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{{Short description|Town in Tamil Nadu}} | |||
'''Chidambaram''' is a town of ], in the ] of ], 11 km from the coast and 240 km south of ] by rail. | |||
{{About|the city in Tamil Nadu, India|}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2016}} | |||
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2016}} | |||
{{Infobox settlement | |||
| name = Chidambaram | |||
| native_name = | |||
| native_name_lang = | |||
| other_name = | |||
| settlement_type = ] | |||
| image_skyline = Chidambaram Temple.jpg | |||
| image_alt = Chidambaram Nataraja Temple | |||
| image_caption = | |||
| nickname = Temple City | |||
| map_alt = | |||
| map_caption = | |||
| pushpin_map = India Tamil Nadu#India3 | |||
| pushpin_label_position = left | |||
| pushpin_map_alt = | |||
| pushpin_map_caption = Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu | |||
| coordinates = {{coord|11.407000|N|79.691200|E|display=inline,title}} | |||
| subdivision_type = Country | |||
| subdivision_name = {{IND}} | |||
| subdivision_type1 = ] | |||
| subdivision_name1 = ] | |||
| subdivision_type2 = ] | |||
| subdivision_name2 = ] | |||
| subdivision_type3 = Region | |||
| subdivision_name3 = ] | |||
| established_title = <!-- Established --> | |||
| established_date = | |||
| founder = | |||
| named_for = | |||
| government_type = Selective Grade Municipality | |||
| governing_body = Chidambaram Municipality | |||
| unit_pref = Metric | |||
| area_footnotes = | |||
| area_rank = | |||
| area_total_km2 = | |||
| elevation_footnotes = | |||
| elevation_m = 31 | |||
| population_total = 115913 | |||
| population_as_of = 2011 | |||
| population_rank = | |||
| population_density_km2 = auto | |||
| population_demonym = Chidambaran | |||
| population_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.citypopulation.de/php/india-tamilnadu.php|title=Tamil Nadu (India): Districts, Cities, Towns and Outgrowth Wards - Population Statistics in Maps and Charts|access-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308193757/http://www.citypopulation.de/php/india-tamilnadu.php|archive-date=8 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| demographics_type1 = Languages | |||
| demographics1_title1 = Official | |||
| demographics1_info1 = ] | |||
| timezone1 = ] | |||
| utc_offset1 = +5:30 | |||
| postal_code_type = ] | |||
| postal_code = 608001 | |||
| area_code_type = Telephone code | |||
| area_code = +91-4144 | |||
| registration_plate = '''TN-91''' | |||
| website = http://Cuddalore.tn.nic.in | |||
| footnotes = | |||
| official_name = | |||
}} | |||
'''Chidambaram''' is a major town and ] in ] in the ] of ], on the banks of the ] where it meets the ]. It is the headquarters of the Chidambaram ]. The town is believed to be of significant antiquity and has been ruled, at different times, by the ] until ninth century, ], ], ], ], ], ] and the ]. The town is known for the ] and ], and the annual ] festival held in the months of December–January (In the Tamil month of Marghazhi known as "Margazhi Urchavam") and June to July (In the Tamil month of Aani known as "Aani Thirumanjanam"). One of the Divya Desams ] is a part of Thillai Nataraja Temple complex. ], ] and ] are the other three ancient Shiva temples in the region. | |||
Chidambaram covers an area of {{convert|25.5|sqkm|sqmi|abbr=on}} and had a population of 1,15,913 as of 2011. It is administered by a ]. Tertiary sector involving tourism is the major occupation. Roadways are the major means of transportation with a total of {{convert|64.12|km|mi|abbr=on}} of district roads including one national highway passing through the town. As of 2011, there were eleven government schools: six primary schools, three middle schools and two higher secondary schools in Chidambaram. ], established in 1929 in Chidambaram, is one of the oldest and most prominent universities in the state. | |||
==Etymology and legend== | |||
Chidambaram is one of the many temple towns in the state which is named after the groves, clusters or forests dominated by a particular variety of a tree or shrub and the same variety of tree or shrub sheltering the presiding deity.<ref>], p. 10</ref> The traditional name of the temple complex, Chidambaram Thillai Nataraja-koothan Kovil. The mangrove forests of Thillai trees ('']'') were abundant in the town once. The temple and the town were once in the midst of Thillai trees. The Thillai trees of the nearby ] wetlands, the second largest mangrove forest in the world, extends to the temple area. The shrine is venerated as ''Thillai ambalam'' literally meaning the open stage of Thillai.<ref>{{cite book|first=T. A. Gopinatha|last1= Rao|first2= Kalyan Kumar |last2=Dasgupta|year=1971|title= Elements of Hindu iconography, Volume 1, Part 1| page=43}}</ref> The name of the town of this shrine, chit ambara means 'ether of consciousness' or 'atmosphere of wisdom' in the | |||
] Language.<ref>https://www.ancestry.com/name-origin?surname=chidambaram#:~:text=Chidambaram%20Family%20History-,Chidambaram%20Name%20Meaning,as%20lord%20of%20the%20dance {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}</ref> This composite word comes from its association with Nataraja (Shiva), the cosmic dancer and the cultural atmosphere for arts.<ref>https://www.ancestry.com/name-origin?surname=chidambaram#:~:text=Chidambaram%20Family%20History-,Chidambaram%20Name%20Meaning,as%20lord%20of%20the%20dance. {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}</ref> | |||
According to Hindu legend, in the Thillai forests resided a group of sages who believed in the supremacy of magic — that the gods could be controlled by rituals and ''mantras''. ], hearing this, assumed the form of ], a simple mendicant seeking alms, and went walking in Thillai. He was followed by his consort, ] as ]. The sages and their wives were enchanted by the beauty of the pair. On seeing their womenfolk enchanted, the angry sages performed a ritual to create serpents ('']''). Shiva lifted the serpents and donned them as ornaments on his matted locks, neck and waist. Further enraged, the sages invoked a fierce tiger, whose skin was used by Shiva as a shawl around his waist. Then followed a fierce elephant, which was ripped to death and devoured by Shiva (an episode depicted in the ]). The sages gathered all their spiritual strength and invoked the powerful demon Muyalakan — a symbol of complete arrogance and ignorance.{{citation needed|date=August 2018}} Shiva smiled gently, stepped on the demon's back to immobilise him, and performed the ''Ánanda Thandavam'' (the dance of eternal bliss), thus disclosing his true form. The sages surrendered, realizing that rituals cannot control the gods.<ref name="Anand">], p. 149</ref> | |||
==History== | ==History== | ||
] | |||
Chidambaram has been the northern frontier of the ancient ] kingdom, the successive capitals of which were Uriyur on the ], ] and ]. | |||
There is reference to the temple or the town in ] of the first to fifth centuries and the earliest mention is found in ].<ref name="Kulke" /> The temple and the deity were immortalized in ] poetry in the works of '']'' by three poet-saints belonging to the seventh century - ], ] and ].<ref name="Jones">], p. 107</ref> Thirugnana Sambanthar has composed two songs in praise of the temple, Thirunavukkarasar aka Appar eight songs in praise of Nataraja and Sundarar one song in praise of Nataraja. Sundarar commences his ''Thiruthondar Thogai'' (the sacred list of Lord Shiva's 63 devotees) paying his respects to the priests of the Thillai temple - "To the devotees of the priests at Thillai, I am a devotee". The works of the first three saints, the ''Thirumurai'' were stored in palm leaf manuscripts in the temple and were recovered by the Chola King ]<ref name="Soundara Rajan" /> under the guidance of Nambiandarnambi. ], the tenth century ''saivite'' poet has written two works, the first called '']'' (The sacred utterances) which largely has been sung in Chidambaram and the ''Thiruchitrambalakkovaiyar'' (aka ''Thirukovaiyar''), which has been sung entirely in the temple. Manikkavasagar is said to have attained spiritual bliss at Chidambaram. The Chidambaram Mahatmiyam composed during the 12th century provides the subsequent evolution and Sanskritization of cults.<ref name="Kulke">], p. 145</ref> | |||
There are several inscriptions available in the temple and referring to the Chidambaram temple in neighbouring areas. Most inscriptions available pertain to the periods of Cholas - ] I (985-1014 CE), ] I (1012-1044 CE), ] I (1070-1120 CE), ] (1118-1135 CE), ] (1163 -1178 CE), ] (1178-1218 CE) and ] (1216-1256 CE). Pandya inscriptions date from Thribhuvana Chakravarthi Veerapandiyan, ] (1251-1268 CE) and Maaravarman Thribhuvana Chakravarthi Veerakeralanaagiya Kulashekara Pandiyan (1268-1308 CE). Pallava inscriptions are available for king Avani Aala Pirandhaan Ko-perum-Singha (1216-1242 CE). Vijayanagara Kings mentioned in inscriptions are Veeraprathapa Kiruttina Theva Mahaaraayar (1509-1529 CE), Veeraprathaapa Venkata Deva Mahaaraayar, Sri Ranga Theva Mahaaraayar, Atchyutha Deva Mahaaraayar (1529-1542 CE) and Veera Bhooopathiraayar. One of the inscriptions from the descendant of Cheramaan Perumal Nayanar, Ramavarma Maharaja has been found.<ref name="Sastri"/> | |||
