Chidambaramthe Land of Cosmic Dancer (Lord Nataraja)  Chidambaram – the Land of Cosmic Dancer (Lord Nataraja)Chidambaram is 240 Kms south of Chennai. It is an important pilgrim centre and a holy place for Saivites as the famous Nataraja Temple is located here. Dedicated to Lord Nataraja, this ancient temple of Cholas is unique not only because it is devoted solely to the art of Bharatanatyam, but also it is one of the rare temples where Shiva is represented by an idol rather than the customary lingam. This is spread over an area of 40 acres with a gopuram on each side, The eastern gopuram is 40.8 m. high and carved on it are the 108 dance poses of Bharatanatyam. The western tower has also similar carvings while the northern tower that soars to a height of 42.4 m. is the tallest. The idol of Nataraja is installed in the kanakasabha, the roof of which is covered with gold Plates. The icon is a stunning piece of sculpture that evokes a sense of continuous movement. The Natyanjali dance festival at Chidambaram brings together all the prominent dancers of India. They offer their abhinaya and their dance to the Lord Nataraja. This festival opens on the auspicious occasion of the Maha Shivaratri day. The value of the town is enhanced not only by the Natarajar temple but also by the Annamalai University. Places to visitNatarajar TempleThe temple is located in the centre of the town covering an area of 40 acres. It is one of the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu.The roof of the sanctum is covered with gold plates. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Natarajar (Shiva), representing air, one of the five elements of the universe and is known as Akasa Lingam. Earlier this temple was not under the H.R & C.E control. But, recently it has been taken over by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Annamalai UniversityAnnamalai University - It is 2 Km from Chidambaram. It was founded by Dr. Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiar. Annamalai University is one of the largest and oldest Universities in southern India. Its alumni have gone on to become great academicians and researchers in India and in many western countries. It covers an area of about 1000 acres.
HOTEL GRAND PALACE STAYHOTEL GRAND PALACE STAY is a 2 star classified hotel, ideally located in the heart of the town. It is 0.5 KM from Chidambaram Bus Stand and closer to Annamalai University and Chidambaram Railway Station. Located in calm and serene environment, offers a choice of 21 air-conditioned rooms. HospitalsGovernment General Hospital– 223099, 222098 Fairs & FestivalsTwo annual Brahmotsavam at Chidambaram are of great significance, as they involve colorful processions of festival deities in the car streets.The grandest of these occurs in the month of Margazhi (which falls between Dec 15 - Jan 15), concluding on the full moon day corresponding to the Arudra Darisanam festival (Arudra Darisanam is celebrated in Saivites temples all over Tamilnadu). The second of the Brahmotsavam happens in the Tamil month of Aani (falls in June/ July), and it concludes with Aani Tirumanjanam on the tenth day, in a manner similar to Arudra Darisanam in Margazhi. Chidambaram Bharathanattiyam Dance Festival – Natyanjali is a 5 days dance festival, organized every year at Chidambaram Natarajar Temple during February / March period.Eminent dancers from all over India will take part and will provide a magnificent performance. Railways: Airways: Road:
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