Thirubhuvanam, also spelled as Tirubhuvanam, is a town located in the Thanjavur district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is known for its famous Shiva temple, the Kampahareswarar Temple, which is a significant religious and architectural landmark in the region.’

Image Attribution: @Meenakshi Adiyen from Facebook

Kampahareswarar:

At the heart of Thirubhuvanam Temple stands Lord Shiva, venerated in the form of Kampahareswarar, a name signifying “the Lord who quelled quakes.” This sacred shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva as its principal deity, making it a significant destination for Shiva devotees. In this form, Lord Shiva is depicted with a human body, the head of a lion, and the wings of a bird. The deity is believed to possess extraordinary powers and is known for dispelling negative forces and obstacles

Architectural Grandeur:

The The temple adheres to the Dravidian architectural style. It features a towering vimana that stands in stark contrast to the Rajagopura. The sanctum sanctorum’s gopuram soars to a height of 130 feet and showcases a wealth of exquisitely crafted sculptures. The temple complex comprises two gopuras, two enclosures, an inner sanctum, artha mandapa, maha mandapa, and mukha mandapa. The inner sanctum takes the form of a square-shaped structure.

The Vimana, adorned with six bases, is adorned with intricate sculptures depicting scenes from the puranas. Notably, the front section of the temple is designed to resemble a chariot, soaring to an impressive height of 120 feet. The chariot’s walls, as well as the temple, are adorned with depictions of scenes from the Ramayana.

Unique Inscriptions:

The temple features inscriptions that provide historical and cultural insights into the Chola period. These inscriptions contain valuable information about the temple’s construction, its administration, and the contributions made by Chola kings.

Brihadeeswarar Connection:

The Thirubhuvanam Temple is often associated with the famous Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur. It is said that the construction of the Brihadeeswarar Temple, also a Chola marvel, was supervised by the architect Kunjara Mallan Raja Raja Perunthachan, who hailed from Thirubhuvanam. This connection adds to the temple’s historical significance.

Spiritual Significance:

Devotees believe that worshipping at this temple can bring protection from earthquakes and other natural disasters. It is a place where people seek solace and pray for the well-being of their families.

The temple is revered for its association with Lord Sarabeswarar, who is considered the guardian and protector against evil forces, black magic, and other malevolent influences. Devotees visit this temple to seek the deity’s blessings for protection and well-being.

Festivals :

The temple celebrates various festivals throughout the year. Maha Shivaratri, Arudra Darshanam, and Thai Poosam are some of the important festivals observed with great enthusiasm by devotees.

Visiting Hours of Thirubhuvanam Temple:

The Thirubhuvanam Temple welcomes visitors between 6 AM and 12:30 PM, and again from 4 PM to 9 PM.

How to reach Thirubhuvanam Temple:

By Road:

• Thirubhuvanam is well-connected by road. You can use private or public transportation to reach the temple.
• If you are coming from nearby towns or cities, you can hire a taxi or use local bus services to reach Thirubhuvanam.
• Major highways and well-maintained roads provide access to Thirubhuvanam.

By Train:

• The nearest major railway station is the Thanjavur Junction, which is well-connected to various parts of Tamil Nadu and other states.
• From Thanjavur Junction, you can hire a taxi or take a local train to reach Thirubhuvanam, which is approximately 40 kilometers away.

By Air:

• The nearest major airport is the Trichy International Airport (Tiruchirappalli International Airport), which is located about 75 kilometers away from Thirubhuvanam.
• After arriving at the Trichy Airport, you can hire a taxi or use other local transportation options to reach Thirubhuvanam.

The Patteeswaram Temple, also known as Thenupureeswarar Temple, is a revered Hindu temple located in the village of Patteeswaram near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, India.

