Natraja Temple Chidambaram
The temple called ponnambalam or Kanaga Sabai is one of the oldest temples of the Chola period. It is a unique temple where Lord Siva is worshipped in an idol form instead of the usual ‘Lingam'.
Natraja Temple is spread over an area of 40 acres with 4 tall portal towers piercing the sky on each side having five sabhas or courts. The towers were built by Kulotunga Chola and Krishna Devaraya in the East, South, West and North respectively. The eastern gopuram (tower) is 40.8 meters high and carved on it are 108 dance poses of Bharathanatyam, the classical dance of Tamil Nadu. The Western tower has also similar carvings. The other two depict the various Thiruvilaiyadalgal or puranic Holy Pranks of Lord Siva. The tallest is the northern tower soaring to a height of 42.4m.
The presiding deity is Lord Nataraja installed in the Kanaga sabha, the roof of which is gold=plated. The icon is the most bewitching dancing pose of Lord Siva. Adjacent is the shrine of Govindaraja (Vishnu) reclinging on the serpent Adisesha and from His naval rises a lotus stem with a bloomed lotus on which is seated Brahma with His four heads. Therefore one can worship all the trinity of the Hindu faith - Brahma, Vishnu and Siva, at the same time, in this temple. In no other temple, it is possible. Two other shrines, one dedicated to Subramanya and the other to Ganesha could also be seen in this temple.
A huge Nandi looks devotedly on His Lord and master through an aperture on the wall. As already stated Lord Siva is represented in the form of ‘Akasha' - Sky (space), and it is one of the Pancha Bootha Sthalas of Lord Siva. Behind the idol, a screen conceals a mystery popularly known as Chidambara Rahasyam (mystery). While burning camphor is shown to the idol, the screen is removed momentarily to reveal a sparkling light which is symbolic of the removal of the sheath of ignorance to understand the Supreme Truth.
There are two mandapams, inside the complex, one 100- pillared and the other 1000 pillared. There is a big tank mirroring the north gopuram. The Nrithya Sabha is an artistic work of elegance with its minutely chiseled pillars carved to resemble a chariot drawn by horses. Govindaraja Perumal Sannathi in the Temple attracts vaishnavite devotees.
The Srimulanatha Complex and the shine of goddess Sivakami contain beautiful paintings in the ceiling.
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