Thillai Nataraja Temple/Chidambaram temple is in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. The Chidambaram temple timings are from 6:30 AM to 10 PM. Here, we can learn about the history and secrets of the Thillai Nataraja Chidambaram temple, how to reach it, and more.
Chidambaram Temple
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The temple’s main deity is Nataraja, the Dance form of Lord Shiva. It is one of the Pancha Bhoot sites (five Shiva temples); the God is in the form of a crystal lingam – the celestial element. Also, the nine temple facades represent the nine holes in the human body.
History
The history of the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple begins with the legend of Lord Shiva wandering into the Thillai forest. Vanam means forest and thillai trees, a species of mangrove tree.
The sages who believed God could control using mantras and rituals lived in the forests of Thillai. Lord Shiva walked in the forest(vanam) with great beauty, wearing a simple form of begging that seeks alms. Vishnu followed him as a Mohini.
The sages and their wives were mesmerized by the beauty of Lord Shiva. By seeing their women, they were enchanted. The sages became angry and summoned many nagas by performing magical rituals.
However, Lord Shiva lifted the snakes and wore them as ornaments on his locks, neck and waist. The more enraged sages called the terrible tiger. But Lord Shiva used its skins and dons as a shawl around his waist.
The sages summoned all their spiritual powers and a powerful demon named Mulakan, an absolute pride and ignorance symbol.
With a gentle smile, Lord Shiva lifted the demon on his back. He performed a blissful dance (dance of eternal bliss) to keep him motionless. It was then that Shiva revealed his true nature. Hence, the sages surrendered.
Adiseshu, who has fallen asleep before the Lord, hears about Ananda Thandavam and longs to see and enjoy it. God bless and command him to wear the saintly form of ‘Patanjali’. Thillai sends him to the forest, telling him he will dance at the appropriate time.
Who built the Chidambaram Temple?
The temple is essential to the Shaivites and is famous for its rich architecture. Also, Sangam classics refer to Viduvelvidugu Perumtakkan as the chief architect of the temple complex.
Its history has many reconstructions, especially during the Pallava or Chola emperors of ancient and pre-medieval times. Perumtakkan Chidambaram, a revered descendant of Vishwakarma, built and maintained the temple’s initial construction.
The Chola king, the late, laid the golden roof of Chidambaram. During that developing period, kings I Rajaraja Chola and I Kulothunga Chola donated significantly to the temple.
The temple sculptures depict the Thillai trees from the 2nd century CE. The word “Koil” or temple in the Tamil Shaiva tradition is none other than the Thillai Nataraja temple.
Thillai Nataraja Temple’s secret
Many say God exists, and others say there is not. Some people worry that it would be nice if. But what has become the current topic of discussion is one step beyond all this.
Where are the palm leaves believed to have been written by Chidambaram Natarajaswami himself, and whether the propaganda as in the Puducherry Peetha is valid and whether it is possible to seize it has become a Chidambaram mystery?
Devotees believe that Chidambaram Natarajaswamy came to the temple as a human being and handed over the temple by writing transcendental hymns on palm leaves.
These palm leaves are presently in the Ambalattadi Math in Puducherry. A new debate has begun with the demand that action be taken to seize those palm leaves.
Chidambaram Temple Timings
Below are Chidambaram temple timings:
| Day | Temple timings |
| Sunday | 6:30 AM – 12:05 PM 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Monday | 6:30 AM – 12:05 PM 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:30 AM – 12:05 PM 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30 AM – 12:05 PM 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30 AM – 12:05 PM 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Friday | 6:30 AM – 12:05 PM 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 6:30 AM – 12:05 PM 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM |
Temple Darshan Timings
| TIMINGS | FROM | TO |
| Morning Darshan | 6:00 AM | 12 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 5:00 PM | 10 PM |
| Pal Nivedhayam | 6:30 AM | 7:00 AM |
| Maha Arati | 7:00 AM | 7:30 PM |
| kalashandhi Pooja | 7:45 AM | 9:45 AM |
| Irandam Kalaam | 10 AM | 11 AM |
| Uchhikalam | 11:30 AM | 12 PM |
| Saayarakhshai | 5 PM | 6 PM |
| Irandam Kalaam | 7 PM | 8 PM |
| Ardhajanam | 9 PM | 10 PM |
Festivals Celebrated
Some of the festivals celebrated at the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple:
The 10-day Margashira festival in December-January is an important festival that begins with hoisting the flag the day before the Thiruvadhirai Nakshatra day. Festive significance of the Shaiva saint Manikavasagar.
Vidyati festival is associated with God and the saints.
The 10-day nail marriage festivities begin with flag hoisting. This festival happens ten days before the start day. Also, from the festival’s first day to the eighth day, deities like Somaskanda, Sivananda Nayaki, Vinayaka, Subramanya and Chandeshwaram (Panchamurti) are paraded in silver and gold.
Temple Accommodation
Some of the places to stay near the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple:
- The Hotel Akshaya Chidambaram in Chidambaram Gandhi Nagar has comfortable accommodations for tourists visiting. It is located at a distance of 1.8 km from the Chidambaram Railway Station.
- Also, it has a wide range of convenient delicacies.
- Hotel Lakshmi Vilas Heritage is a large complex at T Nedunchery in Chidambaram.
- The hotel offers devotees the opportunity to enjoy a pollution-free environment. It is just about 12 km away from the Chidambaram Railway Station.
How to reach
Here is how to reach Chidambaram Nataraja Temple:
Air: The nearest airport is Trichy, 195 km away, and Chennai, 235 km away.
Rail: Local rails connect Chidambaram to Trichy and other major cities in Tamil Nadu.
Road: There are frequent buses to Chidambaram from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Auto rickshaw is the best mode of transportation locally.
Nearby Temples
Some of the temples near the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple:
Thillai Kali Amman Mandir is famous for its main deity, Goddess Parvati, in the form of Mahakali. Also, to look at this statue is hilarious and marvellous.
The Thiruvetkalam Temple is located adjacent to the Annamalai University Complex. It is the best place to visit because of its peaceful and magnificent structure.
Thillai Nataraja Temple Contact
G Sundara Deekshithar: +91 9443635280
Email: contact@chidambaramnataraja.org