CHIDAMBARAM
Tall and towering temples mark the landscape of Tamil Nadu. They remain as preserves of cultural heritage and protectors and promoters of inner urge of people for ethereal bliss and blessings of the Almighty. Not only that the temples inspired promotion of art and culture, and, infact, human life revolved around these centers of worship in ancient period. Chidambaram is one such sacred place with Lord Nataraja temple.
“Salutation to Shiva whose glory
Is immense, who resembles Sky
In Clearness, to whom are attributed
The theme of all creations-
The preservation and destruction of the Universe”.
So sings a saint – Patriot of India in a hymn dedicated to the Divine Dancer. Here in Chidambaram, one of the holy cities in Tamil Nadu, Lord Nataraja, otherwise known as Lord Siva, the benign and the fiery dancer, expounds the myth and mythology of Hinduism and the rhythm of human life through His Cosmic Dance.
The Nataraja Temple built during the eleventh century is the most celebrated of the south India saivite Temple. Lord Nataraja is the family deity of Vikrama Chola(1128) and his successors. He spent the bulk of his revenue for construction of the walls and addition of the structure of the temple and made sumptuous gifts in gold to the structure. Chidambaram rose in popularity due to its proximity to Gangaikonda cholarapuram built and made as the capital of the imperial Cholas by Rajendra Chola. Inscriptions and Tamil literature like Raja RajaChola Ula and Takkayagappari give detailed accounts of the temple and the munificent contribution of the Chola kings in gold to wrap the sanctum sanction and the famous hall. The temple located in the middle of the municipal town sprawls in an area of 40 acres. Inside the walls are four Gopurams(Towers) embellished with numerous sculptures. They represent various religious scenes and parables. The East Gopuram , being the main entrance is the oldest and the West Gopuram is more attractive and outstanding. The tallest is 42.4 meters above sea level and 140 feet above the ground level. The light atop the gopurams here and the Gopurams are visible from the sea and they are the landmarks for the marines. The inner enclosure is the most sacred and has four of five Sabahs. The Nrithya Sabha, the Hall of Dance is the most beautiful and interesting part of the temple. The Sivakami temple, the sivagami tank and the Hall of thousand pillars are important features of temple.
The presiding deity of the temple is represented by air, one of five elements and is known as Akasa Lingam. The great three Tamil saints Appar, Sundarar and Sambandar have visited the temple and their hymns praise the temple and Divine Dancer, Lord Nataraja.
The Nataraja image in its various forms really holds the devotee as well the tourist in ecstasy. Rodin, the modern sculptor of international repute highly praised the forum and art and the concept of Divine Dance of Lord Nataraja
LORD PATALEESWARAR
Thirupathiripuliyur in Cuddalore district is one of the ancient saivite shrines in Tamil nadu sanctified by the visit of two of the four chief nayanmars viz. THIRUNAVUKKARASAR and THIRUGNANASAMBANDHAR. The former part of the name of this sacred place indicates the sthalaviruksha PATHIRI TREE and the latter PULIYUR indicates the tiger legged saint who made penance in this place.
The Presiding Deity Lord Pataleeswarar is also known as THONDRA THUNAI NADHAR and the Goddess is named PERIYANAYAKI Amman. It is only in this part of Tamil Nadu Saint Appar moved up in the sea, inspire of his body being thrown tied to a weighty boulder, swam to KARAIYERAVITTA KUPPAM quite in proximity to this hoary shrine thereby proving to world the spiritual strength endowed to a devotee.
This shrine is a very ancient one held in high veneration by the saivites. According to the inscriptions found in the temple and rendered in modern Tamil by the Department of Archeology, the history of this temple could be traced to the periods of paranthaga Chola, First Rajarajan, First Rajendren, First Kulothungan, Vikrama Chola and also by the kings of Pallava and Pandiya dynasties who had performed renovation works from time to time in this temple and also made grants and gifts for the upkeep of this temple.
The Philonthropic ‘THEE SO” family of Pudukkotai Nagarathar, renovated this temple and perofmed KUMBHABHISHEKAM on 28-06-1917, followed by the one held on 8-2-73 undertaken, thanks to efforts of local devotees.
THIRUVAHEENDIRAPURAM
Tiruvaheendirapuram, the Sacred Abode of Lord DEVANATHA, is one of the ancient Vaishnavite temples and also one of the 108 Vaishnavite shrines sanctified by the visit of the great Alwars and Acharyas, held in great reverence by the devotees. The Alwar who has sung about this celestial place is Sri. Thirumangai Mannan, otherwise known as Sri. Parakala. This place is one of the two Nadunattu Tirupathis. It is situated 7 km west of Tirupapuliyur(Cuddalore New Town) Railway Station in the Chennai- Trichirapalli main line of the Southern Railway. This ancient temple is situated in between the sacred OUSHADHAGIRI ( HILL ) and GARUDA NATHI ( RIVER GADILAM) which is considered to be as holy as River Gangesas it flows towards North in this sacred place, Befitting its name UTHARAVAHANI.
