Chidambaram
Chidambaram
It
is an important pilgrim centre and a holy place for Saivaites as the famous
Nataraja Temple is located here.Chidambaram is also known as Thillai, since
the place was originally a forest of Thillai(Excecaria agallecha)shrubs.
A shrine to Govindaraja or Lord Vishnu lies adjacent to the main shrine and
has a beautiful idol of the lord reclining on Adisesha, the serpent. There are
two other shrines, one dedicated to Subramanya and the other to Ganesha. In
the courtyard, a large Nandi looks on devotedly at its lord and master through
an aperture on the wall.The idol of Nataraja is installed in the Kanaka Sabha, the roof of which is covered with gold Plates. The icon is a stunning piece of sculpture that evokes a sense of continuous movement. Though non-Hindus are not allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum, replicas of
this
idol are easily available in most handicraft emporia and shops selling art and
curio objects.The eastern gopuram is 40.8 m. high and carved on it are the 108 dance poses of Bharatanatyam. The western tower has also similar carvings while the northern tower which soars to a height of 42.4 m. is the tallest.
General Information
Area : 5 sq. kms.
Population : 58,740,(1991 census)
Altitude : 5.97 m (19.45')
Climate : Summer : 37.0ºC 36.4ºC
Winter : 21.3ºC 20.1ºC
Rainfall : 85.5 cms average
Languages spoken : Tamil and English
STD : 04144
By Air : Nearest Airport is Trichy
By Rail : It is connected by rail with Trichy, Madurai, Chennai.
By Road : It is also connected with all major towns.
Places to See
Gangaikondas Cholapuram
It is 50 kms. from Chidambaram. Rajendra -1, a mighty Chola King, established his new capital here with this magnificent city and temple to Lord Siva. The temple is noted for its massiveness and richly carved sculptures. A big Nandi in front of the temple made of brick and mortar, a lion head well with a flight of steps leading to the water level and gigantic Dwarapalakas are the other thrilling features of this temple.
Natyanjali Festival
The
Natyanjali dance festival at Chidambaram brings together all the prominent dancers
of India present there with an enchantment and elation, which shone in their
eyes and evocative abhinaya as they offered their dance to the great divinity,
Lord Nataraja. To many of them it is like a dream come true, to be able to perform
in the vicinity of the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Nataraja himself, whose padams
and varnams they often dance upon creating an imaginary figure of the Lord.The Nataraja Temple
The temple located in the centre of the town covers an area of 40 acres. It is one of the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity of the temple is represented by air, one of the five elements of the universe and is known as Akasa Lingam.
Pichavaram
Pichavaram, 16 kms. east of Chidambaram, ranks among the most exquisite scenic spot with abundant and varied tourism resources. The backwaters which are interconnected by the Vellar and Kollidam system offer abundant scope for water sports - parasailing, rowing and canoeing.
Kalvarayan Hills
The Kalvarayan hills are situated 150 kms. north west of Chidambaram on the western side of Kallakurichi Taluk. Spread over an area of 600 sq. kms. approximately with the height ranging from 315 mts. to 1190 mts. these hills offer a temperate climate and quiet solititude. There is a botanical garden on the hills. There are two waterfalls here. The area is ideal for trekking. A summer Festival is also held every year in May. Select a holiday with us
