In this video we arrive in a town called Chitambaram to viusit the Nataraja Temple. Chidambaram is a town in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The town is believed to be of significant antiquity and has been ruled, at different times, by the Pallavas until 9th century, Medieval Cholas, Later Cholas, Later Pandyas, Vijayanagar Empire, Marathas and the British. The town is known for the Thillai Nataraja Temple, and the annual chariot festival held in the months of December–January. Actually, tomorrow is the amazing chariot festival. Here are a few photos of the chariots.
The great temple chariots of South India are amazing structures for amazing events, architecturally and artistically. They are at the center of the grand festival or celebrated once a year in every temple. Each temple has its own tradition with respect to the calendar and also the number of days and the progression of the processions. But the chariot day is always the central feature and also the most spiritually and aesthetically inspiring. The chariot is quite mysterious. Structurally it is an upside-down pyramid on four wheels made of wood. On top of this pyramid is a small dais which is also a stepped pyramid, but right side up. For the occasion of the actual festival a temporary upper structure will be constructed of poles which will be covered by colorful cloth. Although every temple has its own specific details, generally these upper structures also have a pyramidal structure and shape. The ritual chariot is first and foremost a physical representation of Meru, and Meru is the Cosmic Mountain and World Axis. Pretty Cool! the spectacular Nataraja Temple, also referred to as the Chidambaram Nataraja temple or Thillai Nataraja temple. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Nataraja – Shiva as the lord of dance . The temple has mythical roots and a Shiva shrine existed at the site when the town was known as Thillai. Chidambaram, the name of the city and the temple literally means "atmosphere of wisdom" or "clothed in thought", the temple architecture symbolizes the connection between the arts and spirituality, creative activity and the divine. The temple wall carvings display all the 108 karanas from the Natya Shastra by Bharata Muni, and these postures form a foundation of Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance. Here are some photos of the front entrance. I just had to go up to the roof for some Temple selfies. The present temple was built in the 10th century when Chidambaram was the capital of the Chola dynasty, making it one of the oldest surviving active temple complexes in South India. After its 10th-century consecration by the Cholas who considered Nataraja as their family deity, the temple has been damaged, repaired, renovated and expanded through the 2nd millennium. Most of the temple's surviving plan, architecture and structure is from the late 12th and early 13th centuries, with later additions in similar style. While Shiva as Nataraja is the primary deity of the temple, it reverentially presents major themes from Shaktism, Vaishnavism, and other traditions of Hinduism.
Amazing to wander around the temple inside. Shoes off of course. The Nataraja temple has ancient roots, likely following the temple architecture tradition that is found all over South India from at least the 5th century. Textual evidence, such as those of the Sangam tradition, suggest a temple existed here along with Madurai in ancient times, but the town is not named Chidambaram in these pre-5th century texts. The earliest mention of "dancing god of Chidambaram" as Shiva is found in 6th and early 7th century texts. I feel the Spirit moving in my big feet. Amazing colorful paintings on the ceiling inside the Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India. Hindu temple dedicated to Nataraja – Shiva as the lord of dance. Elephants always seem to find us. Lucky for us. Our elephant blessing at the Nataraja Temple. Sylvia and I received a blessing from an elephant at the Nataraja Temple.

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