| Chidambaram Temple |
| About: |
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located at the heart of the temple town of Chidambaram, in Cuddalore District, the east-central part of the Tamil Nadu . The Sangam classics refer to Viduvelvidugu Perumtaccan, respected clan of traditional Vishwakarmas, as being the chief architect of the temple renovation.It is of great religious as well as historic and cultural significance.
There have been several renovations in its history, particularly during the days of Pallava/Chola emperors in ancient and pre-medieval periods.Chidambaram is one of the most ancient and most celebrated shrines in India. Chidambaram is associated with Nataraja, or Shiva in his Ananda Tandava pose in the cosmic golden hall and the hall of consciousness. Shiva is also worshipped in the “formless form” of the Chidambara Rahasyam, while the temple is known for its Akasa Lingam, an embodiment of Shiva as the formless Space. Chidambaram is one of the Panchabhoota Stalams signifying the 5 elements of wind water , fire , earth and space. The Moovar (Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar) as well as Manikkavacakar have sung praises of Chidambaram. Several literary works praise the glory of Chidambaram. Chidambaram is 250 Kms south of Chennai. It is on the railway main line. Roughly this is in the middle, between Chennai and Tiruchirapalli. Chidambaram can be reached by bus. Bus routes connect this town to various places in Tamil Nadu.This temple was concealed behind the veil of mystery for centuries,but its known sublimity in records begins with the visit of Hiranya Chakravarthi of Kashmir around 500 A.D. The king is believed to have been cured of his leprosy with a single dip in the temple pushkarini, Sivaganga thirtham . The four eminent saiva acharyas Appar, Sambandar, Sundarar and Manikkavachakar are bonded with this holy temple and produced master pieces eulogising their respective paths – Charya, Kriya, Yoga and Gnana. This kshetra is said to have given moksha to infinite devotees – notable amongst them are Nandanar, Tirunilakandanayanar, Vyagrapada, Patanjali. |
| Location info: |
| Address:Chidambaram,Chidambaram Taluk Cuddalore District Tamil nadu ,India |
| District: Cuddalore |
| Nearest City: Cuddalore,Pondicherry |
| Best time to visit: Throughout the year |
| Climate/Weather: |
| The climate of Chidambaram is tropical with mercury touching up to 37°C in the summers and around 20°C in the winters. |
| History: |
| Chidambaram literally means the sky permeated by an atmosphere of intelligence and wisdom. According to legend, it was once a forest of tillai, a mangrove species of trees. There was once a small shrine on the banks of a tank. The saints Vyagrapada and Patanjali are said to have worshipped at this shrine, now called Thirumoolanathar. It is believed that their penance attained fruition with the revelation of Shiva’s cosmic dance by Lord Nataraja on the auspicious Thai Poosam day. The golden hall of dance was built and covered with gold plates by Jatavarman Sundra Pandya (AD 1251-1272). He was very proud of his achievement, and as such assumed the title of Hemchandandana Raja. |
| Interesting things to do: |
| Take a bus ride of about fifteen kilometres through breath taking green paddy fields and observe village life centred around a canal that runs along the bus route |
| Interesting things to Visit:Thillaikaliamman Temple:The Thillaikaliamman Temple is on the northern end of the town. Kopperunjingan, king who ruled between AD 1229 and 1278, built this temple. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. It is said that Goddess Kali’s anger did not subside even after killing the demon Tarakasura. Hence, Lord Nataraja performed tandava dance to contain her anger. It is enjoined that all those who visit Chidambaram should pay a visit to Thillaikaliamman temple.Annamalai University :The Annamalai University owes its existence to the farsighted vision, enlightened wisdom, benefaction and philanthropy of a single individual – Dr. Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiar of Chettinad. As early as 1920, he founded the Sri Meenakshi College at Chidambaram, a great pilgrimage centre and also a centre for South Indian traditional culture and learning. In 1928, the Annamalai University Act was passed and Sri Meenakshi College became the nucleus for the University which is unitary, residential, rural in its settings and progressive in its outlook. During his tenure as Pro-Chancellor for 19 years he paid immaculate care and detailed attention to the growth and development of the University in every field. He paid great attention in the appointment of Vice-Chancellors. Equal attention was also paid by him in the appointment of enlightened staff, especially the Professors and Heads of Departments. The Professors of Annamalai University were always scholars and scientists of great renown in their own field. |
| How to reach? |
| Nearest Railway Station:Chidambaram |
| Nearest Airport:Tiruchirapalli(195 km),Chennai (245 km) |
| Road Transport:There are good number of buses available to various places in Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Pondicherry states from Chidambaram. |
| Nearest Visiting places: |
| Pichavaram :This is a seaside resort and has backwaters and mangroves and lies 15 km east of Chidambaram. It is also a birdwatcher?s paradise with a wide variety of bird life to be seenVaitheeswaran koil:The famous Nadi astrologers can also be found in a nearby village 25 km from here.Tiruvakkarai:country’s first national fossil wood park |
| Nearest Petrol Pump:Chidambaram,India |
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| Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation: |
Vandaiyar Hotel :Chidambaram, Cuddalore, Tamil NaduHotel Sharadham :Chidambaram, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu
Hotel Ayshwariya:Chidambaram, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu |
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| Police Station:Kurinjipadi Police Station Kurinjippadi, Cuddalore, Tamil NaduWomen’s Police Station Neyveli Township, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu |
| Nearest Hospital:RMMC Chidambaram, Cuddalore, Tamil NaduGovernment Hospital ,Chidambaram, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu |
