TNB - Chidambaram

We headed to Chidambaram to see the famed Nataraja - Shiva as the Lord of Dance. Representing His role as the controller of time, the crusher of ignorance, and the infinite prowess of the Supreme, Nataraja of Chidambaram has become an international icon. In fact, most everyone has seen a murti of Nataraja at some point in time:

Since this was one temple that let non-Hindus in, too, I thought a small puja was in order - especially since apparently the temple is self-funded. So I approached a pujari, who, to my surprise, spoke excellent English. He said that it was possible to do the abhishek puja of Nataraja - for only Rs. 750. Well I didn't have Rs. 750/- so he asked how much I had. I smelled fish. I replied that I had only Rs. 300/- (which was honest) but I would really like to do the abhishek puja. No problem, he said, that's why it's called a donation. He then handed over some chandan in a small plastic cup and said to go over to the main sanctum and show them the cup - they will know what to do. Of course, everybody in the entire temple was walking around with the little cup of chandan. So I told him to come with me and said I'd give the money after he showed me where to go. He escorted me to the huge crowd where everybody was doing darshan and said wait here. So I asked does EVERYBODY at the temple give Rs. 300/-?

And suddenly he forgot his English - all except Three hundred rupees, please. Hallo sir? Three hundred rupees. And whenever I would ask about the abhishek, all I would get is that crazy Indian Headbobble that means some combination of yes, no, fine, okay, and I don't know. So I said, no abhishek, no money, and then ignored him - he eventually left. But I had promised Nataraja Rs. 300/- and I found a donation box - so I left it there.

No abhishek, but at least I wasn't cheating God!