Aani Thirumanjanam Celebrated at Sri Meenakshi Temple

Devotees carrying Lord Nataraja Utsava Murthy in a procession at Sri Meenakshi temple during Aani Thirumanjanam.

Devotees carrying Lord Nataraja Utsava Murthy in a procession at Sri Meenakshi temple during Aani Thirumanjanam.

PEARLAND: The word “Thirumanjanam” means Holy bath. Aani (Tamil month spanning mid June -mid July) Thirumanjanam  is a special day (Uthiram Nakshtram) when an Abhishekam is performed for Lord Nataraja. At Sri Meenakshi Temple, Pearland Aani Thirumanjanam was celebrated on July 4, with the traditional Abhishekam which was witnessed by devotees on a slightly drizzling evening as the dusk set-in at the Sannadhi of Lord Nataraja (Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer).

The Lord’s form demonstrates his five-fold functions: creation (with a rattle – Udukkai in his right hand), preservation (raised right hand with open palm), destruction left hand holding fire), concealment (firmly placed foot) and salvation (his slightly lifted other leg).

Toshani Viswanathan performing Bharatanatyam dance in front of Lord Natarajar Sannadhi.

Toshani Viswanathan performing Bharatanatyam dance in front of Lord Natarajar Sannadhi.

Following the Abhishekam conducted by Sri Mannicka Sundaram Bhattar, the tradition is to offer the Prayers to Lord Nataraja, in the form of dance.  At Meenakshi temple, one of VHS students, Toshani Viswanathan performed the beautiful classical Bharatanatyam dance in front of the deity, as the devotees offered their prayers.

The cosmic dancer Lord Nataraja with the Moolavar on right and Uttsava murthy on right at Sri MTS.

The cosmic dancer Lord Nataraja with the Moolavar on right and Uttsava murthy on right at Sri MTS.

The evening concluded with Aarthi and Prasadam was distributed. The devotees were thankful to Religious Activities Committee, represented by its chair S. Narayanan for bringing this traditional Puja and celebration which is followed to this day in such exalted holy places (sthala) such as Chidambaram for the benefit of devotees right here in Houston.