shiva's Cosmic Dance. The Blissful Lord Shiva - who has neither Birth nor Death - appeared out of His Immense Grace in His Cosmic Dance Form of Nataraja, in response to the intense tapasya of the Holy Saints Vyagrapaadar (the Saint with Tiger claws) and Patanjali (of the Yoga Sutra fame! - the Avatar of Lord Adisesha!) on Arudra nakshatra day of the solar month of Dhanus. It is to commemorate that Holy Event that we observe this Holy day....Worship of Lord Shiva in His Form of Nataraja is auspicious on this day.

This is an occasion that is to be observed with happiness - rather than as an intense vratam. Feast comprising of a special sweet called "Kalli" and a vegetable preparation consisting of 7 different kinds of vegetables (called "Ezhu kari kootu" in tamil) is the speciality of the day - consistent with the commemoration of the Blissful event of Lord Shiva's enthusiastic cosmic dance on this day.

So, instead of restrictive austerities, treat yourselves to a happy feast (of course avoiding ritually impure articles (onion/ garlic) and non-veg - but indulging in any sort of sweet or savourite and vegetable soups/ preparations as per your taste), and remember that Blissful Dancing Shiva.....which reiterates the fact that responsibilities need not always sit as a heavy burden on our shoulders always...if He - who maintains the whole Universe can dance in merriment and ecstastic joy, why can't we take our responsibilities more sportively!

Visit to any shiva temple is auspicious on this day.

May His Glorious Cosmic Dance lighten our hearts and recharge our batteries. May His Jolly spirit fill our souls now and forever!

Om Namah shivaya.
Blessed be.
Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.