Places To See In Chidambaram
Chidambaram, a town with ancient temples and beautiful locales, is an
important tourist destination in Tamil Nadu. Chidambaram is a place
which must be visited as it has a lot to offer, ranging from its
antiquity, cultural richness, festival traditions, architectural and
sculptural splendor and love for music and dance, truly a perfect
representation of the rich Indian cultural heritage.
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The Nataraja Temple
The Nataraja temple is located in the center of the town and covers
an area of 40 acres. It is one of the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu.
The roof of the sanctum sanctorum is covered with gold plates. The
deity presiding in this temple is represented by air, one of the five
elements of the universe. It is also known as Akasa Lingam. The
Eastern tower has a height of 40.8 metres whereas the Northern tower
has a height of 42.4 meters. One of the special things seen here are
the 108 Bharatha Natyam Dance gestures on the Eastern tower as well as
on Western tower. Apart from these, the Sivakamiamman temple, the
Sivaganga tank, the thousand pillar hall are other important features
of the Temple.
¤ Vaitheeswaran Koil
The Vaitheeswaran Koil is famous for the Siva temple dedicated to the
healer of all diseases, Vidyanatheeswarar and his consort
Thaiyalnayaki. It is located around 24 kms away from Chidambaram. A
bath in the holy waters of the Siddhamirtham tank within the temple
complex is believed to be therapeutic.
¤ Gangaikondas Cholapuram
about 50 kms. from Chidambaram, Gangaikondas Cholapuram was
established as a capital by Rajandra -1, a mighty Chola King. He also
built a temple of Lord Siva. This temple is famous for its massiveness
and richly carved sculptures. There's big Nandi in front of the temple
made of brick and mortar, a lion head well with a flight of steps
leading to the water level and gigantic Dwarapalakas are the other
highlights of this temple.
¤ Natyanjali Festival
The Natyanjali dance festival at Chidambaram is famous for various
dance performances by well-known dancers. It brings together all the
renowned dancers of India. The enchantment and elation with which they
dance can be seen in their eyes and evocative abhinaya performed by
them presents an outstanding scene. These dances are supposed to be
offered to Lord Nataraja. Many dancers feel privileged to be able to
perform in the vicinity of the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Nataraja.
¤ Pichavaram
Pichavaram is situated 16 kms. east of Chidambaram. It is among the
most eye-pleasing destinations with abundant and varied tourism
resources. Pichavaram also has backwaters which are interconnected by
the Vellar and Kollidam system. These backwaters offer an array of
water sports opportunities like - parasailing, rowing and canoing.
¤ Kalvarayan Hills
The Kalvarayan hills are situated 150 kms. north west of Chidambaram
on the western side of Kallakurichi Taluk. It is sprawled over an area
of 600 sq. kms, located at a height that ranges from 315 mts. to 1190
mts. The climate at these hills is temperate, offering absolute
serenity. There are two waterfalls and a botanical garden here. This
area is the venue of a summer festival held every year in the month of
May. It is also ideal for trekking.
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