This month, the Summer Solstice, which is the longest day and shortest night of the year synchronised with the June 21st Pradosham.
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| Outside the Shiva Sannidhi |
The word solstice is derived from the sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still), because at solstice, the Sun stands still in declination; that is, the seasonal movement of the Sun's path (as seen from Earth) comes to a stop before reversing direction. The solstices, together with the equinoxes, are connected with the seasons. Solstice mark either the beginning or the midpoint of winter and summer.
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| Circumambulating Shiva Sannidhi in Big Temple |
This synchronicity marks the perfect and auspicious time to listen or chant the Aditya Hrudayam, Hymn to the Sun God, which comes from the Ramayana and was narrated to Lord Rama by Sage Agastya to energize him in the battle against Ravana.
Sulamangalam sisters' joyous rendition of the Aditya Hrudayam