Image Attribution: @srravi from instagram

History of Thenupureeswarar Temple:

The Patteeswaram Temple has a rich history dating back centuries. It is believed to have been constructed during the Chola dynasty, an ancient South Indian kingdom that was known for its patronage of art, culture, and temple architecture. The Chola rulers were great devotees of Lord Shiva, and many temples dedicated to Lord Shiva were built during their reign.

Architecture of Thenupureeswarar Temple:

The temple’s architecture is a classic example of Dravidian temple architecture, featuring intricate carvings, ornate gopurams (towered gateways), and a central sanctum housing the main deity, Lord Shiva, in the form of Thenupureeswarar. The temple is known for its beautifully carved pillars and detailed sculptures that depict various mythological and religious themes.

Significance of Thenupureeswarar Temple:

The Patteeswaram Temple holds spiritual significance for devotees of Lord Shiva, who come here to seek his blessings and offer their prayers. The main deity, Thenupureeswarar, is believed to be a powerful and benevolent form of Lord Shiva, and worshiping here is said to bring prosperity and fulfillment of devotees’ wishes.

Temple’s Unique Feature:

One of the unique features of the temple is its association with cows. The word “Thenu” means cow, and the temple’s name, Thenupureeswarar, signifies Lord Shiva as the protector and nurturer of cows. Devotees believe that performing rituals and pujas here will safeguard and promote the well-being of cows.

Durga Devi :

The temple has a dual dedication to both Goddess Durga, who embodies the combined power of all deities for vanquishing evil, and Lord Shiva. Originally known as the Thenupureeswarar Temple, it is particularly renowned for housing the tranquil form of Goddess Durga, known as Shanta Swarupi.

According to legend, Goddess Durga served as the family deity for Chola kings, including Rajaraja I. They devoutly worshipped her and fervently sought her blessings before embarking on battles. During the Chola dynasty, she was revered as their ‘Kaaval Deivam,’ the protective deity.

Goddess Durga is artistically depicted with eight hands, each adorned with symbolic items, including a conch, discus, bow, arrow, sword, shield, and a parrot. Her form assumes a graceful tribanga posture. She is traditionally attired in a Madisar saree, adorned with garlands of lemons and arali flowers. Standing at a height of six feet, she is accompanied by a lion positioned to her right. Her countenance displays a welcoming smile, as if extending greetings to devotees.Bottom of Form

Visiting Hours and Pooja:

The temple’s regular visiting hours are from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm and then from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Special poojas are conducted on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, particularly during Rahukalam.

Festivals of Thenupureeswarar Temple:

The temple observes numerous festivals over the course of the year, with the most notable being Muthupandal, celebrated in June-July. Additionally, key festivals include:

1. Margazhi Tiruvadhirai Festival, held in December-January.
2. Vaikasi Festival, which takes place in May-June.
3. Navarathri Festival, celebrated in September-October

How to reach Thenupureeswarar Temple:

By Air: The closest major airport is Tiruchirapalli International Airport (TRZ), situated approximately 65 kilometers away from Patteeswaram. Upon arriving at the airport, you have the option to rent a taxi or choose from other modes of transportation for your journey to the temple.

By Train: For those traveling by train, the nearest railway station is the Kumbakonam Railway Station, which boasts excellent connectivity to various cities and towns within Tamil Nadu. Once you disembark at Kumbakonam Railway Station, you can readily secure a taxi or board a bus to complete the roughly 10-kilometer trip to the temple.

By Road: Patteeswaram enjoys excellent road connectivity, allowing for easy access to the temple via buses or taxis. If you’re driving to the temple, you can navigate through Tamil Nadu State Highway 29, which traverses Patteeswaram.

Travelers journeying from Chennai have the option to embark on a road trip to Patteeswaram. The distance between Chennai and Patteeswaram is approximately 290 kilometers, and the typical travel time for this route is around 5-6 hours by road.

The Koothanur Temple, dedicated to Goddess Saraswathi, is located in the village of Koothanur near Mayiladuthari, Tamil Nadu, India. Koothanur is known for its Saraswathi Amman Temple, which is a significant pilgrimage site and an educational hub for devotees and students seeking blessings for knowledge and learning.