In the north of India, the Indian subcontinent was conquered by the ]. Muslim armies began raiding central India for plunder by the late 13th century. After subduing and extracting huge wealth along with promised annual tributes from the Marathas ] in 1308, the Telugu ] in 1310 and the Kannada ] in 1311, Sultan Ala ud Din Khalji's infamous eunuch Muslim general, ], and his ] forces in 1311 went deeper into the Deccan peninsula for loot and to establish annual tributes to be paid by the ]s.<ref>], pp. 9-10, Quote: "The era under consideration opens with an unprecedented calamity for Southern India: the invasion of the region at the turn of the fourteenth century by Malik Kafur, general of Alauddin, Sultan of Delhi. Malik Kafur's forces brought to an abrupt end all of the indigenous ruling houses of Southern India, not one of which was able to withstand the assault or outlive the conquest. Virtually every city of importance in the Kannada, Telugu and Tamil lands succumbed to the raids of Malik Kafur and later Muslim invasions; forts were destroyed, palaces dismantled and temple sanctuaries wrecked in the search for treasure. In order to consolidate the rapidly won gains of this pillage, the Delhi Sultanate established the province of Ma'bar in 1323 with the capital at Madurai (Madura) in the southernmost part of the Tamil zone, former capital of the Pandyas who were dislodged by the Delhi forces. Madurai thereupon became the capital of the Ma'bar (Malabar) province of the Delhi empire."</ref><ref name="Melton2014p884">{{cite book|author=J. Gordon Melton|title=Faiths Across Time: 5,000 Years of Religious History [4 Volumes]: 5,000 Years of Religious History|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bI9_AwAAQBAJ&pg=PA884 |year= 2014|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-1-61069-026-3|page=884}}</ref><ref name="Bayly1989p109">{{cite book|author=Susan Bayly|title=Saints, Goddesses and Kings: Muslims and Christians in South Indian Society, 1700-1900 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Fxqtx8SflEsC |year=1989|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-0-521-89103-5|pages=109–110}}</ref> The records left by the court historians of the Delhi Sultanate state that Malik Kafur raided Chidambaram, ], ], ], ] and other sacred temple towns, destroyed the temples which were sources of gold and jewels. He brought back enormous loot from Dwarasamudra and the Pandya kingdom to ] in 1311.<ref name="Ernst2004p109">{{cite book|author=Carl W. Ernst| title=Eternal Garden: Mysticism, History, and Politics at a South Asian Sufi Center| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9bNAAQAAIAAJ|year=2004|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-566869-8|page=109}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Sarojini Chaturvedi|title=A short history of South India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qXcwAQAAIAAJ| year=2006|publisher= Saṁskṛiti|isbn=978-81-87374-37-4|page=209}}</ref><ref name="Eraly2015chid">{{cite book|author=Abraham Eraly|title=The Age of Wrath: A History of the Delhi Sultanate|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vyEoAwAAQBAJ&pg=PT155| year=2015|publisher= Penguin Books|isbn=978-93-5118-658-8|pages=155–156}}</ref> | |||
==Geography and climate== | |||
] | |||
Chidambaram is located at {{coord|11.39|N|79.69|E|}}. The town is located in Cuddalore district of the South Indian state, Tamil Nadu, {{cvt|215|km}} from ]. Chidambaram is located close to the shores of ]. The topography is almost plain with forests around the town, with no major geological formation. There are no notable mineral resources available in and around the town. The soil types are alluvial and red that are conducive for crops like ], pulses and ]s. The temperature ranges from a maximum of {{convert|32.7|°C|°F}} to a minimum of {{convert|24|°C|°F}}. Like the rest of the state, April to June are the hottest months and December to January are the coldest. Chidambaram receives an average of {{convert|10| mm|in|abbr=on}} annually, which is lesser than the state average of {{convert|1008| mm|in|abbr=on}}. The South west monsoon, with an onset in June and lasting up to August, brings scanty rainfall. Bulk of the rainfall is received during the North East monsoon in the months of October, November and December. The average number of rainy days ranges from 35 to 40 every year.<ref name="gen">{{cite web| url=http://municipality.tn.gov.in/chidambaram/abcity_city.htm| title=About the town| publisher=Chidambaram Municipality| access-date=2013-07-07| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131201021456/http://municipality.tn.gov.in/chidambaram/abcity_city.htm| archive-date=1 December 2013| df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="urbaninfra5">], p. 5</ref> | |||
{{Weather box/concise_C | |||
| location=Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu | |||
| source=Climate-Data.org<ref name="Climate-Data.org">"CLIMATE: CHIDAMBARAM, Tamil Nadu", | |||
Climate-Data.org. Web: {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703040242/https://en.climate-data.org/location/52335/ |date=3 July 2017 }}.</ref> | |||
| 28.4|29.8|32.0|33.9|36.4|37.0|35.6|34.8|34.2|31.8|29.4|28.0<!--highs--> | |||
| 21.1|21.7|23.4|25.8|27.0|26.8|26.2|25.4|25.2|24.3|23.0|21.7<!--lows--> | |||
| 34|12|15|23|47|37|68|133|113|230|337|199<!--rain--> | |||
}} | |||
==Demographics== | |||
{{bar box|title=Religious census|titlebar=#ddd|left1=Religion|right1=Percent(%)|float=left|bars={{bar percent|]|Orange|89.73}}{{bar percent|]|Green|8.22}}{{bar percent|]|purple|1.18}}{{bar percent|]|yellow|0.02}}{{bar percent|]|Gold|0.01}}{{bar percent|]|Blue|0.43}}{{bar percent|Other|grey|0.39}}{{bar percent|]|violet|0.02}}}} | |||
] | |||
According to ], Chidambaram had a population of 62,153 with a sex-ratio of 1,032 females for every 1,000 males, much above the national average of 929.<ref name="dashboard">{{cite web|title=Census Info 2011 Final population totals|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/index.html|publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|year=2013|access-date=26 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113144743/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/index.html|archive-date=13 November 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> A total of 5,869 were under the age of six, constituting 2,990 males and 2,879 females. ] accounted for 6.81% and .09% of the population respectively. The average literacy of the city was 83.24%, compared to the national average of 72.99%.<ref name="dashboard"/> The city had a total of 15,166 households. There were a total of 22,194 workers, comprising 241 cultivators, 180 main agricultural labourers, 489 in household industries, 16,110 other workers, 5,174 marginal workers, 83 marginal cultivators, 213 marginal agricultural labourers, 401 marginal workers in household industries and 4,477 other marginal workers.<ref name=2011census>{{cite web|title=Census Info 2011 Final population totals - Chidambaram|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=691705|publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|year=2013|access-date=26 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924145158/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=691705|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
As of 2001, the town covered an area of {{convert|480|ha|sqkm}}. Out of the total area, 88 per cent of the land constituting {{convert|432|ha|sqkm}} is marked developed and the remaining area is used for agriculture and remains under water. ]s make up 55 per cent ({{convert|265.75|ha|sqkm}}) of the town's total area while commercial enterprises and industrial units make up 5 per cent ({{convert|23.62|ha|sqkm}}) and 1 per cent ({{convert|3.63|ha|sqkm}}) respectively.<ref name="urbaninfra12">], p. 12</ref> As of 2008, there 31 notified slums having 3,954 houses in Chidambaram and a total of 17,102 people constituting 30 per cent of the total population lived in them. The municipality maintains the water supply and garbage collection of all these slums.<ref name="urbaninfra26">], p. 26</ref> As of 2001, nearly 5,000 people constituting 10 per cent of the population were ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Below poverty line|url=http://municipality.tn.gov.in/chidambaram/pdf/bpl_cdm.pdf|publisher=Chidambaram Municipality|year=2011|access-date=2013-08-08}}{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> | |||
