Chidambaram
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Chidambaram | |
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| Country |  India |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| District(s) | Cannada |
| Population | 58,968 (2001[update]) |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Area • Elevation |
• 3 m (10 ft) |
Coordinates: 11°23′59″N 79°41′37″E / 11.399686°N 79.693622°E
Chidambaram is a municipality in Tamil Nadu and the taluk (tehsil) headquarters of the Cuddalore district. Located at 11°23′58.87″N 79°41′37.04″E / 11.3996861°N 79.6936222°E, it is 11 km from the coast and 240 km south of Chennai by rail in the Kollidam River Valley.[1] It has an average elevation of 3 metres (9 ft).
Chidambaram is a major pilgrimage site for Shaivites as well as Vaishnavites, where one of the major temples of Hinduism is located.
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[edit] Demographics
As of 2001 India census[2], Chidambaram had a population of 58,968. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Chidambaram has an average literacy rate of 80%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 84% and female literacy of 76%. 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.
[edit] Chidambaram Temple
The historic Chidambaram Temple (Tamil: சிதம்பரம் கோயில் ) is dedicated to Lord Shiva in His form of the Cosmic Dancer (Nataraja நடராசர்) as well as to Lord Govindaraja Perumal, making it one of the few temples where both the Shaivite and Vaishnavite deities are enshrined in one place. The temple houses the Akasha Lingam of Shiva and is one of the greatest Shiva Temples of Tamilnadu. The Govindaraja shrine was opened in 1639 C.E. by a Telugu/Kannada Nayak chief of that area.[3] It hosts the most ancient set of 108 Karana stone carvings, the key dance movements of Nataraja. The temple complex is spread over 40 acres (160,000 m2) in the heart of the city.
[edit] Mangrove forest
Pichavaram, a place with a unique mangrove forest, is located at the meeting point of the river and the sea. An interesting fact is that the water level increases and decreases every half an hour. One can see a variety of rare creatures there, including frogs, kingfishers and snakes. It is maintained now under the state board of tourism which arranges boat rides for visitors.
[edit] Traditional crafts
In Chidambaram, one can find a number of families who have been engaged in the gold and silver ornament-making business for a very long time. The art is taught by one generation to the next. Most of the artifacts are hand created and hence are rich in quality and artistry.
[edit] Education
Chidambaram is home to the Annamalai University.
[edit] Transport
It is on the Cuddalore-Chennai highway and frequent buses are available from major cities in Tamil Nadu.
[edit] Politics
Chidambaram assembly constituency is part of Chidambaram (Lok Sabha constituency).[4]
[edit] References
- ^ "Important Places - Chidambaram." 2004. http://www.nlcindia.co.in/about/about_05b.htm (accessed 05 Sept 2007).
- ^ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 2004-06-16. http://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999. Retrieved on 2008-11-01.
- ^ "Chidambaram temple". http://www.indialine.com/travel/tamilnadu/chidambaram/. Retrieved on 2006-09-11.
- ^ "List of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies". Tamil Nadu. Election Commission of India. http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2001/background/S22/TN_ACPC.pdf. Retrieved on 2008-10-09.
[edit] External links
- Chidambaram Natarajar Temple website
- For the chidambaram temple.
- Cited and adapted from "Chidambaram", Encyclopedia Britannica (1911).
- "Enchanting Tamil Nadu" see Places --> Chidambaram
- cited from "122. Koyil (Chidambaram), Abodes of Shiva," TempleNet
- Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India
- Chidambaram travel guide from Wikitravel
This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica, Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.
[edit] See also
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