Chidambaram Nataraja Temple which is also referred to as Thillai Nataraja temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the heart of the temple town of Chidambaram,Tamil Nadu.
Chidambaram is one of the Panchabootha Sthalas, where the Lord is worshipped in his manifestation as sky or Aagayam (“pancha” – meaning five, bootha – meaning the elements: earth, water, fire, wind and space and “sthala” meaning location).
The word Chidambaram may be derived from chit, meaning “consciousness”, and ambaram, meaning “sky” (from aakasam or aakayam); it refers to the chidaakasam, the sky of consciousness, which is the ultimate aim one should attain according to all the Vedas and scriptures.
History of Chidambaram Nataraja Temple
It starts with the legend of Lord Shiva strolling into the Thillai Vanam. Vanam means forest and Thillai trees are a species of mangrove trees. In the Thillai forests lived sages who believed that God can be controlled using mantras and rituals.
Lord Shiva walked in the forest with great beauty, assuming the form of Bhikshatana, a simple mendicant seeking alms. Vishnu followed him as Mohini.
The sages and their wives were enchanted by the beauty of Shiva. On seeing their womenfolk enchanted, the rishis got angry and invoked scores of nagas by performing magical rituals.
However, Lord Shiva lifted the serpents and donned them as ornaments on His locks, neck and waist. Further enraged, the sages invoked a fierce tiger. But Shiva used its skins and dons as a shawl around His waist.
The rishis then gathered all their spiritual strength and invoked a powerful demon Muyalakan – a symbol of complete arrogance and ignorance. Lord Shiva wore a gentle smile, stepped on the demon’s back, immobilized him and performed the Ánanda Tandava(the dance of eternal bliss). It then disclosed his true form. Hence, the sages surrendered.
Adhisesha, the serpent who serves as a bed for the Lord, hears about the Ananda Tandava and yearns to see and enjoy it. The Lord blesses him, beckoning him to assume the saintly form of ‘Patanjali’. He then sends him to the Thillai forest, informing him that he will display the dance in due cour.
Also Read: ABOUT SRIKALAHASTI TEMPLE
Features of this temple
A unique feature of this temple is the bejeweled image of Nataraja. It depicts the Lord Shiva as the Lord of the dance Bharatanatyam and is one of the few temples where Shiva is represented by an anthropomorphic murthi rather than the classic, anionic Lingam.
The Cosmic Dance of Lord Nataraja symbolises the motion of the universe as sustained by Lord Shiva. The temple has five courts.Aragalur Udaya Iraratevan Ponparappinan (alias Vanakovaraiyan) rebuilt the Siva temple at Chidambaram around 1213 AD.
The same Bana Chief also built Tiruvannamalai temple.The temple has been traditionally administered by an endogamous group of shiavite brahmins called Dikshitar, who also officiate as its priest.
Quick Facts
- Address: Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu 608001
- District: Cuddalore District
- Affiliation: Hinduism
- Deity: Nataraja (Shiva)
- Festivals: Maha Sivaratri , Margazhi festival, Aani Tirumanjanam festival
- Architectural style: Dravidian architecture
- Photography: Not Allowed
- Entry Fee: NIL
- Dress Code: The temple is not very strict on ritual dress code. However, the pilgrims have to wear decent traditional attires for worship.
- Timings: 6:00 am – 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Best Time To Visit: October to March
Also Read: ABOUT JAMBUKESHWARAR TEMPLE
Pooja Timings
| Ritual | Timings |
| Pal Nivedhyam | 6.30 am |
| Maha Aarti | 7.00 am |
| Kalasandhi Puja(1st Puja of the Day) | 7.45 am to 9.00 am |
| Kalasandhi Homam, Spatika Linga Abhishekam & Maha aarti performed during this puja | |
| Irandaam Kaalam (2nd Puja of the Day) | 10.00 am to 11.00 am |
| Spatika Linga Abhishekam & Rathna Sabhapathi-Rubi Nataraja Abhishekam Performed during this Puja | |
| Uchikaalam(3rd Puja of the Day) | 11.30 am to 12.00 pm (Noon) |
| Spatika Linga Abhishekam after aarti temple will be closed | |
| Saayarakshai (4th Puja of the Day) | 5.15 pm to 6.00 pm |
| Spatika Linga Abhishekam & Shotasopachaara aarti is performed during this Puja | |
| Irandaam Kaalam(5th Puja of the Day) | 7.00 pm to 8.00 pm |
| Spatika Linga Abhishekam, Chidambara Rahasya Puja & Maha aarti is performed during this Puja | |
| Ardhajaamam(6th Puja of the Day) | 9.00 pm to 10.00 pm |
Astonishing Facts About Chidambaram Nataraja Temple
- Chidambaram Nataraja temple is located at the Center Point of world ‘s Magnetic Equator.
- The Temple roof is made of 21600 gold sheets which denotes the 21600 breaths taken by a human being every day.
- These 21600 gold sheets are fixed on the “Vimanam” (Roof) using 72000 gold nails which denote the total no. of Nadis (Nerves) in the human body.
- Chidambaram denotes the Skies. Kalahasthi denotes Wind. Kanchi Ekambareswar denotes land. All these 3 temples are located in a straight line at 79 degrees 41 minutes Longitude. This can be verified. An amazing fact & astronomical miracle !
- Thirumoolar states that man represents the shape of Shivalingam, which represents Chidambaram which represents Sadashivam which represents Lord SHIVA’s dance!
- “Ponnambalam ” is placed slightly tilted towards the left. This represents our Heart. To reach this, we need to climb 5 steps called “Panchatshara padi ”
- “Si, Va, Ya, Na, Ma ” are the 5 Panchatshara mantras. There are 4 pillars holding the Kanagasabha representing the 4 Vedas.
- Ponnambalam has 28 pillars denoting the 28 “Ahamas “as well as the 28 methods to worship Lord Shiva.
- These 28 pillars support 64 +64 Roof Beams which denote the 64 Arts. The cross beams represent the Blood Vessels running across the Human body.
How To Reach?
By Air
Chidambaram is well connected to almost all the major cities in the country through its airways. Tiruchirappalli is the nearest airport to Chidambaram an is located at a distance of around 195 km. You can easily hire a taxi to reach the airport at easily affordable rent.
By Rail
The city is well connected to almost all the major cities in the country through its airways. Tiruchirappalli is the nearest airport to Chidambaram an is located at a distance of around 195 km. You can easily hire a taxi to reach the airport at easily affordable rent.
By Road
The temple is well connected to roads , Private as well as government buses plies to the temple.
Where To Stay
There are many cheap accomodations availiable for stay near the temple.
Average Cost of Stay: 300 INR – 2800 INR
Note: We don’t make any guarantees if the above-stated facts are not correct. If you think any information provided by us is wrong then contact us.
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