| The Nataraja temple
of Chidambaram is one of the significant temples of Tamil Nadu in terms
of traditional rituals, worship and architecture.
Chidambaram pilgrim site is one of the most ancient pilgrimage sites
of India. It has its own religious, historic and cultural significance.
Chidambaram Temple site is mainly linked with the Nataraja Temple-a
temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in his “ Ananda Tandava pose
or the Cosmic Dance of bliss”.
Ananda Tandava form of Shiva symbolizes the five divine acts of creation,
sustenance, dissolution, concealment and bestowment of grace. The temple
is mainly known for its Akasa Lingam.
The architecture of Chidambaram Nataraja temple is
of great significant. The most magnificent and eye-catching structures
of the temple are the four towers or gopurams in the four directions
at the outermost prakaram. About 250 feet in height, each tower is a
masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. Beside of these, there are 108
representations of Bharat Natyam Tradition either side of gateways.
But there are no representations of Nataraja on the towers as the image
is only for innermost shrine.
A unique worship service is followed in Nataraja Temple of Chidambaram
different from what is followed in other Saivite temples of Tamil Nadu.
Six worship prayers are followed in this temple in
which the most special is the ArdhaJamma Puja. Particular time period
is also followed for offering prayers in this temple. Combination of
rituals involving chanting of Vedic and Tamil hymns along with worship
services start at about 9.30, then at noon, at 5 in the evening and
at 7 pm in the night.
Two annual festivals of Bhrammotsavams associated
with the temple rituals are also of great significance. The grand one
occurs in the month of Margazhi (December-January). This ten-day festival
at Chidambaram is followed by colorful processions of the five deities
on first eight days. While the second Bhrammotsavams occur in the month
of Aani, in a similar way to Arudra Darisanam of first one.
Enjoy Tour to Chidambaram Nataraja Temple with India Tour Guides. For
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| Tamil
Nadu Temples |
| Chidambaram
Temple, Chidambaram |
Rameshwaram
Temples, Rameshwaram |
| Kanchipuram
Temples, Chennai |
Thanjavur
Temples, Thanjavur |
| Ekambareswarar
Temple, Kanchipuram |
Jain
Temple, Chennai |
| Kailasanathar
Temple, Kanchipuram |
Perur
Patteeswaraswamy Temple, Coimbatore |
| Mahabalipuram
Temples, Mahabalipuram |
Parthasarathy
Temple, Chennai |
| Meenakshi
Temple, Madurai |
|
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