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.