Neyveli Nataraja Temple, Cuddalore

Address

Neyveli Nataraja Temple, Cuddalore

Sivapuram Complex, Vellore Salai, Block-16,
Kurinjipadi, Neyveli,   

Cuddalore District,

Tamil Nadu 607801

Moolavar

Nataraja

Amman

Shivagami

Introduction

1. Location:
   • The Nataraja Temple is located in Neyveli, a cosmopolitan city where people from various religious backgrounds reside.
   • Neyveli is home to temples dedicated to various deities such as Lord Krishna, Lord Ayyappa, Lord Murugan, and Lord Nataraja.
2. Puranic Significance:
   • The temple is famous for its metal statue of Lord Nataraja (Lord Shiva in his cosmic dance form), which is considered the biggest statue in the world. The statue stands 10 feet 1 inch tall with a base of 8 feet 4 inches and weighs 2,420 kilograms.
   • There is also a 7-feet tall statue of Goddess Sivakami, weighing 750 kilograms.
   • The temple is deeply connected to the Tiruvasagam sung by Saint Manickavasagar in Chidambaram. It is believed that Lord Shiva himself transcribed these verses, and the Goddess Sivakami is revered for providing the voice and rhythm for Lord Shiva’s dance.
   • The Nataraja idol is crafted according to the ancient Bogar 4000 text, using a blend of herbals and Panchaloka (five metals).
   • Unlike traditional temples, this one features Saint Tirumoolar at the feet of Nataraja instead of Saint Manickavasagar. Patanjali and Vyakrapada are depicted seated beside Lord Shiva.
   • The temple also has Bhairava with 10 hands (Dasabuja Bhairava) and a separate shrine for Sani Bhagwan. Uniquely, the temple features Sun and Bhairava before Lord Shiva instead of the usual Sun and Moon.
   • The temple, which existed for over 500 years, underwent a significant transformation starting with the Poomi Pooja in 1986. The construction was completed in 1987, followed by the holy consecration.
3. Special Features:
   • 63 Nayanmars, traditionally found in rows in Shiva temples, are arranged separately in this temple. Devotees can choose to worship the saint corresponding to their birth star to fulfill their desires.
   • The temple houses idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Chandrasekhara, Goddess Parvati, and saints Manickavasagar and Sekkizhar (famous for his creation Tiruthondar Puranam, which praises the glory of the Nayanmars).
   • A shrine for Sempon Jyothi Nathar is located to the west of Lord Nataraja’s shrine.
   • In line with the ancient practice of Manu Needhi, there is a prayer box where devotees can write their miseries and drop them in, ringing the bell three times. These petitions are read by the Dikshit during the morning pooja and are burnt in fire as a symbolic act of delivering the devotees’ wishes. A thanksgiving letter is written by devotees once their wishes are fulfilled.
4. Festivals:
   • The temple is open to devotees from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
   • Various poojas are performed including:
     • Thirupalliyezhuchi Pooja
     • Kala Santhi Pooja
     • Uchikala Pooja
     • Sayaratchai Pooja
     • Irandam Kala Pooja
     • Arthajama Pooja
   • Special Guru Pooja is conducted on Nayanmars’ Guru Pooja days, followed by talks on the lives of the saints.

Century/Period

500 years old

Nearest Bus Station

Neyveli

Nearest Railway Station

Neyveli

Nearest Airport

Puducherry

Location on Map

lightuptemple