History of the place

The Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathi did a grand dance performance in Kailash and wanted to know the best dancer. As Lord Brahmma could not decide, it was handed over to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu suggested a stage to be built by the divine sculptor Vishwakarma for the dance contest. Lord Shiva's Thandavas (dancing) was equally challenged by the Mother. Finally, Lord Shiva lifted His right leg and kept it above His head which Mother Parvathi could not do. Lord Vishnu declared Lord Shiva as the winner. Lord Shiva remained here as Lord Nataraja and requested Perumal too to stay with Him.

Saints who worshiped

Mangalasasanam by Kulasekara Azhwar and Thirumangai Azhwar. This is the 41st Divya Desam.

Temple History, Speciality, Miracle and Greatness

As this is the Akash sthala (signifying the sky) the Lord Perumal is in reclining posture facing Akash under the Sadvika Vimana. Lord Brahmma appears in standing posture on the navel cord of Lord Vishnu. As this temple is inside the Nataraja temple, the darshan of Shiva, Vishnu and Brahmma is available simulataneously only here. Lopamudra is the daughter of Kaveran, the king of Kalinga. She was married to Sage Agasthya who changed her into River Cauvery. Her parents as per their daughter's advice came to Thillai Nagar and did penance towards the Lord Perumal to attain salvation. The Lord was pleased and along with Mothers Sridevi and Bhoodevi gave darshan and granted salvation to the couple. Thili, a Asura clan woman prayed to Lord Perumal to grace the place with His presence where she become herself as a forest (Thillai Vanam). Hence, this place is known as Thillai Nagar.

Pariharam

Panchabootha sthala representing Akash (Sky). People pray to be honest in their endeavours. Praying to Sage Patanjali here would bring the dual benefit of the blessings of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. This is a land where devotees seek for salvation.

Pariharam Procedure

Devotees perform Thirumanjanam to Lord and offer vastras.

Pooja Types

Vaikanasam

Festival Period

10 days Chitthiral Vasantha Utsav and Gajendra Moksha festivals are celebrated here.

Dharshan Timings

IST 06:30 AM to 12:00 Noon, 05:00 PM to 10.30 PM.

How to reach

Lord Govindaraja Perumal temple is close to Lord Nataraja shrine in Chidambaram.

Nearest Location

Railway Station: Chidambaram Airport : Chennai