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Chidambaram Temple (mandir)
The Chidambaram temple houses the Nataraja (Shiva in Ananda Tandava pose; the
Cosmic Dance of bliss) statue. It is of great religious, historic and cultural
significance. Chidambaram is likely one of the foremost Shaivite shrines in
India. It is interesting to notice that the phrase "Koyil" or temple in the
Tamil Shaivite tradition refers to Chidambaram, the place Natarajar is enshrined
in the Ananda Tandavam (Dance of Bliss) pose.
Chidambaram is without doubt one of the Panchabhoota signifying the 5 components
of wind water, hearth, earth and space. The well-known Tamil poets like
Sambandar, Appar, Sundarar in addition to Manikkavacakar have sung verses in
reward of Chidambaram temple. In addition to the above-mentioned poets, there
are many other literary works that reward the glory of Chidambaram.
The origin of the Chidambaram temple (mandir) is shrouded in mystery. There are
various legends related to the Chidambaram temple (mandir). The legend of Adi
Shesha has it that aroused with irrepressible desire to witness Shiva's dance in
individual at Chidambaram, Seshan descended to the earth as Patanjali. There may
be one more legend related to the Chidambaram temple. It commemorates the dance
duel between Shiva and Kali. This legend has been portrayed in the Nritta Sabha,
one of many halls within the Chidambaram temple (mandir). Another recent legend
related to the Chidambaram temple (mandir) goes like this- the sacred Tamil
works of the Nayanmaars (Shaivite Saints) was lacking for several years and had
been later found in a dilapidated state in one of the of the Chidambaram temple.
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