Nataraja Temple Chidambaram

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The Nataraja Temple of Chidambaram reflects the beautiful craftsmanship of the architects of the period. However, the Nataraja temple went under several renovation process set by different rulers from time to time. According to Legends, Nataraja temple that is located at Chidambaram is one of the holiest and sacred Shiva temples in India. Nataraja Temple signifies the natural element space. The other temple at Chidambaram which signifies the other forms of natural elements are Kalahastu Nathar (wind), Kanchi Ekambareswara (earth), Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswara (water), Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswara (fire) and many more.

Nataraja temple being located at Chidambaram worships the Lord Shiva. Here, Lord Shiva is in the form of a Cosmic dancing God, which is known as Nataraja. The Nataraja Temple area is very huge. Temple is being surrounded in an area of near about 40 acres. Moreover, this historic and ancient temple is also dedicated to Lord Govindaraja Perumal. However, it is a very rare location where along with the Shaivite, the Vaishnavite too worship at the same place.

During the eleventh Century, Lord Nataraj temple was constructed. However, Lord Nataraja is the family deity of King Vikrama Chola. King Vikrama Chola spent bulk of his revenue for the construction of the walls, addition of structure to temple and some sumptuous gifts in gold to the Temple structure. Inside the walls, there are four Gopurams (Towers). These Gopurams or towers are decorated with various sculptures. Moreover, they represent several parables and religious scenes. The Eastern side Gopuram is the main entrance and the oldest of all the other. Overall, the west side Gopuram is the most attractive and terrific. The tallest gopuram is 42.4 meters above the sea level. The lights at the top of the gopurams are visible from the sea which seen as a landmark by the mariners. Here, four of the most sacred five sabhas held. The Nrithya Sabha is the most beautiful and interesting part of the Nataraja Temple. However, here one can find nine gateways of the Nataraja Temple, each of which signifies the nine orifices of human body.

The huge temple car of Nataraja temple, Chidambaram is equally impressive. Moreover, it is believed that Lord Nataraja descends twice on this car. During the festival period, thousands of devotees draw this sacred car. Here, numerous rituals are being performed with great purity and devotion. Many mantras are chanted from the Veda in Sanskrit within the temple. These sanctified acts are allowed to qualified people only. The preist of the Nataraja Temple is Dikshitar. Many different festivals are being celebrated within the Nataraja temple of Chidambaram.

One must visit the Nataraja temple at Chidambaram. Nataraja temple is one of the most sacred lord Shiva temples on earth!