Top 10 Secrets of Swamy Nataraja Temple
Dedicated to the Nataraja form of Lord Shiva, the Cosmic Dancer, the Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, Cuddalore, Tamilnadu, has a history that is shrouded in mystery. But it is definitely one of the most ancient temples in India. Where the temple stands now, a dense forest of Thillai trees once stood. The town itself was known as Thillai in those days. Its present name, ‘Chidambaram’, means “clothed in thought” or “atmosphere of wisdom”.The temple architecture speaks volumes about the connection between arts and spirituality. For instance, in the gopurams or temple towers, one can see representations of the 108 poses of the classical Bharata Natyam tradition mentioned in the classic work, Natya Shastra, on either side of the gateways. Also, there are friezes of dancers, musicians, and drummers that can be seen all along the walls that enclose the Sivakami Amman temple here. The temple was supposedly constructed during the 10th Century when Chidambaram was the capital of the Chola dynasty. For the Cholas, Lord Nataraja was their family deity. The temple has undergone extensive renovations throughout the 2nd millennium. Shiva is also worshipped as Chidambara Rahasyam, his formless form. He is also present in the form of Akasa Lingam, or Shiva as formless Space. In the Tamil Saivite tradition, the word ‘Koyil’, meaning ‘temple’, refers to this temple.