THAIPOOSAM

THAIPOOSAM

Every month has its own star of importance. In the month of Thai, the asterism Poosam, (Pushyam) is considered auspicious and sacred. This is the day where on, Lord Nataraja is said to have given darshan of His “Pancha Krithya Paramanandha Thandavam” to the two great rishis, Patanjali and Vyaghrapadar at Chidambaram. This is held in great reverence and very grandly celebrated at Vadalur, near the modern Neyveli Township in South Arcot district, since this happens to be the day, Saint Ramalingar of ThiruArutpa fame, attained his final bliss and lakhs of people from all over Tamilnadu congregate at Vadalur to have the ‘Jyothi darshan of the holy Thaipoosam.’

Thaipoosam festival of Thiruvidaimaruthur temple is most ancient and important as well. Devotees bathe in the water of the holy tank in the temple and worship Lord Mahalingar. The saints Thirugnanasambandhar and Thirunavukkarasar have alluded to this festival in their songs of Thevaram. The day is also important in many famous Murugan temples such as Palani and Vaideeswaran koil.