Whenever the Golden Temple is mentioned, we tend automatically to think of the beautiful Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar which is known worldwide by that name. However, there is another Golden Temple down South—the great Nataraja temple at Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu. This temple figures prominently in Tamil Shaivite literature and is considered to be one of the most holy spots dedicated to Lord Shiva, next in importance to Mount Kailash itself. Numerous miracles have been associated with this temple in the centuries since it was constructed by the Chola kings. Its four magnificent gopurams or ornate towers, great temple tank with colonnades and the sanctum sanctorum covered with solid gold make it a truly unique place of worship.

© The Times of India, January 28, 2002.  Reprinted with permission.

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