Chidambram (Madras)

Chidambaram greets us with a beautiful temple, dedicated to Lord Nataraja - God Siva, in the form of a cosmic Dancer. This is one of the few temples where Siva and Vishnu are enshrined under one roof. Dedicated to Lord Nataraja, this ancient temple of the Cholas is unique not only it is devoted solely to the art of Bharatanatyam, but also it is one of the rare temples where Shiva is represented by an idol rather than the customary Lingam. Spread over an area of 40 acres with a gopuram on each side, the temple is distinguished by five sabhas or courts.

The temple occupies an area of about 51 acres. Four imposing towers rise on the four sides of the temple. Each of these towers rises to about 135 ft and is comprised of 7 storeys and are topped with 13 coppers 'Kalasam' (finials). The entrances at the base of these towers are quite large rising at least to a height of 40 ft. The outer perimeter wall is about 30 ft high enclosing the outer 'street' (veedhi) and the inner enclosures (praharam).

The temple has attained such sanctity and sacredness due to its antiquity and its association with so many miracles mentioned in Hindu scriptures. Many sages, saints and religious savants have sung in praise of the presiding deity.

Population: 58,740

Best time to visit: October to March

Places of Interest

Natraja 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 roof of the sanctum sanctorum is covered with gold plates. The presiding deity of the temple is represented by air, one of the five elements of the universe and is known as Akasa Lingam.

The eastern tower rises to a height of 40.8 metres. 108 Bharatha Natyam Dance poses can be seen on the Eastern tower as well as on Western tower. The Northern tower rises to a height of 42.4 metres.

The Sivakamiamman temple, the Sivaganga tank, the thousand pillar hall are other important features of the temple.

Annamalai University
It is a residential University founded in 1929 by the Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiar. It is a great centre of Tamil learning and carnatic music; now offers educational facilities in various disciplines including Medicine, Agriculture, Engineering etc.

Kali Temple
The Thillaikaliamman temple is on the northern end of the town. It was built by Kopperunjingan, who ruled between 1229 AD and 1278 AD.

Neyveli
It is about 30 kms from Chidambaram via Vadalur. It is one of the biggest industrial complexes in the country. The lignite mined here is used for thermal power generation. Apart from fertilizers ceramic wares and Leco (cooking coal), a number of by-products are also produced from lignite.

Excursion

Gangaikonda 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.

Kalvarayam Hills
Spread over an area of 600 sq. kms, Kalvarayan hills are situated 150 kms north west of Chidambaram on the western side of Kallakurichi Taluk. 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.

Pichavaram
Pichavaram, situated 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.

The Pichavaram forest not only offers waterscape and backwater cruises but combines another very rare occurrence - the mangrove forest - trees permanently rooted in a few feet of water. The Pichavaram mangroves are considered among the healthiest mangrove occurrence in the world. Pichavaram consists of a number of islands interspersing a vast expanse of water and covered with green trees. The area is about 2800 acres and is separated from the sea by a sand bar, which is a patch of extraordinary loveliness.

The Church of Zion
The Church was built in 1701 in the corner of King Street and Queen Street. After several modifications during 1782 - 1784 and 1800 - 1839, the Church as it stands today has a vaulted roof and is very impressive.

Genji (Gingee) Fort
It is located on the Tindivanam - Thiruvannamalai road about 132 kms from Chidambaram. This place is associated with Raja Desingh. There is a 700 year old fort running over three hills of huge and steep boulders. According to tradition the original fort was laid by Kone Chiefs. The fort was ruled by Vijayanagar Nayaks, Marathas, Moghuls, Carnatic Nawabs, the French and the British. Rajagiri and Krishnagiri are two important fortifications here and it is a popular picnic spot.

How to get there

Air:
Nearest Airport is Trichy

Rail:
It is connected by rail with Trichy, Madurai and Chennai.

Road:
It is also connected with all major towns.