As per the religious census of 2011, Chidambaram had 89.73% ], 8.22% ], 1.18% ], 0.02% ], 0.01% ], 0.43% ], 0.39% following other religions and 0.02% following no religion or did not indicate any religious preference.<ref name=religion2011>{{cite web|title=Population By Religious Community - Tamil Nadu|year=2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html|format=XLS|publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|access-date=13 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913045700/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html|archive-date=13 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
==Chidambaram temple== | |||
] | |||
] | |||
{{main|Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram}} | |||
The temple complex is spread over an area of {{convert|40|acre|m2}} in the heart of the city. The main complex is dedicated to Shiva ] and the complex contains shrines to deities such as Shivakami Amman, ], ] and ] in the form Govindaraja Perumal. The temple's earliest structures were designed and erected by ancient craftsmen called Perunthakkan. The golden tiled roof for the ''Chitrambalam'' (the vimanam) was laid by the Chola King ] (907-950 CE)<ref name="Soundara Rajan">], pp. 263-264</ref> following which he was given the title "Thillaiyambalathhukku porkoorai veiyntha thevan", meaning the one who constructed the golden roof. Kings ] I (reign 985-1014 CE) and ] (1070-1120 CE) made significant donations to the temple. Gold and riches to the temple were donated by Rajaraja Chola's daughter ] II while Chola king ] (1118-1135 CE) made donations for the conduct of the daily rituals. Donations of gold and jewels have been made by various kings, rulers and patrons to the temple from 9th to 16th century<ref name="Soundara Rajan" /> —including the Maharaja of ], Sethupathy (the emerald jewel still adorns the deity). Naralokaviran, the General of the king ] was responsible for building a shrine for child saint Thirugnana Sambanthar and installed a metal image inside it. He constructed a hall for the recitation of ''Thevaram'' hymns and engraved the hymns in copper plates.<ref>], p. 101</ref> | |||
==Economy== | |||
Tourism forms the economic base of Chidambaram. There are household industries like weaving is present within town limits, otherwise, there are no major industries in the town. As of 2001, the worker population constituted 18,249 people amounting to 31.6 per cent of the total population. Out of the total workforce, 16,059 constituting 88 per cent people were employed in the tertiary sector, 1,277 people constituting 7 per cent were involved in the secondary sector and 912 people constituting 5 per cent were involved in primary sector activities. The primary sector consists of local and regional marketing, with ] being the primary traded product, followed by cereals, black gram, pulses, sugarcane and gingelly. The secondary sector activities consist of household activities and cane furniture manufacturing. The tertiary sector activities are the tourism-related activities centred on the Thillai Natarajar temple. The town has a floating population of around 100,000 every year being mainly religious tourists. Annamalai University, located in the outskirts of the town is also another major industrial driver. The town is a centre for trading for the surrounding villages, housing provisional stores, food grain stores, vegetable shops, hotels, markets and fertilizer shops.<ref name="urbaninfra1012">], pp. 10-12</ref> | |||
==Education and utility services== | |||
] | |||
As of 2011, there were eleven government schools: six primary schools, three middle schools and two higher secondary schools in Chidambram. There were nine other private schools within the town.<ref>{{cite web|title=Educational Institutions|url=http://municipality.tn.gov.in/chidambaram/srv_edu.htm|publisher=Chidambaram municipality|access-date=2012-12-29|year=2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130907175616/http://municipality.tn.gov.in/chidambaram/srv_edu.htm|archive-date=7 September 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Chidambaram is home to the ]. Annamalai University is a public university located in Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India. ], Rajah Muthiah Dental College, Muthiah Polytechnic College, Government Arts College, Ragavendra Arts and science college, C.S. Jain College of Pharmacy and Perunthalaivar Kamaraj Institute of Maritime and Science Engineering College(pkimsec) are some of the prominent colleges in the town. | |||
Electricity supply to Chidambaram is regulated and distributed by the ] (TNEB). The town along with its suburbs forms the Cuddalore Electricity Distribution Circle. A Chief Distribution engineer is stationed at the regional headquarters.<ref>{{cite web|title=Important Address |url=http://www.windpro.org/pdf/MISC/TNEB%20Address.pdf |publisher=Indian Wind Power Association |access-date=2012-12-29 |year=2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016045943/http://www.windpro.org/pdf/MISC/TNEB%20Address.pdf |archive-date=16 October 2012 |df=dmy }}</ref> Water supply is provided by the Chidambaram Municipality from the two mini power pumps, borewells and Deep borwell located in various parts of the town. In the period 2000–2001, a total of 7.5 million litres of water was supplied every day for households in the town.<ref>{{cite web|title=Water Supply Details|url=http://municipality.tn.gov.in/chidambaram/sal_watersupply.htm|publisher=Chidambaram Municipality|year=2011|access-date=2012-12-29|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130907175643/http://municipality.tn.gov.in/chidambaram/sal_watersupply.htm|archive-date=7 September 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> | |||
As per the municipal data for 2011, about 31 metric tonnes of solid waste were collected from Chidambaram every day by door-to-door collection and subsequently the source segregation and dumping was carried out by the sanitary department of the Chidambaram municipality. The coverage of solid waste management in the town by the municipality had an efficiency of 100% as of 2001.<ref>{{cite web|title=Waste management programme|url=http://municipality.tn.gov.in/chidambaram/sal_solidwastemanagement.htm|publisher=Chidambaram Municipality|access-date=2012-12-29|year=2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130907175620/http://municipality.tn.gov.in/chidambaram/sal_solidwastemanagement.htm|archive-date=7 September 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> There is no underground drainage system in the town and the sewerage system for disposal of sullage is through septic tanks, open drains and public conveniences. The municipality maintained a total of {{convert|23.372|km|mi|abbr=on}} of storm water drains in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|title=Storm water drains of Chidambaram|url=http://municipality.tn.gov.in/chidambaram/sal_stromwaterdrainage.htm|publisher=Chidambaram municipality|access-date=2012-12-29|year=2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130907175645/http://municipality.tn.gov.in/chidambaram/sal_stromwaterdrainage.htm|archive-date=7 September 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> As of 2011, there was one government hospital namely Kamaraj Government Hospital, one municipal maternity home and 17 private hospitals and clinics that take care of the health care needs of the citizens.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chidambaram hospitals|url=http://municipality.tn.gov.in/chidambaram/srv_hospitals.htm|publisher=Chidambaram municipality, Government of Tamil Nadu|year=2011|access-date=2012-12-29|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130907175608/http://municipality.tn.gov.in/chidambaram/srv_hospitals.htm|archive-date=7 September 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> As of 2011, the municipality maintained a total of 1,856 street lamps: 339 sodium lamps, 1,500 tube lights and 17 high mast beam lamps.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chidambaram street lights|url=http://municipality.tn.gov.in/chidambaram/sal_streetlight.htm|publisher=Chidambaram Municipality, Government of Tamil Nadu|year=2011|access-date=2012-12-29|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130907175704/http://municipality.tn.gov.in/chidambaram/sal_streetlight.htm|archive-date=7 September 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="urbaninfra24">], p. 24</ref> The municipality operates four markets, namely the Daily Market West Car street, Gnanaprakasam market, North Main road fish market and Omakulam fish market that cater to the needs of the town and the rural areas around it.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chidambaram markets|url=http://municipality.tn.gov.in/chidambaram/sal_markets.htm|publisher=Chidambaram Municipality, Government of Tamil Nadu|year=2011|access-date=2012-12-29|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130907175646/http://municipality.tn.gov.in/chidambaram/sal_markets.htm|archive-date=7 September 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> | |||
