Nataraja Temple Chidambaram

Nataraja Temple is an old Hindu temple in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the oldest churches in South India and one of the places that all CHIDAMBARAM TOUR PACKAGES must see.

Devotees dedicate the Nataraja Temple to Nataraja, the form of Shiva, as the god of dance. It is also famous as the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple or the Thillai Nataraja Temple. This is one of Lord Shiva's five Panchbootha Sthalas, and it stands for the sky. 

The Temple originates from a story, and a Shiva shrine existed there when the town was called Thillai. The name of the city and Temple, Chidambaram, means "atmosphere of wisdom" or "clothed in thought." The architecture of the Temple thus symbolizes a link between art and spirituality, creativity and the divine.

The significance of the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple

One of the chief temples in Tamil Nadu is the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, the place where devotees offer their homage to the Lord Shiva, assuming it to be the Nataraja. It attracts people who come here to see its beautiful architecture and rich cultural heritage. The cosmic dance of creation and destruction makes it an attractive PLACE TO VISIT AT CHIDAMBARAM.

What are the architectural features of the Nataraja Temple?

The Chola dynasty built the Temple in the 10th century when Chidambaram served as its capital. It is one of the oldest active temple buildings in South India that is still in use today. The Cholas saw Lord Shiva as Nataraj, who was their family god. 

During the 2nd millennium, the Nataraj temple was damaged, fixed, and grown. The Temple's plan, architecture, and construction are primarily from the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Later additions were made in a similar style. 

One of the most beautiful examples of the Chola building is the Lord Nataraja Temple, which is right in the middle of the city and covers 40 acres. There are gold plates on the roof of the sanctum sanctorum. The main god of the Temple is Akasa Lingam, which stands for air and is one of the world's five elements. 

Only five places display him as an idol instead of a lingam. All the 108 karanas mentioned in the Natya Shastra by Bharata Muni are depicted on the walls of this Temple through carvings. These postures form the foundation of Bharatanatyam, an ancient Indian dance.

What festivals do people celebrate at Chidambaram Nataraja Temple?

The major festivals include Marghazhi Thiruvaadhirai, Chittirai Thiruvonam, and Aani Thirumanjanam. During these events, priests bring the main deity outside the sanctum sanctorum in a procession that includes a temple car procession and a long anointing service.

Why is the Temple important in Tamil culture?

The Chidambaram Nataraja Temple is important in Tamil culture because it portrays the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva. It is one centre of spirituality that demonstrates Tamil architecture and customs and the richness of religious history in the area.