Sphoorthi Theatre

Dakshinayana marks the six-month period when the sun begins its apparent movement southward—from the Tropic of Cancer toward the Tropic of Capricorn. This transition typically begins around June 21st, coinciding with the Karka Sankranti (Sun entering Cancer), and is known as Dakshinayana Punyakalam. In Vedic cosmology, this phase is considered the nighttime of the Devas, while Uttarayana (January to June) is their daytime. But for humans, Dakshinayana is the Sadhana Pada—a time to cultivate inner discipline, reflection, and spiritual practice. Why It Matters Spiritually • Lord Shiva as Dakshinamurti: It was during Dakshinayana that Shiva turned south and began transmitting yogic wisdom to the Saptarishis. This wasn’t symbolic—it was cosmically aligned. The sun turned south, and so did the teacher.   • Energy Flow: During Dakshinayana, the lower chakras (Muladhara to Anahata) are more active. This makes it an ideal time to work on grounding, stability, and emotional clarity before...

The Arayar Sampradayam is a fascinating and deeply artistic tradition within Sri Vaishnavism, blending devotional performance, music, and dance in a way that feels tailor-made for someone with your puppetry instincts. The tradition of Arayar or Ariar Sevai, a ritualistic art form of the Vaishnavite temples that amalgamates music, literature, dance and prose in its rendition. The Araiyar Swamigal performs the service only in front of the Utsava Murthy, usually within the temple. The Araiyar sevai commences with the Arula pattu (Issuance of the gracious), commandment by the Lord to the Araiyar) through the Bhattar when the officiating Bhattar calls out: “ Thiruvaranga PerumaaL Araiyar”…Araiyar Swamigal Comes forward saying: “Aaindhen Aaaindhen? What is Arayar Sampradayam? It’s a ritualistic performance tradition practiced primarily in temples like Srirangam, Melkote, and Srivilliputhur. The performers, called Arayars, are traditionally male Brahmins trained in singing the Divya Prabandh...

"The Light That Shows the Way"                                                                                                                   Guru Pournima is such a meaningful celebration—it’s not just about reverence, but remembrance. A time to reflect on those who've shaped our path: teachers, mentors, spiritual guides, even quiet companions who’ve shown us the way through their presence. Guru Pournima is a luminous blend of reverence, ritual, and reflection across Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions. Here's how it's traditionally celebrated: Hindu Traditions • Guru Puja: Devotees worship their spiritual or academic gurus with flowers, incense, sweets, and heartfelt offerings. • Paduka Worship: ...

Sri Vedanta Desikan’s Sudarshana Ashtakam is a luminous invocation—each verse a spinning mantra of protection, clarity, and divine vision. प्रतिभटश्रेणि भीषण वरगुणस्तोम भूषण जनिभयस्थान तारण जगदवस्थान कारण । निखिलदुष्कर्म कर्शन निगमसद्धर्म दर्शन जय जय श्री सुदर्शन जय जय श्री सुदर्शन ॥ This verse praises Sudarshana as the fierce protector, destroyer of evil, and revealer of dharma. It sets the tone for the chakra not just as a weapon, but as a cosmic force of order and insight. Sudarshana Jayanthi marks the appearance day of the Sudarshana Chakra, the divine discus wielded by Lord Vishnu. It’s not just a weapon—it’s a symbol of divine vision, righteousness (dharma), and the destruction of evil. Spiritual Significance • Embodiment of Divine Will: The Sudarshana Chakra is said to be powered by Vishnu’s thoughts, acting as an extension of his cosmic will. • Protector of Devotees: It is invoked for protection from negative forces, both external and internal—be it illness...