Chidambaram based Thillai Nataraja temple
Posted on: 13/Feb/2018 9:41:44 AM
Chidambaram is located at about 235 kms from Chennai and in this Chidambaram there is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is superb to mention that this Lord Nataraja temple is one amongst the 5 holy Lord Shiva temples and each represent one of the five natural elements. This temple was constructed about 1000 to 2000 years back.
Located on an area of 50 acres this popular temple of Lord Shiva is visited by many devotees from all over is well known. It must be noted that the word ‘Chidambaram’ might be derived from ‘chit’ meaning consciousness and ‘ambaram’ meaning sky. It is known that ‘Chidakasha’ is a state of supreme bliss and Lord Nataraja or Shiva here present in this temple is in this state.
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 Thiruvadarai 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 Tiruvempavai 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.
