Thillai Nataraja Temple
Chola, Pandya, Vesara (for the golden roof), Kerala (Sanctum Sanctorum)·10th century·India
The Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer. With ancient roots and a history of renovation by the Chola dynasty, its architecture symbolizes the union of arts and spirituality, prominently featuring the 108 karanas of the Natya Shastra. It is a revered pilgrimage site and holds importance within Shaivism as one of the Pancha Sabha Thalam and Pancha Bhuta Thalam.
Key Facts
- ›Dedicated to Shiva in his form as Nataraja, the lord of dance.
- ›Features temple wall carvings of all 108 karanas from the Natya Shastra, foundational to Bharatanatyam.
- ›One of the few Shiva temples that is part of both the Pancha Sabha Thalam and Pancha Bhuta Thalam traditions.
- ›The current form of the temple dates back to the 10th century, with significant expansions by the Chola and Pandya dynasties.
- ›The temple complex covers 16 hectares (40 acres) and includes various shrines, mandapas, and the sacred Shivaganga pool.
- ›It is historically linked to the Chola dynasty, who considered Nataraja their family deity.
Shiva
- Religious Pilgrimage Site For Shaivism
- Architectural Representation of the Connection Between Arts and Spirituality
- Home To Carvings of All 108 Karanas of the Natya Shastra
- One of the Five Elemental Lingas In Shaivism
- Historically Important To the Chola Dynasty
Chola Dynasty, Pandya Dynasty, Vijayanagara Empire
Natyanjali Dance Festival On Maha Shivaratri
Stone, Gold
Parantaka Chola I, Aditya Chola I, Kulothunga Chola I, Sundara Pandya
108 Karanas From the Natya Shastra
Shivaganga Sacred Pool
About Thillai Nataraja Temple
The Thillai Nataraja Temple, also known as the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, is a paramount Hindu temple located in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer. The temple's origins are ancient, with a Shiva shrine existing at the site when the city was known as Thillai. The name Chidambaram itself means "stage of consciousness," reflecting its spiritual significance. The temple's architecture is renowned for symbolizing the profound connection between the arts and spirituality, with its walls prominently featuring all 108 karanas from the Natya Shastra, which are the foundational postures of Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form.
History and Architecture
The present structure of the Thillai Nataraja Temple largely dates back to the 10th century, a period when Chidambaram was a significant city of the Chola dynasty. Historical inscriptions suggest that the golden roof of the shrine was constructed by Parantaka Chola I in the 9th century CE, and the temple is mentioned in 7th-century hymns, indicating its antiquity predates the Medieval Cholas. The Chola rulers revered Nataraja as their family deity, and the temple was a center of their patronage. The temple has undergone numerous renovations, repairs, and expansions throughout the second millennium. Most of its surviving plan, architecture, and structure originate from the late 12th and early 13th centuries, with subsequent additions made in a similar style. The architectural complex is spread over 16 hectares (40 acres) and is characterized by its concentric courtyards, nine gopurams, and various mandapas, including the notable thousand-pillared hall. The Sanctum Sanctorum, while reflecting Chola and Pandya influences, bears a resemblance to Kerala-style structures, and its golden roof is a striking example of Vesara architecture.
Religious and Cultural Significance
The Thillai Nataraja Temple holds a unique position in Shaivism, being the only Shiva temple that is part of both the Pancha Sabha Thalam (five great assembly halls of Shiva) and the Pancha Bhuta Thalam (five great elemental lingas). It is considered the subtlest of all Shiva temples in Hinduism. Beyond its primary dedication to Shiva as Nataraja, the temple also reverentially incorporates major themes from Shaktism, Vaishnavism, and other Hindu traditions. The complex includes the earliest known Amman or Devi temple in South India, a Surya shrine, and shrines dedicated to Ganesha and Murugan. The temple is also a vital center for performing arts, hosting the annual Natyanjali dance festival during Maha Shivaratri. Its historical importance is further underscored by its patronage under various dynasties, including the Cholas, Pandyas, and the Vijayanagara Empire, who all contributed to its preservation and expansion. The temple has also faced periods of destruction and restoration, notably during invasions in the 14th century, after which it was revived by the Vijayanagara rulers.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Thillai Nataraja Temple?
The Thillai Nataraja Temple is highly significant as it is dedicated to Shiva as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer. It symbolizes the connection between arts and spirituality, with its walls adorned with all 108 karanas from the Natya Shastra. It is also unique as it is the only Shiva temple common to both the Pancha Sabha Thalam and the Pancha Bhuta Thalam traditions.
When was the Thillai Nataraja Temple built?
While the temple has ancient roots with a Shiva shrine existing when the town was known as Thillai, the present temple was renovated into its current form in the 10th century. The golden roof of the shrine was constructed by Parantaka Chola I in the 9th century CE, and the temple is mentioned in 7th-century hymns, indicating its existence prior to the Medieval Cholas.
What architectural styles are present in the Thillai Nataraja Temple?
The architecture of the Thillai Nataraja Temple is a blend of Chola and Pandya styles, with the Sanctum Sanctorum showing resemblances to Kerala style structures. The golden roof is a notable example of Vesara architecture due to its apsidal shape. The complex features numerous mandapas and pillared halls, with the later additions of stone gateways by the Cholas and Pandyas.
What is the meaning of Chidambaram?
Chidambaram, the name of the city, literally means 'stage of consciousness'. The word is derived from the Tamil words 'citta' or 'chitthu' (consciousness or wisdom) and 'ampalam' (atmosphere), signifying a 'wisdom atmosphere'. It is also translated as 'clothed in thought'.
Has the Thillai Nataraja Temple faced any invasions?
Yes, the temple has faced invasions. In 1311, the forces of Sultan Alauddin Khilji raided Chidambaram, and the temple was a source of gold and jewels. Temple towns in Tamil Nadu were again targeted in the 1320s, leading to the concealment of sculptures and treasures. The Vijayanagara Empire later restored and expanded the temple after defeating the Madurai Sultanate.
What is the significance of the 108 karanas at the temple?
The temple walls feature carvings of all 108 karanas, which are fundamental dance postures described in Bharata Muni's Natya Shastra. These postures form the basis of Bharatanatyam, a major Indian classical dance form, highlighting the temple's connection to the performing arts.
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