What are the Chidambaram Temple Secret and Scientific Facts?

19/12/2024 Indrani Ghose

Chidambaram, a historic town in Tamil Nadu, India, is celebrated for the magnificent shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva in his cosmic dancer form, Nataraja. What initially drew me to this awe-inspiring temple, beyond my devotion to Bhagwan Shivji, was its architectural brilliance and its profound synthesis of science and spirituality. I was curious about Chidambaram Temple secret. While primarily a site of immense religious significance, the scientific intricacies of the Chidambaram Temple have sparked curiosity and admiration among both devotees and non-devotees alike.

Unlike most Shiva temples where the deity is represented by the aniconic Linga, the Chidambaram Temple uniquely venerates Lord Shiva as an anthropomorphic idol. Intrigued by literary descriptions and images of this rare depiction, I felt compelled to witness it in person. During my visit, I stood in long queues twice—once in the morning and again in the evening during pooja—to catch a glimpse of the Divine portrayed as a dynamic force in eternal motion, the famed Chidambaram Temple Secret, symbolizing the cosmic rhythm of creation, preservation, and destruction.

What is the Chidambaram Secret?

History of Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram India

Origins of Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram India trace back to ancient Tamil Sangam literature, which mentions the temple as a significant spiritual and cultural hub. Initially, a shrine for the local deity Thillai Kali, the temple evolved into a grand complex venerating Shiva under the Chola dynasty’s patronage. I am highlighting here just the Key Historical Milestones in Chidambaram history:

Prehistoric Roots: The temple site was originally a grove of Tillai trees (Excoecaria agallocha). It became associated with the sages Patanjali and Vyaghrapada, who worshipped Shiva here to witness his cosmic dance.
Sangam Era: Ancient Tamil texts reference the temple as a center of Saivite worship, intertwining spirituality with Tamil cultural identity.
Chola Period (9th-13th Century): The Chola kings, ardent devotees of Lord Shiva, significantly expanded the temple. King Parantaka I (907–955 AD) gilded the temple roof with gold, earning the epithet “Ponveintha Perumal” (King who gilded with gold).
Post-Chola Developments: The Pandya, Vijayanagara, and Maratha rulers further contributed to the temple’s structures and festivals, preserving its legacy through successive eras.
Modern Times: Despite colonial challenges and neglect during British rule, the temple remains a vibrant center for spirituality, culture, and arts.

Architectural Significance of Chidambaram Temple India

What truly sets the Chidambaram Temple apart is its intricate connection to scientific facts, seamlessly blending spirituality with science. The temple comprises five main halls or ‘sabhas’: the Kanaka Sabha, the Cit Sabha, the Nritta Sabha, the Deva Sabha, and the Raja Sabha.

I had the fortune of speaking with a practicing pujari who was retiring for the day after performing his rituals. Sitting on the temple steps, I listened intently as he vividly described the temple’s unique features.

Top 12 Chidambaram Temple Scientific Facts

(Note the significance of the numbers.)

He explained that the temple’s architecture mirrors the human body, representing the ‘pancha koshas’ (five sheaths) of human existence as per yogic philosophy. Each sanctum corresponds to energy centres or chakras within the body, creating a spiritual resonance for visitors.
Like human body Chidambaram temple has nine entrances denoting nine openings of the body.
The main roof, he pointed out, is adorned with 21,600 gold sheets—symbolizing the 21,600 breaths a healthy human being takes in a day.
These sheets are fixed using 72,000 gold nails, corresponding to the 72,000 nadis (nerves) in the body.
The sanctum sanctorum, known as “Ponnambalam” (‘Pon’ meaning gold and ‘Ambalam’ meaning stage), is slightly tilted to the left to symbolize the human heart.
Accessing it involves climbing five steps called the ‘Panchatshara padi,’ representing the five syllables of the sacred mantra “Na Ma Shi Va Ya.”
Four pillars supporting the Kanaka Sabha represent the four Vedas
while 28 additional pillars signify the 28 ‘Agamas’ (sacred texts) and methods of worship.
The 64 cross beams symbolize the 64 arts, akin to the blood vessels in the human body.
Nine Kalashas on the golden roof: Representing the nine types of energies or ‘Sakthi.’
Artha Mantapa’s six pillars represent the six ‘Sastras.’
18 pillars in the adjacent Mantapa signifies the 18 Puranas.

