Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, also known as Thillai Nataraja Temple, located in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu. It is considered not just a temple but a living symbol of Indian spirituality, dance and philosophy. Dedicated to the Nataraja form of Lord Shiva, this temple is believed to be the divine place where Shiva himself performed Ananda Tandava, the dance of evolution and destruction of creation.
Spread over approximately 40 acres, this grand temple is an excellent example of the ancient Dravidian style architecture of South India, whose tall gopurams and golden pavilions on all four sides further enhance its divinity. The Nataraja idol installed here is considered a symbol of the infinite energy and consciousness of the universe. It is believed that this is the same holy place where Lord Shiva performed Tandava to calm the ego of the sages and show them that the ultimate truth is attained only through knowledge and devotion.
Also read:Lingaraj Temple: Where Lord Shiva and Vishnu are worshiped in the same Shivalinga.
Beliefs related to Nataraja temple
This temple is dedicated to the Nataraja form of Lord Shiva i.e. ‘Lord of Dance’. It is believed that when the cycle of creation, maintenance and destruction of the universe continues, Lord Shiva in the form of Nataraja performs the Tandava dance. This dance is called ‘Anand Tandav’, which is considered a symbol of the evolution and destruction of the universe.
It is also believed that the Nataraja temple itself represents the ‘sky element’. This temple is considered a symbol of the sky element among the five places (earth, water, fire, air, sky).
Also read:Dilwara Temple: Know everything here from the structure of the temple to its history.
Specialty of Nataraja Temple
- Grand architecture of Dravidian style – The temple is spread over 40 acres and has huge gopurams (gateways) on all four sides.
- Golden Pavilion – The idol of Lord Nataraja is installed in the dancing posture in the main sanctum of the temple. This place is called ‘Kanak Sabha’. It is believed that Lord performed Anand Tandav here.
- Chitambara mystery – The ’empty space’ is shown behind a special curtain within the temple, which is considered to be a symbol of the invisible Brahma (Supreme Element). It means that God is present everywhere but seeing Him depends on faith and devotion.
- Center of Music and Dance – This temple is considered to be the birthplace of Bharatnatyam dance.
- Symbol of unity of Lord Shiva and Vishnu – The idol of Lord Vishnu is also installed here, which shows that Lord Shiva and Vishnu are two forms of the same ultimate truth.
Mythological belief related to the temple
Legend has it that once Lord Shiva went to Thillai forest, where some sages were performing penance. He believed that creation operates only through yagya and mantras. Lord Shiva took the form of a beggar to test him. Seeing his divine leela, the sages became angry and cast many powerful mantras on Lord Shiva. The sages sent a snake, which Lord Shiva wore around his neck like a necklace.
Then they sent a tiger, which Lord Shiva killed and wore its skin. At last he sent a dwarf demon, whom Lord Shiva pressed under his feet and performed the Anand Tandava dance. Thus, Lord Shiva broke the ego of the sages with his Tandava and showed them that ultimate power lies in devotion and love.
path to reach the temple
Nearest Airport: The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli, which is about 195 km from this temple.
Nearest Railway Station: Chidambaram railway station is directly connected to major South Indian cities – trains run from Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai and Thanjavur.
Road route: Tamil Nadu State Transport buses go to Chidambaram regularly from Chennai, Puducherry and Thanjavur.
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