Chidambram
City Information
World famous for Nataraja Temple
here, the small town of Chidambaram is situated
around 230 kms from Chennai. One of the holiest
cities in India, every year worshippers of
Nataraja visits this temple. Between two rivers
in a 40 acres temple-complex, lies the temples
of Chidambaram, one of the oldest and magnificent
temples of the South. Shiva Natrala or the
Dancing Shiva stands in his cosmic dance pose
in the golden rooted sanctorum. Flanking the
temple are 108 sculptured illustrations of
Bharat Natya Shashtra. In Akash Lingam hidden
by a veil, lies the real secret of Chidambaram.
Chidambram is not only famous as a pilgrim
center but also as its economic importance
in South India. There is a heavy water plant
and thermal power station apart from the Spic
fertilizer plant and the other major industries
are pearl fishing and salt production.
Your visit during the Natyanjali
Festival held every year during Februaru
- March in Chidambram can be memorable life
long. This festival is dedicated to the Cosmic
Dancer Lord Shiva. The Sivarathri festival
is celebrated every year on the Sivarathri
Day.
Main
Sightseeing of Chidambram
Nataraja Temple : The
Nataraja temple is unique in itself as it
is dedicated solely to the art of Bharatanatyam.
Built during the later part of the Chola
reign, the temple is spread over 40 acres.
It is one of the most ancient temples of
Tamil Nadu. The top roof of the sanctrum
sanctorum is covered with gold plates and
strings. The presiding deity of the temple
is representative of air, one of the five
elements of the universe, and is known as
'Akasa Lingam'.
There are five halls in the temples - Nritha
Sabha is the Hall of Immortal Dance. A remarkable
structure in the temple complex is the Nritta
Sabha, constructed in the form of a chariot.
The sabha has fifty-six pillars portraying
dancing poses. Here, the stone pulsates
with rhythm and life. Deva sabha is the
hall of festivals and meeting place of the
administrators. The Raja sabha is the 1000
pillars-hall measuring 103 meters and 58
meters wide where the Pandya, the Cholas
and others celebrated their victories. The
Sivakamiamman temple, the Sivaganga Tank
and the thousand pillar hall are also important
features of the temple.
Annamalai University :
Set over an area of three hundred acres,
the Annamalai University is an important
landmark in Chidambaram. The university
was founded in 1929 by Raja Sir Annamalai
Chettiar. This residential university offers
educational facilities in various disciplines
like humanities, medicine, agriculture,
and engineering besides having a center
for adult education, mass literary programs
and vocational training
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Excursions
from Chidambram
Gangaikonda Cholapuram : The
historic city of Gangaikonda Cholapuram is
situated at a distance of some 50 km from
Chidambaram. The city has been associated
with the Chola king, Rajendra I, who had established
it as his new capital. A marvellous Shiva
temple made by the Chola king is a major attraction
here. The huge temple is lavishly sculptured
and a big Nandi made of brick and mortar stands
in front of it.
Pichavaram : Famous
for its varied tourist resources, the picturesque
locale of Pichavaram is situated 16 km east
of Chidambaram. The place has one of the most
well developed mangrove forests in India and
its backwaters provide ample scope for parasailing,
rowing and canoeing. Separated from the sea
by a fascinating sand bar, Pichavaram covers
an area of about 2,800 acres.
Kalvarayam Hills : The beautiful
Kalvarayam Hills are located 150 km north
west of Chidambaram on the western side of
Kallakuruchi taluk. Endowed with two waterfalls
the hills are spread over an area of 600 sq.
km. It is an ideal destination for those who
come to seek solitude.
The Gate : About 40 km from
Chidambaram at Tarangambadi lies the 200-year-old
Gate, a monument of historical and architectural
interest. The Gate is located in such a way
that the people living here have to pass through
it on their way in and out of town.
Tarangambadi : Forty kilometres
from Chidambaram lies Tarangambadi or Tranquebar,
an old site of a Danish settlement. The attraction
in the town is the old Dansborg fort. The
fort was built by Ore Gedde, a commander of
the Royal Dutch Navy in the 17th century.
Except for the deteriorating ramparts, the
building is almost in good condition.
The Church of Zion : The
enchanting Church of Zion is situated at about
40 km from Chidambaram at the corner adjoining
the King Street and the Queen Street of Tranquebar.
The church was built in 1701 and went through
a series of modifications between 1782 to
1784 and 1800 to 1839. Today it has a vaulted
roof as a part of its structure..
How
to reach Chidambram ?
By Air : The nearest airport
for Chidambram is at Trichy at a distance
of 160 km.
By Rail : There are a number
of Express and passenger trains to / from
Chennai four times daily and Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
twice a day. Tiruchirappalli and Madurai railway
station is a 20 minute walk south-east of
the Nataraja Temple.
By Road : Chidambram is
well connected with some important cities
of South India like Chennai, Pondichery, Madurai
and Thanjavur etc.
