This year, Aani Thirumanjanam falls on July 2, and particularly those dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Nataraja, will witness grand celebrations and special rituals.
The word Thirumanjanam translates to holy bath or abhishegam. On this sacred day, special abhishegam is performed to Lord Nataraja, especially at the renowned Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, considered one of the most spiritually potent sites for Lord Shiva worship.
Devotees believe that performing or witnessing this abhishegam washes away sins, dispels negative planetary influences particularly those caused by the unfavourable placement of the Sun in one’s horoscope and grants spiritual upliftment.
It is also believed that worshipping both Lord Shiva and Lord Muruga on this day brings abundant blessings, as many Shiva temples also house shrines for Lord Muruga.
The Cosmic Dance of Lord Nataraja – Ananda Tandavam. The form of Lord Nataraja embodies the five divine functions:
- Creation (Srishti) – Symbolised by the udukkai (drum) in His right hand
- Protection (Sthiti) – Represented by His raised right hand in abhaya mudra, offering reassurance
- Destruction (Samharam) – Signified by the flame (agni) in His left hand
- Concealment (Tirobhavam) – Denoted by His firmly placed foot, concealing ignorance
- Salvation (Anugraham) – Expressed by His raised left foot, granting liberation
Ananda Tandavam, the divine blissful dance of Lord Shiva, is not merely an act of cosmic movement—it is a profound spiritual symbol representing the rhythm of creation, dissolution, and rebirth. According to sacred lore, Lord Shiva performed this dance to destroy ignorance and false ego, especially in the Daruka forest, where arrogant sages had lost their spiritual path.
His dance in the presence of Devi Sivagami (Divine Parvati) symbolises the union of masculine and feminine energies, the balance that sustains the universe. The Ananda Tandavam serves as a reminder of the path to spiritual wisdom, self-realisation, and inner peace.
How Devotees Observe Aani Thirumanjanam?
On this auspicious day:
- Devotees visit nearby Shiva temples, offering prayers and participating in special abhishegam rituals
- Those unable to visit temples perform simple abhishegam at home, offering clean water, milk, sandalwood, flowers, and sacred vilvam leaves, which are especially dear to Lord Shiva
- Thousands gather at iconic temples such as Tiruvannamalai Annamalaiyar Temple, Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, and other ancient Shiva shrines across Tamil Nadu to witness the grand celebrations
- It is also considered auspicious to offer prayers to Lord Muruga, seeking protection, health, and spiritual progress
Aani Thirumanjanam reminds devotees of the ever-present cosmic energy of Lord Shiva, His mercy, and His role in guiding souls towards liberation. Through rituals, abhishegam, and sincere devotion, devotees seek to purify the mind, transcend ego, and align with the eternal rhythm of the universe.
Source / Image Credit : Saranam , Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore , ARUNACHALA GRACE