“A japa natanam, the dance without chanting, performed by Thyagaraja Swamy, the presiding deity of the Thyagarajar Temple in Tiruvarur, is an awe-inspiring sight to behold. The dance, which is believed to represent the unspoken rhythm of the universe, is performed with seven sacred steps, known as Saptha Vidangam. But what do these steps signify, and why are they so significant?In the local language, "Sapta" means seven, and "Vidangam" means steps. These seven steps of the Ajapa Natanam dance are believed to represent the seven chakras or energy centers in the human body. Each step is associated with a specific chakra and is said to activate and energize that particular chakra. In all these places the Linga is made of either of Emerald or Jade. The main deity in all these temples is Lord Shiva known as Thyagaraja. Tradition has it that the seven idols of the same image received from Indra by Emperor Musukunda were consecrated in these seven towns which were the seven Shiva sthalams with an unchiseled base.

The first step, called the "Mooladhara Vidangam," is associated with the root chakra, which is located at the base of the spine. The second step, called the "Swadhisthana Vidangam," is associated with the sacral chakra, which is located in the lower abdomen. The third step, called the "Manipura Vidangam," is associated with the solar plexus chakra, which is located in the upper abdomen. The fourth step, called the "Anahata Vidangam," is associated with the heart chakra, which is located in the center of the chest. The fifth step, called the "Vishuddha Vidangam," is associated with the throat chakra, which is located at the base of the throat.

The sixth step, called the "Ajna Vidangam," is associated with the third eye chakra, which is located between the eyebrows. The final step, called the "Sahasrara Vidangam," is associated with the crown chakra, which is located at the top of the head. This step is believed to represent the ultimate union of the individual self with the divine. By performing these seven steps in the Ajapa Natanam dance, Thyagaraja Swamy is believed to bestow blessings and activate the chakras of his devotees, leading them towards spiritual growth and enlightenment. Saptavidangathalams are a group of temples in Tamil Nadu that have a special focus on dance.

The main office of these temples is located in Tiruvarur, with additional Vidangathalams in Tirunallaru, Nagaikaaronam (also known as Nagapattinam), Thirukarail, Thirukuwela, Thiruvaimoor, and Vedaranyam. In the Shiva temples of these seven towns, the Thyagarajar shrines near Lord Shiva's shrine are revered for their Vidangar lingams, which are uncarved idols. The word "Vidangar" in Tamil language means "not chiselled." According to legend, the seven Siva Thalams were dedicated in these towns, each with an unchiseled base and idol of the same image that Emperor Musukunda had received from Indra.

The word "Sapta" means "seven" in the local language, while "vidanga" means "not chiselled." These are the seven Saptavidangathalams, temples in Tamil Nadu that are dedicated to Lord Shiva and emphasize dance. The main temple is located in Tiruvarur, and the other six are Tirunallaru, Nagaikaaronam (also known as Nagapattinam), Thirukarail, Thirukuwela, Thiruvaimoor, and Vedaranyam. Each temple houses a Vidangar lingam, an uncarved Swayambumurti that is revered in Thyagarajar shrines close to Lord Shiva's shrine. The name Vidangar is derived from the Tamil word for "uncarved idol." The seven Siva Thalams with unchiseled bases that were idols of the same image that Emperor Musukunda had received from Indra were dedicated in these seven towns. Abhishekam and adoration are offered to a little marble lingam known as Vidangar in each of the aforementioned temples.

Each of the seven temples has a different name for the dance performed by Lord Shiva:

Tiruvarur Thiagarasabharuman - Ajapa dance that expresses the sublime movement of breath, which is the movement of life.
Tirunallaru - A dance like pithan dancing
Nagaikaaronam - Tharanga dance like the rising waves of the sea
Thirukarail - Kukuta dance that dances like a chicken
Thirukkuwela - Birunga dance like dancing to the beetle flower
Tiruvaimoor - lotus dance like waving lotus flower
Vedaranyam - Hamsabada dance like a swan stepping

The dandavas performed by Lord Shiva in these temples are called Sapta Vidanga Dandavas. Each temple has its unique way of celebrating Lord Shiva through dance, and they all provide a rich cultural experience.

Tiruvarur - Veedhi Vidangar: This form of Lord Shiva is believed to protect the streets of the town and is associated with the Ajapa dance.
Tirunallaru - Nagavidangar: This form of Lord Shiva is worshipped for protection against the ill effects of planet Saturn and is associated with the Pithan dance.
Nagaikaronam - Sundaravidangar: This form of Lord Shiva is believed to bestow beauty and prosperity and is associated with the Tharanga dance.
Thirukarail - Adividankar: This form of Lord Shiva is associated with the Kukuta dance and is believed to provide blessings for the growth of agriculture and fertility.
Thirukolili - Avanavidangar: This form of Lord Shiva is associated with the Birunga dance and is believed to bless devotees with good health and prosperity.
Thiruvaimoor - Neelavidangar: This form of Lord Shiva is associated with the Lotus dance and is believed to provide spiritual enlightenment and liberation.
Vedaranyam - Bhuvanavidangar: This form of Lord Shiva is associated with the Hamsabada dance and is believed to protect devotees from negative energies and provide overall well-being.

The Saptavidangathalams are a group of seven temples in Tamil Nadu, India that are dedicated to Lord Shiva and are known for their emphasis on dance. The temples are believed to house unchiseled idols of Lord Shiva, and each temple has a unique name for the dance performed by the deity. The monograph on Saptavidangathalams provides more detailed information about the temples, including the locations of the Thyagaraja shrines and the specific names of the Vidangar lingams that are revered in each temple.