In the course my research about Chozha dynasty, I came across Information that Chozha Kings ‘ Coronation was performed at Chidambaram Nataraja Temple. I had not heard of this earlier,though I was aware that Chidambaram Nataraja was one of the Deities Chozhas worshipped along with Durga,called Kotravai in Tamil. Darasuram Temple was built for Her. History of Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola confirm this. Afer the disintegration of the Chozha Empire in 1279 ,during the period of Rajendra Chola III, it is surmised by historians that the Chozhas moved to a place called ‘Theevukkottai’, where Kollidam River joins the sea near Cuddalore.The descendants of Cholas ,who are called ‘ Pichavaram Cholas’ had/ have their Coronation perfomed at Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram.The Three Thousand Brahmins,called Thillai Vaazh Andhanar Moovayiravar, தில்லை வாழ் அந்தணர் மூவாயிரவர்,perform this ceremony and they would not perform this for anyone else. This is recorded in a eighteenth century painting in Chidambaram Nataraja temple.

On an auspicious day, the Coronation is done in front of the Nataraja Idol,in the Panchakshara steps .He is given the Tiger Flag and Athi Garland and Sceptre.

During the Tamil month of Aani(Mid June – Mid July) and Margazhi(December/January), special Deeparadhana is done for Nataraja at Chidambaram temple.This is done in Surya, Chandra Sannidhi ( sanctum for Surya and Chandra,in recognition of Chozhas ancestors Solar and Lunar dynasty), near the Gold-plated Vimana of the Chidambaram temple. The Goldplating was done by a Chozha King ,Ponthakadu Veintha ,Aditha Chozha and his son Paranthaka Chozha.

சிங்கத் துருவனைச் செற்றவன் சிற்றம்பல முகடு
கொங்கிற் கனகம் அணிந்த ஆதித்தன்”

வெங்கோல் வேந்தன் தென்னன் நாடும் ஈழமும் கொண்ட திறற்
செங்கோற் சோழன் கோழிவேந்தன் செம்பியன் பொன்னணிந்து
அங்கோல் வளையார் பாடியாடும் அணிதில்லையம்பலத்துள்
எங்கோன் ஈசன் எம் இறையை என்று கொல் எய்துவதே,”

“கோதிலாத் தேறல் குனிக்குந் திருமன்றங்
காதலாற் பொன் வேய்ந்த காவலனும் “