==Culture== | |||
] festival during 2011]] | |||
] | |||
The festivals in Chidambaram are centred on the festivals of the temple. The Marghazhi Thiruvaadhirai festival celebrated in December–January indicates the first puja, the fourteenth day after the new moon (]) of the month of Masi (February–March) indicates the second pooja, the Chittirai Thiruvonam (in April–May), indicates the third pooja or uchikalam, the Uthiram of Aani (June–July) also called the Aani Thirumanjanam indicates the evening or the fourth puja, the chaturdasi of Aavani (August–September) indicates the fifth puja and the chaturdasi of the month of Puratasi (October–November) indicates the sixth pooja or Arthajama. Of these, the Marghazhi Thiruvaadhirai (in December–January) and the Aani Thirumanjanam (in June–July) are the most important festivals. During these festivals, the festive deity is brought outside the sanctum sanctorum in a procession that includes a temple car procession followed by a long anointing ceremony.<ref name="Let's Go, Inc">], p. 597</ref> Several hundreds of thousands of people flock the temple to see the anointing ceremony and the ritualistic dance of Shiva when he is taken back to the sanctum sanctorum. Shiva, in his incarnation of Nataraja, is believed to have born on full moon day in the constellation of ''Ardra'', the sixth lunar mansion. Lord Shiva is bathed only 6 times a year, and on the previous night of ''Ardra'', the bath rituals are performed on a grand scale. Pots full of milk, pomegranate juices, coconut water, ghee, oil, sandal paste, curds, holy ashes, and other liquids and solids, considered as a sacred offering to the deity are used for the sacred ablution.<ref name="Sastri">], pp. 2-9</ref> | |||
Natyanjali is a prominent festival celebrated during February every year when ] dancers from all over the country converge to present dance offering to Nataraja.<ref name="Let's Go, Inc" /> | |||
==Notable people== | |||
*] (1520-1593), ] Priest | |||
*] (b. 1952), ] and ] winner, born in Chidambaram. | |||
==Municipal administration and politics== | |||
Chidambaram is administered by a selective-grade municipality formed as third-grade municipality in 1873, upgraded to a second-grade in 1949, first-grade in 1974 and a selection-grade in 1998. The municipality covers an area of {{convert|11.16|sqkm|sqmi|abbr=on}} and also the ] headquarters. The Chidambaram municipality has 33 wards and there is an elected councillor for each of those wards.<ref>{{cite web|title=About the municipality|url=http://municipality.tn.gov.in/chidambaram/abus_municip.htm|publisher=Chidambaram municipality|access-date=2012-12-29|year=2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020212743/http://municipality.tn.gov.in/chidambaram/abus_municip.htm|archive-date=20 October 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The functions of the municipality are devolved into six departments: general administration/personnel, Engineering, Revenue, Public Health, city planning and Information Technology (IT). All these departments are under the control of a Municipal Commissioner who is the executive head.<ref>{{cite web|title=Commissionerate of Municipal Administration |url=http://www.tn.gov.in/cma/chart5.htm |publisher=Commissionerate of Municipal Administration |access-date=2012-12-29 |year=2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106103849/http://www.tn.gov.in/cma/chart5.htm |archive-date=6 November 2012 |df=dmy }}</ref> The legislative powers are vested in a body of 33 members, one each from the 33 wards.<ref>{{cite web|title=Councillors of municipality|url=http://municipality.tn.gov.in/chidambaram/who_councilors.htm|publisher=Chidambaram municipality|access-date=2012-12-29|year=2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020214324/http://municipality.tn.gov.in/chidambaram/who_councilors.htm|archive-date=20 October 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The legislative body is headed by an elected chairperson assisted by a deputy chairperson.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Economic and political weekly, Volume 30|url=http://www.epw.in/epw-archive.html|page=2396|publisher=Sameeksha Trust|access-date=2012-12-29|year=1995|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130125153219/http://www.epw.in/epw-archive.html|archive-date=25 January 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Chidambaram comes under the ] constituency and it elects a member to the ] once every five years.<ref>{{cite web | |||
|url=http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/Const_map/map.htm | |||
|title=List of Assembly Constituencies | |||
|year=2010 | |||
|access-date=2012-12-28 | |||
|work=Tamil Nadu | |||
|publisher=Tamil Nadu state government | |||
|url-status=dead | |||
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614070155/http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/const_map/map.htm | |||
|archive-date=14 June 2012 | |||
|df=dmy | |||
}}</ref> From the 1977 elections, ] (AIADMK) won the assembly seat four times (in 1980, 1984, 2006 and 2016 elections), three times by ] (DMK, 1977, 1989 and 2001 elections) and once each by ] (CPI(M), 2011 election), ] (INC, 1991 elections) and ] (TMC, 1996).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/electionanalysis/AE/S22/partycomp68.htm|title=Partywise Comparison Since 1977|publisher=Election Commission of India|access-date=2012-12-29|year=2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610212241/http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/electionanalysis/AE/S22/partycomp68.htm|archive-date=10 June 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The current MLA of the constituency is K. A. Pandiyan (AIADMK).<ref name="MLA of Chidambaram">{{cite web|url=http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/members/constnamewise.htm|title=MLA of Chidambaram|year=2011|publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006234417/http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/members/constnamewise.htm|archive-date=6 October 2013|url-status=dead|access-date=2012-12-29|df=dmy}}</ref> | |||
Law and order in the town is maintained by the Chidambaram sub division of the Cuddalore district of ] headed by a Deputy Superintendent. There is one police station in the town located in West Car street.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chidambaram Police|url=http://municipality.tn.gov.in/chidambaram/srv_police.htm|publisher=Chidambaram municipality|access-date=2012-12-29|year=2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130907174708/http://municipality.tn.gov.in/chidambaram/srv_police.htm|archive-date=7 September 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Karur subdivision police |url=http://www.tnpolice.gov.in/District_Details.php?code=29578 |publisher=Tamil Nadu Police |access-date=2013-08-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011141826/http://tnpolice.gov.in/District_Details.php?code=29578 |archive-date=11 October 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref> | |||
==Transport== | |||
The Chidambaram municipality maintains {{convert|64.12|km|mi|abbr=on}} of road. The town has {{convert|8.44|km|mi|abbr=on}} concrete roads and {{convert|48.69|km|mi|abbr=on}} bituminous road. A total of {{convert|5|km|mi|abbr=on}} of state highways is maintained by the State Highways Department and {{convert|6|km|mi|abbr=on}} by the National Highways Department. It is located at a distance of {{convert|223|km|mi|abbr=on}} from Chennai, {{convert|335|km|mi|abbr=on}} from Madurai, {{convert|375|km|mi|abbr=on}} from ], {{convert|340|km|mi|abbr=on}} from ]. The national highway NH- 32 (the ]- ]-]-]-Chidambaram-]- ] Highway) passes through Chidambaram and ] connects Chidambaram with Coimbatore through ], ] and ]. The Cuddalore road, Pitchavaram Road, Sirkazhi Road, Kattumanarkoil road and Old Bhuvanagiri road are the five main district roads connecting Chidambaram to other cities of Tamil Nadu.<ref name="urbaninfra23">], p. 23</ref> | |||
