South India Pilgrimage - Chidambaram Temple

Chidabaram is a small South Indian town that is nestled among age-old shrines and architectural splendors. Chidabaram, synonymous to Lord Shiva, is a renowned pilgrimage site that holds a specific place among Shivaites and Vaishnavites. This eminent tourist spot lies in Tamil Nadu’s central east part in the Coleroon River Valley. Initially it was a wooded area of Thillai, hence it is laso famous as ‘Thillai’. In representing the prosperous cultural legacy of India, this place is second to none. The most celebrated Cosmic Dance forms of Shiva and the dance combat between Kaali and Shiva are some of the historical as well as mythological facts that are associated with this tourist spot.

History and Mythological Belief:

According to Hindu myth, there are five organic elements creating the whole planet and there are five Shiva holy places symbolizing each of these significant elements. Chidambaram is one amongst the 5 shrines and portrays the space (air), one of the major five natural elements forming the body along with the world. The further Shiva holy places that come in this grouping are Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswara (water), Kanchi Ekambareswara (earth), Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswara (fire) and Kalahasti Nathar (wind).

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This temple embraces an idol of Nataraja in the posture of Ananda Tandava. This statue is positioned in the golden hallway of the shrine that is recognized as the Chit Sabha or the Hall of realization. According to fable, the Cholas, the Pallavas, the Pandyas and the Vijayanagara Kings had all applauded the dancing Lord Nataraja, over here.

These monarchs also enhanced the place of worship with numerous unique works like the gold covering of the Vimanam‘s Sanctum. The British, the French, the Marathas, and Hyder Ali also employed this place as a barracks for more than 35 years through the Carnatic Wars.

The Nataraja Temple: It is situated at the center of the town and covers 40 acres of area. The presiding God in the shrine is embodied by air and is recognized as Akasa Lingam. The eastern tower of this temple is 40.8 meters high while the northern tower is 42.4 meters high. Here one can observe the 108 Bharat Natyam dance gestures of Lord Shiva.

Viadanatheeswarar Temple: It is about 25km. away and in south of Chidambaram. It is renowned for its Viadanatheeswarar Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. People all over the world come here to take a holy dip in its tank water to get rid of ailments.

Kaali Temple: It is one of the most prominent Shakti Temples of India and this holy place is located on the northern part of the town. It was constructed by Kopperunjingan (1229 AD and 1278 AD) and is dedicated to Deity Kaali.

Fast Facts

  • Best Season : Throughout the year
  • Languages : Tamil
  • Weather : Summer 22-37°C, Winter 19-32°C

Celebration at Chidambaram:

The Natyanjali festival: on the occasion of Mahasivaratri (February).

Hotels and Resorts:

  • Mansoor Lodge
  • Swathi Lodge
  • Hotel Saradharam
  • Grand Palace Stay
  • R K Residency Hotel
  • Hotel Akshaya

Ways to Get in:

By Air: Trichy is nearest airport

By Rail: it is well interlinked with Madurai, Trichy and Chennai

Highway:

  • Trichy (160km)
  • Tirupati (290 km)
  • Bangalore (340 km)
  • Madurai (335 km)
  • Pondicherry(40km)
  • Rameshwaram (575 km)