Day 6: Chidambaram Nataraja Temple & Vaitheeswaran Koil

 Day 6: Chidambaram Nataraja Temple & Vaitheeswaran Koil – A Journey Through Divine Healing & Dance

We woke up early and, after a quick breakfast, headed to the central bus stand to catch a bus to Chidambaram Nataraja Temple. Though we started our journey at 8 AM, there was no direct bus, so we had to change midway to reach our destination.

Meanwhile, a dear friend had recommended visiting Vaitheeswaran Koil, a temple known for its unique spiritual and healing traditions. Since it was midway to Chidambaram, we decided to make a detour—even though time was tight, as the Chidambaram temple closes at noon.

Vaitheeswaran Koil – The Healing Temple

As soon as we entered Vaitheeswaran Koil, we discovered its two fascinating aspects:

Lord Shiva as a Divine Healer

 In this temple, Lord Shiva is revered as Vaitheeswaran, the divine physician. It is believed that the temple pond’s water has miraculous healing properties. Following the traditional ritual, we purchased jaggery, immersed it in the pond, sprinkled the sacred water on ourselves, and consumed a bit of salt and pepper, offering the rest at a designated place. This practice is believed to bring physical and spiritual healing.







Nadi Shastra – The Ancient Palm Leaf Astrology

 This temple is also famous for Nadi Shastra, an ancient Indian palm-leaf astrology practice. Here, priests take one’s thumb impression and, based on ancient manuscripts, reveal details about their past, present, and future. Though intriguing, we chose to skip this experience. However, for those who believe in astrology, this could be an unmissable experience.

After a peaceful darshan, we had a light meal and resumed our journey to Chidambaram.



Chidambaram Nataraja Temple – The Temple of Dance & Devotion

This temple is one of the most revered among Lord Shiva’s shrines, as it is one of the Panchabhoota Sthalams, where Shiva is worshipped in the form of Akasha (Sky/Space). Unlike most Shiva temples that enshrine a Shivalinga, here Lord Shiva is worshipped as Nataraja—the cosmic dancer.

On entering the temple, we were spellbound by the breathtaking carvings on the four majestic pillars just outside the sanctum sanctorum. The intricacy and artistic precision of the carvings left us in awe, and we couldn't stop admiring their beauty.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this temple is its connection to Bharatanatyam. The eastern gopuram (tower gate) features 108 sculpted mudras (gestures) of Bharatanatyam, symbolizing the very foundation of this classical dance form.

After taking darshan of Lord Nataraja, we once again lingered at the four pillars, appreciating their craftsmanship. The temple complex is vast, with hundreds of intricately carved granite pillars, each subtly different from the other, making every single pillar unique.

Once again, we took darshan before beginning our journey back to Thanjavur, where we were staying for the night.













Mudra or dance pose carved on the temple, which form the basis of Bharatnatyam 

Detailed sculpture carving at its prime 








Closing the Day & Looking Forward to Trichy

After a long but fulfilling day, we reached Thanjavur by 10 PM, had a light dinner, and retired for the night, eager for the adventures that awaited us in Trichy (Tiruchirapalli) the next day.

Stay tuned!





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