Minibus service operated by private companies cater to the local transport needs. The main bus stand is located in the heart of the town and has 46 bus bays.<ref name="urbaninfra24"/> The ] operates daily services connecting various cities such as ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ]i, ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ]<ref name="transport">{{cite web|title=Chidambaram bus routes|url=http://municipality.tn.gov.in/Chidambaram/ser_Bus%20routes.htm|publisher=Chidambaram municipality|year=2011|access-date=2012-12-29}}{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> with Chidambaram.<ref>{{cite web|title=S.E.T.C. Tamil Nadu Ltd., Computer reservation centres|url=http://www.tnstc.in/counter_address.html|publisher=Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation Ltd.|year=2011|access-date=2012-12-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130327113121/http://www.tnstc.in/counter_address.html|archive-date=27 March 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> The ] operates long-distance buses connecting the town to important cities like ], ], ], ], Madurai, Tirunelveli, Nagercoil. Three wheelers, called ], are also a common public transport system.<ref name="urbaninfra23"/> | |||
] is located in the rail line from ] to ]. There are daily express trains to ], ], ], ] and ]. There are passenger trains to ], ], ], ] and ].<ref name="transport"/> | |||
Pondicherry Airport(PNY) is the nearest airport located around 66 kilometres north of Chidambaram. | |||
==See also== | |||
Four most revered Saivaite Saints (Appar, Sundarar, Sambandar and Manikkavachakar) have worshipped at Chidambaram, and the bulk of Manikkavachakar's work is in praise of Shiva at Chidambaram. | |||
*] | |||
*] | |||
*] | |||
*] | |||
*] | |||
*] | |||
*] | |||
*] | |||
*] | |||
*] | |||
*] | |||
==Notes== | |||
==Temple Architecture== | |||
The '']''s (pagodas) at Chidambaram are the oldest in the south of India, and portions of them are gems of art. | |||
The principal temple is sacred to ], and is said to have been rebuilt or enlarged by a ] emperor, who came south on a ] and was cured by bathing in the temple tank. | |||
=== Footnotes === | |||
It contains a "Hall of a Thousand Pillars", one of numerous such halls in India. The exact number of pillars in this case is 999; each is a block of solid granite, and the roof of the principal temple is of GOLD-gilt. | |||
* {{Note|a}} The municipalities in Tamil Nadu are graded special, selection, grade I and grade II based on income and population. | |||
===Citations=== | |||
Unlike most Shiva temples, the ] or ] is not in the typical form of a ]. Rather the image is of Shiva as ], which depicts the Lord ] as the Cosmic Dancer. | |||
{{reflist | |||
| colwidth = 20em | |||
| refs = | |||
}} | |||
== References == | |||
Chidambaram is one of the ''Panchabhoota Sthalam''s - temples built for the 5 elements said to embody Shiva - at Chidambaram (space), ] (wind), ] (water), ] (fire) and ] (earth). | |||
{{refbegin|20em}} | |||
*{{cite book |last=Anand |first=Swami P. |author2=Swami Parmeshwaranand |title=Encyclopedia of the Śaivism |year=2004 |publisher=Sarup & Sons |location=New Delhi |isbn=81-7625-427-4 |url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_HQvbJDacNDMC |page= |quote=ananda tandava. |ref=Anand |access-date=23 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719230327/https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_HQvbJDacNDMC |archive-date=19 July 2019 |url-status=live }} | |||
*{{cite book |last=Bajwa |first=Jagir Singh |author2=Ravinder Kaur |title=Tourism Management |year=2007|publisher=S.B. Nangia |location=New Delhi |isbn=978-81-313-0047-3|ref=Bajwa}} | |||
*{{cite book |last=Dehejia |first=Vidya |title=Art of the imperial Cholas |year=1990 |publisher=Columbia University Press |location=USA |isbn=0-231-07188-4|ref=Dehejia}} | |||
*{{cite book |last=Kamalabaskaran |first=Iswari |title=The light of Arunachaleswarar |year=1994 |publisher=Affiliated East-West Press Pvt. Ltd. |ref=Kamala}} | |||
*{{cite book |last=Knapp |first=Stephen |title=The Heart of Hinduism: The Eastern Path to Freedom, Empowerment and Illumination |year=2005|publisher=iUniverse |location=NE |isbn= 978-0-595-35075-9|ref=Knapp}} | |||
*{{cite book |last=Kulke |first=Hermann |author2=Dietmar Rothermund |title=A History of India |year=2004 |publisher=Routledge |location=Oxon |isbn=0-415-32920-5|ref=Kulke}} | |||
*{{Cite book |last=Let's Go, Inc |title=Let's go: India & Nepal, 2004 |year=2004 |publisher=Martin's Press |location=New York |isbn=0-312-32006-X |ref=let |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/letsgoindianepal00lets }}. | |||
*{{cite book |last=M.K.V. |first=Narayan |title=Flipside of Hindu Symbolism: Sociological and Scientific Linkages in Hinduism |year=2007 |publisher=Fultus Corporation |location=California |isbn=978-1-59682-117-0|ref=M.K.V}} | |||
*{{cite book |last=Ramaswamy |first=Vijaya |title=Historical dictionary of the Tamils |year=2007|publisher=Scarecrow Press, INC.|location=United States|isbn=978-0-470-82958-5|ref=Ramaswamy}} | |||
* {{cite book|title=Alayam - The Hindu temple - An epitome of Hindu Culture|page=31|publisher=Sri Ramakrishna Math|year=2013|location=Mylapore, Chennai|last=Reddy|first=G.Venkatramana|isbn=978-81-7823-542-4|ref=Reddy}} | |||
*{{Cite book |last=Sastri |first=Natesa |author2=S. M. Natesa Sastri |title=Hindu feasts, fasts and ceremonies |year=2003 |publisher=Asian Educational Services |location=New Delhi |isbn=81-206-0402-4|ref=Sastri}} | |||
*{{cite book |last=Soundara Rajan |first=Kodayanallur Vanamamalai |title=Concise classified dictionary of Hinduism By Kodayanallur Vanamamalai Soundara Rajan|year=2001|publisher=Concept Publishing Company|location=New Delhi |isbn=81-7022-857-3|ref=Soundara}} | |||
*{{cite book |last=Spear |first=Heidi |title=The Everything Guide to Chakra Healing: Use Your Body's Subtle Energies to promote Health, Healing and Happiness |year=2011 |publisher=Adams Media |location=USA |isbn=978-1-4405-2649-7|ref=Spear}} | |||
* {{cite report |url=http://tnuifsl.com/documents/ccpbp/Chidambaram.pdf |title=Conversion of City Corporate Plan into Business Plan |last=Urban Infrastructure report |publisher=Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Limited |year=2008 |access-date=2012-12-29 |ref=urban |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610202449/http://tnuifsl.com/documents/ccpbp/Chidambaram.pdf |archive-date=10 June 2015 |url-status=live }} | |||
{{refend}} | |||
==External links== | |||
{{1911}} | |||
{{Commons category}} | |||
{{TamilNadu-geo-stub}} | |||
{{Wikiquote}} | |||
* | |||
* {{cite EB1911|wstitle=Chidambaram|volume=6|page=132|short=1}} | |||
{{Cuddalore district}} | |||
==References and Related Links== | |||
{{Municipalities of Tamil Nadu}} | |||
* Cited and adapted from a public domain source, | |||
* http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/chidam.htm | |||
* cited from http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s122.html | |||
* http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/chidambaram.html | |||
* | |||
* | |||
] | |||
] | |||
{{ |
{{Authority control}} | ||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] |
Latest revision as of 05:29, 14 October 2024
Town in Tamil Nadu This article is about the city in Tamil Nadu, India. For other uses, see Chidambaram (disambiguation).Town in Tamil Nadu, India
Chidambaram | |
---|---|
Town | |
Nickname: Temple City | |
ChidambaramChidambaram, Tamil NaduShow map of Tamil NaduChidambaramChidambaram (India)Show map of India | |
Coordinates: 11°24′25″N 79°41′28″E / 11.407000°N 79.691200°E / 11.407000; 79.691200 | |
Country | India |
State | Tamil Nadu |
District | Cuddalore |
Region | Chola Nadu |
Government | |
• Type | Selective Grade Municipality |
• Body | Chidambaram Municipality |
Elevation | 31 m (102 ft) |
Population | |
• Total | 115,913 |
Demonym | Chidambaran |
Languages | |
• Official | Tamil |
Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
PIN | 608001 |
Telephone code | +91-4144 |
Vehicle registration | TN-91 |
Website | http://Cuddalore.tn.nic.in |
Chidambaram is a major town and municipality in Cuddalore district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, on the banks of the Vellar River where it meets the Bay of Bengal. It is the headquarters of the Chidambaram taluk. The town is believed to be of significant antiquity and has been ruled, at different times, by the Pallavas until ninth century, Medieval Cholas, Later Cholas, Later Pandyas, Vijayanagara Empire, Thanjavur Nayakas, Marathas and the British. The town is known for the Thillai Nataraja Temple and Thillai Kali Temple, and the annual chariot festival held in the months of December–January (In the Tamil month of Marghazhi known as "Margazhi Urchavam") and June to July (In the Tamil month of Aani known as "Aani Thirumanjanam"). One of the Divya Desams Divya Sri Govindaraja Perumal Temple (Thiruchitrakoodam) is a part of Thillai Nataraja Temple complex. Thiruvetkalam Shiva Temple, Vadakiruppu, Thirunelvayil Shiva Temple, Sivapuri and Tirukkazhippalai Palvannanathar Temple are the other three ancient Shiva temples in the region.
