The image of Lord Siva, dancing His eternal cosmic dance, with one foot lifted and a swinging arm, as depicted in the Chidambaram temple, has been one of the most mesmerising visions over centuries, captivating devotees. In fact, in Saivism, the word temple refers to Chidambaram, which is celebrated as the topmost shrine, the Kailash on earth, said P. Swaminathan in a discourse.
When Manikkavachakar saw the idol at Chidambaram, the image came to life before his eyes and he could hear the anklets tinkle as the Lord performed a unique dance movement on the floor. Espying the idol, Tirunavukkarasar said: “If one could but be privileged to see the arched eyebrows…the wet matted locks…and the sweet lifted foot, even human birth is desirable on this vast earth.”
Chidambaram, a seat of true knowledge, has the intriguing reputation of holding a secret. This is derived from the special worship conducted around 7.30 p.m. every day at a small gate adjacent to the Siddha Sabha. However, there is no idol here, but only a garland made of vilva leaves, with the niche itself covered with a curtain. One may ask what is the significance of this. This service is said to lead one from ignorance to true knowledge. This is to reinforce the fact that the Supreme Being, who is everywhere, is also here – in the ‘empty space’. One cannot see God directly, but can only feel Him. The Chidambara Rahasyam (secret) is to make one realise God through one’s inner eye; that knowledge drives out ignorance. One sees the divine form of the Lord (visible to the eyes as Nataraja) and also his formlessness (all-pervading but not visible to the outer eye).
Chidambaram numbers among the five Siva temples dedicated to the five elements, and symbolises the sky. Siva is in the form of empty space, ever ready to bless His devotees.
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