Chidambaram - Heaven on Earth - Some Facts

Thiruchitrambalam ! Sivagami - Nataraja's Abode on Earth - Chidambaram

This place is five hours drive from Chennai and is very accessible through rail, road and public transports

Here are some interesting facts about Chidambaram

• First of Shiva Temples throughout the world 
• A dense forest full of Thillai trees - hence Thillaivanam
• Pancha Bootha Sthalam - represents Sky / Space
• First of Pancha Sabhai - Nataraja Sthalam - Gold Sabhai / Kanaga Sabhai
• Next to the Kanga Sabhai is a small room with Golden Vilva Garland - the empty space is believed to be Akash / Sky / Space
• All Siva Agamams finally come down to Chidambaram - hence the temple closes @ 10:30 pm. No further worship in temples / homes performed after that
• Appar, Sundarar, TiruGnana Sambandar and Manikavaskagar came through four different entrances and worshipped Lord Shiva
• Four directions of Chidambaram guarded by four Kali - East Mariamman, West - Ellai Amman, North - Thillai Kali, South Vellan Thangi Amman
• Thiruneela Kanda Nayanar (Illamaiyakinar) temple is west of Chidambaram. One will be ever youth on visiting this temple
• Lord Nataraja is tilted towards left - where the heart is
• Soundarya Nayagi sameda AnandEashwar temple on west of Chidambaram is worshipped by St Pathanjali 
• This is the place where St Nandanar attained mukthi in Jothi swarupam
• Nambi Andar Nambi found 'Thirumurai' in Chidambaram
• Arulmigu Sargunambal sameda Pasu Pathi Eashwarar temple, Tiruvetkalam has Lord Shiva with Bow and Arrow. The would made by Arjuna is still visible