The Govindaraja Perumal Temple, also called
Thiruchitrakoodam, is in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. It is inside the big complex
of the Thillai Nataraja Temple and is built in Dravidian style. Bhagavan Vishnu
is worshipped here as Govindaraja Perumal, and his consort Lakshmi as
Pundarikavalli Thayar. This temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the holy
places of Vishnu praised by the Alvar saints in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham.
These hymns were composed between the 6th and 9th centuries CE.
The Story of Dhilli and the Thillai Forest
According to the Sthala Purana, there was a demoness named
Dhilli. She did severe penance to Bhagavan Vishnu with full devotion. Pleased
with her tapas, Bhagavan gave her a boon. She asked to become a sacred forest,
and her wish was granted. She became the Thillai grove, and because of this the
place got the name Thillai. Even today Chidambaram is known by this old name.
The story shows that sincere bhakti is accepted by Bhagavan from anyone,
whatever their birth or nature.
The Dance at Chitrasabha
The second important story is about the cosmic dance of
Shiva and Parvati. This dance happened on the Chitrasabha, a hall built by
Vishwakarma, the divine architect. Bhagavan Vishnu was the judge of this dance.
In the tradition, Shiva performed the very difficult Urdhva Tandava pose, with
one leg raised high, and Parvati, following the rules of dance and modesty, did
not continue. So Shiva's dance was accepted as supreme. Here Vishnu is shown as
a fair judge, giving his decision without any partiality.
Importance of the Temple
Thiruchitrakoodam is important for both Vaishnavas and
Shaivas. The Alvar saints, especially Thirumangai Alvar, sang about this temple
in their pasurams. Because of this, it holds a high place among the Divya
Desams. Devotees believe that darshan of Govindaraja Perumal here gives peace
of mind and removes the burden of past karma. Pilgrims who come for Nataraja
usually visit this shrine also.
Symbolism
Chidambaram is known as the place of Akasha, or space, among
the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams of Shiva. Thillai also represents the human heart,
where the Supreme Being stays. The dance of Shiva represents the cycle of
creation, protection and dissolution. Vishnu, as the protector, standing near
to this dance, shows that these divine functions are connected and not
separate. The forest of Dhilli also teaches that even a demoness can become a
holy place through penance and surrender.
A Unique Aspect of the Temple
The main unique point is that a Vishnu shrine stays inside a
Shiva temple complex. This is not very common. Bhagavan Vishnu is seen in a
reclining posture, resting on Adisesha, and the sanctum is close to the sanctum
of Nataraja. For devotees, this is a clear sign of harmony between Shaivism and
Vaishnavism. Many people say that the place teaches us that Shiva and Vishnu
are two forms of the same Supreme Truth. A devotee can pray to both in one
visit, in one campus.
Additional Notes for Devotees
- Pundarikavalli
Thayar has her own separate shrine, and devotees usually pray to her
first, before going to Perumal.
- The
best time to visit is in the morning, before the main crowd comes for
Nataraja darshan.
- Reciting the pasurams of the Alvars at the sanctum is considered very auspicious.
The Thiruchitrakoodam temple carries the memory of Dhilli's penance, the dance of Shiva and Parvati, and the judgement of Bhagavan Vishnu. It reminds us that devotion, humility and fairness are the true values taught in our Sanatana Dharma.