While on a visit to Pondicherry to meet family, realised that the temple town of Chidambaram is only about 60+ kms. away and decided to visit it.
Having heard about it from childhood, this was a great opportunity to see one of the truly remarkable ancient holy places.
It is one of the few temples that I have seen ( the rest being mostly in the US) which encompasses sanctums for both Vishnu and Shiva.
This is one of the most - if not THE most important temples for Saivaites.
The temple's principal deity is Shiva in the form of Nataraja - the cosmic dancer and it celebrates the Ananda Tandavam - the Blissful Dance performed by Shiva for the benefit of his devotees.
Vishnu in his manifestation of Govindaraja is worshipped in the temple.
The temple complex is very large and has multiple sections and a big water tank on one side. The four sides of the temple are guarded by 4 tall gopurams - monumental towers - approx 250ft in height with multiple carvings depicting forms of Bharatanatyam ( an ancient South Indian dance form).
While the external environment was hot and the stones on which one has to walk barefoot were sizzling, once inside the complex the cool environs of the temple were a pleasant surprise.
The walk around the temple took about 45-50 mins with stops at the various sanctums. As it happens, the temple wasn't too crowded so we moved quickly.
The walk around the temple took about 45-50 mins with stops at the various sanctums. As it happens, the temple wasn't too crowded so we moved quickly.
The local ladies were there in the traditional attire ( 9-yards sarees) for morning prayers and that added a touch of tradition to the whole ambience of the temple.
The smell of camphor, which is offered to the gods/goddesses, permeated large parts of the temple adding another sensory memory to the whole experience.
The smell of camphor, which is offered to the gods/goddesses, permeated large parts of the temple adding another sensory memory to the whole experience.
Watch out for priests trying to get you to sign up for annual subscriptions for prayers and offerings. Not particularly expensive ( US $15) but does get a little tiresome if you are asked for it at every stop. I signed up for one and said no to all others. It is a good way to donate to the temple's maintanence.
On the whole an excellent experience and I would strongly recommend a visit.
If you want to read up more - use the following link.
