Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram – Temple Tanks (Theerthams)

Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram – Temple Tanks (Theerthams)
The Chidambaram temple is well endowed with several water bodies within and around the temple complex.




Sivaganga Tank:
Sivaganga tank is situated in the third corridor of the temple opposite to the shrine of Shivagami. It is accessed by flights of stone steps leading from the shrine. It is famous for healing the ancient king Sveta Varman of his skin disease. His skin became golden after which he was called Hiranya Varman. In this tank, devotees can find a stone representation of the Linga of Tiruvanaikaval, which represents the Element Water. In the dry season it becomes visible as the water level in the tank is reduced.
Paramanandha Koobam:
Paramanandha Koobam is a well, situated on the eastern side of the Chit Sabhai hall from which water is drawn for sacred purposes.
Kuyya Theertham:
Kuyya Theertham is situated to the north-east of Chidambaram in Killai near the Bay of Bengal and has the shore called Pasamaruthanthurai.
Pulimadu:
Pulimadu is situated around a kilometer and a half to the south of Chidambaram.
Vyagrapatha Theertham:
Vyagrapatha Theertham is situated on to the west of the temple opposite to the temple of Ilamai Akkinaar.
Anantha Theertham:
Anantha Theertham is situated to the west of the temple in front of the Anantheeswarar Temple.
Nagaseri Tank:
Nagaseri tank is situated to the west of the Anantha Theertham.
Brahma Theertham:
Brahma Theertham is situated to the north-west of the temple at Thirukalaanjeri.
Shivapiyai Temple Tank:
Underground channels at the shrine drain excess water in a northeasterly direction to the Shivapiyai temple tank of the Thillai Kali Temple,Chidambaram. Due to poor maintenance, it has not been in use.
Thiruparkadal:
Thiruparkadal is the tank to the south-east of the Shivapiyai tank.