In one hand is the damaru, signifying the cosmic sound and hence creation and one the other the fire representing destruction.īut unlike other religions, this concept of creation and destruction is considered cyclic symbolised by the cycle around the idol(Sounds like the cyclic theory of the universe to me. There is a symmetry and poise in the seemingly assymetric posture. Shiva is representing space, ether (or dark energy) in this sthalam.Īnd there is significance in the actual form one of the most imaginative representations of God as Lord Nataraja. The Swami turned to the Prince and said that though the picture was not the Maharaja himself, in flesh and blood, yet it reminded everyone of his person and thus was held in high respect likewise the image brought to the devotees mind the presence of the Deity and was therefore helpful for concentration, especially at the beginning of his spiritual life. The Swami tried in vain to explain to him that Hindus worshipped God alone, using the images as symbols. I guess there is a lot more for me to know before I can talk about God or spirituality. Hinduism, as I know, is polytheistic and among the most tolerant of religions.īut here is one of the most revered shrines in South India saying despite all the Gods we worship and the numerous idols and shrines throughout the nation, that God has no form This got me thinking about Hinduism in particular, and religion in general and it is claimed that even Muslims visit the Chidambaram shrine because God is worshipped as formless. The Priest simply said it was to cater, not to the doubters who denied the existence of God, but those believers who for the sake of clarity seek a well defined image or marker to direct their prayers to. Then why the garland, asked Ashwin to the priest there who explained the significance of the garland to him.
That seemingly innocuous garland is the symbol of the Chidambara Ragasiyam, is the source of a wealth of knowledge. It just literally hangs in the air without any idol or deity to adorn. It has both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu shrines within the same temple.Īpart from these two, there is also a golden garland hanging in space.
So what was the secret that the temple town of Chidambaram held Thanks to Ashwin Ravi for providing me with the answer.
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