Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu

Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu is located around 58 km south of Pondicherry. This site is one of the famous and holiest sites of South India. This city is also famous for its dance of Natraja which is known as the King of the Dance. There is a famous temple known as Sabhanayaka Temple which shows the ancient Tamil religious practice and belief. It is said that King Hiranyavarman made a pilgrimage here from Kashmir to get rid himself of leprosy by bathing in temple's tank. After the cure he enlarged the temple and brought 3000 Brahmins whose descendants are now taking care of this temple.

There are several hectic markets in the city. You will also find a large student population in the city as there is a world famous University known as Annamalai University. There are several famous and ancient tourist attractions in the city. Chidambaram is a major pilgrimage site for Shaivites and Vaishnavites. There are several holiest and ancient temples of Hinduism in Chidambaram. Chidambaram is known for its antiquity, richness in terms of worship and festival traditions, architecture, sculptures, music and dance and many more.

Tourist Attractions in Chidambaram

Chidambaram Temple : Chidambaram Temple is an ancient temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of the Cosmic Dancer Natraja. This is one of the five dancing halls of Natraja. This structure of Natraja represents five basic elements. This temple is also known as one of the most famous and important Shiva temples of the world. Other temples which show other elements are Tiruvannamalai (Fire), Kanchipuram (Earth), Kalahasti (Air) and Tiruvananikaval (Water). There is an Akasha Lingam of Shiva inside the temple. The temple complex is spread over 40 acres in the heart of the city. The roof of the sanctum sanctorum is covered with gold plates.

The Thillaikaliamman Temple : Thillaikaliamman temple in Chidambaram is also known by the name of Kali Temple and situated on the northern end of the town. It was built by Kopperunjingan, who ruled between 1229 A.D. and 1278 A.D. Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali.

Annamalai University : Annamalai University is a world famous university and was founded by Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiar. This university is a great centre of Tamil learning and Carnatic music, with facilities in various disciplines including Medicine, Engineering etc. This place is spread over three hundred acres area and was founded in 1929. This university also provides adult education and mass literacy programs with vocational trainings.

Pichavaram : Around 16 km from Chidambaram is Pchavaram which is known for its various exquisite scenic spots with all the other tourism resources. The backwaters which are interconnected by Vellar and Coleroon system offer abundant scope for water sports like rowing, kayak and canoeing. There is also the Pichavaram forest which offers waterscape and backwater cruises.

Vaitheeswaran Koil : Vaitheeswaran Koil is famous for a Shiva temple and dedicated to Vaidyanatheeswarar. This place is located around 24 km from Chidambaram. It is believed that a bath in the holy waters of the Siddhamirtham tank within the temple complex will cure all diseases.

Gangaikonda Cholapuram : Gangaikonda Cholapuram is situated 42 km from Chidambaram. This city was founded by the Chola king Rajendra I. There is a Shiva temple with massive and richly carved sculptures.

Poompuhar : Poompuhar is a small and beautiful city situated at a distance of 40 km from Chidambaram. This is a major port of the Chola Empire and houses an art gallery built by the Government of Tamil Nadu in the year 1973. This gallery displays scenes from the Silapathikaram of ancient Tamil literature.

Festivals in Chidambaram

There are several maths (monasteries) around the temple. Numerous famous festivals are also celebrated in this temple. There is two ten day's celebration in this temple and on the ninth day of each celebration, temple chariots process through the four Car Street while on the tenth, abhishekham are anointed. This celebration is known as Car Festival. There are also some more festivals which are celebrated here like Fire-walking and Kavadi folk dance festivals in Thillaiamman Kali and Keelatheru Mariamman temples. Brahmotsavam, Ani Thirumanjanam, Thai Poosam, and Arudra Dharshan are some of the temple festivals that attract large crowds from far and nearby places.

Where to Stay in Chidambaram

Accommodation is not a big issue in Chidambaram as there are so many hotels ranging from budget to luxury class. Most of the hotels in Chidambaram are situated in the heart of the city and provides good services. There are number of hotels and restaurants in Chidambaram which offer south Indian, Chinese, Continental and Tandoori cuisines.

How to reach Chidambaram

By Air : Nearest airport to Chidambaram is Tricy which is 195 km away and Chennai which is 245 km away. From Tiruchirapalli, Indian Airlines flights can be taken to Chennai (Madras). Chennai is connected to all the major cities in India and abroad through regular flights.

By Rail : Chidambaram is very well connected with all the major cities and states of India like Tiruchirapalli, Madras, Madurai (335 km), Rameswaram (575 km), Bangalore (340 km), and Tirupati (290 km).

By Road : Frequent bus services are available to various places in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Pondicherry states from Chidambaram. There are non-stop bus services and express bus services to major cities like Chennai. For local transportation, taxis and auto rickshaws are available without meter. Other modes of transport are bus, and cycle rickshaw.