WELCOME TO CHIDAMBARAM

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INFORMATION ABOUT CHIDAMBARAM

LOCATION:-

Country: India State: Tamilnadu District: cuddalore PIN: 608001 Std code: 04144

BANKS AND MONEY TRANSFER DETAILS:-

1.ICICI BANK

2.INDIAN OVERSEAS BANK(IOB)

3.KARUR VISIA BANK(KVB)

4.STATE BANK OF INDIA

5.INDIAN BANK

6.CANARA BANK

RESIDENTIAL HOTELS:-

1.RK RESIDENSY

2.SARATHARAM

3.AKSHAYA

4.RITZ

AVAILABLE MOBILE SERVICE:-

AIRTEL,AIRCEL,VODAFONE,BSNL,RELIANCE,TATA INDICOM

CHIDAMBARAM FAMOUS NATRAJA TEMPLE

Chidambaram is also known as Thillai, since the place was originally a forest of the thillai, botanically known as excecaria agallecha shrubs. It is an important pilgrim centre and a holy place for Saivites as the famous Nataraja Temple is located here.

Dedicated to Lord Nataraja, this ancient temple of the Cholas is unique not only it is devoted solely to the art of Bharatanatyam, but also it is one of the rare temples where Shiva is represented by an idol rather than the customary lingam. Spread over an area of 40 acres with a gopuram on each side, the temple is distinguished by five sabhas or courts.

The eastern gopuram is 40.8 m. high and carved on it are the 108 dance poses of Bharatanatyam. The western tower has also similar carvings while the northern tower that soars to a height of 42.4 m. is the tallest.

The idol of Nataraja is installed in the kanakasabha, the roof of which is covered with gold Plates. The icon is a stunning piece of sculpture that evokes a sense of continuous movement.Though non-Hindus are not allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum, replicas of this idol are easily available in most handicraft emporia and shops selling art and curio objects.

A shrine to Govindaraja or Lord Vishnu lies adjacent to the main shrine and has a beautiful idol of the lord reclining on Adisesha, the serpent. There are two other shrines, one dedicated to Subramanya and the other to Ganesha. In the courtyard, a large Nandi looks on devotedly at its lord and master through an aperture on the wall.

FESTIVEL IN TEMPLE:

1. Arudhra Darshan in Dec- Jan.
2. Aani Thirumanjanam in june .
3. 10-day Panguni Uthiram festival in March-April

KALI TEMPLE:-

The Thillaikaliamman temple is on the northern end of the town. It was built by Kopperunjingan, who ruled between 1229 A.D. and 1278 A.D.

ANNAMALAI UNIVERSITY

LOCATION:

Country: India State: Tamilnadu District: cuddlore Area: Annamalai Nagar

Pin Code: 608002

CONTACT:

Telephone: +91-4144-238248/263/796, 237356/237357/237358/237359 (Voice-net)

Fax: +91-4144-238080

Official Website / Institution home page:

Website: www.annamalaiuniversity.ac.in

Email: info@annamalaiuniversity.ac.in

BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT ANNAMALAI:

Motto: With courage and faith
Established: 1929
Type: Public State University
Chancellor: Mr. T. S. S. Barnala
Vice-Chancellor: Prof. Dr. M. Ramanathan
Location: Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu, India
Campus: Rural
Affiliations: UGC
Membership: The University is a member of The Association of Indian Universities (AIU)

HISTORY

The Annamalai University owes its existence to the vision, wisdom, benefaction and philanthropy of Dr. Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiar. As early as 1920, he founded the Sri Meenakshi College at the temple town of Chidambaram. In 1928, the Annamalai University Act was passed by the Madras State (government) and Sri Minakshi College formed the nucleus of this unitary and residential University.

With its rural setting and progressive outlook, the seat of this seminary of higher education came to be called Annamalai nagar after its illustrious Founder. Dr.Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiar donated to the Madras State (government) a fabulous sum of Rs.20 lakhs and 300 acres (1.2 km) of land besides the buildings, hostels, library and playgrounds of Sri Minakshi College, thus paving the way for establishing, the University by the Madras Presidency in 1929 and the founder was gratefully honoured by the Government with the Pro-Chancellorship of the University. During his tenure of Pro-Chancellorship for a long period of two decades, he took great care of the University and paid devoted attention to its growth and development.

