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Town in Tamil Nadu, India
Photo: Raghavendran, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Chidambaram (சிதம்பரம் Citamparam) is a city in the southern state of Tamil Nadu in India with a population of about 62,000 (2011). Of the numerous temples the Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram is one of the most significant ones. 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 representing the rich cultural heritage of India. Several rich legends are associated with Chidambaram. The best known, are those describing the Cosmic Dance of Shiva, the dance duel between Shiva and Kaali and the more recent one describing the re-discovery of the Tevaram hymns.
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The temple complex is spread over an area of 40 acres (160,000 m²) in the heart of the city. The main complex is dedicated to Shiva Nataraja and the complex contains shrines to deities such as Shivakami Amman, Ganesh, Murugan and Vishnu in the form Govindaraja Perumal. The golden tiled roof for the Chit Ambalam (the vimanam) was laid by the Chola King Parantaka I (907-950 CE). Donations of gold and jewels have been made by various kings, rulers and patrons to the temple from 9th to 16th century and by the British. In the Chidambaram temple, Shiva is said to have manifested himself in the form of sky.
A village that is 31 km (19 mi) from Chidambaram known for Arulmigu Amirthakateshwarar Thirukkoil, constructed during the reign of Cholas by Kulothunga Chola.
Due to its strategic location on the Coromandel Coast, Parangipettai has long been a major trading centre. In particular, it was an important trading destination for the Arabs, especially the Yemenis. During the colonial era the Portuguese, Dutch and English successively colonized the area.
The Pichavaram Mangrove Forest is the world's second largest mangrove forest.
Sacred to Hindus and Buddhists, it is one of the eight Svayam Vyakta Ksetras of Vaishnavas. The village is known for the Bhu Varaha Swamy temple.
Swetharanyeswarar (Shiva) Temple is a Hindu temple in Thiruvenkadu.
PaddleforFuture Academy
India's largest standup paddling program. Learn kayaking, outdoor science and various outdoor skills. The camp is on the bank of river Kollidam backwaters. Accommodation available.
Classy non-vegetarian food will be available.
Has a pure vegetarian restaurant and WiFi in the lobby.
Popular among business travellers.
By train
Chidambaram is on the Madras-Tiruchirapalli main line of the Southern Railway.
By bus
There are frequent bus services available to Tarious places in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Pondicherry states from Chidambaram.
There are autos (Indian cabs) which can be flagged and are a relatively cheap means of transport.
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Puducherry (Pondicherry) · Regional · PNY
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