Chidambaram represents Akasham – space in the pancha bootha sthalas.
The myth of Chidambara Rahasyam is found here where there is no image or Lingam of Shiva.
A circular arch, called tiruvasi with a vel is in front. The prabhai is marked by a string of golden leaves hung over it.
The stone steps leading to the Chit Sabhai are five in number and are silver plated and are said to represent the Panchakshara Mantra - Na, Ma, Si, Va, Ya.
The Lord poses with his left leg raised as if ready to dance.
This particular dance is called Nadanta dance, Bhujangatrasa dance, Anandatandava dance. The drum in the right hand symbolises the fact that God holds everything in the world. The very first sound ‘OM’ has its origin from this drum. This primordial sound emanated from Shiva’s drum as he beat it.
The skin of the tiger which he wears is the ahankara which he has killed.
The Lord wears river Ganga on his head which is the Chit Sakthi or wisdom. The Moon that he wears signifies the ethereal light and bliss of the atman.
There are shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Muruga, and 63 Nayanmars in the temple.
The temple is in a sprawling area of 40 acres with many holy waters surrounding it.
There are nine gateways which signify the nine orifices in the human body.
There are four massive gopurams in all directions with seven levels.
The eastern gopuram has 108 karanas of Bharatanatyam sculpted on it.
Arudhra Darisanam
Though there are festivals celebrated throughout the year, the most important festival is Arudhra Darisanam which  occurs in the Tamil month of Margazhi. The ten-day festival reaches a crescendo during Arudhra – Full Moon – pournami when the mystic poet Manikavasakar is taken out in a procession on all the four streets. On the night before Arudhra, Lord Shiva and Sivakamasundari are given a holy bath throughout the night.
It is carnival time as people from all over flock to the temple in hundreds to worship the Lord. The famous Arudhra kali and kootu are prepared in every home and offered to the Lord.
The temple rituals are performed by Chidambaram Dikshitars called Thillai Moovayiram who are supposed to have been brought here by Patanjali from Mt Kailash.
Pooja to the Lord is done six times a day.
The temple resembles a town by itself.
Temple timings – 6 a.m. – 1 p.m.
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
(Concluded)
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