<Tr> <Td> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> <P> Thiruvathirai or Thiruvathira or Arudhra Darisanam (Malayalam: തിരുവാതിര, Tamil: திருவாதிரை) is a Hindu festival celebrated in the South Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu . Thiruvathirai (Arudhra) in Tamil means "sacred big wave", using which this universe was created by Lord Shiva about 132 trillion years ago . Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu, the Sri Natarajar temple's annual Festival, is celebrated on this date . In the month of Makaram Thiruvathira Star is celebrated in Mathira Peedika Devi Temple, owned by Thiruvithamcore Devaswom Board, near Kadakkal in Kollam District of Kerala state. Thiruvathira has a connection with lord moon . </P> <P> Thiruvadirai - Arudra Darsisanam is celebrated in a grand manner in 5 Sabhas of Sri Natarajar namely 1) Kanakasabha (Gold) - at Chidambaram (Thillai or Tillai), 2) Velli Sabhai (Silver) at Madurai, 3) Ratnasabha (Ruby) at Tiruvalankadu, 4) Tamrasabha (Copper) at Tirunelveli, 5) Chitrasabha (Pictures) at Kutralam . </P>

What is the meaning of thiruvathira in malayalam