Chidambaram Travel Guide

The  capital of the Cholas  from AD 907  to 1310, Chidambaram lies  60 kms. south  of Pondichery, is one of Tamilnadu’s  most important  holy  towns. This is one of India’s important pilgrim centers for Shaivites (Shiva  worshippers). It is known for its famous Natraja Temple ( 927-997 AD)  built  by Vira  Chola Raja. Chidambaram’s great temple  complex  of Nataraja, the dancing Shiva, is another Dravidian architectural  highlight.

The small town is developed around the Nataraja Temple with streets named after the cardinal points. This is an easy town for walking as most accommodation is close to the temple. Nataraja Temple is one of the oldest in South India and one of the largest. Spread across 13 hectares, Nataraja Temple was erected during the later time of the administration. The complex has four Gopurams  (towers) 49 mts. high. With finely sculptured icons  depicting  Hindu  myths. two  of which  are carved  with 108  classical  postures  of Siva in his role as the cosmic dancer. A 1000  pillar  Nritya  Sabha  ( hall) is carved  like a gigantic   chariot and Nataraja  himself  reigns in the inner sanctum. This is perhaps one of the only temples with lord Siva in his human form rather than as a ‘Lingam’. The temple is renowned for its prime examples of artistry and has since been patronized   by numerous dynasties. It is dedicated to the dancing lord Shiva, a favourite deity of the Chola kings. One legend surrounding its construction suggests  that ‘the golden coloured emperor’, Hiranya  Varna  Chakravarti,  built  it.

The temple opens at 4 am and closes at noon. It  re-opens  at  4-30 pm and is open till 9 pm  Friday   evenings  attract  a large  crowd for its spectacular  fire  rituals  with bells and drums. Thilai  Kalimanan  temple was also built by the Cholas and is dedicated to goddess  Parvati (Shiva’s wife) . It is said that the pilgrimage to the Nataraja temple is incomplete unless one worships at this temple.

Places of attraction

Varthiswaran  Koli is a temple dedicated to the healer of all diseases. Is said that this is the place where Siva treated Angaraba (the ailing God of war). Devotees offer gold and silver replicas of organs for good health.

Poomphur is 40 kms. away the original city now under sea was built 2000 years ago. Excavations revealing the city of Puhar are an archaeologist’s delight.

Sri Mushnam : It is located north-west of Chidambaram. The temple here belongs to the Pala art. Pala dynasty ruled over Bengal and produced masterpieces of art of a unique  style. The Nataraja idol found in this temple shows him dancing on a bull.

Sirkazhi  : Another Shiva shrine 20 kms. from Chidambaram. It is the birthplace of one of the top 4 Shaivaite saints named Thirugnana Sambandar.

Tirupunkur: It is the place where Lord Shiva’s mount Nandhi  moved a little away  from obstructing the Darshan of Lord  Shiva  to Nandanar the Harijan  devotee.

Vazhuvur: This place on the Southern side to Mayavaram is about 12 kms. away. It is renowned for its bronze images of exquisite splendour. The Lord of this temple is called Krithivasa –one who wears the elephant skin. This is one of the eight places where Shiva danced to destroy demons.

Tarangambadi (Tarangabar) (50 kms. from Chidambaram) is a site of a Danish settlement . Worth visiting are the forts church of Zion and Old gate. Around Chidambaram.

Pichavaram is a sea resort with beautiful backwaters and 3000 acres of mangroves.15 kms. away from Chidambaram at the mouths of the rivers Veller Coleroon  and Uppanar  is the last remaining  large area of mangrove forest in Tamilnadu spread out over 52 islands  separated  by creeks and protected from the sea by a sand bar. They represent  some of the richest mangrove  forests in India. The seaside resort of Pichavaram is the perfect place for leisurely boating. There is a Marine Biological Research Station on the north bank of the Vellur River.

Karaikkal: This ancient pilgrim centre is a district of the union territory of Pondicherry. The Brahmotsavam of Manakula Temple is an important festival which is celebrated for 10 days. Some important festival here are the Kandoori Festival conducted at the Dargah of Sayed  Dawood in February  the catholic  festival of Tertrayu and the Masimagan Festival.