Every month, on the day of Arudra Nakshatram, a special abhishekam is performed at Kailasapuram: Annabhishekam, the bathing of Shree Kailaseshwara Swamy in cooked rice (annam).
Arudra, the nakshatram of Lord Shiva
Arudra (Thiruvathirai) is the nakshatram associated with Lord Shiva. Arudra Darshanam, during Dhanurmasam (December to January), is celebrated across South India as the day of Lord Shiva's cosmic dance. At Kailasapuram, Arudra is honoured every month.
Annam is Brahman
The Upanishads say annam Brahma: food is a form of the Divine. In Annabhishekam, freshly cooked rice is offered to Lord Shiva as an expression of gratitude for the food that sustains all life, and as a prayer that no one should ever go hungry.
From abhishekam to Annasantarpanam
After the abhishekam, the blessed annam is shared with devotees as prasadam. Feeding devotees, Annasantarpanam, is one of the most meritorious sevas. Devotees can offer Annasantarpanam for Arudra, Maha Shivaratri, Mondays and homam days.
Take part
To attend or sponsor the next Arudra Annabhishekam, let us know and our team will share the date and timings with you on WhatsApp.
Om Namah Shivaya.