पुण्डरीकक्षेत्रम्

This Divya kshetram is the shrine to Govindaraja perumal located in Sri Nataraja temple, in Chidambaram. The vast Nataraja temple complex is referred to as Kovil by the saivites, as the Srirangam temple by the Vaishnavites.

The moolavar is Govindaraja perumal in a reclining posture and the Thayar Pundarikavalli Thayar. The Theertham is Pundarika pushkarini and the Vimanam Satvika Vimanam.

According to the sthala purana Nataraja and his consort Thillai Amman pleased the Lord, at the request of Patanjali (an incarnation of Adisesha) and Vyagrapadar (the sage with tiger claws), with Ananda Thandava Nritya when they came to worship Him with Thillai Moovayiravar (3000 devotees). Hence the name Thillai nagar. All the Gods and devas are believed to have assembled here to witness the cosmic dance.

It is believed that Bharatha has established the Bharata Natya sashtra at this shetram. Chidambara rahasyam is kept in the sanctum of Nataraja sannadhi.

Kattumannar kovil, the avathara sthalam of Nathamunigal is close to this place.