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 and for the Ruby Nataraja 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.