Image Attribution: @Vaigaraiyan2 from Instagram

Deity of Koothanur Temple:

In the temple, Goddess Saraswathi is typically depicted as a divine figure seated on a white lotus, holding a veena (a musical instrument) in one hand and a manuscript or book in another. She is often portrayed as serene and graceful, symbolizing the embodiment of knowledge and creativity.

History of Koothanur Temple;

The Saraswathi Amman Temple in Koothanur is believed to have ancient origins, tracing its history back over several centuries. It is said to have been constructed during the Chola dynasty, which ruled over South India for an extended period.

Legend has it that Brahma and Saraswati, following a dispute, incarnated on Earth. Upon recognizing their earthly existence, they beseeched Lord Shiva for guidance. In response, Lord Shiva integrated Saraswati into the Ganga River, leading her to manifest as the Arasalar River in Koothanur. This transformation is believed to have liberated Yamuna from a curse, granting her relief through her worship of Lord Shiva at this sacred location.

Architecture of Koothanur Temple:

The temple features a Dravidian-style architectural design, with intricately carved stone pillars, gopurams (ornate entrance towers), and a central sanctum housing the idol of Saraswati Amman. The goddess is typically depicted as a four-armed deity, holding a veena (musical instrument), a book, a rosary, and a water pot. The idol is made of black stone and is adorned with beautiful jewelry and garments.

Significance of Koothanur Temple:

The Koothanur Saraswathi Amman Temple holds great significance for devotees of Saraswati, especially students, artists, musicians, and scholars. They visit the temple to seek the blessings of the goddess for success in their academic pursuits, creative endeavors, and the acquisition of knowledge and wisdom.

Unique Traditions:

One of the distinctive aspects of this temple is the tradition of offering educational materials to Saraswati. Devotees bring their textbooks, notebooks, pens, and other study materials and place them in front of the goddess. They believe that Saraswati’s blessings will help them excel in their studies and creative pursuits.

Festivals of Koothanur Temple:

Throughout the year, the temple plays host to a variety of festivals and cultural events. Among these, the Vasant Panchami festival, also known as Saraswati Puja, holds a position of great significance. During this festive occasion, the temple is adorned with vibrant decorations, and special rituals are conducted to pay homage to the goddess Saraswati. Devotees, with a particular focus on students, offer their books and musical instruments to Saraswati as a symbol of reverence and blessings on this auspicious day.

Visiting Hours and Pooja of Koothanur Temple:

The temple’s regular visiting hours are 7:30 am to 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Special rituals are conducted on Vijaya Dasami day as part of the Navaratri festival celebrations. In addition, abhishekams (ritualistic bathing ceremonies) and special poojas are held in honor of the deity Saraswati on Moola Nakshatra days, full moon days, and Wednesdays.

How to reach Koothanur Temple:

By Air: If you’re arriving by air, the nearest major airport is Tiruchirapalli International Airport (TRZ), situated about 150 kilometers away from Koothanur. Upon landing, you can either hire a taxi or explore alternative transportation options to reach the temple.

By Train: For those opting to travel by train, the closest railway station is Mayiladuthurai Junction, well-connected to several cities and towns in Tamil Nadu. From Mayiladuthurai, you have the choice of hiring a taxi or taking a bus for the approximately 16-kilometer journey to Koothanur.

By Road: Koothanur enjoys excellent road connectivity, making it accessible by both bus and taxi. If you’re journeying from Mayiladuthurai, it’s just a 16-kilometer drive, and you can follow the Mayiladuthurai-Aduthurai-Peralam-Koothanur route to reach the temple. Travelers departing from Chennai can follow the Chennai to Mayiladuthurai route and then proceed to Koothanur. The total distance is approximately 250 kilometers, and the drive usually takes around 5-6 hours.

