Chidambaram
This city
is known as the 'city of
the Cosmic Dancer'. It is 245 Kms away from Madras. The image of
Nataraja (the dancing Shiva) represented by the bronze image known throughout the world
as the most perfect synthesis in metal of art. The best time
to visit the place is during April/ May and December / February.
Natar aja
Temple
Open
from 4am to noon and 16.30 to 21.00.
This temple is situated in the middle
of the town. The complex of the temple covers an area of 40 acres and It is said
to be the oldest complex in southern India. It surrounded by four broad
"chariot" streets. The tower designed in canonical
texts and built of granite upto the ceiling with the structure of seven storeys in
brick and mortar. There is a 1000-pillared hall, the Nritta Sabha court
carved out like a gigantic chariot.
The
main image of Nataraja is within a rectangular shrine, covered with copper tiles
and gold and it is called the "The Golden Hall". The 108 poses of
Bharathanatyam classical dance are carved on the walls of eastern
tower. The annual festival held in December/January. In February/March,
leading dancers from all parts of India congregate and dance in the temple as an
offering to Nataraja.
The Chitrakootam
The Chitrakootam is another shrine, situated
adjacent to the Nataraja temple is dedicated to Lord Govindraja. It has
five halls. The Nritta sabha, the hall of immortal dance has 56
pillars depicting dance figures. The
Deva Sabha was the hall of festivals and meeting place of the
administrators. The Chit sabha (Hall) houses
the Akasa Lingam and Kanaka sabha houses the Nataraja image.
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