Chidambaram Temple
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| Chidambaram Temple | |||
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| Name: | Chidambaram Temple | ||
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| Primary deity: | Nataraja (Shiva) | ||
| Architecture: | Chola, Kovil | ||
| Location: | Chidambaram | ||
Chidambaram Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the heart of the temple town of Chidambaram, 58 km south of Pondicherry in Cuddalore District, the east-central part of the Tamil Nadu state of southeastern India. In Hindu mythology, Chidambaram is one of five holiest Shiva temples representing the natural element, sky. The other four temples in this category are, Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswara (water), Kanchi Ekambareswara (earth),Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswara (fire) and Kalahasti Nathar (wind).
Chidambaram has beautiful temples in the city. The sacred land of Chidambarm has many exquisite temples and attractions. The town itself is an ancient and historic shrine.
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[edit] Temple
The Chidambaram Temple covers an area of 40 acres and is situated at the heart of the city. It is a ancient and historic temple dedicated to Lord Nataraja and Lord Shiva, one of the few temples where the two dieties are enshrined in one place.[1] The origins of this ancient temple are buried in the past. It is made up of an assortment of architectural and sculptural styles built up over the centuries including that built by the Cholas.
One of the special features of this temple is the bejewelled image of Nataraja. It is devoted solely to the art of Bharatanatyam and is one of the few temples where Shiva is represented by an idol rather than a Lingam. The temple has five courts.
[edit] Location
The town is in the Coleroon River Valley on the Chennai-Mayiladuthurai road and the railway system.It is 1.5 hrs from Cuddalore and 2 hrs from Pondicherry.
[edit] References
- ^ Chidambaram temple. Retrieved on 2006-09-11.
[edit] External links
- http://www.indiantemples.com/Tamilnadu/chidchid.html
- Chidambaram map
- Natraj Temple at Chidambaram
- Chidambaram
- Temple at Chidambaram
- Chidambaram Temple travel guide from Wikitravel
| Famous Shiva temples |  |
|---|---|
| Kailash Mansarovar • Kashi • Kedarnath • Amarnath • Madurai • Rameswaram • Kanchipuram • Chidambaram • Thiruvannamalai • Kalahasti • Thiruvanaikaval • Thanjavur • |
