At Chidambaram, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Nataraja, the Lord of Dance, performing the cosmic dance (Ananda Tandavam) that represents the creation and dissolution of the universe. It is one of the most important Shiva temples in India.
Significance
Chidambaram represents space (Akasha) among the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams. In the sanctum known as the Chit Sabha, next to the Nataraja idol, is the Chidambara Rahasyam — the “secret of Chidambaram” — where a curtain is drawn back to reveal an empty space, symbolising the formless nature of the divine.
The roof of the sanctum is covered with gold-plated tiles, and the temple’s gopurams carry sculptures of the 108 classical dance poses (karanas) of Bharatanatyam.
Visiting
See our Chidambaram temple tour, or include it in the Pancha Bhoota Sthalam tour.
