Tiruchitrakoodam (Chidambaram)
Divya Desam 40 of 108 | Region: Chozhanadu
Tiruchitrakoodam, located within the renowned Sri Nataraja Temple complex in Chidambaram, is a unique Divya Desam where Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Govindaraja Perumal in a reclining posture. This temple holds special significance as part of the sprawling sacred space revered by both Shaivites and Vaishnavites, often referred to as “Kovil” by Shaivites and “Srirangam” by Vaishnavites.
Divine Highlights
- Moolavar (Presiding Deity): Govindaraja Perumal in a reclining posture
- Thayar (Goddess): Pundarikavalli Thayar
- Theertham: Pundarika Pushkarini
- Vimanam: Satvika Vimanam
Sacred Legends
According to the Sthala Purana, Lord Nataraja and his consort Thillai Amman performed the Ananda Thandava Nritya—the cosmic dance of bliss—to please Lord Vishnu at the request of the sages Patanjali (an incarnation of Adisesha) and Vyagrapadar (the tiger-clawed sage). They came here accompanied by the Thillai Moovayiravar—3000 devotees—making Chidambaram a divine assembly where all gods and devas gathered to witness the cosmic dance.
It is also believed that Bharatha, the brother of Lord Rama, established the Bharata Natya Shastra—the classical treatise on Indian dance—at this sacred location. The Chidambara Rahasyam, a mystical secret, is preserved in the sanctum of the Nataraja shrine.
Nearby, Kattumannar Kovil, the Avathara Sthalam of Nathamunigal, adds to the spiritual richness of the area.
Azhwar Mangalaasaasanam
- Tirumangai Azhwar: Pasurams numbered 1158-1177, 2674 (124)
- Kulasekhara Azhwar: Pasurams numbered 741-751
These verses from the Naalaayira Divya Prabandham praise the Lord of Tiruchitrakoodam with deep devotion.
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