Chidambaram temple
Also called: Nataraja temple · Topic: Southern Dynasties: Chalukyas, Pallavas, Cholas · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 2 "Bhakti-Sufi Traditions"; Class 12, Ch 3 "An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara"
Meaning
The Chidambaram temple is a major Shiva temple at Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to Nataraja, which means Shiva as the "Lord of dance". His dance stands for the creation and destruction of the universe. Chola kings gave it rich gifts, and it was a major centre of Shaiva bhakti (personal devotion to god). Later rulers, including the kings of Vijayanagara, also supported it.
Example
A royal statue of the Vijayanagara king Krishnadeva Raya (16th century) stands on one of its gopurams, the tall gateway towers of south Indian temples. It shows that kings wanted to be linked with this famous shrine.
Don't confuse with
- Brihadishvara temple, Thanjavur: Rajaraja Chola's imperial Shiva temple, built as a statement of empire. Chidambaram's fame rests on the worship of Shiva as Nataraja.
Related concepts
- Chola bronzes
- Nataraja
- Swamimalai bronze icons
- Airavatesvara temple, Darasuram
- Great Living Chola Temples
- Gommateshwara statue
- Angkor Wat