Thiruvathira is a popular Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in the Indian state of Kerala. It is primarily a women-centric festival, celebrated in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December-January).
Significance:
- Birthday of Lord Shiva:
Thiruvathira is believed to be the birthday of Lord Shiva, one of the
principal deities in Hinduism.
- Union of Shiva and Parvati:
It is also associated with the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
- Death of Kamadeva:
Some legends connect it with the death of Kamadeva, the god of love, who
was burnt to ashes by Lord Shiva.
Rituals and Celebrations:
- Thiruvathirakali:
The most distinctive feature of Thiruvathira is the Thiruvathirakali
dance. Women perform this graceful dance in a circle around a traditional
lamp, symbolizing the divine presence.
Thiruvathirakali dance
(Kanipayyur Kaikottikali Sangam)- Fasting: Women observe a
partial fast on this day, consuming only certain permitted food items.
- Decorations:
Houses are decorated with flowers and traditional motifs.
- Special Dishes:
Special dishes like 'Thiruvathira Puzhukku' (a mix of tubers and
vegetables) and 'Koova Payasam' (arrowroot porridge) are prepared.
Thiruvathira is a celebration
of womanhood, devotion, and the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. It is a time
for women to come together, participate in traditional rituals, and strengthen
their bonds.
While Thiruvathira is
primarily a home-based celebration for women in Kerala, temples, especially
Shiva temples, play a significant role in the festivities. Here's how
Thiruvathira is related to temples in Kerala:
1. Special Poojas and Rituals:
- On Thiruvathira day, special poojas and
rituals are performed in Shiva temples across Kerala. These may include:
- Abhishekam (ritual bathing of the deity)
- Deeparadhana (waving of lamps)
- Special offerings and prayers
2. Visiting Temples for
Blessings:
- Women, especially young and married women,
visit Shiva temples on Thiruvathira to offer prayers and seek blessings
for a happy married life and the well-being of their families.
- It is considered auspicious to have a
darshan (sight) of Lord Shiva on this day.
3. Temple Ponds for Ritual
Bathing:
- Some women take a ritual bath in the
temple ponds early in the morning as part of the Thiruvathira observances.
This is often accompanied by the singing of Thiruvathira songs in praise
of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
4. Performance of
Thiruvathirakali:
- In some temples, Thiruvathirakali
performances may be organized as part of the Thiruvathira celebrations.
This provides a public space for women to showcase their traditional dance
and devotion.
Prominent Temples:
While Thiruvathira is observed
in almost all Shiva temples in Kerala, some prominent ones include:
- Vaidyanath Temple, Vaikom:
This ancient Shiva temple is known for its grand Thiruvathira
celebrations.
- Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple:
Another famous Shiva temple where Thiruvathira is observed with great
fervor.
- Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam:
This temple also sees special rituals and observances on Thiruvathira.
In essence, while Thiruvathira is centered around homes and women's rituals, Shiva temples provide a crucial spiritual backdrop for the festival. They serve as places of worship, gathering, and celebration, further enhancing the religious and cultural significance of Thiruvathira in Kerala.