Thiruppukkozhiyur, also known as the Karunaiyaaththaal Temple, Avinasilingeswarar Temple, and Avainasiappar Temple, is a sacred Hindu shrine devoted to Lord Shiva. It is situated in Avinasi, a panchayat town nestled within the Tiruppur district of the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Image Attribution: @pratheesh_npl from instagram

History of Avinashi Lingeshwarar Temple:

The Arulmigu Avinashi Lingeshwarar Temple, has a rich history dating back several centuries. While the temple’s exact origin and history may have variations in different accounts, it is a significant religious and cultural site in South India.

Chola Period: The temple has historical inscriptions that suggest it was patronized and developed during the Chola dynasty, which ruled over parts of South India from the 9th to the 13th century. These inscriptions provide insights into the contributions made by Chola kings to the temple’s growth.

Vijayanagara Empire: During the Vijayanagara Empire’s rule in the region, the temple underwent renovations and enhancements, reflecting the architectural styles of that era. Many of the temple’s architectural features and sculptures may have been added or modified during this time.

Architecture of Avinashi Lingeshwarar Temple:

The temple complex is typically entered through ornate gopurams, which are towering gateways adorned with sculpted figures and intricate artwork.The central sanctum, where the main deity’s shrine is located, is crowned by a vimana or shikhara. This vimana is a pyramidal tower that rises above the sanctum and is often adorned with multiple tiers of sculptures and reliefs depicting various mythological and religious themes.

The temple complex typically includes various halls or mandapams, which are used for various rituals and ceremonies. Many Dravidian temples have a dedicated Kalyana Mandapam (marriage hall), where the celestial wedding of the temple deities is celebrated. These halls are adorned with grand sculptures and paintings depicting the divine wedding.

Deities of Avinash Lingeshwarar Temple:

Lord Shiva (Avinashi Lingeshwarar): The presiding deity of the temple, Lord Shiva, is worshipped in the form of a Lingam. Devotees offer prayers and perform rituals to seek the blessings and grace of Lord Shiva.

Goddess Parvati (Periyanayaki Amman): In many Shiva temples, Goddess Parvati, the divine consort of Lord Shiva, has her sanctum. She is revered as Periyanayaki Amman in this temple.

Navagrahas: The nine celestial bodies or Navagrahas, representing the planets in Hindu astrology, are commonly worshipped in many temples. They are usually housed in a separate shrine to mitigate the effects of planetary influences on individuals.

Sapta Matrukas: The seven divine mothers, or Sapta Matrukas, are often revered in Shiva temples. They are considered protectors and are associated with various forms of Shakti (divine feminine energy).

Dakshinamurthy: Lord Dakshinamurthy, a form of Lord Shiva as the divine guru or teacher, is often depicted in a seated posture under a banyan tree. Devotees seek wisdom and spiritual guidance from Dakshinamurthy.

Visiting Hours and Pooja timings of the Temple:

The temple is open to visitors during the following hours:

• From 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• From 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Six poojas are performed in the temple as follows:

1. Kalasanthi at 6:00 a.m.
2. Irandam Kalm at 9:00 a.m.
3. Uchikalam at 12:00 p.m.
4. Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m.
5. Irandam Kalm at 7:30 p.m.
6. Arthajamam at 9:00 p.m.

Festivals of Avianshi Lingeshwarar Temple:

Maha Shivaratri is among the most important festivals observed at the Avinashi Temple, marking the grand night dedicated to Lord Shiva. On this auspicious occasion, devotees flock to the temple to offer fervent prayers and seek the divine blessings of Lord Shiva. The temple adorns itself with exquisite decorations, and a series of sacred rituals are meticulously conducted throughout the night.

Arudra Darshanam, celebrated during the Arudra Nakshatra in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January), is a special festival. Devotees engage in special prayers and perform the sacred abhishekam (ritual bathing) to honor the deity during this significant event.

