HILL STATIONS

Chidambaram

Chidambaram is also known as Thillai, since the place was originally a forest of the thillai, botanically known as excecaria agallecha shrubs. 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 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 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.

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.

Places of Interest
Natyanjali Festival 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. To many of them it is like a dream come true, to be able to perform in the vicinity of the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Nataraja’s temple, whose padams and varnams they often use creating an imaginary figure of the Lord.

This festival opens on the auspicious occasion of the Maha Shivaratri day and of course in the right kind of venue, which is the Prakara of the Chidambaram temple.

The Nataraja Temple
The temple located in the centre of the town covers an area of 40 acres. It is one of the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity of the temple is represented by air, one of the five elements of the universe and is known as Akasa Lingam. Dedicated to Lord Nataraja, this ancient temple of the Cholas is unique as it one of Panchabootha sthala in India - and it is one of the rare temples where Shiva is represented by an idol rather than the customary lingam. This temple is aslo having exquisite carvings giving importance to Bharathanatya postures, gestures, mudhras etc thus giving concrete evidences and throws lights on the Classical Dance of Tamil Nadu. This temple spread over an area of 40 acres with magnificent gopurams on each side. The temple is also distinguished by five sabhas or courts.

The eastern tower of the temple rises to a height of 40.8 metres. There are a 108 Bharatha Natyam dance poses can be seen on the Eastern tower as well as on Western tower. The Northern tower rises to a height of 42.4 metres is the tallest. This temple is also noted for its Gold Plated roof that adorn the sanctum sanctorum other wise called as kanakasab ha.

A shrine to Govindaraja or Lord Vishnu lies adjacent to the main shrine and has a beautiful sculpture of the Lord Vishnu reclining on Adisesha - the serpent. There are other shrines, dedicated to Subramanya, Ganesha and Sivakami Amman - the consort of Lord Nataraja. In the courtyard, a large Nandi looks on devotedly at its lord and master through an aperture on the wall. A sprawling Sivaganga tank on the North is an attractive master piece of art and the thousand pillar hall are other attractions.

Kali Temple The Thillai Kaliamman temple is an northern end of the town. It was built by Kopperunjingan who ruled between 1229 A.D and 1278 A.D.

Sirkazhi (20 kms) is renowned in Tamil literature. It is the birthplace of Thirugnana Sambandar the Tamil saint. The Saivite temple is dedicated to him, and the idol in the shrine looks like a child god. A large crowd gathers in Sirkazhi to witness the Tirumulaippal festival celebrated in April. Bus and train services are available

Vaitheeswaran Koil (24 kms) This temple is situated 6 kms south of Sirkazhi. This temple is constructed on a vast area, and the legend says that the presiding deity of this temple had healed the wounds sustained by the troupes of Lord Subramanya during a battle with a rakshasa. Thus there is a popular belief that worshiping in this temple will heal the wounds of the people. Women in large numbers visit this place to dispossess themselves of devils and evil spirits and pray for their weddings to take place. Vaitheeswaran is the healer of all diseases and it is believed that a bath in the holy water of the siddhamirtham tank or holy tank that is situated with in the temple complex cures all ailments.

Tiruvakkarai: It is about 30 km from Pondicherry town. Here, large fossil bearing areas have been fenced in to create the country's firstNational Fossil-Wood Park. The petrified trees lying scattered on low mounds date a 100 million years. The Chandramouliswara Temple, is a monument of great architectural grandeur dating back to the Chola period, is an added attraction. Every Pournami or Full Moon Day, people gather here to worship Goddess Vakkarakali.

Nagore:The dargah of Hazrat Meera Sultan Syed ShahabdulHameed who is better known as Hazrat Mian is just 4 kms to the north of Nagapattinam The tomb is almost 500 years old and is capped by a golden dome and flanked by five minarets.The tank is called peer kulam and is believed to have curative powers. People of all faiths visit the dargah.

Vridhachalam: It is a major town of the district. It is about 50 kms.from Chidambaram and is located on the banks of the river Manimuthar. There is an ancient Siva temple dedicated to Lord Vridhagiriswarar and his consort Vridhambigai.

SrimushnamLocated 31 kms from Chidambaram, Srimushnam, is famous for the Vaishnava temple of Bhuvaraha. This is one of the famous Vaishanavite shrines in the State. The image in the temple is believed to be swayam vyakta or self-created respresentating the varaha avatar.

The originals image in marble is said to have been taken away by Krishnadeva Wodeyar of Mysore and is said to be installed it at Srirengapattinam. The front mandapam called the purushasukra mandapam was built in the 17 century. It looks like a chariot with elegantly carved figures of warriors riding horses and elephants. The nayaks, who were the rulers and who built the temple are illustrated in carved royal portraits on the pillars in the centre of the hall.

Gangaikondacholapuram Temple Rajendra I, the mighty Chola King, established his new capital here with this magnificent city and temple to Lord Siva in the tenth century. It is 50 kms. from Chidambaram.

