Chidambaram Abode of Infinite

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The Chidambaram temple occupies a unique place among the South Indian shrines. "Koil" is the exalted name for this sthala, where Nataraja performs his eternal dance. The term 'Koil' is the name common to all temples. But when this term is used to signify a specific shrine, it clearly denotes its exalted state. The term "Koil" specially denotes "Chidambaram" for Saivites. Chidambaram is the home of Nataraja, the Lord of the Cosmic Dance.

In this book, we are going to have a look at the all-around histroy, rituals, architecture, festivals, devotees (i.e., Nayanmars), etc. of the temple. Writing about the infinite glory of this shrine and its presiding deity is impossible. But we have tried to conjure up the important details of the temple from a layman's point of view so that one is able to grasp the grandeur of this magnificent temple in Chidambaram. Along with the description are beautiful pictures complementing each other, so that one is able to actually witness the greatness of this ancient architectural beauty.

Despite being a wonderful pilgrimage destination, Chidambaram is best known for its famous and mystical "Chidambara Rahasyam." When one reads this book, he will be able to understand the basic concept of Chidambara Rahasyam of this Akasha Kshetra, not in terms of its exalted, enlightening meaning, but in terms of a common human being.

Ramalinga Dikshitar's previous research is a positive feature to this long neglected area of Indological research. It is a complete and in-depth examination of the historical, archaeological, ritualistic, and philosophical aspects of the Nataraja cult. Shri. Ramalinga Dikshitar, an erudite Sanskrit scholar, has been able to utilise all of the original Sanskrit sources marvellously well, and the results he has achieved are characterised by a new approach to this topic. The effort will meet a long-felt need for a comprehensive and thorough study of Chidambaram's world-renowned ancient temple.

Senior Advocate P. Natarajan, M.A. BL. He has been a practising civil lawyer since 1964. He was a director of Chidambaran's Urban Bank. He was a legal advisor to Indian Bank and other banks for a long time. He was also the Bar Association's President. He was deeply involved in temple matters for a long time. As a passion, he wanted to write a book about the Chidambaram temple, and he spent his time researching the Shiva cult. He is a quiet lawyer who takes pride in his work.

Our sacred shrines are the living symbols of the growth and preservation of our traditional culture These sacred shrines date from very early times, and the legends associated with their origin are considered valuable traditions by the Hindus. Thus the Chidambaram temple occupies a unique place among the South Indian shrines. "Koil" is the exalted name for this sthala, where Nataraja performs his eternal dance. The term "Koil' is the name common to all temples. But when this term is used to signify a specific shrine, it clearly denotes its exalted state. The term "Koil" specially denotes "Chidambaram" for Saivites Chidambaram is the home of Nataraja, the Lord of the Cosmic Dance.

In this book, we are going to have a look at the all-around rituals, architecture, festivals, devotees (ie., Nayanmars), etc. of the temple. Writing about the infinite glory of this shrine and its presiding deity is impossible. But I've tried to conjure up the important details of the temple from a layman's point of view so that one is able to grasp the grandeur of this magnificent temple in Chidambaram. Along with the description are beautiful pictures complementing each other, so that one is able to actually witness the greatness of this ancient architectural beauty.

Despite being a wonderful pilgrimage destination, Chidambaram is best known for its famous and mystical "Chidambara Rahasyam." When one reads this book, he will be able to understand the basic concept of Chidambara Rahasyam of this Akasha Kshetra, not in terms of its exalted, enlightening meaning, but in terms of a common human being.

Also, a prominent feature of this holy shrine is that this is the only temple in the whole of India where Vaidika Pooja is followed. All the more, the entire temple is administered by the exclusive community of Chidambaram dikshitas, who reside nearby this shrine Thus, we'll get to read all of this along with the legends and surrounding temples in the precincts of this shrine of Nataraja Who is infinitely performing His Ananda Tandava (the Dance of Bliss) for His devotees at the famous Cit Sabha. I'm thankful to Dr. T. Ramalinga Dikshitar, whose book "A Study of Chidambaram and its Shrine" served as a huge source of information for shaping this book. It is relevant to mention that this book is a research book by the author. The books suggested by Shri P. Nararajan, Avocate are "Chidambaram" by Vidwan Dandapani Desikar, "Thillai Perumkovil Varalaru" by K. Vallivarananaar, and another book by Dr. S. Meyyappan titled "Chidambaram Temple." The lawyer's guidance was very valuable in the formation of the book. I am grateful to Shri Aruneswaran of Akshaya Hotels for inspiring me to write a book about Chidambaram Nataraja Temple.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages