Q: What are the essential do's and don'ts to follow during Arudra Darshan 2026?

Do's:\n- Arrive early and follow temple crowd management directions.\n- Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered).\n- Remove footwear before entering temple premises and keep the footwear in designated areas.\n- Keep mobile phones on silent; avoid loud conversations and photography in restricted zones.\n- Carry only essential items; avoid large bags and valuables.\n- Follow all announcements and temple staff instructions during darshan.\nDon'ts:\n- Do not smoke or consume alcohol on temple grounds.\n- Do not bring outside food, drinks, or plastic items into most temple precincts.\n- Do not litter; use designated bins.\n- Do not push or shove; maintain orderly queues.\n- Do not wear heavy jewelry or attire that may obstruct movement during darshan.\n- If unwell, postpone visit and seek medical attention if needed.

Question 1

What are the essential do's and don'ts to follow during Arudra Darshan 2026?

Accepted Answer

Do's:
- Arrive early and follow temple crowd management directions.
- Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered).
- Remove footwear before entering temple premises and keep the footwear in designated areas.
- Keep mobile phones on silent; avoid loud conversations and photography in restricted zones.
- Carry only essential items; avoid large bags and valuables.
- Follow all announcements and temple staff instructions during darshan.
Don'ts:
- Do not smoke or consume alcohol on temple grounds.
- Do not bring outside food, drinks, or plastic items into most temple precincts.
- Do not litter; use designated bins.
- Do not push or shove; maintain orderly queues.
- Do not wear heavy jewelry or attire that may obstruct movement during darshan.
- If unwell, postpone visit and seek medical attention if needed.

Question 2

What are the remedies and benefits of observing Arudra Darshan 2026?

Accepted Answer

Arudra Darshan 2026 is observed on the Margazhi full moon day (Arudra Nakshatra) when devotees perform special prayers to Lord Nataraja/Shiva. Remedies or upayas commonly followed include taking an early purifying bath, wearing clean clothes, performing abhishekam or symbolic ablutions to the Shivalinga or a home Nataraja idol with milk, water, honey or other sacred liquids as permitted by the temple; reciting Shiva and Arudra stotras and chanting Om Namah Shivaya; conducting a simple home puja with lamp, incense and prasad; donating dana to temples or the needy and engaging in seva within one's capacity; and observing a vegetarian diet or fasting on the day and during the Margazhi season to cultivate discipline. Benefits attributed to keeping these observances include purification of the mind and heart, removal of negative influences and obstacles, fulfillment of wishes related to health, family, prosperity and harmony, spiritual growth, stronger devotion, inner peace, and divine protection. Always follow local temple guidelines and seek guidance from a priest for specific rituals.

Question 3

Why is Arudra Darshan celebrated in 2026, and what is its significance?

Accepted Answer

Arudra Darshan, also known as Arudra Darisanam, is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Nataraja (the cosmic dancer). It is observed on the full moon night in the Margazhi month when the Arudra star (the star in Orion) is prominent. The celebration honors Shiva's cosmic dance that represents the creation, preservation, and destruction of the universe, as well as the balance of cosmic energies. Devotees attend temple rituals, processions, and special prayers to seek spiritual purification, blessings, and auspicious beginnings in the new year. In 2026, as in other years, the festival is marked by these traditional observances at Shiva temples, especially those dedicated to Nataraja.

Title	Corresponding values
Tithi	Ardra Nakshatra day during Margazhi
Nakshatra	Ardra
Sunrise	07:15 IST
Sunset	17:25 IST
	6:45 PM – 7:45 PM
Date	January 8, 2026

Arudra Darshan 2026 : Date, Time, Puja Vidhi, Significance & Benefits