Navaratri, Thirukarthikai, Chitra pournami, Pournami girivalam are some of the festivals celebrated in this temple.

How to reach Avinashi Lingeshwarar Temple:

By Air: The closest major airport is Coimbatore International Airport, offering connections to various cities across India. Upon arrival at the airport, you can opt for a taxi or explore alternative transport methods to cover the approximately 35-kilometer journey to Avinashi.

By Train: Although Avinashi lacks its own railway station, you can reach the nearby Coimbatore Junction, a significant rail hub in the region with excellent connections to multiple Indian cities. Once at Coimbatore Junction, you have the choice of hiring a taxi, boarding a train, or taking a bus to reach Avinashi, which is roughly 35 kilometers away.

By Road: Avinashi is conveniently accessible via road, with a well-developed network of highways. You can reach Avinashi by using a private vehicle, hiring a taxi, or opting for bus transportation. The town is situated along National Highway 544, providing easy access from nearby urban centers such as Coimbatore, Tirupur, and Erode. To give you an idea of distances:

• Coimbatore to Avinashi: Approximately 35 kilometers (a roughly 45-minute drive).
• Tirupur to Avinashi: Approximately 30 kilometers (a roughly 40-minute drive).
• Erode to Avinashi: Approximately 90 kilometers (a roughly 2-hour drive).

Narthamalai, a small town located 25 km from Trichy on the Trichy – Pudukottai highway in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is a place of both historical significance and natural beauty. The town is renowned for the Vijayalaya Choleeswaram temple, an ancient temple constructed in the 9th century. This hidden gem is home to ancient rock-cut temples, lush landscapes, and a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.

Temples within Narthamalai cave complex – Vijayalaya Choleeswaram Temple:

• Vijayalaya Choleeswaram Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the oldest stone temples in South India which showcases the Dravida style of architecture and rock-cut architecture.
• On the way here there is a headless lion. Also there is a Kudaivara temple cut for Lord Shiva at a depth of about 15 feet. Inside this sunai there is a beautiful lingam carved in a cave in the temple of Jirahareshwarar
• In the central hall of Narthamalai, there are six impressive and meticulously carved depictions of Lord Vishnu. A life-sized portrait of Lord Vishnu within the hall is bound to astonish visitors with the extraordinary skill, painstaking effort, and the considerable time invested in its creation.
• The Sattanathar Temple, the Thayumanaswamy Temple, and the Adinathar Temple are the other temples within the Narthamalai complex.

Architecture of Narthamalai Cave Temples:

• Rock-cut temples : These temples are carved out of natural rock formations, which allows for a harmonious blend of architecture with the surrounding environment.
• Intricate Carvings: The carvings depicted various deities, mythological stories, and celestial beings is a testament to the artistic prowess of the craftsmen of that era.
• Pillared Halls: The Pillared halls with beautiful carved columns were used for various religious ceremonies and gatherings.
• Frescoes: Some of the temples also have remnants of ancient frescoes on their walls and ceilings.
• inner sanctums: Inside the temples, visitors can explore the inner sanctums, which were once the focal points of religious activities. These sanctums often house the main deity of the temple and are considered sacred spaces.
• Gopurams (Entrance Towers):While the rock-cut temples do not have towering gopurams like traditional South Indian temples, they do feature modest entrance towers that are adorned with decorative elements, including sculptures and ornamental designs.

Natural Beauty of Narthamalai:

Narthamalai, surrounded by lush greenery and gentle hills, is an ideal spot for nature lovers and trekkers. Hiking up the hills gives you beautiful views of the nearby countryside and a sense of peace and quiet, which is very different from the busy cities nearby.

How to reach Narthamalai:

Narthamalai is accessible from various nearby towns and cities. The closest major city is Trichy, which has an airport and railway station. From Trichy, it’s approximately a two-hour drive to Narthamalai. Buses and taxis are readily available for the journey.