The Presiding diety of this temple is LORD DEVANATHA. He is known by several other names as well: DASA SATYAR, DEIVANAYAGAN, ACHUTA, and MEVOOJOTHI etc. Lord Devanatha gave darsan to Chola king in trinity form i.e. Sri Brahma, Sri. Vishnu and Sri. Rudra and he is in such a trinity form in this place. Thirumangai Alwar has sung 10 pasurams about Lord Devanatha and in one of which he refers to the Lord as ‘MOOVARAHIA ORUVAN’. There is legend to tell us that Lord Devanatha condescended to come down and take abode in this place in response to the prayers of Lord Brahma, Lord Siva, Indra, Brugu, Markendeya, Prahlada, Boomidevi and others. Even now we can see the images of Markendeya and Booma devi in the Sanctum Sanctorium, on either side of Lord Devanatha. The Presiding Deity Sri Devanatha is considered to be a twin deity of Lord Venkateswara of TIRUPATHI and so the offerings vowed to Sri. Venkateswara of Tirupathi are being offered to Lord Devanatha by the devotees. Shale vouch in this place is VILVA TREE. The importance of this is narrated in Prahbandapuranam, Skandapuranam and Brahanna rathyeeyam.
The Godess worshipped in this temple is SENGAMALA THAYAR(HEMABUJAVALLI) Godess Lakshmi, who incarnated Herself in the mids of a lotus flower in the form of a three year old child. She was brought up by Brugu Munivar, who gave her the appellation ‘THARANGA MUGUA NANDHINI’ to indicate how she enjoyed watching the beauty of the waves of the sea nearby
LORD SRI RAMA in his grand form has been sung by Sri Desika in his RAGHUWEERA GADYAM, as the matchless Mahaveera.
This temple is held in high esteem and veneration by devotees because of the special association of the great Vaishnavite Acharya SRI NIGAMANTHA MAHA DESIKA born in 13th century. Sri. Desika chose to stay here for about 40 years magnatised by the divine beauty of the presiding Deity of this ancient temple and the place. It was here in OUSHADAGIRI(HILLOCK). Sri Desika performed penance to invoke GARUDA for initiation into HAYAGRIVA MANTRA when the scholar flourished to full divinity to become the peerless. NIGAMANTHA MAHA DESIKA. It is the glory of this place that there is a temple to Lord Lakshmi Hayagriva(Mahavishnu with horse face) in the Hill which is not found anywhere else in the country (only recently one or two shrines are heard to have been consecrated newly to Sri Hayagriva in south India).
Here the Lord gives darshan in standing posture as Devanatha, in sitting posture as Ahindrapuranatha and in Sayana Tirukolam(Lying Posture) as Palli kondanathar. There are separate shrines within this temple for Sri Rama, Sr. Rajagopalan, Sri. Venugopalan, Smt. Andal, Sri. Chakkarathalvar and also for Alwars and Desika.
Srimushnam
Srimushnam located 31 kms from Chidambaram, Srimushnam, the famous Vaishnava temple of Bhuvaraha. This is one of the eight Vaishavas shrines. The image in the temple is self created (Swayam Vyakta) representing Varaha Avator. The original image in marble is said to have been taken away by Krishna Deva Wodeyar of Mysore and installed it at Srirengapattinam. The front Mandapam called Purushasukara Mandapam built in the 17th century looks like a chariot with elegantly carved figures of warriors riding the horses and elephants. The Nayaks who built the temple are illustrated in carved royal portraits on the pillars in the center of the hall.
cuddalore district is one among the important tourists places in Tamilnadu was historical monuments, edifices, sacred ancient temples. The famous ancient temple of Chidambaram is renowned for its sculptures of dances in various natya poses. The district of Cuddalore lies on the east of boy of Bengal.
Chidambaram: 47kms from cuddalore. Chidambaram is famous for the temple dedicated to lord nataraja, the cosmic dancer (lord shiva). The Annamalai university located here is a major residential university. Pichavaram (14 kms from here) is a place of rare scenic beauty with its serene backwaters dotted with dense mangrove forests, which boasts of unique avifauna. Ph: 04142-222696/618
Kattu mannargudi: mannargudi is a small town in Chidambaram taluk it is called kattu mannargudi to distinguish it from raja mannargudi in Thanjavur district. The village is reputed as the as the birth place of the vaishnavite saints, nadamunigal and alavandar. The local vaishnavite temple is famous for sanctity.
Lord pataleeswarar: thirupathiripuliyur in cuddalore district is one of the ancient shrines in Tamil Nadu sanctified by the visit of two of the chief nayanmars viz. thirunavukkarasar and thirugnasambandhar. The former part of name of this sacred place indicates the sthalaviruksha parthiri tree and the latter puliyur indicates the tiger legged saint who made penance in this place. it is 100 mts from thirupathipuliyur railway station. It is centre of the town. Pidari amman temple is situated along with this temple. Ph: 04142-236728.