Chidambaram covers an area of 25.5 km (9.8 sq mi) and had a population of 1,15,913 as of 2011. It is administered by a Selective grade municipality. Tertiary sector involving tourism is the major occupation. Roadways are the major means of transportation with a total of 64.12 km (39.84 mi) of district roads including one national highway passing through the town. As of 2011, there were eleven government schools: six primary schools, three middle schools and two higher secondary schools in Chidambaram. Annamalai University, established in 1929 in Chidambaram, is one of the oldest and most prominent universities in the state.
Etymology and legend
Chidambaram is one of the many temple towns in the state which is named after the groves, clusters or forests dominated by a particular variety of a tree or shrub and the same variety of tree or shrub sheltering the presiding deity. The traditional name of the temple complex, Chidambaram Thillai Nataraja-koothan Kovil. The mangrove forests of Thillai trees (Excoecaria agallocha) were abundant in the town once. The temple and the town were once in the midst of Thillai trees. The Thillai trees of the nearby Pichavaram wetlands, the second largest mangrove forest in the world, extends to the temple area. The shrine is venerated as Thillai ambalam literally meaning the open stage of Thillai. The name of the town of this shrine, chit ambara means 'ether of consciousness' or 'atmosphere of wisdom' in the Sanskrit Language. This composite word comes from its association with Nataraja (Shiva), the cosmic dancer and the cultural atmosphere for arts.
According to Hindu legend, in the Thillai forests resided a group of sages who believed in the supremacy of magic — that the gods could be controlled by rituals and mantras. Shiva, hearing this, assumed the form of Bhikshatana, a simple mendicant seeking alms, and went walking in Thillai. He was followed by his consort, Vishnu as Mohini. The sages and their wives were enchanted by the beauty of the pair. On seeing their womenfolk enchanted, the angry sages performed a ritual to create serpents (nāga). Shiva lifted the serpents and donned them as ornaments on his matted locks, neck and waist. Further enraged, the sages invoked a fierce tiger, whose skin was used by Shiva as a shawl around his waist. Then followed a fierce elephant, which was ripped to death and devoured by Shiva (an episode depicted in the Gajasurasamhara). The sages gathered all their spiritual strength and invoked the powerful demon Muyalakan — a symbol of complete arrogance and ignorance. Shiva smiled gently, stepped on the demon's back to immobilise him, and performed the Ánanda Thandavam (the dance of eternal bliss), thus disclosing his true form. The sages surrendered, realizing that rituals cannot control the gods.
History
There is reference to the temple or the town in Sangam literature of the first to fifth centuries and the earliest mention is found in Tamil literature. The temple and the deity were immortalized in Tamil poetry in the works of Thevaram by three poet-saints belonging to the seventh century - Thirugnana Sambanthar, Thirunavukkarasar and Sundaramoorthy Nayanar. Thirugnana Sambanthar has composed two songs in praise of the temple, Thirunavukkarasar aka Appar eight songs in praise of Nataraja and Sundarar one song in praise of Nataraja. Sundarar commences his Thiruthondar Thogai (the sacred list of Lord Shiva's 63 devotees) paying his respects to the priests of the Thillai temple - "To the devotees of the priests at Thillai, I am a devotee". The works of the first three saints, the Thirumurai were stored in palm leaf manuscripts in the temple and were recovered by the Chola King Rajaraja Chola under the guidance of Nambiandarnambi. Manikkavasagar, the tenth century saivite poet has written two works, the first called Thiruvasakam (The sacred utterances) which largely has been sung in Chidambaram and the Thiruchitrambalakkovaiyar (aka Thirukovaiyar), which has been sung entirely in the temple. Manikkavasagar is said to have attained spiritual bliss at Chidambaram. The Chidambaram Mahatmiyam composed during the 12th century provides the subsequent evolution and Sanskritization of cults.
There are several inscriptions available in the temple and referring to the Chidambaram temple in neighbouring areas. Most inscriptions available pertain to the periods of Cholas - Rajaraja Chola I (985-1014 CE), Rajendra Chola I (1012-1044 CE), Kulothunga Chola I (1070-1120 CE), Vikrama Chola (1118-1135 CE), Rajadhiraja Chola II (1163 -1178 CE), Kulothunga Chola III (1178-1218 CE) and Rajaraja Chola III (1216-1256 CE). Pandya inscriptions date from Thribhuvana Chakravarthi Veerapandiyan, Jataavarman Thribhuvana Chakravarthi Sundarapaandiyan (1251-1268 CE) and Maaravarman Thribhuvana Chakravarthi Veerakeralanaagiya Kulashekara Pandiyan (1268-1308 CE). Pallava inscriptions are available for king Avani Aala Pirandhaan Ko-perum-Singha (1216-1242 CE). Vijayanagara Kings mentioned in inscriptions are Veeraprathapa Kiruttina Theva Mahaaraayar (1509-1529 CE), Veeraprathaapa Venkata Deva Mahaaraayar, Sri Ranga Theva Mahaaraayar, Atchyutha Deva Mahaaraayar (1529-1542 CE) and Veera Bhooopathiraayar. One of the inscriptions from the descendant of Cheramaan Perumal Nayanar, Ramavarma Maharaja has been found.
In the north of India, the Indian subcontinent was conquered by the Delhi Sultanate. Muslim armies began raiding central India for plunder by the late 13th century. After subduing and extracting huge wealth along with promised annual tributes from the Marathas Yadavas of Devagiri in 1308, the Telugu Kakatiyas of Warangal in 1310 and the Kannada Hoysalas of Dwarasamudra in 1311, Sultan Ala ud Din Khalji's infamous eunuch Muslim general, Malik Kafur, and his Delhi Sultanate forces in 1311 went deeper into the Deccan peninsula for loot and to establish annual tributes to be paid by the Hindu kings. The records left by the court historians of the Delhi Sultanate state that Malik Kafur raided Chidambaram, Madurai, Srirangam, Vriddhachalam, Rameswaram and other sacred temple towns, destroyed the temples which were sources of gold and jewels. He brought back enormous loot from Dwarasamudra and the Pandya kingdom to Delhi in 1311.
Geography and climate
Chidambaram is located at 11°23′N 79°41′E / 11.39°N 79.69°E / 11.39; 79.69. The town is located in Cuddalore district of the South Indian state, Tamil Nadu, 215 km (134 mi) from Chennai. Chidambaram is located close to the shores of Bay of Bengal. The topography is almost plain with forests around the town, with no major geological formation. There are no notable mineral resources available in and around the town. The soil types are alluvial and red that are conducive for crops like paddy, pulses and chili peppers. The temperature ranges from a maximum of 32.7 °C (90.9 °F) to a minimum of 24 °C (75 °F). Like the rest of the state, April to June are the hottest months and December to January are the coldest. Chidambaram receives an average of 10 mm (0.39 in) annually, which is lesser than the state average of 1,008 mm (39.7 in). The South west monsoon, with an onset in June and lasting up to August, brings scanty rainfall. Bulk of the rainfall is received during the North East monsoon in the months of October, November and December. The average number of rainy days ranges from 35 to 40 every year.