Chidambaram Famous Temple

This gold-roofed stage, the sanctum sanctorum of the Chidambaram temple, houses the Lord in three forms:

the anthropomorphological form – appearance as Lord Nataraja – called the Sakala Thirumeni.
the semi-anthropomorphological form – as Crystal Linga of Chandramouleswarar – the Sakala Nishkala Thirumeni.
the formless – as the empty Space in Chidambara Rahasyam within the sanctum sanctorum – the Nishkala Thirumeni.

Chidambara Rahasyam (Chidambaram Temple Secret)

Central to the temple’s spiritual experience is the Chidambara Rahasyam—the “Secret of Chidambaram.” Chidambaram secret is hidden behind a curtain in the sanctum (symbolic of Maya, or illusion) and revealed during special poojas. Behind the curtain lies no physical idol but an empty space—the Akasha Lingam—representing the element of space or ether. This absence emphasizes the formless and infinite nature of Lord Shiva, urging worshippers to look inward and realize their connection with the cosmos.

The Chidambara Rahasya Darshan is a unique spiritual experience at the Chidambaram Temple in Tamil Nadu, cantered on the “secret” of the temple. The phrase Chidambara Rahasya translates to the secret of Chidambaram, and it is both a literal and metaphysical concept.

During the darshan, the curtain’s unveiling is a spiritually charged moment, symbolizing the removal of illusions that obscure ultimate truth. Rituals like aarti and hymn recitations intensify the divine atmosphere, inviting worshippers to transcend material perception and embrace spiritual realization.

(Tamilians pronounce it as Chidambara Ragasiyam. Tamil language doesn’t have any alphabet for ‘ha’, they have ‘ga’ instead.)

**Key Aspects of the Chidambara Rahasyam Darshan:**

Symbolism of the Curtain: We had queued up for this sighting this unique Chidambaram Rahasyam. Usually in other temples there is a door which opens and then we get the darshan, but here there was a curtain. The curtain is drawn aside at the appropriate time and then we get to see the interior of sanctum sanctum (Chit Sabha). This Lingam is not a physical idol but an empty space behind a golden curtain.

I was a little confused initially, but then immediately remembered- The sanctum houses the Akasha Lingam, representing the element of space or ether (Akasha).

The unveiling of the curtain is a dramatic and spiritually charged moment, inviting worshippers to look inward and beyond physical realities. During the darshan, the priests remove the curtain, symbolizing the removal of maya (illusion) that veils the ultimate truth. The act signifies self-realization and understanding one’s connection with the infinite. During the darshan, rituals such as aarti and recitations of hymns are performed which charges up the divine atmosphere.

If you were to interpret it spiritually it would mean: The empty space behind the curtain signifies the formless and infinite nature of Lord Shiva. It is a reminder of Shiva as the all-encompassing consciousness that transcends physical form.

Philosophically, it suggests that the ultimate truth is beyond material perception and can only be realized when the distractions of the mind are removed.

Personal Experience: Only thing I can say here is be alert, be aware to absorb the meaning of the sight. It totally depends on your mindset. The revelation of “Chidambaram Temple Secret” is understood differently by each observer, depending on their spiritual mindset.

Significance of Akasha (Space):
As one of the Pancha Bhuta Sthalas (representing the five elements), Chidambaram focuses on space, emphasizing that true divinity is formless and omnipresent.

Nataraja – king of dance

Pancha Bhoota Sthalas (Shrines of Five Elements)

Chidambaram Temple is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalas, where Lord Shiva is worshipped in manifestations representing the five elements of nature. At Chidambaram, he is the embodiment of ‘Akasha’ (space). The other Pancha Bhoota Sthalas are:

Earth: Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram
Water: Jambukeswarar Temple, Tiruchirapalli
Fire: Annamalaiyar Temple, Tiruvannamalai
Air: Srikalahasti Temple, Srikalahasti

Image of Nataraja (Cosmic Dance of Shiva)

The most unique must-see feature in Chidambaram Temple is the bejewelled image of Nataraja, Bhagwan Shivji, in a dancing pose. This is one of the most momentous forms of Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance. What cosmic dance conveys is that, when we go far across the universe even beyond our galaxies, we reach an end where the whole space looks exactly the shape of the Natraj Statue.

Whew!!! I couldn’t even imagine what that would be like. This revelation made me
look at the statue and images of the Nataraja statue several times later.

The Ananda Tandava (Cosmic Dance of Shiva)

The bejewelled idol of Nataraja in Chidambaram portrays Lord Shiva’s Ananda Tandava, or the Dance of Bliss. This cosmic dance signifies the eternal cycles of creation and destruction, as well as the balance between chaos and order in the universe. The pose has profound symbolism:

The demon under his feet: Ignorance crushed by knowledge.
The fire in his left hand: The power of destruction.
The drum in his right hand: The origin of life and rhythm of creation.
The raised right hand: Assurance of protection.
The circular ring of fire: The encompassing cosmos.

