‘Ardra Dharisanam’, an important festival for Nataraja is celebrated today. The nakshatra, Ardra is special for Shiva worship, especially for Nataraja. Special Abhishekam & Poojas are performed at Chidambaram and other major Shiva temples today. 

Chidambaram represents in the cosmic aspect of Shiva and the dance of Nataraja symbolises the cycle of creation & destruction of universe & all living beings. 

It is said that the Nataraja iconography is derived from constellation Orion and Ardhra (Betelgeuse) is part of the constellation.