Chidambaram Nataraja Temple

 

Our family went to Chennai for my brother in law’s Shastiyapthapoorthi function. After the function, we planned for a weekend trip to Chidambaram temple, Pichavaram mangrove forest and Gangaikonda Cholapuram.

Chidambaram Nataraja Temple is a Hindu temple situated in the town of Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. The Chidambaram Nataraja statue is of Lord Shiva and is also known as Thillai Nataraja Temple. It is one of the five holiest Shiva temples, each representing one of the five natural elements. The temple represents the element of space (Aakash/ sky) among the five-element temples, “Panchmahabhoota Sthalams. 

 

The magnificent Nataraja Temple is an architectural marvel and a must visit place. The temple is living proof of ancient techniques that were far advanced in astrological, architectural, and geological knowledge. 

 

Chidambaram was the capital of Cholas around 10th CE, before moving to Thanjavur, and Nataraja their Kul Devta. The thousand pillar choultry, with friezes narrating Hindu texts, was built in the late 12th century Between the second half of the 12th century and the early 13th century However, material evidence exists from the 12th CE onwards. Various dynasties of the South Indian rulers like Pallavas, Pandyas, Cholas, Cheras, and Vijaynagara Kings have contributed to the expansion and maintenance of this temple during their respective periods. You can find imprints of them in various parts of the temple.

 

 We reached the main entry gate which opened into a huge campus. There were sculptures all around on the walls and I started my walk around the complex, appreciating the minute details of the fine carvings. When we went for Darshan first time, the main temple sanctum which is located in the center of the elevated Mandapam.

We saw some were inside the main sanctum whereas other like us standing outside in the passage between Mandapas. We saw Lord Nataraja from far in the crowd. The idol at Chidambaram Nataraja Temple is that of Lord Shiva in a dance pose.

 

Once you enter from the East Gate, you would find the grand thousand pillar hall on your right side. The hall is said to have 999 pillars and the 1000th pillar is formed by one of the dance poses of Shiva when he lifts his left leg to show his performing skills.

History of Chidambaram Nataraja Temple

The temple was constructed during the 10th Century when Chidambaram used to be the capital of the Chola dynasty. The Cholas considered Lord Shiva as their family deity. The Nataraj temple has undergone damage, renovation, and expansion for many years. The present structure of the temple has its roots in the 12th and 13th centuries AD.

The word Chidambaram is derived from two words ‘Chit’ meaning ‘consciousness’ and ‘ambaram’ meaning ‘sky’. The word can be translated into the sky of consciousness, which is the ultimate state one should attain in the mortal world. Another theory is that it is derived from chit + ambalam. Ambalam means a “stage” for performing arts.

Architecture of Chidambaram Nataraja Temple

The temple complex of Chidambaram Nataraja Temple sprawls over an area of 45 acres. This is one of the rare temples where Lord Shiva is represented by an idol rather than the customary lingam. 

 

The architecture of the temple represents the link between arts and spirituality. Although Shiva is the main deity of the temple, it also represents major themes from Vaishnavism, Shaktism, and others with all due reverence.

 

The Nataraja Temple is known for its attractive gopurams, carvings, five mandapams, and inscriptions. The four tall gopurams are decorated with 108 carved dance postures of Natya Shastra. There are five main principle sabhas in this temple, which are known as Chit Sabha, Kanaka Sabha, Deva Sabha, Nritya Sabha, and Raja Sabha.

 

The golden roof of the temple is studded with 21,600 gold tiles inscribed with the auspicious mantra of ” Namah Sivay” and these tiles are fixed with 72,000 gold nails. The nine Kalasha or holy pots representing the nine energies can be seen in the picture.

The shrine is truly an architectural marvel in which each part signifies the parts of the human body. The shrine itself is located in the central position, symbolic of a heart. The Mandap is gold plated with small plates carved with the auspicious mantra of “Shivay Namah” on each of them. Following is the significance of each part of the shrine:  The five steps signify the five elements as well as the five indestructible syllables of the mantra “ si va ya Na mah”.

 

   The form of Shiva as a Cosmic Dancer performing the “Anand Tandav” or the dance of bliss. There is a small idol of Natraj made of ruby which is worshipped in the Mahapuja conducted at 10:30 every day. It is also called the Ratna-Sabha, as the Ruby idol glows when the flame is put exactly behind the idol. The semi-form of Shiva i.e. the crystal/Spatiga Linga is worshiped 6 times in a day. The Abhishek is done with water, milk, curd, honey, flowers, and ashes.In order to witness these Abhishekas, you should be standing on the extreme left side of the temple.

