Thillai Kali Temple

Thillai Kali Temple   :  This is a Hindu Temple located on the outskirts of the town of Chidambaram, Cuddalore DistrictTamil Nadu in India. It was built by Chola King Kopperunjingan who ruled between 1229 and 1278. This Temple is on the outskirts of the city of Chidambaram. Legend says that Goddess Kaali Devi moved here after losing to Lord Siva in the celestial dance contest.

It was an argument that who is superior, either ‘Sivam’ (Lord Siva) or Shakthi (Parvathi). In order to resolve thus, they performed a dance program at Chidambaram in front of Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma and other deities. While they were playing dance, Lord Siva was about to be defeated.

But knowing fully well Siva played “Oorthuva Taandava” i.e. raising one leg above his head. This “Oorthuva Taandava” is one of the posture in the dance. It could not be played by the women folk due to their modesty and shyness. In this Parvathi could not play equally well to this posture and agreed her defeat. She had to go outside the borders of the town in order to contain her haughtiness and to teach a lesson that Sivam and Shakthi are both equally important in our life.

‘Thillai Kali’ is a deity in anger. This anger was pacified by Brahma by Chanting Veda and also praising her. Because of the penance of Lord Brahma ‘Kali’ became cool. So that Goddess ‘Thillai Amman’ in this temple seems with four faces.

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