Ekambareswarar Temple

The Ekambareswarar Temple, ancient since 600 CE, features legends of Parvati’s penance under a mango tree, appeasing Shiva as Ekambareswarar. Tirukuripputhonda Nayanar’s devotion is celebrated here. Originally built by Pallavas, later expanded by Cholas and patronized by Vijayanagara kings, it boasts an 11-storied gopuram built by Krishnadevaraya. Adi Sankara’s efforts also expanded the temple complex. Inscriptions from 1532 CE mention royal gifts, and the temple was extensively renovated in the 20th century. Administered by Tamil Nadu’s HR&CE, it remains a significant pilgrimage site.

Kalahasti Temple

Srikalahasti Temple, known for its Vayu lingam and Parvati’s penance, holds profound legends. Vayu, blessed by Shiva to be omnipresent as air and essential to all beings, worshiped the Karpoora lingam here. Parvati, cursed to become human, regained divine form through intense penance. Ghanakala and others were relieved of curses after prayers at this sacred site. Shiva appeared to sage Markandeya here, emphasizing the Guru’s pivotal role in esoteric teachings. Originally constructed by Rajendra Chola I in the 11th century, the temple saw expansions by Kulottunga Chola I and Vijayanagara kings, including the majestic 120-feet tall gopuram. The main gopuram, which collapsed in 2010, was meticulously rebuilt in 2017, preserving its historical and architectural significance.

Thiruvanaikaval Temple

Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval, dedicated to Shiva, symbolizes the element of water among the five Mahābhūta temples in Tamil Nadu. Legend recounts Parvati’s penance here, forming the Appu Lingam from Cauvery river water under a Venn Naaval tree.

Shiva appeared to her and imparted Siva Gnana. The temple is famed for the story of two Siva Ganas, Malyavan and Pushpadanta, cursed to become an elephant and spider respectively. They worshipped Shiva fervently, with the elephant fetching water for lingam ablutions and the spider weaving webs to protect it. When the spider bit the elephant, Shiva, moved by their devotion, liberated them from their curses. Kochengot Chola, reborn from the spider, built this temple and others, with a narrow sanctum entrance recalling the elephant’s death.

Tiruvannamalai Temple

In Hindu mythology, the Annamalai hills near Tiruvannamalai are sacred as the place where Shiva appeared as a column of fire to restore light to the universe after Parvati playfully closed his eyes, plunging the world into darkness. Another legend recounts Shiva’s challenge to Vishnu and Brahma to find his source as a flame, known as Lingodbhava.

Historically, the Annamalai shrine has been revered since ancient times, cited by Tamil scholars and celebrated in the works of Nayanar saints like Sambandar and Appar. The Chola kings, from 850 to 1280 CE, and subsequent Vijayanagara rulers, including Krishnadeva Raya, contributed significantly to its development with numerous inscriptions recording their patronage.

During the 17th century, the temple faced shifts in control under the Nawab of the Carnatic and subsequent European incursions, including attacks by the French and British. It came under British rule in the early 19th century and has been managed by the Tamil Nadu HR & CE department since 1951. Designated a national heritage monument by the Archaeological Survey of India in 2002, it was later returned to local stewardship following legal battles.

The temple remains a cultural and religious landmark, reflecting centuries of patronage and historical upheavals, yet enduring as a symbol of Shiva’s divine presence and the region’s spiritual heritage.

Thillai Natarajar Temple, Chidambaram

The Thillai Nataraja Temple, also known as Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Nataraja, the dancing form of Shiva, located in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India. Originally established in ancient times when the town was called Thillai, the present temple was built in the 10th century during the Chola dynasty’s rule. Renowned for its intricate architecture symbolizing the fusion of art and spirituality, the temple displays 108 karanas from Bharata Muni’s Natya Shastra, foundational to Bharatanatyam.

The temple complex includes shrines dedicated to various deities like Amman, Surya, Ganesha, Murugan, and Vishnu, alongside unique features such as the sacred Shiva Ganga pool. Shiva is worshipped here primarily as Nataraja, performing the Ananda Tandava in the Pon Ambalam hall. Chidambaram is one of the five elemental lingas in Shaivism pilgrimage tradition and is esteemed as the subtlest Shiva temple (Kovil) in Hinduism.

The town’s name, Chidambaram, derives from Chitrambalam, meaning “wisdom atmosphere,” reflecting its association with Shiva Nataraja and its cultural significance in fostering the arts. The temple is a hub for performance arts, hosting the annual Natyanjali dance festival. Throughout its history, the temple has undergone several renovations and expansions, preserving its spiritual and cultural legacy as a center of Shaiva and broader Hindu worship and artistry.

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