We rarely come across a temple where the presiding deities are both lord Vishnu and lord Shiva and the temple worship is done according to Vaishnava tradition as well as Shaivite tradition. Sri. Govindaraja Perumal temple has the unique distinction of being located on the world famous Chidambaram Nataraja (lord Shiva) temple complex very close to the main shrine Kanaga Sabai.

This shrine is s one of the 108 holy temples of Lord Vishnu called Divyadesam - Vaishnava canon, revered by the 7th-9th-century Govindaraja Perumal  is believed to have descended for sage Kanvar and the 3,000 Dikshidars of the Thillai Natarajar temple. Here Vishnu is in Bhooga sayanam (dozing stance) facing lord Nataraja .

Chidambaram is a divine temple, one must visit this place and experience the divine power of the Lord Nataraja. Chidambaram temple secret deals with both cosmic science and spirituality, explaining cosmic science in Nataraja Swamy form located on the center of Earth’s magnetic field and also explains spirituality realizing atman in the form of Akasha Linga.  The secret of Chidambaram Temple is another interesting fact to know about Hinduism which is famous for its idol worships. Above all, the logic and the myth behind each of the architectures will leave you completely awestruck.

Thillai Kali Temple   

 ( This pic credit- google image)

After visiting Nataraj Temple visited this temple with family.This Temple is on the outskirts of the city of Chidambaram. Legend says that Goddess Kaali Devi moved here after losing to Lord Siva in the celestial dance contest.Parvathi after loosing dance competition with shiva came to this temple with anger and cooled down. Kali with anger and Amman with cool with four faces. Place is very divine and powerful. We got the opportunity to see ennai abhishekam and of offering Kumkum prasadam.Feel blessed.

It was built by Chola King Kopperunjingan who ruled between 1229 and 1278

Time closes between 12 noon to 4 pm.

Malshej Ghat-Weekend Trip

 

Malshej Ghat is a popular weekend picnic spots of tourists. Malshej Ghat is also referred to as Marshes Ghat or Maljesh Ghat by some people. The holiday destination of Malshej Ghat is located in the Thane district of Maharashtra state in India. It connects Kalyan with Ahmednagar. The mountain pass of Malshej Ghat is situated on the Kalyan–Ahmednagar Road in Western Ghats range. 

 

The average height of Malshej Ghat is 2297 feet or 700 meters. The main attractions of Malshej Ghat are its numerous waterfalls in monsoon, village walks, flamingos and breath-taking views of the verdant valley. The tall mountains, waterfalls and lakes of Malshej Ghat add to its beauty.

Enroute To Malshej Ghat

The route towards Malshej Ghat offered some of the nicest views and we could not stop praising the massive greenery and the tranquil surroundings during the journey through the curvy Ghat roads.I Immersed in the beauty of the surroundings. . 

 

 It is a sight to behold for its wholesome greenery, village life and a layer of mist as clouds descend into the region.

 

 We stopped at few places to click photos of the picturesque scenery around. On the highway. The sun blazed high on the sky, as the distant mountains flew past into the blur, some of them still covered in a thin layer of snow. These lofty ranges were constant companions and unsurprising.

 

Almost at every curve of the road, one is bound to find a cascading waterfall. 

 

 Walking through the gushing water is a lifetime experience. Rolling hills and the misty clouds descending into the hills which looked fabulous.

Malshej Ghat Waterfalls:

This hill station is renowned for its waterfalls, placid lakes and serene mountains. Beautiful waterfalls, verdant green hillsides, interesting rock formations, the hill station of Malshej Ghat has all of this its spectacular flora and fauna, Malshej Ghat also has historic forts, resorts and sanctuaries.

 

When I visited Malshej Ghat, I was amazed to see so many gushing waterfalls right on the road. The hilly areas of Malshej Ghat come alive with numerous waterfalls in the rainy season. .

 

 While some waterfalls ate located deep in the forest, many are located right on the highway itself. Some waterfalls can also be seen in the far distance but they are inaccessible.

 

 

Small, big, huge, mighty, high, low, noisy, calm, rocky, dry, steep, shallow, scenic, sparkling, beautiful  you’ll get waterfalls of every type here. It is a fantastic getaway for people looking to spend some quality time with nature.

Valley View Point:

This offbeat place offers bird’s eye view of the gorgeous valley which sprawls over a vast area of land.

 

 From here, you can appreciate the view of valley till as far as the eye can see. It is a must-visit place in Malshej Ghat.

 

There is a viewing platform here as well from where you can enjoy the views of the green hills and waterfalls. I love to sit and chill at such places for at least 30 minutes. 

