Worship of Shiva in Tamil Tradition

Abstract

The worship of Lord Shiva is very ancient in Tamil Nadu. The old temples were renovated. The methods of worship were modified to make the minds of the people happy. The devotees began to serve in the temples. People engaged themselves in the service of sweeping and cleaning the temple, garlanding it, setting up a garden, etc. In the temples, they sang the Thevara Pathigam (The first seven of the twelve hymns chanted on the Saiva Deity Lord Shiva). The practice of singing and worshipping the Lord began. Lord Shiva has been worshipped by the people in a very special way from the time of the kings till date. This article is intended to explore the Worship, Ceremonies, Fasting, and Greatness of Sacred Ash (Thiruneeru), the dances of Lord Shiva, and the specialties of the temple