Whoever was found an expert in a particular academic field was approached by the Founder and was brought to the University to head the various departments of study. Annamalai University is one of the largest and Oldest State Universities in southern India.It's alumni have gone on to become great Academicians and Researchers in India and Western Countries.

SERVICE

The University has had the unique good fortune of having a succession of eminent Vice-Chancellors to guide its destinies. Annamalai University is one of the Oldest and Largest State Universities in the state of Tamilnadu after Madras University. During the last seventy five years the University has grown rapidly and consolidated its position as a unitary and residential University with Forty eight Departments of Study and over 1700 members on its teaching staff.

It has the record for most students studied through postal way. Annamalainagar is already a busy and full-fledged University town east of Chidambaram, the abode of Lord Nataraja. The University campus, including the colleges, hostels and playgrounds occupies an area of about thousand acres (4 km²).

FESTIVAL IN CHIDAMBARAM

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NATIYANJALI FESTIVAL:-

It is jointly organized by the Department of Tourism, Government of India and Natyanjali Trust in Chidambaram. It is Generally held in February and opens on the Maha Sivaratri Day. Prominent dances of India Perform their dance and offer it to the cosmic dancer Natarajali in he vincity of his sanctum santorum. It is a unique tourist attraction and all the dances of India and Natyanjali trust in Chidambaram.It is generally held in February and opens on the Maha Sivarathri Day. Prominent dancers of India perform their dance and offer it to the cosmic dancer Nataraja in the vicinity of his sanctum sanctorum. It is a unique tourist attraction and all the dances of India, both classical and modern are performed.

OTHER FESTIVAL

Arudhra Darshan in December January.
Aani Thirumanjanam in june
10-day Panguni Uthiram festival in March-April

PLACES AROUND CHIDAMBARAM

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PICHAVARAM

16 kms east of Chidambaram lies a most beautiful scenic spot spread over 2800 acres of mangrove forest. It is formed in the backwaters which are interconnected by the Vellar and Kollisdam systems offering abundant scope for water sports,para-sailing, rowing and coneing. The Pichavaram mangroves are the healthiest mangrove occurrences in the world.

A number of is lands interspersing vast expanse of water covered with green trees make this place enchanting. The backwater is separated by a sans bar from the sea making it an extraordinary place of love lines. Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation offers boating accommodation and restaurant facilities.

SRIKAZHI

Sirkazhi (20 kms) is renowned in Tamil literature. It is the birthplace of Thirugnana Sambandar the Tamil saint. The Saivite temple is dedicated to him, and the idol in the shrine looks like a child god. A large crowd gathers in Sirkazhi to witness the Tirumulaippal festival celebrated in April. Bus and train services are available.

THIRUVENKADU

It is 28 km from Chdambaram. The temple is dedicated to Agora Virabadra – a fierce aspect of Siva. An image of Bhikshadanamurthy (Mendicant Siva) unearthed here is an early Chola broze casting of Lord Siva as a cobra clining on his things. The image is now in safe custody in the Thanjavur Art Gallery. This is also the abode of Budha(Mercury) one of the Navagrahas (nine planets).

VAITHEESHWARAN KOVIL

24 km from down south of Chidambaram is located this temple of famous Lord Siva , the healer of all diseases and his consort Thaiyalnayaki. The presiding deity is called Vaitheeswara-Lord of Healing. There is a tank inside the temple free from frogs called siddha Amritha Theertha a scared pool reputed to contain nectar which has curative powers. Another name for this place is Pullirukku Vellur. The sculpture are very wonderful here. It is the place of one of the Navagrahas- Agrarian(Mars).Nadi Jothidam is a traditional skill popular here.

VAZHUVUR

This place on the southern side of mayavaram is about 12 km away. It is renowned for its bronze images of exquisite splendour. The Lord of this temple is called Krithivasa, one who wears the elephant skin. This is one of the eight places where Siva danced to destroy demons. The dance hall is called Gnana Sabai Hall of Wisdom. Beehind Gajasamharamurthi is kept a Yantra which is Known as vazuvur Rahasyam(mystery).

