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Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram or Chidambaram temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the town of Chidambaram, East-Central Tamil Nadu, South India. The temple is known as the foremost of all temples (Kovil) to Saivites and has influenced worship, architecture, sculpture and performance art for over two millennium.
A major shrine of Lord Shiva worship since the classical period, there have been several renovations and offerings to Chidambaram by the Pallava, Chola, Pandya, Vijayanagara and Chera royals in the ancient and pre-medieval periods. The temple as it stands now is mainly of the 12th and 13th centuries, with later additions in similar style.
The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva. The temple has inspired the famous Nataraj form of the Lord, as a cosmic dancer, one that has now become notably famous in Hinduism. Two other forms of Lord Shiva are represented in the temple, as a lingam – the most common representation of Lord Shiva in temples, and as the aether space classical element, represented with empty space and a garland of fifty one hanging golden vilvam leaves.
The sculptures of Chidambaram inspired the postures of Bharatha Natyam.
Chidambaram is one of the five Pancha Bootha Sthalams, the holiest Shiva temples each representing one of the five classical elements; Chidambaram represents akasha (aether).
Unique feature of this temple is the presence of Lord Shiva in anthropomorphic form and in this aspect this temple differs from other Lord Shiva temples. People coming to this temple would be amazed to see the presence of 5 sabhas or halls namely Kanaka Sabha, Cit Sabha, Deva Sabha, Nritta and Raja Sabha and Cit Sabha is located at the centre of the temple. This Cit Sabha is the sanctum sanctorum and here the main deity Lord Shiva or Nataraja along with Goddess Parvati is seen in dancing and this dance is known as 'Ananda Thandavam'.
In this temple of Lord Shiva a festival during the month of Marghazi attracts many people and this ten day festival in December - January months starts on the day before thiruvathirai star day. In the above mentioned festival popular saint Manickavasagar is given great importance and this saint is taken to the main shrine and arathi and chanting of thiruvempavai songs takes place. From morning 6 am to 12:30 pm and then from evening 4:30 pm to 10 pm this temple is opened everyday for the sake of the devotees.
South India unique are their grand structure, done beautifully in Vijaya Nagara and Dravidian styles. Like literally, you’ll find no compromised work of art anywhere in South India especially when it comes to the Hindu temples where a plethora of devotees throng from the world over. Each shrine in South India, irrespective of its location displays fine artwork not only in the interiors but also outside on the Gopurams (spire). For instance, the exquisite decor of the popular Sabarimala Sastha Temple in Sabarimala simply takes one’s breath away and how can we miss out on the colourful facade of Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, which is simply divine! The richness of South India temples does not limit to just the architecture but belief as well where millions of devotees gather to pay respect to holy figures. You can expect to witness the interesting rituals like hair offering or tonsuring to Lord Venkateswara. We can surely say that, there are no shortage of temples to tour in the South Indian states and to keep your pilgrimage holiday even better, we have compiled a list of must visit temples in South India.
