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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.

Places Of Interest | Excursion | Festivals At Chidambaram | Tourist Information | How To Get There

General Information 

Govt. of Tamil Nadu Tourists office,
Poompuhar, Ph. No . 04364 - 60439.
Chidambaran, Ph No. 04144 - 22739 

Chidambaram is well connected by road with several towns in the state. There are bus services to Pondicherry, Chennai, Nagapattinam and Madurai. It is also served by the Chennai - Trichy (main) metre gauge line and has rail connections to Chennai, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Trichy and Rameswaram. The nearest airport is Trichy from where Indian Airlines connections are available to Chennai, Madurai and Srilanka.
Click here to see the list of distances from Chidambaram

Air : Nearest Airport is Trichy 
Rail : It is connected by rail with Trichy, Madurai, Chennai. 
Road : It is also connected with all major towns. 

The Markazhi Thiruvadhirai Day Festival in December - January and Adi Thirumanjanam festival in June. 
A 10 - days Panguni Uthiram festival is held every year during March-April. 

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