- Chidambaram- Under the Skies of Ancient Wisdom
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.
- Place of Interest
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.
- Best Time To Visit
November to February.
- How to Reach
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.