Chitannavasal, situated near the town of Pudukottai, is a fascinating archaeological site located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is renowned for its rock-cut cave temple complex that showcases the architectural and artistic brilliance of ancient India.

Overview of Chitannavasal Cave Temple:

• The primary attraction at Chitannavasal is the Jain rock-cut cave temple, which dates back to the 9th century CE.
• These caves served as a haven for Jain monks, providing them with a place for meditation, worship, and artistic expression.
• The site is of great historical importance as it offers insights into the thriving Jain culture that once flourished in the region.

Architecture of Chitannavasal Cave Temple:

The cave temple complex at Sithanavasal comprises a series of rock-cut shrines adorned with exquisite painting. These paintings primarily depict scenes from Jain mythology, showcasing the lives of Tirthankaras (spiritual leaders) and other important Jain figures. The use of vibrant colors and intricate detailing is a testament to the artistic skills of the period. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has taken measures to safeguard the site and its artwork from further deterioration.

Chitannavasal Paintings:

The Chitannavasal frescoes are a collection of paintings discovered in the rock-cut temple of Chitannavasal, located in the Pudukkottai district of Tamil Nadu, India. These frescoes are believed to have been created by Jain monks who lived in the temple during the 9th century AD. The frescoes depict various scenes from Jain mythology and are considered to be one of the earliest examples of South Indian mural art. Sithanavasal Paintings are unique attractions of Sithanavasal Cave Temple.

The frescoes are known for their vibrant colors and intricate details. The pigments used in these frescoes were made from natural materials such as minerals, vegetables, and animal products. The frescoes have been preserved well over time and are a testament to the artistic and cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.

Visting hour and Fee structure of Chitannavasal temple:

The temple’s visiting hours are from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The admission fee is Rs. 5/- for Indian nationals and Rs. 100/- for foreign tourists per person.

How to reach Sithanavasal Cave Temple:

The temple is conveniently accessible via buses or taxis. The closest airport is Trichy Airport, located 45 kilometers away, and the nearest railway station is Pudukkottai Railway Station, situated 18 kilometers away.

Overview of Chidambaram Thillai Nataraja Temple

Chidambaram Nataraja Temple or Thillai Nataraja Temple, one of the oldest temples of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Nataraja – the Lord of Dance. The temple is administered by learned Brahmins called Dikshitars who live in Chidambaram.
Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram is one of the Pancha Sabhai (representing the five primordial elements symbolizing earth) marking the place where Lord Shiva performed the Cosmic Dance in the form of Lord Nataraja. Of the Pancha Sabhai, Chidambaram denotes the Skies or Aakasha.
Chidambaram is a temple town located 5 kilometres north of the Kollidam River and 15 kilometres west from the coast of the Bay of Bengal.

Image Attribution : Richard Mortel

Etymology behind Chidambaram Town

The town of Chidambaram was originally known as Thillai. The word Thillai is derived from the mangrove of Thillai trees that grow in the region.
The place was renamed Chidambaram after it became the capital of Cholas in the 10th century. The Cholas built the current temple dedicating it to their family deity, Lord Nataraja.
The word Chidambaram is derived from the Tamil word ‘Chitrambalam’. ‘Chitthu’ means ‘consciousness’ or ‘wisdom’ and ‘ampalam’ means ‘atmosphere’. The term literally means ‘atmosphere of wisdom’ and relates to the atmosphere of art.

Chidambaram temple history

The earliest textual evidence trace the ancient existence of Lord Shiva temple at Chidambaram.

