the Ultimate Web on Indian Gods & Temples

 by Padmani,

Koyilnet

Abodes of Shiva

1. Arulmigu Sivakamasundari sameda Natarajar Temple, Chidambaram

Mulavar   Natarajar, Ambalakoothar, Thiruchitrambalamudaiar
Ambal   Sivakami,Sivakamasundari
Kshethram    
Direction    
Theertham   Sivagangai Theertham, Ananda Theertham
Sthala Vruksham   Thilai Tree, Aalam Tree
Paadiyavar   Appar, Sundarar, Gyanasambandar
Travel Base   Chidamabaram
Nearest Railway Station   Chidambaram
Continent   North Cauvery
Circle   Chidambaram
District   South Arcot
State   Tamil Nadu

Location

We have train from Chennai which goes via Main Line to Chidambaram. There are plenty of buses from Chennai, Thanjavur, Trichy, Cuddalore, Salem and Villupuram.

Architecture

Inside this temple we have 5 mandrams a) Chitrambalam, b) Ponambalam, c) Perambalam, d) Thiruchabai and e) Rajasabai. This temple is home to Chidambara Rahasyam, concept of nothingness (aroopam). Shiva is said to have revealed a vision of his cosmic dance to Patanjali, Vyagrapadar and to all Devas here. We have praharam for Govindaraja Perumaal, Yoha Narasimhar, Venu Gopalar, Yadirasar, Koorathalwar in this temple.

History

Chidambaram is one of the foremost Saivite shrines; the very name Koyil refers to Chidambaram, where Natarajar is enshrined in the ChitSabha or the Hall of Consciousness, in the Ananda Tandavam (Dance of Bliss) pose. It is one of the 5 Dance Halls of Lord Shiva. It is one of the Pancha Linga Sthalam referring Space (Akayam). It is situated in North bank of the Cauvery River. This place formerly full of Thillai Trees. Chidambaram was previously called as Koyil, Thillai, Booloka Kailayam, Pundareepuram etc.,. Inside this temple you have another temple called Thirumoolattanam. Here Lord Shiva is in one of rarest form (Iconic Representation).

Festival

The festival days are Markazhi Thiruvadirai (Arudhra Dharshan) & Aani Thirumanjanam.