NEYVELI

It is about 30 kms. from Chidambaram via Vadalur. It is one of the biggest industrial complexes in the country. The lignite mined here is utilized for thermal power generation. Apart from fertilizers ceramic wares and Leco (cooking coal), a number of by-products are also produced from lignite.

VADALUR

Vadaluris situated on the Cuddalore-Virudhachalam road and has a railway station. It is about 37 kms from Chidambaram. Ramalingaswamigal, popularly called Vallalar Adigalar, established the Sathyagnana Sabai. The sanctum of this sabha or temple is separated from the main hall by seven screens of which only three are removed on ordinary days. It is on the 'Thai Poosam' day in December-January, all the screens are removed and the devotees have a darshan of the jyothi or the eternal flame. Sri Ramalingaswamigal is said to have sung thousands of songs that expound the Saiva Siddhantha philosophy. They are compiled into several volumes called Thiru Arutpa.

POOMPUHAR (40 Kms)

Poompuhar (40Kms) Poompuhar was once the biggest port on the east coast of Tamil Nadu, and was as its peak of glory under the earlier Chola kings. The River Kaveri, merging with the billowing sea. It was known as puhar due to the exquisite beauty of the port town,and it later came to be called Poompuhar. Another name for Poompuhar was Kaveripoompattinam. Silappathikaram and Manimekalai, the tamil epics, bring out the greatness of the city in some of the poems in Sangam literature. The life and time of the Tamil classic Silappathikaram has been recreated at Poompuhar to the immense pleasure of the Tamils. In order to conjure up the decorative ornamental and scenic beauty of Poompuhar, the whole art Gallery is made to present the environment and atmosphere of the 2nd century A.D by the creation of the Illanji Manram, Pavai Manram, etc. A fine beach and calm waters offer good opportunity for sunbathing and swimming. The department of tourism offers shell and conch-shaped cottages to the tourists in the Poompuhar tourist complex, at a moderate tariff.

NAVAGRAHA TEMPLE

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DETAIL ABOUT NAVAGRAHA TEMPLE

NavaGraha Temples or Shrines for Nine PlanetsThe nine Planets have temples in nine sacred centres. Prayers to planets temples are supposed to ward off bad luck and ensure peace and prosperity.

1.SURIYANAR KOIL

Suriyanar koil or the Sun Temple This is the only temple where the sun is worshipped with the image of the Sun God. It is believed that the Chola King Kulothunga I built the shrine.

2.KANJANUR

Kanjanur Close to the Suriyanar koil, Kanjanur has a shrine for Sukran or Venus. The presiding deity Lord Siva here is worshipped as Agneeshwar.

3.THIRUNAGESHWARAM

This is one of the temples for the nine planets. Thirunageswaram derives its name from a legend. It is believed that the serpent Adi sesha worshipped Lord Siva here and the locality is identified with Chaurpakaranya.

4.THINGALUR

Thingalur In striking contrast, this temple is dedicated to Chandra or the moon, one of the nine planets. It attracts pilgrims’ everyday.

5.ALANGUDI

Alangudi Pilgrims, seeking blessings and prosperity, visit the temple for Guru or Jupiter the Planet for prosperity.

6.THIRUNALLAR

Tirunallar The temple for Saneeswaran or Saturn is located near Karaikal at Thirunallar. It is believed that prayers absolve one of his or her sins and brings in good future.

7.VAITHEESHWARAN KOIL

Vaitheeswaran Koil The presiding deity Vaitheeswaran is a divine healer. The temple for Sevvai (Mars) is supposed to cure all ailments. It is also believed that Vaitheeswaran will fulfill a young girl’s aspirations for marriage

8.THIRUVENGADU

Thiruvengadu One of the Navargraha Temples for Budhan or Mercury is situated here. It attracts devotees.

9.KEELAPERUMPALLAM

Keelaperumpallam Another Navagraha Temple for Kethu is here. Lord Siva is worshipped here as Naganathaswami.