Nataraja Temple, Tamil Nadu

Nataraja Temple, Tamil Nadu

In most of the temples Lord Shiva resides in the form of Shivalinga, but today we are telling you about one such temple. Where the Lord is seated in a wonderful form. The city of Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu is ensconced in the Shiva Nataraja avatar. The name of this temple is Nataraja Temple. Which is dedicated to Shiva. This temple is very large and beautiful. Which is famous worldwide for artifacts. The architecture and spirituality of the temple is very beautiful and quaint.
Lord Shiva in the form of Nataraja
It is said that Lord Shiva performed the Ananda dance here so this place is also known as Anand Tandava. This temple is one of the 5 holiest Shiva temples in India. Nataraja is said to be the god of Bharatanatyam dance. Lord Shiva saves the devotees in the form of Nataraja. In this temple, there is an influx of devotees to see the Nataraja form of Lord Shiva. To see the structure of the temple, a certain amount has to be given.

History of Natraj Temple
1. The temple is believed to have been built in the 12th and 13th centuries. However, there is no authenticated evidence of the history of the temple. From the 7th century to the 16th century, the dynasty family protected the temple and made major changes to the temple. The Kings of Chola, Pallava, Pandya and Chera dynasty displayed many arts in the temple. Dynastic families made its structure the most amazing and supernatural.

Nataraja or Chidambaram temple structure
The Chidambaram Temple is located on the Chennai Thanjavur Road, 45 km from Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu. Which is made on 40 acres. The temple is constructed in Dravidian architecture. The temple is very huge and there are 9 doors to go inside it. Four of which have high gopurams. Gopuram has 7 pillars and the pillar to the south is the oldest and beautiful. These pillars depict 108 types of Natya Shastra performing Bharatanatyam. Shiva's alms, skeletons, Kalyanasundara etc. forms have been made on each gopuram. The walls of the temple are carved with great beauty. Statues of musicians and musicians playing on the walls are also made. Gold vases have been placed on the summit of the temple. There is also a lake in the temple complex. Which is called Sivaganga. The temple of Goddess Sivagami is also built here. Temples of Govindaraja and Pandarigavalli are also built in the Nataraja temple building.

Features of Natraj Temple
 
Bronze statues are present in the Nataraja temple. Which is said to be of the Chola period.

A well is formed in the eastern direction of the temple. From where water is taken for worship. The name of this well is Parmanand Kubham Chit Sabhai.

The most unique feature of the temple is that it has a bezel image of Lord Shiva Nataraja. Who represents Shiva as the Guru of Bharatanatyam.

Most of the temples built here are built in the form of chariots and horses are also made to pull the chariot.

The celebration in the temple is celebrated with great pomp. Here the temple car is used for Juluso twice a year. Devotees draw it in large numbers on festivals.