Chidambaram, Aug 12: The Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram recently witnessed the grand Maha Rudra Mahabhishekam ceremony for Adimoolanathar, accompanied by Umayaparvati, as part of the Aadi month Swathi celebrations.The rituals began on August 8th, with a Kooshmanda Homam and Nandi Pooja at the Dakshinamurthy Sannidhi within the temple premises. On August 9th, a Maha Ganapathi Homam was conducted at the Mukkuruni Vinayakar Sannidhi, followed by a Navagraha Homam and Dhanapooja on the morning of August 10th.
On the main day of the event, Latcharchanai, Maha Rudra Sankalpam, Kadastapanam, Maha Rudra Japam, and a grand Deeparadhana were performed for Adimoolanathar and Umayaparvati.
In the afternoon, the rituals continued with the Maha Rudra Homam, followed by the Vasodhara Homam and another Maha Deeparadhana. The evening saw a series of traditional poojas, including Vaduka Pooja, Kanya Pooja, Sukasini Pooja, Thambathi Pooja, Go Pooja, and Gaja Pooja.
The day concluded with a special Deeparadhana, Veda Parayanam, and the recitation of sacred hymns like Thevaram and Thiruvachagam. The final event was the grand Maha Rudra Mahabhishekam for Adimoolanathar, during which the ceremonial kalasam (sacred pot) was brought from the yagashala to the sanctum. A large number of devotees participated in the event and received blessings.
This annual event, rich in spiritual and cultural significance, drew devotees from all over, reaffirming the temple’s importance as a center of worship and tradition.