The seven pujas of the daily
ritual cycle of the temple relate to the seven energy
centers or chakras in the human body, and are designed to
inspire in the devotees the awakening of the different yoga
energies connected to them. The daily cycle is also a
reflection of the cycles of cosmos, eternally going on in
the universe.
06.45 In the early morning
Shiva, represented by his holy sandals or padukai, is taken
in a palanquin from a small shrine in the northwestern
corner of the inner courtyard called the ‘Bedchamber’ of the
god and goddess, to the Chit Sabha. This is called the
Awakening Ceremony.
08.30 -- 09.00 In the Kanaka
Sabha the Deekshithar who has the duty for that day,
performs a fire sacrifice according the Vedic doctrine.
10.00 -- 11.00 For the Crystal
Linga Shri Chandramoulishvara and for the Ruby Nataraja Shri
Ratnasabhapati the Deekshithar on duty
performs Abhishekam or holy ablution with several holy
substances, like milk, honey and sacred ashes.
11.30 -- 12.00 Puja is performed
by offering burning lamps and puja objects, which are part
of the ‘protocol’ like a small silver umbrella, a silver
mirror, etc. The same puja ritual is repeated.
20.00 -- 20.30 The same puja is
repeated, together with chanting of Sanskrit Mantras and the
signing of ancient Tamil hymns.
22.00 -- 22.30 Puja with lamps,
hymns and music, after which Shiva, represented by his holy
sandals, is taken in a procession with the small palanquin
to join his consort in the
Bedchamber.
The ringing of the bells
recreates the sacred sound OM, which is the root and origin
of the creation. The lamps represent the different forms and
aspects of the divine energy that evolve from the One
Absolute in the process of creation and manifestation.
The several ritual objects which
are shown before the Nataraja are part of what is called
‘protocol’.
The ceremony of the return of
Shiva’s sandals to the Bedchamber in the evening at 10
o’clock takes on special significance and grandeur once a
week, on the Friday evening. Where the seven daily rituals
which are performed in the Sabha before the Nataraja are the
key to the understanding of the cycles of cosmos, the
seventh ritual reveals the ultimate secret.
Fire burning, bells ringing, and
finally his Cosmic Dance…… Then, the cosmic energy of
Nataraja is carried in a small palanquin around the
courtyards accompanied by drums, instruments, singing and
chanting. Finally to join the cosmic energy of Shakti, his
consort, in the Bedchamber, realizing the cosmology.
