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ASI Protected
Nataraja Temple
Also known as: Thillai Nataraja Temple
Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu
10th - 13th Century CE
One of the most sacred Shaiva temples, Chidambaram is the only temple where Shiva is represented as the cosmic dancer Nataraja in the main sanctum. It is the center of the Pancha Bhuta Stalam representing Akasha (ether/space). The temple is managed by a hereditary community of Dikshitars.
Source: Aitihasik heritage database. Use this as a field guide and verify sensitive historical claims before citation.
Details
- Dynasty
- Chola
- Style
- Dravidian
- Primary Deity
- Shiva (Nataraja - Cosmic Dancer)
- Languages
- Tamil, Sanskrit
- Scripts
- Tamil, Grantha
Historical Significance
One of the Pancha Bhuta Stalams (element of ether). Central shrine of Nataraja (cosmic dance of Shiva). Features the famous Chidambara Rahasyam (secret of Chidambaram). Managed by the hereditary Dikshitar Brahmin community
Architectural Features
Gold-plated roof (Kanaka Sabha)Four towering gopurams with 108 Bharatanatyam posesChit Sabha (Hall of Consciousness)Nritta Sabha (Dance Hall)Thousand-pillared hall