Tamra Sabha: The Divine Dance Hall of Tirunelveli's Nellaiyappar Temple

In this article, part of my series on the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli, I will shine a spotlight on the Tamra Sabha.

There exist five primary venues where Lord Nataraja showcased his celestial dance, collectively known as the Pancha Sabhas. These include the Por Sabhai or Kanaka Sabha (the golden hall) in Chidambaram, Rajita Sabha or Velli Ambalam (the silver hall) in Madurai, Ratna Sabha (the hall adorned with rubies) in Tiruvalangadu, Chitra Sabha (the hall adorned with paintings) in Courtallam, and the Tamra Sabha (the hall of copper) in Tirunelveli.

Photo Courtesy - Vijay Bhat

However, it's worth noting that the Sthala Purana of Tirunelveli's Nellaiyappar Temple presents a slightly different list, claiming it as a statement from Lord Shiva himself. In this version, there are 21 sabhas, with seven among them being the foremost. These are the Veda Sabha in Tirumaraikkadu, Manicka Sabha in Devamaasabha, Kanaka Sabha in Chidambaram, Akasha Sabha in Kanchi, Rajata Sabha in Madurai, Chitra Sabha in Courtallam, and Tamra Sabha in Tirunelveli. Among these seven, the Tamra Sabha holds the highest significance.

This revered and significant Tamra Sabha, where Lord Shiva danced to fulfill the wishes of his consort, is situated on the second west prakara surrounding the Nellaiyappar sanctum.

The relationship between Tirunelveli and the Nellaiyappar temple is one of mutual glorification. The temple elevates the city, and the city, in turn, elevates the temple. It's not surprising that Tirunelveli is often referred to as Southern Kailash, and Nataraja chose this sacred place to dance. The Tamra Sabha, with its enchanting tranquility and divine ambiance, leaves little more for a devotee to desire. It embodies the ultimate spiritual goal—moksha, enlightenment, or any other name you choose to call it.

Photo Courtesy - Vijay Bhat

The Tamra Sabha, constructed from wood and adorned with intricately carved designs and miniature sculptures, features several tiers of copper cladding. Some layers even incorporate miniature wooden sculptures.

Ten pairs of pillars, with lion bases, provide support for the Kerala-style conical roof of the mandapa located in front of the Tamra Sabha. These pillars showcase miniature carvings representing deities and sages accompanying Nataraja in his dance, either dancing or playing music. Among them, you can find depictions of Vishnu, Lakshmi, Brahma, Saraswati, Vyagrapada, Patanjali, and others.

The dance performed by Lord Shiva in this sacred space is known as the Brahma Tandava, Muni Tandava, and Kalika Tandava. The four-armed dancing deity is exceptionally beautiful, and one could argue that even a thousand eyes wouldn't be enough to fully appreciate the divine dance performed by Nataraja in this exquisite hall. On ordinary days, the bronze icon of Nataraja is not kept within the Tamra Sabha. Instead, it is only brought here for special occasions. The sanctum of Nataraja is located near Mahisasuramardini's shrine in the first prakara.

Photo Courtesy - Vijay Bhat

Behind the Tamra Sabha, you'll find the Sandana Sabhapati shrine. Despite being sculpted from stone, it is traditionally adorned with sandalwood paste, earning it the name Sandana Sabhapati. Adjacent to him, you'll discover Sivakami, adding to the overall beauty of this sacred space. The shrine is a marvel, complete with exquisitely crafted windows on all sides.

Happy travelling.

This article is Part 23 of the series of articles I write about Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple. 

The other parts of the series can be accessed through the below-listed links.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

Part 9

Part 10

Part 11

Part 12

Part 13

Part 14

Part 15

Part 16

Part 17

Part 18

Part 19

Part 20

Part 21

Part 22