Natraj Mandir
Brief History & Significance: Natraj Mandir, officially known as Shri Uttara Chidambaram Nataraja Mandir, is a revered Hindu temple established in 1985. It is a faithful replica of the famous ancient Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his dancing for m, Nataraja. It was built to fulfill the desire of Paramapoojya Shri Chandrashekharendra Saraswati of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham. The temple is strategically located at the sacred confluence (Sangam) of the Krishna and Venna rivers, making it a highly auspicious site.: Temple Trust: The temple is managed by a public trust and actively conducts religious, spiritual, and social activities.: Dance Connection: The walls of the temple are carved with all 108 Karanas (dance postures) from the Natya Shastra by Bharata Muni, which forms the basis of the classical dance form, Bharatanatyam.: Deities: Besides Lord Nataraja, the temple also houses shrines for Goddess Shivkamsundari and other deities.:
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1-2 hoursPlace Type:
Temple/Religious Site/Architectural MarvelEntry Fees:
Ticket Pricing: There is No Entry Fee for devotees and visitors to the temple complex. :
Puja/Offering Fees: Separate, nominal charges apply for specific Pujas or ritual offerings requested by devotees. :
Parking ...Ticket Pricing: There is No Entry Fee for devotees and visitors to the temple complex. :
Puja/Offering Fees: Separate, nominal charges apply for specific Pujas or ritual offerings requested by devotees. :
Parking Fees: There is generally a dedicated parking area which may charge a nominal fee (e. g. , Rs.20-Rs.50) for vehicles. :
Photography Fees: No fees for amateur or mobile photography, but photography is usually restricted inside the main sanctum for respect. :
Guide/Priest Fees: Any voluntary donation to the temple or the priests is at the discretion of the visitor. :Timing:
Regular Timings: Generally open from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and then from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM for Darshan and Puja. :
Ideal Visit Time: Early Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM) for a peaceful Darshan before the crowds and the midday closure. Evening (4:...Regular Timings: Generally open from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and then from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM for Darshan and Puja. :
Ideal Visit Time: Early Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM) for a peaceful Darshan before the crowds and the midday closure. Evening (4:00 PM onwards) is also good. :
Aarti Timings: Check with the temple for specific Aarti (prayer ceremony) timings, which are a visually and spiritually rewarding time to visit. :
Closure: The temple typically closes in the Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM). :Special Events:
Mahashivratri: The major festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, seeing massive crowds, special Pujas, and cultural programs, including classical dance performances. :
Navratri Celebrations: The shrine of Goddess Shivkamsundari is the center of spe...Mahashivratri: The major festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, seeing massive crowds, special Pujas, and cultural programs, including classical dance performances. :
Navratri Celebrations: The shrine of Goddess Shivkamsundari is the center of special celebrations during the nine days of Navratri. :
Arudra Darshanam: A specific festival related to Lord Nataraja's cosmic dance, celebrated with great devotion, usually in December or January. :
Annual Cultural Programs: The temple often hosts classical music and dance performances, especially Bharatanatyam, throughout the year. :Best Photo Spots:
The Main Gopuram: The tall, multi-tiered, and colorful entrance tower is the most iconic and essential photo spot. :
The 108 Karanas Carvings: Close-up shots of the detailed, dynamic dance postures carved on the wall are highly recommended fo...The Main Gopuram: The tall, multi-tiered, and colorful entrance tower is the most iconic and essential photo spot. :
The 108 Karanas Carvings: Close-up shots of the detailed, dynamic dance postures carved on the wall are highly recommended for art and dance photography. :
The Interior Pillars: The intricately carved pillars in the Mandapams offer excellent opportunities for architectural detail shots. :
Temple Reflection: Capture the reflection of the temple in a water body or polished floor (if applicable) for a unique shot. :
River Backdrop: Frame the temple structure with the serene river confluence in the background. :Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Worship and Prayer: Offer prayers to Lord Nataraja and Goddess Shivkamsundari in the traditional style. :
Architecture Study: Spend time admiring and studying the magnificent Dravidian architecture, especially the intricate carvings on the Gopuram and the walls. :
Dance/Art Study: Observe and photograph the 108 Karanas dance postures carved on the temple walls, a learning experience for classical dancers. :
Meditation: The temple complex and the area near the river confluence are peaceful spots for quiet reflection and meditation. :
Photography: Capture the imposing, colorful Gopuram and the detailed wall carvings (be respectful inside the main sanctum). :
River Visit: Take a short walk to the Sangam ...
Information
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Why Famous:
Dravidian Replica: Famous for being a perfect and rare replica of the ancient Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, bringing South Indian temple architecture and deity worship to Maharashtra. :
108 Karanas: Renowned for the intricate carvings of al...Dravidian Replica: Famous for being a perfect and rare replica of the ancient Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, bringing South Indian temple architecture and deity worship to Maharashtra. :
108 Karanas: Renowned for the intricate carvings of all 108 Karanas of the Natya Shastra on its walls, a major draw for dancers and art historians. :
Sacred Sangam Location: Its location near the confluence of the holy Krishna and Venna rivers adds to its spiritual significance. :
Spiritual Legacy: Established under the guidance of a great spiritual leader, lending it high religious importance in the region. : -
Architecture:
Architectural Style: The temple is a brilliant example of Dravidian Architecture, replicating the style of the original Chidambaram Temple in South India. It features characteristic elements like a towering, ornate Gopuram (entrance tower), a richly decorated Vimana (centra...Architectural Style: The temple is a brilliant example of Dravidian Architecture, replicating the style of the original Chidambaram Temple in South India. It features characteristic elements like a towering, ornate Gopuram (entrance tower), a richly decorated Vimana (central shrine tower), and large Mandapams (pillared halls). :
Dimension & Layout: The overall complex is spacious, featuring a central sanctum, surrounding prakaras (courtyards), and a large entrance gopuram. The height of the Gopuram is significant and is a prominent landmark on the highway. :
Key Features: The unique feature is the detailed depiction of the 108 Karanas in stone carvings on the walls, making it a unique repository of classical Indian dance history in Maharashtra. :
Material: Built using modern construction techniques but adhering strictly to the traditional temple design principles, likely using a combination of stone, concrete, and ornate plasterwork, painted in the bright colors typical of South Indian temples. : -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport is Pune International Airport (PNQ) (approx. 110 km). From Pune, taxi or bus to Satara. :
By Train: Nearest major station is Satara Railway Station (STR). The temple is about 7-8 km from the station. Take an auto-r... -
Near Tourist Places:
Kanher Dam (8 km) Ajinkyatara Fort (5 km) Char Bhinti Hutatma Smarak (5 km) Sangam Mahuli (5 km) Rajwada, Satara (6 km) Sajjangad Fort (22 km) Yavateshwar Temple (13 km) Dholya Ganapati Temple, Wai (30 km) Kaas Plateau (30 km) Thoseghar Waterfall (30 km)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Dress modestly as it is a place of worship. Remove footwear outside the temple premises. :
Packing: Carry a water bottle. No specific equipment is needed, but a camera is useful for capturing the exterior architecture. :
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