Chidambaram, Hindu Pilgrimage in India
CHIDAMBARAM
FACTS & FIGURES
Location
of Chidambaram:
East-central part
of the Tamil Nadu
state, southeastern
IndiaBest time to Visit Chidambaram: Throughout the year
Significance: Associated with Nataraja, or Shiva in his Ananda Tandava pose (the Cosmic Dance of bliss) in the cosmic golden hall and the hall of consciousness (Chit Sabha), great religious as well as historic and cultural significance.
Chidambaram is one
of the most ancient
and most celebrated
of shrines in India.
It is of great religious
as well as historic
and cultural significance.
Chidambaram
is associated with
Nataraja, or Shiva
in his Ananda Tandava
pose (the
Cosmic Dance of
bliss) in the cosmic
golden hall and
the hall of consciousness
(Chit Sabha).
Chidambaram
is one of the Panchabhoota
Temple
in the Tamil Saivaite
tradition refers
to none other than
the Chidambaram
Nataraja temple.
Stalams
signifying the five
elements of wind
(Kalahasti), water
(Tiruvanaikka),
fire (Tiruvannamalai),
earth (Kanchipuram)
and space (Chidambaram).
Four
most revered Saivaite
Saints (Appar, Sundarar,
Sambandar and Manikkavachakar)
have worshipped
at Chidambaram,
and the bulk of
Manikkavachakar's
work is in praise
of Shiva at Chidambaram.
Accordingly, their
images are placed
in the temple entrances
corresponding to
their points of
entry into the temple.
(Sambandar - South,
Appar - West, Sundarar
- North and Manikkavachakar
- East).
Prominent Pilgrimage Attractions of Chidambaram
Sabhanayaka
Nataraja Temple
This is the original
temple dedicated
to the Nataraja
form of Lord Siva
(the Celestial Dancer),
where Lord Siva
is found in his
famous Ananda Tandavam
dancing pose, with
one leg in the air
and having four
arms. He defeated
goddess Kali in
a dance contest.
It is a huge temple,
which takes up an
area of about 40
acres.
The roof of the
sanctum sanctorum
is covered with
gold plates. The
presiding deity
of the temple is
represented by air,
one of the five
elements of the
universe and is
known as Akasa Lingam.
The Eastern tower rises to a height of 40.8 metres. 108 Bharathanatyam dance gestures can be seen on the eastern tower as well as on the western tower. The northern tower rises to a height of 42.4 metres.
The Eastern tower rises to a height of 40.8 metres. 108 Bharathanatyam dance gestures can be seen on the eastern tower as well as on the western tower. The northern tower rises to a height of 42.4 metres.
This temple is home
to Chidambara Rahasyam,
concept of nothingness
(aroopam). Shiva
is said to have
revealed a vision
of his cosmic dance
to Patanjali, Vyagrapadar
and to all the Devas
here. In terms of
its antiquity, richness
in terms of worship
& festival traditions,
in architectural
& sculptural
splendour, in its
association with
music & dance,
Chidambaram is a
center second to
none in truly representing
the rich Indian
cultural heritage.
Kali Temple
The Thillaikaliamman
temple is on the
northern end of
the town. It was
built by Kopperunjingan,
who ruled between
1229 A.D. and 1278
A.D.
Pichavaram
16 km from Chidambaram, Pichavaram ranks among the most exquisite scenic spots with abundant and varied tourism resources. The backwaters which are interconnected by the Vellar and Coleroon system offer abundant scope for water sports - rowing, kayak and canoeing. The Pichavaram forest offers waterscape and backwater cruises.Vaitheeswaran Koil
24 km from Chidambaram, the place is famous for the Siva temple dedicated to Vaidyanatheeswarar, the healer of all diseases and his consort Thaiyalnayaki. It is believed that a bath in the holy waters of the Siddhamirtham tank within the temple complex will cure all diseases. Nadi Jothidam is a traditional skill popular here.How to Reach Chidambaram
• Air: Nearest Airport is Tiruchi - 168 km.• Rail: It is connected by rail with Tiruchi, Madurai and Chennai.
• Road: It is well connected with all major towns.
