Tall and towering temples mark the landscape of Tamil Nadu.
They remain as preserves of cultural heritage and protectors and promoters of inner
urge of people for ethereal bliss and blessings of the Almighty. Not only that the
temples inspired promotion of art and culture, also , infact, human life revolved
around these centers of worship in ancient period time. Chidambaram is one such
sacred place with Lord Nataraja temple .
The Nataraja Temple built during the eleventh century is the most celebrated of
the south India saivite Temple. Lord Nataraja is the family deity of Vikrama Chola(1128)
and his successors. He spent the bulk of his revenue for construction of the walls
and addition of the structure of the temple and made sumptuous gifts in gold to
the structure.
Chidambaram rose in popularity due to its proximity to Gangaikonda cholarapuram
built and made as the capital of the imperial Cholas by Rajendra Chola. Inscriptions
and Tamil literature is like Raja RajaChola Ula and Takkayagappari give detailed
accounts of the temple and the munificent contribution of the Chola kings in gold
to wrap the sanctum sanction and the famous hall. The temple located in the middle
of the municipal town sprawls in an area of 40 acres.
Inside the walls are four Gopurams(Towers) embellished with numerous sculptures.
They represent various religious scenes and parables. East Gopuram , the main entrance
is the oldest and the West Gopuram is more attractive and outstanding. The tallest
is 42.4 meters above the sea level and 140 feet above the ground level. The light
in the top of gopurams here and the Gopurams are visible from the sea and they are
the landmarks for the marines
The inner enclosure is the most sacred and has four of five Sabahs. The Nrithya
Sabha, the Hall of Dance is the most beautiful and interesting part of the temple.
The Sivakami temple, the sivagami tank and the Hall of thousand pillars are important
features of temple.
The presiding deity of the temple is represented by air, one of five elements and
is known as Akasa Lingam. The great three Tamil saints Appar, Sundarar and Sambandar
have visited the temple and their hymns praise the temple and Divine Dancer, Lord
Nataraja.
The Nataraja image in its various forms really holds the devotee as well the tourist.
Rodin, the modern sculptor of international repute highly praised the forum and
art and the concept of Divine Dance of Lord Nataraja