Sri Govindaraja Perumal Temple , Thiru Chitra Koodam (Chidambaram)
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📍 Thiruchitrakootam (Chidambaram), Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu
International SignificanceThe 40th Divya Desam at Chidambaram is the grand Thiruchitrakootam sanctum where Lord Govindaraja reclines in the very same courtyard as Nataraja's Golden Hall, witnessing the cosmic Ananda Tandava.
🕒 Practical Information
🕉️ Spiritual Details
Sri Govindaraja Perumal (Bhujanga Sayanam)
Moolavar: Sri Govindaraja Perumal (Kidantha Kolam / Reclining on Adisesha facing East); Utsavar: Devaadhi Devan; Thayar: Pundarikavalli Thayar; Vimanam: Saathveeka Vimanam; Theertham: Pundarika Saras, Sivaganga Tank; Pratyaksham: Sage Kanva, Sage Patanjali, Sage Vyaghrapada, Lord Brahma.
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Sri Govindaraja Perumal (Bhujanga Sayanam)
Inside Thillai Nataraja Temple Premises, Sannathi Street, Chidambaram Town, Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu 608001, India
Spiritual Highlights
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Standing at the designated courtyard spot to view both Lord Nataraja's Ananda Tandava and Lord Govindaraja's Sayanam simultaneously.
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About Sri Govindaraja Perumal Temple , Thiru Chitra Koodam (Chidambaram)
Sri Govindaraja Perumal Temple in Thiruchitrakootam, located within the world-famous Nataraja Temple complex in Chidambaram, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, is the 40th Divya Desam. It was celebrated in 32 pasurams by Kulasekhara Alvar and Thirumangai Alvar, who describes it as the earthly manifestation of Chitrakoot where Lord Rama rested during His exile.
This temple stands as an extraordinary, globally unique monument to the cosmic unity of Sanatana Dharma: standing at a specific vantage point on the threshold between the Chit Sabha and the Govindaraja sanctum, a devotee can simultaneously behold Lord Nataraja dancing the cosmic Ananda Tandavam on the left and Lord Govindaraja reclining in serene Bhujanga Sayanam on the right! According to tradition, Lord Govindaraja reclines here with His eyes fixed upon Nataraja's dance, acting as the supreme witness and arbiter of the cosmic performance.
The shrine was extensively patronized by the Pallavas, Cholas, and Vijayanagara emperors, particularly Achyuta Deva Raya, who restored the sacred idol in 1539 CE. Worshiping Govindaraja Perumal at Thiruchitrakootam is believed to grant liberation from duality, harmonizing the intellect and heart.
Architecture & Heritage
Dravidian Architecture (Pallava-Chola antiquity; dismantled by Kulothunga Chola II and reinstated by Vijayanagara emperor Kr)
Saathvika Vimanam, shared golden perimeter with Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, Chitrakoota mandapam, Pundarikavalli Thayar shrine.
16th-century stone inscriptions documenting the reinstatement of the deity by Vijayanagara kings and Ramanuja.
Rituals & Traditions
Six daily kalas per Vaikanasa Agama; special Chithirai Brahmotsavam and Vaikunta Ekadashi ceremonies.
Chithirai Brahmotsavam with chariot procession and reciprocal honors observed during the Nataraja Ani Thirumanjanam festival.
Puliyodarai, Sarkarai Pongal, Dosai, Theertham.
Visitor Guidelines
Strict traditional temple attire: Dhoti with bare chest or Angavastram for men; Saree or Salwar Kameez with Dupatta for women.
Wide granite stone courtyards with ramps across the outer praharams; easily accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Sri Govindaraja Perumal (Bhujanga Sayanam)
Pundarikavalli Thayar Sannidhi, Lord Nataraja Chit Sabha (Adjacent Holy Sanctum), Sage Patanjali & Sage Vyaghrapada Shrines, Sudarshana & Yoga Narasimha Sannidhi, Sri Ramanuja Sannidhi, Swami Vedanta Desikan Sannidhi, Alvars Sannidhi
Inside Thillai Nataraja Temple Premises, Sannathi Street, Chidambaram Town, Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu 608001, India
How to Reach
Puducherry Airport (PNY) (approx 65 km)
Chidambaram Railway Station (CDM) (approx 1.5 km)
Chidambaram Central Bus Stand (approx 1 km)
