Tamil Nadu • 3 monuments
Revered as the foremost temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in South India, Chidambaram Natarajar (or Nataraja) temple is a world-famous pilgrimage site. Originally built by the Cholas in the 10th century, the temple underwent renovations by rulers from dynasties of Pallavas, Cheras, Pandyas and Vijayanagara Empire. It is counted among the 5 Pancha Bootha Sthalams (dedicated to five different elements of life), representing the element akasha (sky). Unlike other Shiva Temples where Lord Shiva is worshipped as Lingam, a beautiful idol of the lord in his Nataraja (the Lord of Dance) incarnation is worshipped at this temple. In fact, Shiva is worshipped in three different forms at the temple - anthropomorphic, semi-anthropomorphic and formless. The sacred sanctum, where only Hindus may enter, is called kanaksabha and features gold-plated ceilings. Among the most striking features of the temple are the 4 soaring Gopurams (temple towers) featuring 108 postures of dancing Shiva, nine gateways, 5 massive halls, temple tanks and shrines dedicated to other deities. The Nataraja temple car used during festive processions is another highlight.
Located in the heart of the temple town, Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu, Chidambaram Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva famous as Nataraja. This Hindu temple is one of the five most revered Shiva temples that represent Akasha (aether). Unfolded in about 50 acres area, the temple is popular as being the only temple where Shiva is canonised as Nataraja. Renowned as the exclusive place where Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu share the same space, this temple is open to people of all faiths. Breath-taking architecture of the temple is one of the biggest tourism highlights of this structure. The temple has five beautifully designed mandapams (courts) like Chit Sabha, Nritta Sabha, Deva Sabha, Kanaka Sabha, and Raja Sabha. The Nritta Sabha (dancing hall) presents a dramatic beauty of quaint designs and carvings. The Sabha is designed like a horse drawn chariot. The pillar of this hall portrays 108 poses of Bharatnatyam - the renowned classical dance form of India. Tourists can enjoy the five day long and enthusiastically celebrated festival, the Natyanjali Dance Festival on the temple ground. The festival is celebrated mostly during Mahashivratri in February. A short walk from the temple introduces visitors to a majestic Kali temple, Thillai Kaliamman temple.
Annamalai University was established in the year 1929 under the philosophy of famous philanthropist Dr. Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiar. It spreads over 1500 acres of land and is known to be one of the largest residential universities for public in Asia. This university provides higher education courses in humanities, engineering, science, arts and agriculture. Annamalai University offers various courses through distance education and it was India’s first education body which provided post graduate degree programmes in different disciplines. This university also proposes the highest number of awards and scholarships every year to the qualified candidates. Annamalai University has its additional study centres in Canada, Dubai, Sharjah and Oman as well. It is well collaborated for research and students exchange programme with different foreign universities. Various other facilities offered by the university are hostels, yoga centres, hospital, library and staff recreation club.
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