Nataraja Mandapam

Next to the Amman shrine, in the northeast corner of the temple complex, you will find Nataraja Mandapam, a rectangular stone hall built around 1800 AD by the Marathas under Sarfoji II. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer, Nataraja. The structure is an open pavilion with an ornate ceiling and intricately carved pillars featuring detailed depictions of celestial beings, musicians, and dancers. 

Inside the Mandapam is a huge 20-foot bronze statue of Nataraja, with a smaller statue of his consort Sivakami next to him. While this bronze does not belong to the Chola period, it is a fitting tribute to Rajaraja who was a connoisseur of fine arts, who had several statues of Nataraja placed around the temple, including in the varied dance poses within the sanctum’s inner corridor. The bronze statue of Nataraja in the Nataraja Mandapam was damaged during the 19th century British occupation and, according to the inscription on the base of the statue, it was repaired in 1885 by Queen Kamakshi Bai (wife of Shivaji II, the last Maratha ruler of Thanjavur).

 

Rajaraja brought dancers from various communities across his kingdom to Thanjavur, where he housed them in special residences called "Talicceris", with each dancer receiving a house, a grant of agricultural land and elevated the social status. He also employed musicians, singers, and teachers to train them.  A list of 400 dancers with details of the places they came from, and their tithes are inscribed on the Anukkan Tiruvasal, the entrance connecting the temple and the Shivaganga pond area.

During Rajaraja’s time, the temple dancers would perform in front of Nataraja every day after evening pooja. Classical dance performances are still featured at the temple to mark special religious observances. A festival is held at the temple in October/November each year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Rajaraja and features hundreds of classical dancers who come to pay homage to Lord Nataraja.