Chidambaram is also known as Thillai, since the place was originally a forest of the thillai, botanically known as excecaria agallecha shrubs. It is an important pilgrim centre and a holy place for Saivites as the famous Nataraja Temple is located here.
The Nataraja TempleThe temple located in the centre of the town covers an area of 40 acres. It is one of the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity of the temple is represented by air, one of the five elements of the universe and is known as Akasa Lingam. Dedicated to Lord Nataraja, this ancient temple of the Cholas is unique as it one of Panchabootha sthala in India – and it is one of the rare temples where Shiva is represented by an idol rather than the customary lingam. This temple is aslo having exquisite carvings giving importance to Bharathanatya postures, gestures, mudhras etc thus giving concrete evidences and throws lights on the Classical Dance of Tamil Nadu. This temple spread over an area of 40 acres with magnificent gopurams on each side. The temple is also distinguished by five sabhas or courts.
