History of the place

Sage Vasishta, revered as leader of Rishis had a relative by name Madyandinar whose son is named Maadyandinar (the first name is short in sound, the next longer). Sage Vasishta advised the boy to worship the Swayambulinga in Thillai Vanam (forests) for spiritual wisdom. Maadyandinar reached this place, but was sad as his puja time is wasted in picking up flower after sunrise and also the honey in the flowers eaten by bees. He appealed his concern to Lord Shiva about his inability to pluck the flowers in darkness. The Lord granted him hands and legs as that of a tiger to climb the tree and a bright vision to the eyes functioning well even in utter darkness. The Lord named Maadyandinar as Vyakrapada as he had the legs as a tiger. Vyakrapada was too happy with the boon and name and continued his worship in Thillai.

Saints who worshiped

Thirugnannsambandar, Thirunavvukkarasar, Sundarar, Manickavasagar. Arunagirinadhar praised Lord Muruga of this temple in his Thirupugazh hymns. This temple holds the pride of being the 1st among the 274 devara sthalams.

Speciality of this temple

The Lord Thirumoola Nathar is a swayambumurthi. Of the Pancha Bootha Sthalas (places), Chidambaram belongs to Akasha (Sky). One of the 108 divyadesas - Lord Govindaraja Perumal temple is near the Lord Nataraja's shrine. The temple for Thillai Kali who challenged Lord Shiva in the dance contest is also nearby. This place is also one of the five celebrated dancing centres of Lord Nataraja, known as Chitrrambalam. The Lord is in three forms here, viz., idol form, formless as Akasha or space and both form and formless as a spatika linga. Saint Adhi Sankara installled Sri Chakra in the Mother's shrine. Great Saivite poet Sekkizhar released His magnum Opus - Periapuranam in this temple. The hymns of Appar, Sundarar and Thirugnanasambandar were found in this temple only.

Pariharam

Praying the Lord Nataraja brings mental peace, frees the devotee from every and any health problem. People also pray for child boon, prosperity and to gain excellence in arts.

Pariharam Procedure

Abishekam to Lord and Mother is done and Vastras are offered. Some offer annandhana and contribution towards temple maintenance.