Climate data for Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 28.4 (83.1) |
29.8 (85.6) |
32.0 (89.6) |
33.9 (93.0) |
36.4 (97.5) |
37.0 (98.6) |
35.6 (96.1) |
34.8 (94.6) |
34.2 (93.6) |
31.8 (89.2) |
29.4 (84.9) |
28.0 (82.4) |
32.6 (90.7) |
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 21.1 (70.0) |
21.7 (71.1) |
23.4 (74.1) |
25.8 (78.4) |
27.0 (80.6) |
26.8 (80.2) |
26.2 (79.2) |
25.4 (77.7) |
25.2 (77.4) |
24.3 (75.7) |
23.0 (73.4) |
21.7 (71.1) |
24.3 (75.7) |
Average precipitation mm (inches) | 34 (1.3) |
12 (0.5) |
15 (0.6) |
23 (0.9) |
47 (1.9) |
37 (1.5) |
68 (2.7) |
133 (5.2) |
113 (4.4) |
230 (9.1) |
337 (13.3) |
199 (7.8) |
1,248 (49.2) |
Source: Climate-Data.org |
Demographics
Religious census | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Religion | Percent(%) | |||
Hindu | 89.73% | |||
Muslim | 8.22% | |||
Christian | 1.18% | |||
Sikh | 0.02% | |||
Buddhist | 0.01% | |||
Jain | 0.43% | |||
Other | 0.39% | |||
No religion | 0.02% |
According to 2011 census, Chidambaram had a population of 62,153 with a sex-ratio of 1,032 females for every 1,000 males, much above the national average of 929. A total of 5,869 were under the age of six, constituting 2,990 males and 2,879 females. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes accounted for 6.81% and .09% of the population respectively. The average literacy of the city was 83.24%, compared to the national average of 72.99%. The city had a total of 15,166 households. There were a total of 22,194 workers, comprising 241 cultivators, 180 main agricultural labourers, 489 in household industries, 16,110 other workers, 5,174 marginal workers, 83 marginal cultivators, 213 marginal agricultural labourers, 401 marginal workers in household industries and 4,477 other marginal workers.
As of 2001, the town covered an area of 480 hectares (4.8 km). Out of the total area, 88 per cent of the land constituting 432 hectares (4.32 km) is marked developed and the remaining area is used for agriculture and remains under water. Residential areas make up 55 per cent (265.75 hectares (2.6575 km)) of the town's total area while commercial enterprises and industrial units make up 5 per cent (23.62 hectares (0.2362 km)) and 1 per cent (3.63 hectares (0.0363 km)) respectively. As of 2008, there 31 notified slums having 3,954 houses in Chidambaram and a total of 17,102 people constituting 30 per cent of the total population lived in them. The municipality maintains the water supply and garbage collection of all these slums. As of 2001, nearly 5,000 people constituting 10 per cent of the population were below the poverty line. As per the religious census of 2011, Chidambaram had 89.73% Hindus, 8.22% Muslims, 1.18% Christians, 0.02% Sikhs, 0.01% Buddhists, 0.43% Jains, 0.39% following other religions and 0.02% following no religion or did not indicate any religious preference.
Chidambaram temple
Main article: Nataraja Temple, ChidambaramThe temple complex is spread over an area of 40 acres (160,000 m) in the heart of the city. The main complex is dedicated to Shiva Nataraja and the complex contains shrines to deities such as Shivakami Amman, Ganesh, Murugan and Vishnu in the form Govindaraja Perumal. The temple's earliest structures were designed and erected by ancient craftsmen called Perunthakkan. The golden tiled roof for the Chitrambalam (the vimanam) was laid by the Chola King Parantaka I (907-950 CE) following which he was given the title "Thillaiyambalathhukku porkoorai veiyntha thevan", meaning the one who constructed the golden roof. Kings Rajaraja Chola I (reign 985-1014 CE) and Kulothunga Chola I (1070-1120 CE) made significant donations to the temple. Gold and riches to the temple were donated by Rajaraja Chola's daughter Kundavai II while Chola king Vikrama Chola (1118-1135 CE) made donations for the conduct of the daily rituals. Donations of gold and jewels have been made by various kings, rulers and patrons to the temple from 9th to 16th century —including the Maharaja of Pudukottai, Sethupathy (the emerald jewel still adorns the deity). Naralokaviran, the General of the king Kulothunga Chola I was responsible for building a shrine for child saint Thirugnana Sambanthar and installed a metal image inside it. He constructed a hall for the recitation of Thevaram hymns and engraved the hymns in copper plates.
Economy
Tourism forms the economic base of Chidambaram. There are household industries like weaving is present within town limits, otherwise, there are no major industries in the town. As of 2001, the worker population constituted 18,249 people amounting to 31.6 per cent of the total population. Out of the total workforce, 16,059 constituting 88 per cent people were employed in the tertiary sector, 1,277 people constituting 7 per cent were involved in the secondary sector and 912 people constituting 5 per cent were involved in primary sector activities. The primary sector consists of local and regional marketing, with paddy being the primary traded product, followed by cereals, black gram, pulses, sugarcane and gingelly. The secondary sector activities consist of household activities and cane furniture manufacturing. The tertiary sector activities are the tourism-related activities centred on the Thillai Natarajar temple. The town has a floating population of around 100,000 every year being mainly religious tourists. Annamalai University, located in the outskirts of the town is also another major industrial driver. The town is a centre for trading for the surrounding villages, housing provisional stores, food grain stores, vegetable shops, hotels, markets and fertilizer shops.
Education and utility services
As of 2011, there were eleven government schools: six primary schools, three middle schools and two higher secondary schools in Chidambram. There were nine other private schools within the town. Chidambaram is home to the Annamalai University. Annamalai University is a public university located in Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India. Rajah Muthiah Medical College, Rajah Muthiah Dental College, Muthiah Polytechnic College, Government Arts College, Ragavendra Arts and science college, C.S. Jain College of Pharmacy and Perunthalaivar Kamaraj Institute of Maritime and Science Engineering College(pkimsec) are some of the prominent colleges in the town.
Electricity supply to Chidambaram is regulated and distributed by the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB). The town along with its suburbs forms the Cuddalore Electricity Distribution Circle. A Chief Distribution engineer is stationed at the regional headquarters. Water supply is provided by the Chidambaram Municipality from the two mini power pumps, borewells and Deep borwell located in various parts of the town. In the period 2000–2001, a total of 7.5 million litres of water was supplied every day for households in the town.
As per the municipal data for 2011, about 31 metric tonnes of solid waste were collected from Chidambaram every day by door-to-door collection and subsequently the source segregation and dumping was carried out by the sanitary department of the Chidambaram municipality. The coverage of solid waste management in the town by the municipality had an efficiency of 100% as of 2001. There is no underground drainage system in the town and the sewerage system for disposal of sullage is through septic tanks, open drains and public conveniences. The municipality maintained a total of 23.372 km (14.523 mi) of storm water drains in 2011. As of 2011, there was one government hospital namely Kamaraj Government Hospital, one municipal maternity home and 17 private hospitals and clinics that take care of the health care needs of the citizens. As of 2011, the municipality maintained a total of 1,856 street lamps: 339 sodium lamps, 1,500 tube lights and 17 high mast beam lamps. The municipality operates four markets, namely the Daily Market West Car street, Gnanaprakasam market, North Main road fish market and Omakulam fish market that cater to the needs of the town and the rural areas around it.
Culture
The festivals in Chidambaram are centred on the festivals of the temple. The Marghazhi Thiruvaadhirai festival celebrated in December–January indicates the first puja, the fourteenth day after the new moon (Chaturdashi) of the month of Masi (February–March) indicates the second pooja, the Chittirai Thiruvonam (in April–May), indicates the third pooja or uchikalam, the Uthiram of Aani (June–July) also called the Aani Thirumanjanam indicates the evening or the fourth puja, the chaturdasi of Aavani (August–September) indicates the fifth puja and the chaturdasi of the month of Puratasi (October–November) indicates the sixth pooja or Arthajama. Of these, the Marghazhi Thiruvaadhirai (in December–January) and the Aani Thirumanjanam (in June–July) are the most important festivals. During these festivals, the festive deity is brought outside the sanctum sanctorum in a procession that includes a temple car procession followed by a long anointing ceremony. Several hundreds of thousands of people flock the temple to see the anointing ceremony and the ritualistic dance of Shiva when he is taken back to the sanctum sanctorum. Shiva, in his incarnation of Nataraja, is believed to have born on full moon day in the constellation of Ardra, the sixth lunar mansion. Lord Shiva is bathed only 6 times a year, and on the previous night of Ardra, the bath rituals are performed on a grand scale. Pots full of milk, pomegranate juices, coconut water, ghee, oil, sandal paste, curds, holy ashes, and other liquids and solids, considered as a sacred offering to the deity are used for the sacred ablution.
Natyanjali is a prominent festival celebrated during February every year when bharatanatyam dancers from all over the country converge to present dance offering to Nataraja.
Notable people
- Appayya Dikshitar (1520-1593), Hindu Priest
- Venki Ramakrishnan (b. 1952), structural biologist and Nobel Prize winner, born in Chidambaram.
