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Chidambram City Travel Guide
- Tamil Nadu
General Information Of
Chidambram
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Area 4.80 sq. km
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Population 58,740
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Altitude 5.97 metres above
sea level
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Languages Tamil, English
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STD Code 04144
Best time to visit October to March
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Introduction to city Chidambram -
In Tamil Nadu
Renowned for its Nataraja Temple, the small municipal town of
Chidambaram is situated at a distance of two hundred and
thirty-five kilometres south of Chennai, on the Chennai-Thanjavur
National highway. One of the holiest cities in India,
Chidambaram is visited by thousands of Shaivite and Vaishnavite
pilgrims who flock to the sacred Nataraja temple every year.
Chidambaram was once a tillai (Excoecaria agallocha) forest.
Legend has it that the two famous saints of South India,
Vyagrapada and Patanjali worshipped Lord Shiva here. Their
collective penance bore fruit in the form of Shiva’s cosmic
dance, which was revealed to them on the propitious Thai Poosam
day. Lord Shiva descended from the divine firmament as Nataraja—the
King of Dance—and performed the ananda tandavam (cosmic dance).
The place where Nataraja danced became a sacred ground. In
course of time, a town took shape on this hallowed site and was
called Chit Ambaram (wisdom-suffused sky).
In AD 907, the Cholas made Chidambaram their capital. They built
the grand Nataraja temple, which was later enlarged and
embellished by them.
Chidambaram has a tropical climate. Temperatures in the summers
can rise up to 37°C. The best time to visit Chidambaram is
during winter when it’s neither too hot nor cold.
Sightseeing : Places to visit in
destination - Chidambram
A visitor’s paradise, Chidambaram has something for everyone.
The major attraction out here is the
Nataraja Temple.
For those interested in academics, a trip to renowned
Annamalai University is a must. One can also visit
Neyveli, one of the largest industrial complexes in the
country. For the history buffs, there is an ancient fort at
Gengi, which is a major attraction. The famous
Car Street
offers a good shopping experience.
Chidambram Sightseeing :
Places to visit in destination Chidambram
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Places to visit in the city Chidambram |
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NATARAJA TEMPLE -
Chidambram
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The Nataraja temple is unique in itself as it is dedicated
solely to the art of Bharatanatyam. It is also one of the
rare temples, where Shiva is represented in the idol form
rather than the usual lingam (phallus) form.
Built during the later part of the Chola reign, the temple
is spread over 40 acres. It has a large outer enclosure or
Prakara adorned with four magnificent seven-tiered
gopurams (towers surmounting the entrance gates), with
finely sculptured icons depicting Hindu myths.
The shrine of Nataraja is situated at the Chit Sabha. A
black curtain hiding the statue of the lord is lifted
thrice a day for worshipping. Adjacent to the main shrine
is the shrine of Govindaraja or Lord Vishnu. Two other
shrines devoted to Subramanya and Ganesha are also there.
A remarkable structure in the temple complex is the Nritta
Sabha, constructed in the form of a chariot. The sabha has
fifty-six pillars portraying dancing poses. The largest
structure within the temple, the Raja Sabha is another
attraction here. This thousand-pillared hall measures 103
metres in length and 58 metres in breadth.
The structural pattern of the Nataraja temple has dance as
its recurrent theme. The east and the west gopurams house
fine examples of 108 karnas (ordered movements of dance)
listed in the Natya Shastra.
On the ceiling, one finds the Nayak paintings of the 16th
century in four massive panels, each 26 metres long. These
paintings illustrate the origin of the temple and the
exemplary lives of great saints. |
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ANNAMALAI UNIVERSITY -
Chidambram
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Set over an area of three hundred acres, the Annamalai
University is an important landmark in Chidambaram. The
university was founded in 1929 by Raja Sir Annamalai
Chettiar. This residential university offers educational
facilities in various disciplines like humanities,
medicine, agriculture, and engineering besides having a
centre for adult education, mass literary programs and
vocational training. |
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NEYVELI - Chidambram
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About 30 km from Chidambaram lies Neyveli, one of the
largest industrial complexes in India. The place is noted
for the mining of lignite, which is used for thermal power
generation and developing fertilizers and ceramic wares.
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Chidambram Excursion
: Places nearby Chidambram - Tamil Nadu
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Places to visit nearby destination – Chidambram
Excursions : Places
nearby city - Chidambram
Moving out of Chidambaram, one comes across some of
the exquisite locales in this region. The hills,
islands and the forests in the vicinity of
Chidambaram offer interesting spots for exploration.
You can also go for water sports like
parasailing, rowing and canoeing. Some of the
interesting spots to visit are Pichavaram,
Kalvarayam hills, Gangaikonda Cholapuram,
Tarangambadi, the
Church of Zion and the Gate |
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Gangaikonda
Cholapuram
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The historic city of Gangaikonda Cholapuram is
situated at a distance of some 50 km from
Chidambaram. The city has been associated with the
Chola king, Rajendra I, who had established it as
his new capital. A marvellous Shiva temple made by
the Chola king is a major attraction here. The huge
temple is lavishly sculptured and a big Nandi made
of brick and mortar stands in front of it.
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Kalvarayam Hills
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The beautiful Kalvarayam Hills are located 150 km
north west of Chidambaram on the western side of
Kallakuruchi taluk. Endowed with two waterfalls the
hills are spread over an area of 600 sq. km. It is
an ideal destination for those who come to seek
solitude. |
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Pichavaram
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Famous for its varied tourist resources, the
picturesque locale of Pichavaram is situated 16 km
east of Chidambaram. The place has one of the most
well developed mangrove forests in India and its
backwaters provide ample scope for parasailing,
rowing and canoeing. Separated from the sea by a
fascinating sand bar, Pichavaram covers an area of
about 2,800 acres. Restaurants, cruising, and
lodging facilities are provided by Tamil Nadu
Tourism Development Corporation. |
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Tarangambadi
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Forty kilometres from Chidambaram lies Tarangambadi
or Tranquebar, an old site of a Danish settlement.
The attraction in the town is the old Dansborg fort.
The fort was built by Ore Gedde, a commander of the
Royal Dutch Navy in the 17th century. Except for the
deteriorating ramparts, the building is almost in
good condition. |
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The Church of
Zion
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The enchanting Church of Zion is situated at about
40 km from Chidambaram at the corner adjoining the
King Street and the Queen Street of Tranquebar. The
church was built in 1701 and went through a series
of modifications between 1782 to 1784 and 1800 to
1839. Today it has a vaulted roof as a part of its
structure. |
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The Gate
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About 40 km from Chidambaram at Tarangambadi lies
the 200-year-old Gate, a monument of historical and
architectural interest. The Gate is located in such
a way that the people living here have to pass
through it on their way in and out of town.
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Click here
to book your Chidambram tour now. |
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