Royal patronage of the Chola, Pandya and Vijayanagar kings had embellished the temple.  Built by Vira Chola Raja in the10th century, the temple was reconstructed by the Vijayanagar King Krishnadevaraya in 1520. The roof  was gold plated during the reign of the early Chola Kings. This central shrine is adjoined by a covered porch in front and is situated next to the Nritta Sabha (Hall of Dance), another ancient structure carved like a giant chariot drawn by horses. Other structures in this gigantic temple complex include the Deva Sabha (Hall of Festivals), the Raja Sabha or the ornate Royal chamber in the outer precincts of the temple (with 1000 granite pillars), shrines to Akaasalingam, Sivakamasundari and Govindaraja Perumaal reclining on Ananta Sesha (dated to the 14th century). The deity of Lord Shiva is made of five metals. In two of his hands, Shiva holds the drum of creation and the flame of destruction. To the left of Nataraja is a curtain with a string of golden bilva leaves in front. Behind the curtain is Akaasalingam, known as the Rahasya (secret), of the most subtle element, God Incarnate as Akaasa or space. In the Kanaka Sabha, a crystal lingam is worshipped, which is said to have emanated from the crescent moon on the forehead of Lord Shiva.

               Maargazhi Thiruvadiarai is the tenth day of the ten day long Brahmotsavam that is celebrated in the month of Maargazhi (December/January). The first eight days witness the  processions of Somaskanthar the Utasavar, the ninth day marks the procession of Nataraja and Sivakami in a chariot procession around the temple and the lodging at the Raja Sabha at the culmination of the procession. Arudra Darsanam on the tenth day involves a ritual bath or abhishekam to Nataraja and Sivakami before the first rays of dawn and is witnessed by lakhs of devotees every year. This is followed by royal audience in the Raja Sabha and a return to the innermost shrine.

                Kali was the patron goddess of Thillai  (Excecaria agallecha) Forest. Lord Shiva came to the forest to dance for two of his devotees Patanjali and Vyaaghrapaada who worshipped the svayambhu-linga, now in the mulasthaana of the temple. Kali challenged Shiva to a dancing contest (judged by Lord Vishnu) with the condition that the loser had to leave the forest. Shiva performed a dance posture when his leg was lifted over his head in the Ananda Taandava. Kali admitted defeat and left. A Naatyanjali festival is held in February/March for the dancers to pay homage to the Celestial Dancer.

               Madurai
 Tirumalai Nayaka Mahal, Madurai (1000 pillared hall)
Twin gopurams of Meenakshi and Sundareswara, Madurai
Madurai city is located on the river Vaigai and was built by the Pandyan King Kulasekara. The temple structure as it stands today is the work of the Nayak Kings who ruled over Madurai. The mandapams have rows of elaborately carved stone columns. The largest is the Thousand pillared (actually 985 pillars) hall built in the 16th century. The temple has 12 large gopurams. The southern gopuram, built in the 16th century, is 170 ft. high with a 108X67 ft. base. On both sides of the gopuram, there are two huge yaalis (composite image of lion and elephant) with eyes of 2.5 ft. diameter. The eastern gopuram was built in the 13th century by Maravarman Sundara Pandyan. The Meenakshi Naicker Mandapa has 110 pillars, 22 ft. high and has a 25 ft. high tiruvaatchi (frame of lamps) which holds 1008 lamps. In the Velliambalam, Kambathadi Mandapam, Lord Shiva dances with his right foot raised to the shoulder. Chitrai festival held in April/May celebrates the celestial marriage of Meenakshi and Sundareswara.

               Thirumalai Nayak Mahal Palace, about 2 km. southeast of the Meenakshi Temple was built in 1523 by the Nayak rulers. The audience hall, called Swarga Vilaasam (Celestial Pavilion) has a 20m. dome without a single girder or rafter support.

 Tiruvalangaadu
              An interesting legend is associated with the Urthuva Tandava posture. In a fierce dance competition that ensued between Shiva and Kali in this region,    the Lord's left ear ring is said to have fallen on the ground; and Shiva without interrupting his dance is said to have caught this ring and lifted it up with his leg back to  his ear. Kali being unable to perform this rather masculine gesture accepted defeat. Kali has a shrine in this temple and is usually offered worship first.

                The temple car here is of exquisite workmanship.

 Tirunelveli 
               Tirunelveli is located on the banks of the river Taamraparni and was once the capital of the Pandya kings. Rama, after killing the demon Mareechais said to have worshipped Shiva here.

               Covering a sprawling 14 acres area, this temple complex is rich in architectural splendour with a thousand-pillared hall. Stone pillars in the Mani Mandapam emit different musical notes when struck. The Sangili Mandapam, the Somavara Mandapam and the thousand pillared hall where the marriage of the Lord takes place adorn this temple.  A large Chariot Festival is held in June/July.

  Kutraalam
               Kutraalam is 58 km. from Tirunelveli by road and 6 km. from Tenkasi. There are seven waterfalls on the Chittar river. The temple for Thirukutraalanaathar is built on a conch shaped plan. A unique circumambulatory path, also conch shaped, constitutes the Praakaaram of several deities that reside in the temple precincts. This temple owns an exquisitely crafted ivory palanquin.

                Markazhi Tiruvadirai is an important festival celebrated here, and the Thandava Deepa Araadhana performed in the course of this festival is considered to be very unique.

               (cf. The Hindu, January, 11, 1998, P. 26)
Links:
Chidambaram and Nataraja
Chidambaram Temple
Roof finial of the Chidambaram Temple
Some legends of Chidambaram
Madurai