The dwarf underneath his foot is the demon Apasmara purusha or Muyalaka, who symbolizes ignorance. Western scientists have linked the Nataraja’s big toe to the center of the world’s magnetic equator. Ancient Tamil scholar Thirumoolar, in his treatise Thirumandiram, described these cosmic truths thousands of years ago.

Stages of Cosmic Dance of Lord Shiva

Chidambaram Temple also is one of the five places where Lord Shiva is said to have displayed his dance in different stages. Chidambaram has the Por sabhai (stage). The other temples are in:

Rathina (red) sabhai: Thiruvaalangadu
Chitra (painting) sabhai: Courtallam
Rajatha (silver) sabhai: Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple
Thaamira sabhai: Nellaiappar Temple, Tirunelveli has the (copper) Image of Nataraja

The original Nataraj statue is on display at the National Museum, New Delhi in the gallery of Chola Bronzes. A statue of Nataraja, the dancing form of Lord Shiva, is installed at CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research) in Geneva, Switzerland. This 2m tall statue was gifted by the Indian government in 2004 to celebrate India’s long-standing relationship with CERN, which began in the 1960s.

A plaque next to the statue explains this metaphor with a quotation from physicist Fritjof Capra:

Hundreds of years ago, Indian artists created visual images of dancing Shivas in a beautiful series of bronzes. In our time, physicists have used the most advanced technology to portray the patterns of the cosmic dance. The metaphor of the cosmic dance thus unifies ancient mythology, religious art, and modern physics.

Nataraja Statue

Temple Information for Tourists

Dress code for Chidambaram temple: For men the dress code is Shirt and Trouser, Dhoti or Pyjamas with upper cloth. For women the preferred dress code is saree or half-saree with blouse or churidar-kurta and dupatta. Footwear to be left outside the temple.

Timings to see Chidambaram Temple Secret: The Chidhambara Ragasiyam is shown around 7 PM and 8 PM.

Tickets: No tickets are required to enter the temple.

Other Things to Do in Chidambaram India

Buy Souvenirs: Chidambaram is famous for brass and bronze-made bells, lamps, and idols. A Nataraj idol is a must buy here. You get good imitation south Indian style jewellery here. Textiles like special form of saree called Bhuvanagiri Pattu is available here.

Some popular foods of Chidambaram are: Thillai Kali, a sweet delicacy made from broken rice, jaggery, and grated coconut. Seepu Seedai is another iconic snack that holds a special place in the culinary heritage of Chidambaram.

Other famous temples of Chidambaram: Thillai Kaali Amman kovil, Shri Brammarayar Temple, Arulmigu Keezhatheru Mariamman Thirukoil.

Personal Reflections

My experience at the Chidambaram Temple was deeply enriching. The convergence of art, science, and spirituality made the visit unforgettable. The revelation of Chidambaram Temple Secret and the intricate architectural details heightened my sense of awe and reverence. As I left the temple, I resolved to return—not just to admire its splendour but to deepen my understanding of its profound spiritual and scientific messages.

FAQ about Chidambaram Famous Temple

What festivals are celebrated at Chidambaram Temple?

The key festivals are Aani Tirumanjanam and Margazhi Tiruvaadirai.

Where is Chidambaram Temple located in India?

The temple is 78 km south of Pondicherry and 235 km from Chennai in Tamil Nadu.

Who built the Chidambaram Temple?

Sangam texts attribute the renovation to Viduvelvidugu Perumtaccan, a revered Vishwakarma architect. The current structure was rebuilt in 1213 AD by Vanakovaraiyan.

What does ‘Chidambaram’ mean?

Derived from ‘chit’ (consciousness) and ‘ambaram’ (sky), it refers to the ‘sky of consciousness,’ symbolizing spiritual enlightenment.

What are the other names of Chidambaram Temple?

Chidambaram Temple is also referred to as Thillai Nataraja Temple in various works (after the Thillai Forest of yore in which the temple is now located), Perumpatrapuliyur or Vyagrapuram (in honour of Saint Vyagrapathar).

Is there any lingam in Chidambaram Temple India?

The Chitsabha houses a small Sphatika Lingam (Chandramoulisvara), believed to be a piece that fell from the crescent adorning Lord Shiva’s head and installed by Adi Shankara.