Nellikuppam: nellikuppam is one of the most important business centres in cuddalore district, known for sugarcane growers and sugar factory. Various tourists places like vadalur sathgnana sabai, pichavaram, Chidambaram, neyveli, cuddalore and Pondicherry are nearby.
Neyveli: 40 kms from cuddalore. One of the biggest industrial complexes in the country. Neyveli lignite production and power generation. The company with headquarters at neyveli in Tamilnadu is engaged in exploration of lignite deposit in Tamilnadu.
Panruti: panruti is one of the most important business centres in cuddalore district. Here the famous for cashew and jackfruit.
Pancha boota stalangal: the five great temples enshrining shiva as a manifestation of the five elements are known as pancha boota stalangal. These are thiruvannamalai, Kanchipuram, tiruvaanaikkaval, kalahasti and Chidambaram.
Pitchavaram: 56 kms from cuddalore. 16 kms from Chidambaram. A unique natural phenomenon in the form of mangrove forests which sprawl over 11,00 hectares of backwaters is the tourists attraction here. The numerous channels and creeks are ideal for boating. A fishing enthusiast will find a variety of fin and shell fish in these waters. Tamilnadu tourism Development Corporation. (ITTDC) houses cottages. Youth hostel restaurants and boating facilities. Ph: 04144-249232
Port: 1132.4 mts. Of wharf length is available for berthing lighters. The depth alongside the wharves varies from 1.5 to 1.8 mts. There are railway sidings (meter gauge) at all these wharves. Which is on the main lines of the western side of uppanar river near new port office is also available for shipping and landing facilities.
Porto-novo (parangipettai): 30 kms from cuddalore. Porto-novo, also called parangipettai in Chidambaram taluk, is situated on the north bank of the mouth of velar. The Portuguese were the earliest European settlers of the place from whom it passed into the possession of the Dutch. This town has a larch Muslim population engaged mostly in sea-trade. Tombs of several Muslim saints are situated in this place, most important among them being the dargah to saint malumiyar. Araikasu nachiyar, hafiz mir sahib and sayed sahib.
Srimushnam: 60 kms from cuddalore. The sri bhuvaraha swami temple here is one of the eight self-created swayam vyaktakshetras in the south. The purushaskuta mandapam here is shaped like a ratham (car on which there are carving of warriors mounted on horses and elephants. Ph: 04142-245090
Thiruvahindapuram: a calm village of the historical coastal town of cuddalore fall in the group of nadu nattu tirupati among 108 divya desams. The temple of the presiding deity of this sthalam, lord devanatha, is flanked by the inspiring oushadagiri, a herbal drop on the lap of time from the hands of speeding anjaneya to the battle field of lanka and the serpentine holy river garuda nadhi. Its importance has found place in three puranas, Viz brahmandam, brahannardiyam and skandam. Ph: 04142-287515
Thiruvandipuram temple: lord venkatachalapathy temple situated at thiruvandippuram. It is a few kms away from cuddalore. This temple is also well known to be similar to thirupathi venkatachalapathy. Every Saturday is a special day darshan, people come from different places for worship.
The pancha Sabha temples: one of the Sabha is located in Chidambaram (gold). Others are Madurai (silver) tirunelveli (copper). Tiruvalankadu (ruby)and kutralam cosmic dance halls of lord shiva.
Tiruppapuliyur: in tiruppapuliyur, there is an old siva temple dedicated to lord pataleswarar which is referred to in the thevarams. The brahmotsavam festival in this temple is the largest attended by people from all over the district.
Thillai kali temple – the thillai kaliyamman temple is one of the northern ends of the town. It was built by kapperunjingan who ruled between 1229 A.D. and 1278 A.D. ph: 04142-230251
Tiruvakarai: 50 kms from cuddalore. Near and around this village there are a number of petrified tree trunks also called fossil wood. There is also an ancient temple dedicated to lord shiva, dating back to the chola period.
Vadalur: 34 kms from cuddalore. The major tourist attraction here is the satayagnana Sabha which was constructed by ramalingaswamigal, popularly called adigalar.
Vallalar: sri ramalinga adigalar (arutperum jothi) was born in vadalure on 5.10.1823 as 5th son of sri ramaiya pillai & sinnammaiyar. From 1870, vallalar lives in siththi valagam at metukuppam. On 30.01.1874 (death) he becames as “arutperum jothi”. A unique prayer hall built by vallalar at 1872 is here. Ph: 04142-259250.
Virudhachalam: 60 kms from cuddalore. This town, on the bamks of the river manimuthar, has an ancient shiva temple dedicated to lord vridhagirishwarar. Masi magam is the important festival in this place when a large number of pilgrims flock to this place to have bath in the sacred manimuthar river.