| Temples & Legends Of Tamilnadu |
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| Temples & Legends Of India |
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CHIDAMBARAM |
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Siva stands in
a halo or a circle of flame. The circle issues from the mouth of a pair of dolphins
(Makara). The halo symbolizes
Pranava, the mystic word (Om), the generalized symbol of all
possible sounds, therefore the fittest symbol of the Logos (the Word of God incarnate).
Dr. A. K. Coomaraswamy says: "The essential
significance of Siva's dance is three-fold: first it is a symbol of his rhythmic play as
the source of all movements within the cosmos, which is represented by the Arch or
Tiruvasi; the second purpose of the dance is to release the countless souls of men from
the snare of illusion; thirdly the place of the dance-- Chidambaram, the Centre of the
Universe-is within the heart." |
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