Thillai Nataraja Temple Chidambaram

About Thillai Nataraja Temple Chidambaram

The Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, is one of the most famous and significant temples in India, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as Nataraja. It is one of the “Pancha Bhoota Stalas”, the five temples dedicated to the five elements of nature – Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether [Akasha]. Chidambaram is associated with Ether. The other four temples in this category are: Ekambareswarar Temple(earth), Jambukeshwarar Temple(water), Arunachaleswara Temple(fire), Sri Kalahasti Temple(Air). 

History and Architecture

According to mythology, the temple was located in a grove of Thillai trees [species of mangrove trees], which is why it is called Thillai Nataraja. The temple dates back over 2,000 years and is believed to have been originally built during the Chola dynasty in the 10th century, although the site itself has much older origins. The temple has strong associations with the legend of Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance, symbolizing the creation, preservation, and destruction of the universe. The legend tells of Lord Shiva performing the dance of creation in the form of Nataraja, defeating the demon Andhaka to restore balance to the cosmos.

The temple complex spread over 50 acres in the heart of the city and has four main gateways, each with towering Gopurams. The temple has five main Halls or Sabhas namely the Kanaka Sabha, the Cit Sabha, Nritta Sabha, Deva Sabha and Raja Sabha. The central sanctum or Chamber of the Nataraja deity houses a golden idol of Lord Nataraja. It represents Lord Shiva dancing the Ananda Tandava – the dance of bliss, an iconic and revered form in Hindu iconography. The inner sanctum is dedicated to Lord Nataraja, and around it, various other shrines are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Goddess Parvati, and other deities.

Unique features of this temple

• Chidambara Rahasya (The Secret of Chidambaram): One of the most remarkable aspects of the temple is that the idol of Lord Nataraja is not entirely solid. Instead, the space in front of the idol is empty, symbolizing the formless nature of God, represented by Akasha (ether).
• The Golden Roof: The sanctum sanctorum of Lord Nataraja is crowned with a golden roof, which adds to the sanctity and radiance of the temple.
• The 1000 Pillars Hall: This hall, located within the temple, features intricately carved pillars with impressive sculptures.

• The 108 Dance Postures: The eastern gopuram of the temple features 108 classical dance postures, which are illustrated around the temple complex, representing the different forms of Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance.

Temple Timings

Morning 6.00 AM to 12.00 PM Evening 5.00 PM to 10.00 PM

Festivals and Rituals

• The temple conducts the Chidambaram Natyanjali, an annual dance festival in which classical dance performances are offered to Lord Nataraja by dancers from across the world.
• Maha shivratri
• Arudra Darshan is a 10-day festival celebrated in the Tamil month of Margazhi, between December and January. The festival includes a car procession usually called as The Chidambaram car festival . It is a procession of deities through the streets of Chidambaram. 

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Address

Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram, Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu 608001