Chidambaram Nataraja Temple: The Spiritual and Architectural Marvel

(The Natarajan Temple in Chidambaram, TN dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Nataraja-The cosmic dancer)

The Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, India, is also referred to as the Thillai Nataraja Temple. Situated in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, it is one of the Shiva temples steeped in mythology. The temple is renowned for its idol of Nataraja, the 'dancing Shiva'. The city where the temple is located, Chidambaram, means "Sky of Wisdom".

Rahasyam Chidambaram

The Chidambaram Rahasyam, a concealed mystical representation of Lord Shiva's divine formlessness, is a unique feature of the Nataraja Temple. When the curtain in the sanctum is drawn back, an empty space adorned with golden Bilva leaves, symbolizing Shiva's presence as an omnipresent cosmic energy, is revealed.

Architectural Grandeur

The design of the temple embodies the connection of spirituality and art. It was built in the 10th Century when Chidambaram was the capital city of the Chola dynasty. The Cholas worshiped Lord Shiva in the form of Nataraja as their Kuladevata. The Nataraja temple has seen destruction, renovation and expansion through the 2nd millennium.

The Gopurams (Gateway Towers): The temple has four towering gopurams, intricately adorned with thousands of sculpted figures depicting mythological stories and celestial beings.

The Nataraja's Temple is singular in that it's main feature is the jeweled sculpture of Nataraja. Scientists from the West have proven that at the big toe of Lord Nataraja is the Center Point of the World’s Magnetic Equator

The Five Sabha's: The temple is known for its five halls, each representing different aspects of Shiva’s cosmic dance.

The Ponnambalam

Gold details on Ponnambalam show on the temple walls made out of gold to represent the 21600 breaths a human takes within a single day implying that we work 8760 hours a year. These 21600 sheets made out of gold are fixed to the vimanam. The 4 pillars that surround Kanagasabha outlines the four Vedas.

The Ponnambalam is a space that holds deep meaning.  To reach this area, one ascends five steps, known as the "Panchratshara padi." These steps represent the five sacred syllables .Si, Va, Ya, Na, Ma," which are believed to encompass everything through five powerful mantras.

The brightly lit temple complex, featuring intricately crafted domes, serves as a symbol of the spiritual importance upheld by the 28 Ponnambalam scholars and the deep-rooted traditions of the 28 ways of worshipping Shiva.

28 Ponnambalam scholars believed were the supportive pillars of Ahams claim along with the 28 methods of worshipping Shiva. The 64 beams structure of determinants serves as a foundation, reminding us of the network of blood vessels within the human body,

The Kanagasabha,

Encircling the Kanagasabha, a significant section of the temple, stand four pillars, each representing one of the four Vedas: Rigveda, Samveda, Yajurveda, and Ayurveda, which are ancient Hindu scriptures.

Covered in gold, the temple's roof signifies spiritual connection with its 72,000 nails, each symbolizing a human nerve, and links to the holy structure of a Shivalingam, attracting visitors beneath the night sky. The Kalashas on the Golden Roof symbolize nine types of energies, the six pillars of the Artha Mantapa represent the six Shastras, and the eighteen pillars stand for the eighteen Puranas.

The Golden Roof

The temple's design is rich with symbolism.  It's said to incorporate 72,000 gold nails, each representing one of the many Nadis or nerves, in the human body.  The creation of the temple is linked to the formation of a Shivalingam, a representation of Shiva.  This connection is explored in certain systems of proof, where direct stimuli are associated with specific points of faith.  These points are sometimes referred to as Chidambaram, which describes the dance of Sadashivam, another name for Shiva.

The Kalasas on Golden Roof

The nine types of energies are symbolized by the Kalashas on the Golden Roof, while the six pillars of the Artha Mantapa symbolize the six Shastras-Nyaya,SamkhyaYoga, Mimansa,Vedanta & Vaisheshika). The eighteen pillars in the nearby Mantapa stand for the eighteen Puranas .

Historical Significance

The origins of the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple date back to ancient times, with references found in early Tamil literature and scriptures. The temple is believed to have been patronized by several dynasties, including the Pallavas, Cholas, Pandya's, and Vijayanagar rulers. The Chola kings, in particular, played a crucial role in the expansion and embellishment of the temple, making it a grand architectural marvel.

Chidambaram Nataraja temple celebrates the culture of modern man by showing a body having 9 entrances meaning chasms or body openings.

Happy Mahashivratri - A Night of Shiva