Sri Thillai Natarajar (Capricorn) Makara Rasi Temple, Cuddalore

Address

Sri Thillai Natarajar (Capricorn) Makara Rasi Temple, Chidambaram- 608 001, Cuddalore district. Phone: +91 9349944261, +91 9443635280.

Diety

Sabanayagar/ Nataraja (Shiva) Amman: Umayambikai – Sivakama Sundari

Introduction

Thillai Nataraja Temple, also referred as the Chidambaram Nataraja temple, is a Shiva Temple dedicated to Lord Nataraja is one of the forms of Lord Shiva as the lord of dance. This temple is located in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, and India. This temple has ancient roots and a Shiva shrine existed at the site when the town was known as Thillai. The temple is considered as (Capricorn) Makara Rasi Parikara Sthalams.

Puranic Significance

The temple was constructed during the 10th Century when Chidambaram used to be the capital of the Chola dynasty. The Cholas considered Lord Shiva as Nataraj as their family deity. Sage Vasishta, revered as leader of the Rishis had a relative Madyandinar by name. He had a son named Maadyandinar. Sage Vasishta advised that the boy should worship the Swayambulinga in Thillai Vanam forests for gaining complete spiritual wisdom. Son Maadyandinar reached this place. He was sad that he lost his puja time in picking up flowers after sunrise and these flowers were not pure as the honey in the same are taken away by the bees. He appealed to Lord Shiva saying that he was unable to pick the flowers in darkness due to lack of light and the flowers become unfit if picked after sunrise. Lord granted him hands and legs as that of a tiger to climb the tree and a bright vision to the eyes functioning well even in utter darkness. Lord also said that he would be known henceforth as Vyakrapada as he had the legs as a tiger. Vyakrapada was too happy with the boon and continued his worship in Thillai.

Special Features

Sign No: 10 Typ: Earth Lord: Saturn English Name: Capricorn Sanskrit Name: Makara Meaning of Sanskrit Name: The Alligator The people of this house have deep common sense. Their aspirations are very high. From a humble beginning they rise to greater heights. They face difficulties in life boldly and achieve their goals. They are likely to have many enemies. They have to face domestic strife.

Festivals

10 day Margazhi festival in December–January begins on the day prior to Tiruvadhirai star day with flag hoisting. On holy days as Tiruvadhirai star day in Chithirai (April–May) and new moon days, Lord Natarajamurthi grants darshan on the banks of Shiva Ganga theertham and in the following Tamil months too on this star day. Night festivals are celebrated in the temple in all months–Chithirai to Panguni (April–May to March–April) on the first day of the month, Tiruvadhirai and Karthikai star days, new moon and full moon days, Fridays and Pradosha days.