Chidambaram

The fairy-tale city of Chidambaram offers an escapade back in time to the dawn of Dravidian civilization. This fabulous city boasts of an unparalleled intellectual heritage that earned it the name Chidambaram, when translated means a sky shimmering with intelligence and wisdom. Numerous Hindu saints and scholars have lived and died in this holy land right from the beginning of Dravidian history. These saints and scholars had a prominent role in shaping the intellectual skyline of Chidambaram.

The city skyline is dotted with towering temple gopurams. Each temple holding a unique tale and legend associated with its origin. These charming tales add color to the mystique of the place. This antediluvian city is deeply rooted in religion, culture, customs and traditions. It is the fabled abode of Lord Nataraja, Lord Shiva depicted as the cosmic dancer. Chidambaram is one of the Pancha Bootha Sthalangal, the five places where god appears glorified in one of the five elements of nature viz. the Earth, Water, Sky, Fire and Space.

The prime attraction in Chidambaram is the ancient Nataraja temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is one of the few temples where Lord Siva is depicted in an idol rather than a Lingam. The temple, with towering gopurams covered with beautiful statues in Bharatanatyam dance poses, is famed as a place extolling the Bharatanatyam dance form. The sanctum sanctorum housing the idol is completely covered with gold leaves.

The Thillaikaliamman temple constructed in the 13th century is an imposing structure, oozing with beauty and aesthetics. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. Legend has it that Kalis anger did not subside even after killing the demon Tarakasura, hence Lord Nataraja performed the thandava to appease her anger.

Other famous temples in Chidambaram are the Shivakama Sundari, Pandya Nayakam of Shanmuga, Karpaga Vinayaka, Navagraha Linga, Meenakshi Sundaresar, and Kumarakotta Murgan. Gangaikonda Cholapuram, situated at a distance of 42 km has a huge temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, adorned with massive and ornately carved sculptures.

Pichavanam, a place of rich scenic beauty, with its mangrove forests, lies at a distance of 16 km from Chidambaram. The place offers abundant scope for water sports. Pichavanam is sure to captivate a botanist with its varied expanse of rare species of plants.

Kalvarayan hills situated at about 150 km from Chidambaram offers an atmosphere of peace and quite solitude. There are two beautiful waterfalls and a botanical garden here. The place is also ideal for trekking.

November to February.

By Flight

The nearest airports are Trichy (at a distance of 195 km) and Chennai (at a distance of 245 km).

By Rail

Well connected to all South Indian cities.

By Road

Well linked, with frequent buses plying to all major south Indian cities.