Long before we relied on digital maps and online apps to guide us to our destinations and day-to-day on goings, ancient wisdom and practical science guided mankind about significant principles of life, importance of the key elements of nature and its relevance with regards to cosmic forces and architecture. Even centuries later one can see many fine living examples that speak of the vast forethought and infinite knowledge in the times of yore- one has to only visit a few such architectural monuments to truly get a feel of this profound insight.

Take for example the Sabhanayaka Temple at Chidambaram. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is regarded to be extremely divine and consecrated as the Lord is seen here as Nataraja- the Lord of Dance or the celestial dancer.

Come along with us as we are headed to Chidambaram to take a look at the temple for ourselves and marvel at the grandness of it all.

Let serendipity guide you

In this age of hi-tech gadgetry and technology, one can’t help but be guided by practicality and common sense, however when you’re visiting a place as divine and holy as this, its best to let serendipity steer you on your spiritual journey.

When you do make this trip do ensure that you pick the most conveniently located starting point so as to ensure a smooth ride. This is why it makes more sense to commence the trip to Chidambaram from Oragadam and catch the Chennai Theni highway or the NH45 if that is more convenient. In a matter of approximately 4 and a half hours and the highway should land you in Chidambaram.

Why Oragadam?

Oragadam offers unmatched connectivity and accessibility because of its location being flanked by the 2 State National Highways. Besides, as is commonly known, Oragadam is one of Chennai’s leading electronic and automobile hub, moreover with the upcoming developments such as the upcoming aerospace park, proposed Greenfield airport, Financial City and projected 300-crore Oragadam Industrial Corridor Road there is greater expectation on augmentation of the infrastructure and transportation facilities.

Backed by a solid base of SEZ’s, telecom companies, ancillary industries, IT conglomerates and electronic manufacturing companies that are set up here only go on to make Oragadam a significant location on Chennai’s map.

So lets say you’re looking for the best way to reach any place outside of Chennai, you can be certain that there will be many options thrown open for you. Here, it is important to note that even for those who belong to the corporate world, Oragadam offers a world full of opportunities on account of the many industries that are already set up here in addition to the ones that are upcoming in the near future too!

Celestial sanctity

The Shri Shiva Nataraja temple or the Shri Sabhanayaka temple is regarded to be thousands of years old and it is widely believed that it was probably built sometime in the 6th century Common Era, however, certain historians believe that there are structures within the temple that were built after the 12th century. As it may be, the temple complex is beautiful and immediately transports one to a higher spiritual plane. In fact the very meaning of the word Chidambaram means chit or consciousness with ambaram signifying sky. Moreover, the main chamber of the temple- the Chit Sabha is known as the Hall of Consciousness.

The temple premises are quite vast and interestingly in a rectangular shape with the temple comprising of five courts (Sabhas) namely the Chit Sabha (Hall of Consciousness), Kanaka Sabha (Golden Hall), Raja Sabha (Royal Hall), the Nritta Sabha (Hall of Dance) and the Deva Sabha (Hall of Deities). Another interesting feature is the design of the gopurams, quite unlike other temples; the gopurams here are randomly placed.

Representing the element of ‘space’ or ‘air’, the Shri Shiva Nataraja at Chidambaram is hallowed and revered for its deep importance and holy significance with reference to the rest of the Shiva temples, dedicated to the five elements.