Thiruvathira festival depicting cosmic dance of Shiva

[Ajay0]

The  ancient Thiruvathira festival in south India which celebrates the cosmic dance of Shiva as a golden red-flamed light, was celebrated this month on December 20.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiruvathira

 

The cosmic dance of Lord Shiva represents five activities – Creation, Protection, Destruction, Embodiment and Release. In essence, it represents the continuous cycle of creation and destruction. This cosmic dance is said to take place in every particle and is considered to be the source of all energy.

 

Interestingly, the monotheistic Dharmic sect the Prajapita Brahmakumaris consider God Shiva to be an incorporeal point of golden-red light, synonymous with Jehovah, Allah and Ahura Mazda of the other monotheistic religions where there are similar connotations and associations with light.

 

 

 

Edited December 31, 2021 by Ajay0

[seedling]

Is there a special significance for nine/ ten days?

Navarathri seems to be the female counterpart, similar with nine days of fasting ending on the tenth day. The process seems to start with Ganesh Chaturthi, (opening of the root chakra perhaps?) leading to the nine days of fasting and ending with Diwali or something similar. Is someone's enlightenment day associated with these set of events and dates in Indian history?

Edited January 3, 2022 by Bhathen

[Ajay0]

On 1/4/2022 at 12:17 AM, Bhathen said:

Is there a special significance for nine/ ten days?

  Is someone's enlightenment day associated with these set of events and dates in Indian history?

 

 It is celebrated for 9-10 days in some parts of south India, but generally it is celebrated on the festival day itself.

 

Navratri is celebrated generally for the nine/ten days mentioned.

 

And for the last question, Thiruvathira is celebrated in worship of God Shiva. The enlightenment of any sage is not generally mentioned during this festival, though I am aware of coinicidences of religious festivals coinciding with the birthdays or enlightenment of sages.