The temple is noted for its massive and richly carved sculptures. A 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 the gigantic dwarapalakas are the other special features of this temple.

Kalvarayan Hills These hills are situated 150 kms. Northwest of Chidambaram, and spread over an area of 600 sq.kms. These hills offer a temperate climate and quiet solitude. There is a botanical garden on these hills. These hills also have two waterfalls. The area is ideal for those interested intrekking. A summer festival is also held in the month of May every year.

Vadalur is situated on the Cuddalore-Virudhachalam road and has a railway station. It is about 37 kms from Chidambaram. Ramalingaswamigal, popularly called Vallalar Adigalar, established the Sathyagnana Sabai. The sanctum of this sabha or temple is separated from the main hall by seven screens of which only three are removed on ordinary days. It is on the 'Thai Poosam' day in December-January, all the screens are removed and the devotees have a darshan of the jyothi or the eternal flame. Sri Ramalingaswamigal is said to have sung thousands of songs that expound the Saiva Siddhantha philosophy. They are compiled into several volumes called Thiru Arutpa.

Poompuhar (40Kms) Poompuhar was once the biggest port on the east coast of Tamil Nadu, and was as its peak of glory under the earlier Chola kings. The River Kaveri, merging with the billowing sea. It was known as puhar due to the exquisite beauty of the port town, and it later came to be called Poompuhar. Another name for Poompuhar was Kaveripoompattinam. Silappathikaramand Manimekalai, the tamil epics, bring out the greatness of the city in some of the poems in Sangam literature. The life and time of the Tamil classic Silappathikaram has been recreated at Poompuhar to the immense pleasure of the Tamils. In order to conjure up the decorative ornamental and scenic beauty of Poompuhar, the whole art Gallery is made to present the environment and atmosphere of the 2nd century A.D by the creation of the Illanji Manram, Pavai Manram, etc. A fine beach and calm waters offer good opportunity for sunbathing and swimming. The department of tourism offers shell and conch-shaped cottages to the tourists in the Poompuhar tourist complex, at a moderate tariff. Tarangambadi It was once the site of a Danish settlement. Tarangambadi has the remains of the Dansborg Fort built by Ore Gedde, a Commander of the Royal Dutch Navy, in the 17th century.

GINGEE (132 kms) It is located on the Tindivanam - Thiruvannamalai road about 25 kms. from Tindivanam and is about 132 kms. from Chidambaram. This place is associated with Raja Desingh. There is a 700 year old fort running over three hills of huge and steep boulders. According to tradition the original fort was laid by Kone Chiefs. The fort was ruled by Vijayanagar Nayaks, Marathas, Moghuls, Carnatic Nawabs, the French and the British Rajagiri and Krishnagiri are two important fortifications here and it is a popular picnic spot.

Mailam (85 Kms) There is a murugan temple on a hillock. The Panguni Uthiram festivals held in march-April attracts devotees in large numbers from far and near.

Neyveli It is about 30 kms. from Chidambaram via Vadalur. It is one of the biggest industrial complexes in the country. The lignite mined here is used for thermal power generation. Apart from fertilisers ceramic wares and Leco (cooking coal), a number of by-products are also produced from lignite.

NavaGraha Temples or Shrines for Nine PlanetsThe nine Planets have temples in nine sacred centres. Prayers to planets temples are supposed to ward off bad luck and ensure peace and prosperity.

1. Thirunageswaram This is one of the temples for the nine planets. Thirunageswaram derives its name from a legend. It is believed that the serpent Adi sesha worshipped Lord Siva here and the locality is identified with Chaurpakaranya.
   
2. Suriyanar koil or the Sun Temple This is the only temple where the sun is worshipped with the image of the Sun God. It is believed that the Chola King Kulothunga I built the shrine.
   
3. Thingalur In striking contrast, this temple is dedicated to Chandra or the moon, one of the nine planets. It attracts pilgrims’ everyday.
   
4. Alangudi Pilgrims, seeking blessings and prosperity, visit the temple for Guru or Jupiter the Planet for prosperity.
   
5. Tirunallar temple for Saneeswaran or Saturn is located near Karaikal at Thirunallar. It is believed that prayers absolve one of his or her sins and brings in good future.
   
   
6. Vaitheeswaran KoilThe presiding deity Vaitheeswaran is a divine healer. The temple for Sevvai (Mars) is supposed to cure all ailments. It is also believed that Vaitheeswaran will fulfill a young girl’s aspirations for marriage.
   
   
7. Thiruvengadu One of the Navargraha Temples for Budhan or Mercury is situated here. It attracts devotees.
   
   
8. Keelaperumpallam Another Navagraha Temple for Kethu is here. Lord Siva is worshipped here as Naganathaswami.
   
   
9. Kanjanur Close to the Suriyanar koil, Kanjanur has a shrine for Sukran or Venus. The presiding deity Lord Siva here is worshipped as Agneeshwar.