Municipal administration and politics
Chidambaram is administered by a selective-grade municipality formed as third-grade municipality in 1873, upgraded to a second-grade in 1949, first-grade in 1974 and a selection-grade in 1998. The municipality covers an area of 11.16 km (4.31 sq mi) and also the taluk headquarters. The Chidambaram municipality has 33 wards and there is an elected councillor for each of those wards. The functions of the municipality are devolved into six departments: general administration/personnel, Engineering, Revenue, Public Health, city planning and Information Technology (IT). All these departments are under the control of a Municipal Commissioner who is the executive head. The legislative powers are vested in a body of 33 members, one each from the 33 wards. The legislative body is headed by an elected chairperson assisted by a deputy chairperson.
Chidambaram comes under the Chidambaram assembly constituency and it elects a member to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly once every five years. From the 1977 elections, All India Anna Dravid Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) won the assembly seat four times (in 1980, 1984, 2006 and 2016 elections), three times by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK, 1977, 1989 and 2001 elections) and once each by Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M), 2011 election), Indian National Congress (INC, 1991 elections) and Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC, 1996). The current MLA of the constituency is K. A. Pandiyan (AIADMK).
Law and order in the town is maintained by the Chidambaram sub division of the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu Police headed by a Deputy Superintendent. There is one police station in the town located in West Car street.
Transport
The Chidambaram municipality maintains 64.12 km (39.84 mi) of road. The town has 8.44 km (5.24 mi) concrete roads and 48.69 km (30.25 mi) bituminous road. A total of 5 km (3.1 mi) of state highways is maintained by the State Highways Department and 6 km (3.7 mi) by the National Highways Department. It is located at a distance of 223 km (139 mi) from Chennai, 335 km (208 mi) from Madurai, 375 km (233 mi) from Rameswaram, 340 km (210 mi) from Bengaluru. The national highway NH- 32 (the Chennai- Villupuram-Puducherry-Cuddalore-Chidambaram-Nagapattinam- Thoothukudi Highway) passes through Chidambaram and NH81 connects Chidambaram with Coimbatore through Kattumannarkoil, Tiruchirapalli and Karur. The Cuddalore road, Pitchavaram Road, Sirkazhi Road, Kattumanarkoil road and Old Bhuvanagiri road are the five main district roads connecting Chidambaram to other cities of Tamil Nadu.
Minibus service operated by private companies cater to the local transport needs. The main bus stand is located in the heart of the town and has 46 bus bays. The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation operates daily services connecting various cities such as Bengaluru, Madurai, Palani, Salem, Tindivanam, Kallakkurichi, Tiruvannamalai, Velankanni, Rameswaram, Tiruppur, Trichy, Perambalur, Karaikudi, Sivagangai, Paramakudi, Sayalkudi, Mudukulathoor, Panruti, Vriddhachalam, Erode, Mettur, Chennai, Puducherry, Viluppuram, Tirupathur and Neyveli with Chidambaram. The State Express Transport Corporation operates long-distance buses connecting the town to important cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Salem, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Nagercoil. Three wheelers, called autos, are also a common public transport system.
Chidambaram railway station is located in the rail line from Mayiladuthurai to Viluppuram. There are daily express trains to Chennai, Rameswaram, Tirupathi, Cuddalore and Manamadurai. There are passenger trains to Mayiladuthurai, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Nagore and Bengaluru.
Pondicherry Airport(PNY) is the nearest airport located around 66 kilometres north of Chidambaram.
See also
- Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram
- Divya Sri Govindaraja Perumal Temple (Thiruchitrakoodam)
- Thillai Kali Temple, Chidambaram
- Thiruvetkalam Shiva Temple, Vadakiruppu
- Thirunelvayil Shiva Temple, Sivapuri
- Tirukkazhippalai Palvannanathar Temple
- Annamalai University
- Pichavaram
- Chidambaranatha Soorappa Chozhanar
- Port Novo
- Veeramudayanatham
Notes
Footnotes
- The municipalities in Tamil Nadu are graded special, selection, grade I and grade II based on income and population.
Citations
- "Tamil Nadu (India): Districts, Cities, Towns and Outgrowth Wards - Population Statistics in Maps and Charts". Archived from the original on 8 March 2016. Retrieved 3 March 2016.
- Reddy, 2013, p. 10
- Rao, T. A. Gopinatha; Dasgupta, Kalyan Kumar (1971). Elements of Hindu iconography, Volume 1, Part 1. p. 43.
- https://www.ancestry.com/name-origin?surname=chidambaram#:~:text=Chidambaram%20Family%20History-,Chidambaram%20Name%20Meaning,as%20lord%20of%20the%20dance
- https://www.ancestry.com/name-origin?surname=chidambaram#:~:text=Chidambaram%20Family%20History-,Chidambaram%20Name%20Meaning,as%20lord%20of%20the%20dance.
- Anand 2004, p. 149
- ^ Kulke 2004, p. 145
- Jones 2007, p. 107
- ^ Soundara Rajan 2001, pp. 263-264
- ^ Sastri 2003, pp. 2-9
- Michell 1995, pp. 9-10, Quote: "The era under consideration opens with an unprecedented calamity for Southern India: the invasion of the region at the turn of the fourteenth century by Malik Kafur, general of Alauddin, Sultan of Delhi. Malik Kafur's forces brought to an abrupt end all of the indigenous ruling houses of Southern India, not one of which was able to withstand the assault or outlive the conquest. Virtually every city of importance in the Kannada, Telugu and Tamil lands succumbed to the raids of Malik Kafur and later Muslim invasions; forts were destroyed, palaces dismantled and temple sanctuaries wrecked in the search for treasure. In order to consolidate the rapidly won gains of this pillage, the Delhi Sultanate established the province of Ma'bar in 1323 with the capital at Madurai (Madura) in the southernmost part of the Tamil zone, former capital of the Pandyas who were dislodged by the Delhi forces. Madurai thereupon became the capital of the Ma'bar (Malabar) province of the Delhi empire."
- J. Gordon Melton (2014). Faiths Across Time: 5,000 Years of Religious History [4 Volumes]: 5,000 Years of Religious History. ABC-CLIO. p. 884. ISBN 978-1-61069-026-3.
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- Abraham Eraly (2015). The Age of Wrath: A History of the Delhi Sultanate. Penguin Books. pp. 155–156. ISBN 978-93-5118-658-8.
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- Urban Infrastructure Report 2008, p. 5
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- ^ "Census Info 2011 Final population totals". Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 2013. Archived from the original on 13 November 2013. Retrieved 26 January 2014.
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- Urban Infrastructure Report 2008, p. 12
- Urban Infrastructure Report 2008, p. 26
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- "Population By Religious Community - Tamil Nadu" (XLS). Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 2011. Archived from the original on 13 September 2015. Retrieved 13 September 2015.
- Dehejia 1990, p. 101
- Urban Infrastructure Report 2008, pp. 10-12
- "Educational Institutions". Chidambaram municipality. 2011. Archived from the original on 7 September 2013. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
- "Important Address" (PDF). Indian Wind Power Association. 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 October 2012. Retrieved 2012-12-29.
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- ^ Urban Infrastructure Report 2008, p. 24
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- ^ Let's Go, Inc 2004, p. 597
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- "Economic and political weekly, Volume 30". Sameeksha Trust. 1995: 2396. Archived from the original on 25 January 2013. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
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: Cite journal requires|journal=
(help) - "List of Assembly Constituencies". Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu state government. 2010. Archived from the original on 14 June 2012. Retrieved 2012-12-28.
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- "Karur subdivision police". Tamil Nadu Police. Archived from the original on 11 October 2011. Retrieved 2013-08-08.
- ^ Urban Infrastructure Report 2008, p. 23
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References
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ananda tandava.
- Bajwa, Jagir Singh; Ravinder Kaur (2007). Tourism Management. New Delhi: S.B. Nangia. ISBN 978-81-313-0047-3.
- Dehejia, Vidya (1990). Art of the imperial Cholas. USA: Columbia University Press. ISBN 0-231-07188-4.
- Kamalabaskaran, Iswari (1994). The light of Arunachaleswarar. Affiliated East-West Press Pvt. Ltd.
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External links
- "Enchanting Tamil Nadu" see Places --> Chidambaram
- "Chidambaram" . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 6 (11th ed.). 1911. p. 132.
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