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Nadu Travel Guide >> Chidambaram Tourism
Chidambaram Tourism
Chidambaram is also known as Thillai, since the place was originally a forest
of Thillai(Excecaria agallecha)shrubs. It is an important pilgrim centre
and a holy place for Saivaites as the famous Nataraja Temple is located
here.
Dedicated to Lord Nataraja, this ancient temple of the Cholas is unique
not only 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. Spread over an area of 40 acres with a gopuram on
each side, the temple is distinguished by five sabhas or courts.
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 which soars to a height of 42.4 m. is the tallest.
The idol of Nataraja is installed in the Kanaka Sabha, the roof of which
is covered with gold Plates. The icon is a stunning piece of sculpture that
evokes a sense of continuous movement.
Though non-Hindus are not allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum, replicas
of this idol are easily available in most handicraft emporia and shops selling
art and curio objects.
A shrine to Govindaraja or Lord Vishnu lies adjacent to the main shrine
and has a beautiful idol of the lord reclining on Adisesha, the serpent.
There are two other shrines, one dedicated to Subramanya and the other to
Ganesha. In the courtyard, a large Nandi looks on devotedly at its lord
and master through an aperture on the wall.
Chidambaram Tourism
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