• Texts belonging to the Sangam tradition (pre 5th century) suggest the existence of a temple at this site. Although the texts do not show the town being named as Chidambaram.
• The 6th and early 7th century texts by Appar and Sambandar mention the ‘dancing God of Chidambaram’ as Lord Shiva.
• The Skanda Purana dated in the period between 7th and 10th century includes the Suta Samhita that mentions the Chidambaram Dance.
• Inscriptions and texts found during the rule of Aditya Chola I in the early 10th century and the rule of Chola king Parantaka provides a historical evidence of Shiva temple at Chidambaram.
• It is believed that Raja Raj Chola I traced the hymns of the 63 Nyanmars inside the chambers of the second precinct in the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple.
• The structures, mandapas, pillar carvings, gopurams, water pool, shrines and sculptures were built during the reign of late Chola and early Pandya kings in the 12th and 13th century.
• The various legends associated with the temple are contained in the 12th century text – Chidambara Mahatmya.

Legend

According to the text contained in Chidambara Mahatmya, Lord Shiva (in the form of a beggar) is said to have visited sages in a pine forest accompanied by Mohini (an avatar of Lord Vishnu). Mohini provokes lustful temptations among the sages while Lord Shiva performs the ‘dance of bliss’ or Thandava. Thus the triggered sages realize how outward their austerities were and that God cannot be controlled by rituals or magic. The sages by name Patanjali and Vyaghrapada wanted to see Lord Shiva’s ‘dance of bliss’, for which they meditated on Lord Shiva. Impressed by their penance, Lord Shiva appeared before them in Chidambaram and performed the dance.

Chidambaram temple architecture

• The temple is built in Dravidian style of architecture and covers 40-acres of area. The temple is embedded within 4 concentric courtyards.
• The temple is believed to have been constructed in such a way so as to resemble the human body.
• The temple has 5 Sabhas or halls:
  • The Chit Sabha – the sanctum sanctorum housing idol of Lord Nataraja and his consort Goddess Shivagamasundari.
  • The Kanaka Sabha – in front of Chit Sabha
  • The Natya Sabha – to the south of temple’s flag mast
  • The Raja Sabha – 1000 pillared hall
  • The Deva Sabha – housing the Pancha Moorthis
• The core part of the vast temple complex is the gathering halls called Chit Sabha and Kanak Sabha.
• The temple dedicated to Lord Nataraja Shiva consists of mandapams, pillared halls, nine Gopurams, several water pools and various shrines.
• Each of the Gopurams has been designed colourfully narrating stories from Hindu traditions.
• Apart from the main shrine of Lord Nataraja, the temple includes other shrines of Goddess Devi, Lord Vishnu, Subramanyar, Ganesha, Nandi, and Lord Surya.
• The main form of Lord Shiva in the temple is as Nataraja. Two other forms of Lord Shiva represented in the temple are Lingam form and as an empty space.

Chidambara Rahasyam

Chidamabara Rahasyam has been an ever mysterious Hindu belief. Rahasyam in Tamil means ‘secret’. Chidambara Rahasyam is the formess representation of Lord Shiva as the divine self that is present everywhere and in everything.
The sanctum sanctorum houses the idol of Lord Nataraja and an empty curtained space which is opened for special poojas. Many myths and interpretations about the Rahasyam have been stated over time.

Temple Timings of Chidambaram Nataraja Temple

The temple is open in the morning from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and in the evening from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Pooja Timings in Chidambaram Nataraja Temple

Pooja	Timings
Paal Nivedyam	6:30 AM
Maha arathi	7:00 AM
Kalasandhi Pooja	7:45 AM to 9:00 AM
Irandam Kalam	10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Uchikalam	11:30 AM to 12:00 NOON
Saayaratchai	5:15 PM to 6:00 PM
Irandam Kalam	7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Artha Jama Pooja	9:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Chidambaram Nataraja Temple Festivals

The major festivals observed in the temple are –

• Marghazhi Thiruvadhirai in the Tamil month of Thiruvadhirai (December-January)
• Chaturdasi or fourteenth day after new moon in the Tamil month of Masi (February-March)
• Chitirai Thiruvonam in the Tamil month of Chitirai (April-May)
• Aani Thirumanjanam in the Tamil month of Aani (June-July)
• Chaturdasi in the Tamil month of Aavani (August-September)
• Chaturdasi in the Tamil month of Puratasi (October-November)

How to Reach Chidambaram Nataraja Temple

Frequent buses to Chidambaram are available from all major cities in Tamil Nadu. It’s a four hour drive from Chennai to Chidambaram. Chidambaram has its own railway station (at walkable distance) which is connected to other cities. The other railways stations close to Chidambaram are at Mayiladuthurai (41 kilometres away) and at Villupuram (65 kilometres away).
The nearest airport is at Trichy (195 kilometres away) and Chennai (235 kilometres away).

