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Chennai |
Mamallapuram
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Kanchipuram
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Tiruvanamalai
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Chidambaram
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Kumbakonam |
Thanjavor |
Tiruchinapalli
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Madurai |
Rameshwaram
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Kanyakumari
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Ooty |
Kodaikanal |
Coimbatore |
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Area : 58 sq.
kms.
Altitude : 19.45 feet above sea level.
Season : Throughout the year
Languages : Tamil and English
The capital of the cholas from ad 907 to 1310, chidambaran lies 60
kms south of pondichery, is one of tamilnadu’s most important holy
towns. This is one of india’s important pilgrim centres for
shaivites ( shiva worshippers). It is known for its famous natraja
temple (927-997 AD) built by vira chola raja. Chidambaram’s great
temple complex of nataraja, the dancing shiva, is another Dravidian
architectural highlight.
The small town is developed around the nataraja temple with streets
named after the cardinal points. This is an easy town for walking as
most accommodation is close to the temple.
Nataraja temple is one of the oldest in south India and one of the
largest. Spread across 13 hectares, nataraja temple was erected
during the later time of the administration. The complex has four
gopurams (towers) 49 mts. High. With finely sculptured icons
depicting Hindu myths. Two of which are carved with 108 classical
postures of siva in his role as the cosmic dancer. A 1000 pillar
nritya sabha (hall) is carved like a gigantic chariot and nataraja
himself reigns in the inner sanctum. This is perhaps one of the only
temples with lord siva in his human form rather than as a ‘lingam’.
The temple is renowned for its prime examples of artistry and has
since been patronized by numerous dynasties. It is dedicated to the
dancing lord shiva, a favourite deity of the chola kings.one legend
surrounding its construction suggests that ‘the golden coloured
emperor’, hiranya varna chakravarti, built it.
The temple opens at 4 am and closes at noon. It re-opens at 4-30 pm
and is open till 9 pm Friday evenings attract a large crowd for its
spectacular fire rituals with bells and drums. Thilai kalimanan
temple was also built by the cholas and is dedicated to goddess
parvati (shiva’s wife) . It is said that the piligrimage to the
nataraja temple is incomplete unless one worships at this temple.
Places of attraction :-
Varthiswaran Koil:
Varthiswaran Koil is a temple dedicated to the healer of all
diseases. It is said that this Is said that this is the place where
Siva treated Angaraba (the ailing God of war). Devotees offer gold
and silver replicas of organs for good health. Poomphur is 40 kms
away the original city now under sea was built 2000 years ago.
Excavations revealing the city of Puhar are an archaeologist’s
delight.
Sri Mushnam :
It is located north-west of Chidambaram. The temple here belongs to
the Pala art. Pala dynasty ruled over Bengal and produced
masterpieces of art of a unique style. The Nataraja idol found in
this temple shows him dancing on a bull.
Sirkazhi :
Another shiva shrine 20 kms. From Chidambaram. It is the birthplace
of one of the top 4 Shaivaite saints named Thirugnana Sambandar.
Tirupunkur: It is the place where Lord Shiva’s mount Nandhi moved a
little away from obstructing the Darshan of Lord Shiva to Nandanar
the harijan devotee.
Vazhuvur:
This place on the southern side to Mayavaram is about 12 kms . away.
It is renowned for its bronze images of exquisite splendour. The
Lord of this temple is called Krithivasa –one who wears the elephant
skin. This is one of the eight places where Shiva danced to destroy
demons.
Tarangambadi ( Tarangabar) ( 50 kms. From Chidambaran) is a site of
a Danish settlement. Worth visiting are the forts church of Zion and
Old gate. Around Chidambaram.
Pichavaram is a sea resort with beautiful backwaters and 3000 acres
of mangroves.15 kms away from Chidambaram at the mouths of the
rivers Veller Coleroon and Uppanar is the last remaining large area
of mangrove forest in Tamilnadu spread out over 52 islands separated
by creeks and protected from the sea by a sand bar. They represent
some of the richest mangrove forests in India. The seaside resort of
Pichavaram is the perfect place for leisurely boating. There is a
Marine Biological Research Station on the north bank of the Velour
River.
Karakul:
This ancient pilgrim centre is a district of the union territory of
Pandicherry. The Brahmotsavam of Manakula Temple is an important
festival which is celebrated for 10 days. Some important festival
here are the Kandoori Festival conducted at the dargah of Sayed
Dawood in February the catholic festival of Tertrayu and the
Masimagan Festival. |
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