The Sri Govindaraja Perumal Temple, also known as Thiruchitrakoodam, is situated within the Thillai Nataraja Temple complex in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple boasts intricate Dravidian architecture. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams, sacred sites glorified in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, the Tamil canon of Alvar saints, who revered Vishnu as Govindaraja Perumal and Lakshmi as Pundarikavalli Thayar.
This temple has been a significant site for both Vishnu and Shiva worship since ancient times, with contributions from dynasties like the Pallavas, Cholas, Pandyas, and Vijayanagara kings. The current structure dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries, with notable renovations and additions made later. The Govindaraja idol, uprooted during Kulothunga Chola II's reign, was reinstated by king Krishnappa Nayak in the 16th century..
The temple holds six daily rituals, including alangaram, neivethanam, and deepa aradanai, and hosts two major annual festivals, with the Chittirai festival being the most prominent. The priests, belonging to the Vaishnavite Brahmin community, conduct these rituals, accompanied by musical and Vedic recitations. The temple is managed by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of Tamil Nadu.
Legend has it that Chidambaram was originally called Thillai, named after the Tillai trees that grew in the region. According to mythology, a dance competition between Shiva and Parvati took place here, ultimately won by Shiva in his famous Urthvathandavam pose. This defeat transformed Parvati into Kali, worshipped at the Thillai Kali temple nearby.