South of Chennai and Pondicherry, on the East Coast Road, you’ll find the seaside town of Chidambaram. The Nataraja temple, constructed in the 10th century, is the main attraction. The Chola dynasty ruled Tamil Nadu from the ninth to the thirteenth century BC and is often regarded as the region’s golden era. Visit Chidambaram to feel like you’ve travelled back to the Chola era.
A list of 6 Popular Tourist Attractions in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu:
1. Nataraja Temple
Nataraja Temple is an old Hindu temple in the centre of Chidambaram town in Tamil Nadu, around two kilometres from the Chidambaram Bus Station. It is a must-see on every trip to Chidambaram, one of the oldest temples in South India.
The Nataraja Temple is devoted to Nataraja, Shiva as the lord of the dance, and is also known as the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple and the Thillai Nataraja Temple. Sky Temple is one of the five Panchbootha Sthalas dedicated to Lord Shiva. Once upon a time, when the settlement was still called Thillai, a shrine dedicated to Shiva stood where the temple currently stands. Chidambaram, both the city and the temple’s name, means “environment of knowledge” or “clothed in thinking”, The temple’s design represents the connection between artistic expression and religious belief.
Chidambaram, formerly the capital of the Chola kingdom, is home to one of South India’s oldest continuously-used temples, built in the 10th century. The Cholas worshipped Lord Shiva, also known as Nataraj. Throughout the 2000s, the Nataraj temple sustained fire damage, underwent renovations, and expanded.
The temple’s original design and construction date to the late 12th and early 13th centuries, with comparable subsequent extensions. The temple’s primary god is Shiva, although it also pays homage to Vaishnavism, Shaktism, and other traditions.
2. Pichavaram Mangrove Forest
Near Chidambaram, at a place called Pichavaram, lays Tamil Nadu’s biggest mangrove forest. One of Tamil Nadu’s most gorgeous spots is right here. Driving time from Chidambaram is minimal. Here, the boat journey is an event you will not soon forget. Looking out from inside the mangroves, the area seems much bigger than it is.
As they make their way through the network of canals, the boats pass under a green canopy formed by the trees that arch towards each other on each side of the waterway. That place is like its tiny planet, isolated from the rest of the world and completely gorgeous. The clear water, lush mangroves, and brilliant blue sky are a visual feast.
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3. Poompuhar Beach
One of the oldest beaches in Tamil Nadu is Poompuhar. Three kilometres long, this beach begins at the entrance of the Kaveri River. The spot where the Kaveri River meets the sea is a must-see. The rocky shoreline is less popular with tourists, making it ideal for people searching for peace.
Poompuhar Beach also has a monument in the form of a tall tower and a lighthouse. The odd nature of the attraction means that it often only draws a small audience. Weekends are the best time to visit since, during the week, there are likely to be fewer people around.
4. Sirkazhi
Located in Nagapattinam district, the Bhramapureeswarar temple in Sirkazhi was commissioned in the 10th century by Chola monarchs Vikrama Chola, Kulottunga II, and III. It is 20 kilometres from Chidambaram, 45 kilometres from Karaikal, and 110 kilometres from Thanjavur.
Located in a massive temple complex, the Bhramapureeswarar is home to not one but three Shiva shrines: the Bhramapureeswarar shrine, the Thoniappar shrine, and the Sattainathar/Vatukanathar shrine. The basement is home to the Bhramapureeswarar temple.
The term “Thoniappar” comes from the fact that Periyanakar and Periyanayaki live on a “Thoni” (boat) on the second floor. The Thoniappar shrine is located on a mound west of the main temple. The Sattainathar shrine is located on the second level and accessed by stairs from the Thoniappar shrine’s southern prakaram.
5. Vaitheeswaran Temple
The god Shiva is worshipped in Vaitheeswaran Temple. It’s located 27 kilometres away from Chidambaram. The Tamil word for “God of healing” is Vaitheeswaran. It is thought that any illness may be cured by taking a bath in the temple’s holy tank. Nadi astrology has made this place well known.
The Hindu sages who created Nadi astrology believed they could see into the future and record the details of everyone’s life by writing them on leaves. The Nadi leaves record a person’s whole life cycle, from infancy to old age. Vatteluttu, an early form of the Tamil language, is used for the texts. These texts are often attributed to Agathiyar, a Tamil sage.
6. Kumbakonam
Kumbakonam is one of the ancient temple towns in Tamil Nadu, situated between the rivers Cauvery and Arasalar in the Thanjavur district, 35 kilometres from Mayiladuthurai, 43 kilometres from Thanjavur, 54 kilometres from Karaikal, 65 kilometres from Nagapattinam, 72 kilometres from Chidambaram, 105 kilometres from Trichy, 129 kilometres from Pondicherry, 235 kilometres from Madurai, and 282 kilometres from Chennai. Kumbakonam is a must-see destination for every traveller to Tamilnadu and a favourite tourist destination for those looking for a day trip from Chennai.
The religious sites in Kumbakonam, such as temples and mutts (monasteries), are the most popular draws for visitors. Kumbakonam translates to “the Pot’s Corner” in English. It has been known by its ancient name of Thirukudamookku and its modern-day nickname of Kudanthai.
Many dynasties have ruled Kumbakonam throughout its history, including the Pallavas, the Medieval Cholas, the Later Cholas, the Pandyas, the Vijayanagar Kings, the Madurai Nayaks, the Thanjavur Nayaks, the Thanjavur Marathas. Its origins can be traced back to the Sangam period.
It became a major metropolis in the seventh to ninth century AD when the Cholas made it their capital. Because of its prominence as a hub of European education and Hindu culture, the town became known as the Cambridge of South India under the British Raj and had its greatest period of economic and cultural success.
Conclusion
Natural beauty and religious sites may be seen side by side in Chidambaram. Tourists may enjoy the town’s Mangrove forest, canals, exotic birds, seafood, and temples of remarkable architecture. The town’s combination of spirituality and the natural environment has made it a popular destination for sightseers across India and the rest of the globe.
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