Chidambaram is the birthplace of the sculpture and bronze image representation of Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer, a Tamilian concept and motif in Chola art that has since become notable as a symbol of Hinduism. The deity that presides here is கூத்தன் – Thillai Koothan (Thillai Nataraja – Shiva, The Lord of Dance). King Kocengannan Chola was born following prayers his parents offered at the temple and later in his life he refined its structure. Its bronze statues and stone sculptures depicting various deities and the famous Thillai trees ( Excoecaria agallocha) of the surrounding forest reflect the highpoints of early Chola and Pallava art while its famed gold plated gopuram towers are medieval structural additions by the royals Aditya I, Parantaka Chola I, Kopperunchinga I, Krishnadevaraya and Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan. The temple as it stands now is mainly of the 12th and 13th centuries, with later additions in similar style. The Sangam classics list chief architect Viduvelvidugu Perumtaccan as directing an early renovation of the shrine.Ī major shrine of Lord Shiva worship since the classical period, there have been several renovations and offerings to Chidambaram by the Pallava, Chola, Pandya, Vijayanagara and Chera royals in the ancient and pre-medieval periods. The temple is known as the foremost of all temples ( Kovil) to Saivites and has influenced worship, architecture, sculpture and performance art for over two millennium. Vallam Pallava period Rock Cut Cave Shiva and Vis.Thillai Natarajah Temple, Chidambaram or Chidambaram temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the town of Chidambaram, East-Central Tamil Nadu, South India.Kotravai / Durga at Ozhalur, Saptamatrikas at Soka.Sri Shantha Nayaki Sametha Sri Veeratteswarar Temp.Sri Thiripura Sundari Samedha Sri Agatheeswarar T.Sri Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram, Cuddalore Distri.Sri Soundranayaki Samedha Sri Anantheeswarar Templ.Thirunareeswarar Shiva Temple, at Kandamangalam ne.
Sri Valeeswarar Temple, Athanacherry near Padappai.Sri Malleeswarar Temple at Karasangal near Padappa.Sri Vishnu Durga and Shiva Linga Temples of Manima.Sri Kailasanathar Temple at Manimangalam, Kanchipu.A Perumal Temple at Serapanancheri Padappai, Kanch.Sri Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple / Sri Bhakth.Sri Brihadeeswarar Temple / Thanjavur Periya Kovil.The remains of 11th Century Light House and Kodiya.Sri Piravi Marundeeswarar Temple / Sri Bhava Ousha.