The
Akas sthalam
Chidambaram is the seat of the cosmic dancer Nataraja (Ananda Tandava pose
; the Cosmic Dance of bliss). Chidambaram is one of the foremost Saivite
shrines; the very name Kovil refers to Chidambaram, where Natarajar is
enshrined in the Chit Sabha or the Hall of Consciousness, in the Ananda
Tandavam (Dance of Bliss) pose. Chidambaram is one of the Panchabhoota
Stalams signifying the 5 elements of wind water , fire , earth and space.
The Moovar (Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar) as well as Manikkavacakar have
sung praises of Chidambaram. Several literary works praise the glory of
Chidambaram.
Linkage
Chidambaram is 250 Kms south of Chennai. It is on the railway main line.
Roughly this is in the middle, between Chennai and Tiruchirapalli.
Chidambaram can be reached by bus. Bus routes connect this town to various
places in Tamil Nadu.
Glory of the legend !
This temple was concealed behind the veil of mystery for centuries,but its
known sublimity in records begins with the visit of Hiranya Chakravarthi of
Kashmir around 500 A.D. The king is believed to have been cured of his
leprosy with a single dip in the temple pushkarini, Sivaganga thirtham . The
four eminent saiva acharyas Appar, Sambandar, Sundarar and Manikkavachakar
are bonded with this holy temple and produced master pieces eulogising their
respective paths - Charya, Kriya, Yoga and Gnana. This kshetra is said to
have given 'moksha' (liberation) to infinite devotees - notable amongst them
are Nandanar, Tirunilakandanayanar, Vyagrapada, Patanjali.
On the map of the Tamilian heart !
Chidambaram is located 235 Kms from Chennai (Madras), Tamilnadu State,
South India and 43 Kms from Cuddalore (Cuddalore District Headquarters).
Chidambaram
Temple