 

It is an amazing feeling to stand at the top of the mountains with all the clouds beside you and the nature below you! 

 

During the rainy season, you can just stand here and the clouds will come to kiss your face gently. Yes, it is one of those places.We can see many street vendors selling piping hot Vada Paos here. Binging on hot Vada Pao in rainy season is heavenly indeed! Malshej Ghat Tunnel is a tourist attraction in itself!

Pimpalgaon-Joga Dam:

Pimpalgaon Joga Dam is in Malshej Ghat in Maharashtra. It is about a 5 KM long dam. The dam has the very scenic surroundings which give it a panoramic view.

 

 A lot of bird species such as Alpine Swift, the Whistling Thrush, the Quail and migratory birds like the Flamingos can be spotted at this location. Many birding enthusiasts visit Malshej Ghat only for spotting various avian species.Beautiful lake with mountain backdrop. Feels so calm and rejuvenating.

 

There is no entry fee at Malshej Ghat. All the places to visit in Malshej Ghat are free. Malshej Ghat is one of those places where there are many free things to do. Not only can you have a free walking tour of Malshej Ghat but also enjoy the bounty of nature without spending on any entrance fee.

 

The drive to Malshej Ghat has amazing views of the dense valleys, waterfalls, and forests.

 

 We took many stopovers in between for the splendid waterfalls and landscapes along the way.These long drives in enchanting greenery are what really energies and refreshes me and feel so peaceful.

You can experience the beauty of nature only when you sit with it, observe it, breathe it and talk to it.”

Little Things Makes me Happy!

Sometimes life can get crazy and it’s difficult to find the time to do the things that brings us joy. The problem is that when you do go through tough times and change, you’re not really the same person you once were. You have these new, unpleasant life-changing experiences, yes. What you also have are the lessons that came along with them. But taking some time out to appreciate and be grateful for simple pleasures really helps me stay positive and happy. Deep down, it doesn’t take much to make me happy, and it’s the simple things that always bring a smile to my face. 

Some days just don’t go your way. Because some days are tougher than the others. Some days you just need a reminder that the smallest of things can bring the brightest of joys. While thinking about “What makes me Happy”? A list of things that make me happy, and as an added bonus, they don’t even cost. I am not someone difficult to please. The smallest of things puts a smile on my face. 

Early morning I sit quietly for a few minutes and look out of the window. There’s nothing different every new day but the energy is abundant from nature. The cool breeze on my face and body makes me happy The sky and its different moods fill me with inexplicable joy. Whether it is a bright blue cloudless sky or one in which there’s a display of thick clouds, it doesn’t matter. Just standing in the balcony and watching the rain fall or a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, the gently swaying coconut palms is enough to bring on the elation. 

The soothing sounds of ‘rain’ and even ‘thunderstorms’! How many of you love the sound of pouring down rain and first seeing that ‘flash of light’ streaking through the sky followed by the crackling sound of thunder?! this indeed puts me in an elevated mood. Going for a Walk: I enjoy the beauty of the nature. Watching the sun rise and watching the birds going out of their nests fills you with joy.

 A song, a message, a smile, a good book, a surprise gift, Cooking meal something that turns out delicious, putting clothes to dry on the line, looking around at your just-tidied home with everything in its place, friends who visit… a full night’s sleep rare to me nowadays, Listening to loud music, finding the right song to match my mood, gazing upon an amazing sunrise or sunset, finding nd chasing a butterfly,taking the time to hear and listen to the birds singing,gazing up at the stars on a clear night, making something I’m pleased with, when my husband makes me laugh( Its very rare)a good book with happy ending, having time to myself to watch a show I like; time by myself to do whatever I want with, finding ways to celebrate the seasons. 

Feeding birds, walking barefoot on grass, walking in the woods, when I find solution to problems, being appreciated, be pampered, good painting, shopping paint & brushes,The excitement of opening a new one, Watching my house plants grow, watching kids play, Feeling you get after good cry, after eating sweet if sugar level is normal wow what a feeling! The list of things that please me and makes me Smile, is endless and long. But taking some time out to appreciate and be grateful for simple pleasures really helps me stay positive and happy.

 Deep down, it doesn’t take much to make me happy, and it’s the simple things that always bring a smile to my face You need to take a break and smile. You need to look around and feel happiness. This adds more positivity to you and simple things make you happy. There could be many other things which can be added to the list. Make your list of little things which make you happy.

Life may not let me choose my lot,

But whether I'd be happy or not...

That is my choice.

Enjoy little things in life, for some day you realize it were the big things.