India / Tamil Nadu /Cuddalore / Chidambaram

Chidambaram is a small temple town in Tamil Nadu, India where the Indian culture, tradition and religious rituals are preserved with all its aesthetic values and beauty. Chidambaram, the word synonym to Lord Shiva, is a hot spot among Shivaites (devotees of Lord Shiva) with the renowned Chidambaram Natarajar temple. Chidambaram is famed as the land of one of the most ancient Shiva temples referred in Puranas and Mythologies. As per Hindu belief there are five natural elements forming the whole world and there are five Shiva temples representing each of these elements. Chidambaram is one among the five temples and represents the air (space), one of the five natural elements creating the body and world. The other Shiva temples coming in this category are Kanchi Ekambareswara (earth), Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswara (water), Kalahasti Nathar (wind) and Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswara (fire). Lord Shiva appears in the form of the cosmic dancer Nataraja in this temple. This temple has a Nataraja idol as the prime deity, a distinct feature from other temples where Shivalingam is worshiped as the prime deity. This ancient temple, visited by thousands and thousands from all over the world every year, was constructed by the Chola Kings. The temple has imposing architecturally built gopurams (towers) on each side and has five spacious courts. The temple also has a deity of Lord Govindaraja Perumal, a form of Lord Vishnu. This temple is one of the few temples in which both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva are worshiped.

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Temples

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours

Pincode: 608001

STD Code: 4144

Info Website: 

Best Time to Visit:  Throughout the year

HistoryEdit

Chidambaram is also popularly known by the name Thillai for in olden days it was more of a forest with a variety known as thillai which is a species of mangrove trees. History dates back to a small shrine on the bank of a tank where the two renowned saints Vyagrapada and Patanjali were worshipped. This place is now referred by the name Thirumoolanathar.The act of self-mortification of these two saints was accomplished, where Lord Shiva was very pleased and it is believed that on the day of Thai Poosam Lord Nataraja revealed himself by his cosmic dance. Later in this place a golden hall of dance was built by Jatavarman Sundra Pandya (AD 1251-1272) and was covered with gold plates.

Places to VisitAdd 

How to ReachEdit

By Air : Nearest airport to Chidambaram is at Tiruchirappali at distance of about 195 kms. It is well connected to Chennai airport by regular flights. Taxi services are available from Tiruchirappalli to Chidambaram for a fare of about Rs. 2200.

By Train : Chidambaram is well rail connected to all major cities in India through Chennai and Tiruchirapalli. It lies on the major rail route connecting Trichy and Chennai.

By BUS : There are frequent bus services available to various places in Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Pondicherry states from Chidambaram. Non-stop bus services and express bus services are also available to major cities like Chennai.

By Taxi : Chidambaram is well connected by a road network and national Highway 72. The tourist can reach to Chidambaram by taxi. The normal Indian taxi charges of Rupees 8 to 20 will be charged for each km.

By Other : N.A.

Top HotelsAdd

Budget  – Up to Rs. 800

Hotel Saradharam ; 19, V.G.P.Street, Chidambaram, VGP St, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu 608001. ; Ph – 04144 221 336 ; Facilities – Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, Air conditioning, Conference facilities, Elevators, Parking.

Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

Akshaya Hotel ; 18, E Car St, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu 608001. ; Ph – 04144 220 191 ; Facilities – 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service,Air conditioning, Elevators, Parking, 24-Hour Security.

Deluxe – Up to Rs. 1201 to Rs. 2500

Hotel Grand Palace Stay ; Opp Fire Station, 12, Railway Feeder Road, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu 608001. ; Ph – 04144 239 977 ; Facilities – Travel Desk, 24-hour room service, Air conditioning, Conference facilities, Elevators, Laundry,Parking,Non-smoking rooms

Luxury – Rs. 2501 and above

Nataraja Residency ; S.P. Koil Street, 8B, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu 608001. ; Ph – 04144 224 768; Facilities – Travel Desk,24-hour front desk,24-hour room service, Air conditioning, Baby sitting, Conference facilities, Elevators, Laundry, Parking, Wheel chair access, Non-smoking rooms, Beauty salon.

Top RestaurantsAdd

• Southern Spice ;  12, V.G.P. Street, Vandayar Hotel,, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu 608001. ; M –  04144 225 374 ; Food Serve :  N.A.

• Sathya Restaurant ;  Elamaiyakkinar Koil St, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu 608001. ; M –  N.A. ; Food Serve :  N.A.

• Marrybrown ;  3, S.P Kovil St, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu 608001. ; M –  04144 645 777 ; Food Serve :  N.A.

• Moorthy Cafe ;  Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu 608001. ; M –  N.A. ; Food Serve :  N.A.

Must Eat FoodAdd 

Must Do ActivitiesAdd

Must ShopAdd

• Souvenirs and Handicraft items ; Chinna Market ;  Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu 608001. ; Ph/M:  N.A.

Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add

SpaAdd

• Naturals Family Spa ;  No.13, 1St Floor, Krishna Plaza, Umaiyal Street,Chidambaram,Tamil Nadu, 608 001. ; Ph/M – 04144 – 223322 / 7373207374 ; Cost:  N.A. ; Services –  Back Massage, Bleaching, Body Polish, Body Wrap, Deep Tissue Massage, Face Massage, Facial, Hand & Feet Massage.

FestivalAdd

Natyanjali festival ; Venue:  Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram ; Period :  February -March ; Details:  The Natyanjali festival dedicated to Lord Shiva is celebrated every year during February-March for five days in the temple premises. This is an opportunity for all dancers, from all over India, to perform and to pay their tribute to Lord Nataraja. It begins on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri. During this time leading dancers from all parts of India congregate and dance in the temple as an offering to Nataraja. Many dancers think it is a blessing to be able to perform their ‘arangettam’ (first stage performance) in the vicinity of the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Nataraja in Chidambaram. The festival lasts for 5 days.Natyanjali festival is jointly organised by The Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu, The Ministry Of Tourism, Government of India and The Natyanjali Trust, Chidambaram. It is designed to promote a universal message of ‘Unity in Diversity’ conveyed in the universal language of music and dance.

Safety / WarningEdit

• Beware of pickpockets as Chidambaram is a major tourist city in India.

HelplineEdit

• Ambulance : 102
• Fire Brigade : 101
• Police : 100

ItineraryEdit

N.A.

Gallery