Overview of Chettinad Palace

Chettinad Palace is located in Kanadukathan, a small town in Karaikudi Taluk, Sivaganga District. Known for its grandeur and architectural beauty, the majestic edifice is located 10 kilometres away from Karaikudi.
The palace was designed and established in the year 1912 by Dr. Annamalai Chettiyar, the founder of Annamalai University and Indian Bank.

Chettinad Community

Chettinad is a community that is home for the Nattokottai Chettiars (Nagarathar community), a mercantile community involved in banking and money lending. The Vallambar (Vellalar) community also forms a part of Chettinad. Chettinadu is also well known for its palatial houses with wide courtyards and spacious rooms, temples in traditional style and the popular Chettinad cuisine.

More facts about the Chettinad Palace

• The palace belongs to Sri MAM Ramaswamy and family and one needs prior permission to get inside the palace.
• Chettinad Palace is a finest example of the widely famed mansions of Chettinad region.
• The elegant palace is adorned with impeccably carved figurines and wood carvings.
• The palace has a pleasant ambience and green surroundings.
• The interiors, furnishings and construction materials used for constructing the palace were brought from East Asian countries and Europe. Italian marbles, teak from Burma, colourful handmade Athangudi tiles together add to the picturesque beauty of the palace.

How to reach Chettinad Palace

Karaikudi is the nearest town from the palace which is well connected by road to different parts of the state. Frequent buses ply from Karaikudi to Chettinad. Karaikudi Railway Junction is the nearest rail head. The nearest airports are at Madurai (81 kilometres away) and Tiruchirapalli (87 kilometres away)

Epilogue

The palace is an ideal place for history enthusiasts, photographers and people looking for some quality time with friends and families. A day at this historical mansion with its pleasing surroundings is worth experiencing.

The monuments at Mahabalipuram are monolith beautiful sculptures depicting our rich history and culture. The monuments and temples at Mahabalipuram including the Shore Temple complex were collectively classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.

The Mahabalipuram stone sculptures carved in stone have been inspired by the Pallava style of art. Each of the monuments at Mahabalipuram is dedicated to a deity or character from Hindu mythology and thereby represents Shaivism, Vaishnavism and Shaktism.

The monuments include – Rathas (chariot shaped temples), Mandapas (cave temples), Rock Reliefs, Structural Temples and Excavations.

The monuments at Mahabalipuram have lots in store for art lovers and history buffs. Mahabalipuram falls in Kanchipuram District and is well connected to all major cities through road. The nearest airport is at Chennai (around 60 kilometres away).

Napier bridge in Chennai, built over Coovam river connects Fort St. George with Marina beach with span of 138m long. named after a Governor of Madras, Francis Napier.

The People of Chennai call it “Irumbu Varavadhi”. It is the oldest tied-arch structural bridge. The bridge is visible from Air when the plane approaches from the seaside and looks beautiful at night when it is fully lit.

It provides a gateway to the famous Marina Beach, the bridge now forms a striking image at night to re-enforce the efforts towards developing the city’s urban nightscape.

We can enjoy the breathtaking cityscape crystal clear view of Chennai from here. As part of the Marina Beach beautification project, special lights have been fixed beneath the bridge providing a visual effect as if the bridge is floating on the river water. A combination of lighting effects has been created on the arches and surface. It is being the prime icon of the city.