Monday, October 17, 2011

Chidambaram, City of the Cosmic Dancer

From Mahabalipuram in the afternoon we left for Chidambaram which is at a distance of 145 kms, via Pondicherry. Unfortunately it was past 6 p.m when we reached Pondicherry. Hence could not see much of this place other than a few. From here we moved to Cudlore where we had our rooms booked for overnight stay.
Early morning we left for our destination. Chidambaram, known as the 'City of the Cosmic Dancer' as the ancient Nataraja Temple of the dancing Shiva is located here.

Chidambaram is a center second to none in representing the rich cultural heritage of India. The artifacts hand created from here are rich in quality and artistry. Above is one of the four entrance towers of the temple.

45 comments:

Al said...

The details in that second shot are amazing. Hopefully we'll see more from this place!

Aakash Kokz said...

Amazing mighty temples, beautiful pics ..

Unknown said...

i ve been to chidambaram once but ghosh i missed ths place...intricate works done neatly...

Eden said...

Impressive temple. Great shots.

eileeninmd said...

Wonderful photo and mosaic, Rajesh! The detail on the temple is just amazing. Great post, have a great week!

joshi daniel said...

some excellent art work!

joo said...

Fascinating place!

Daliana Pacuraru said...

Interesting trip and culture!
My best rehgards from Romania!

A Bit of the Blarney said...

Amazing! Very lovely! Well done! Cathy

Donna@anangloinquébec said...

I love your photos so much as I feel like I am on a trip to India!

Deepa Gopal said...

Finally I can say I have visited the place...Loved Chidambaram. Very rich! I light the carved lamp bought from Chidambaram, 11yrs back,before my dieties:)

Jeevan said...

Excellent capture on the temple tower and interiors! I visited this temple very long back to remember anything.

Unknown said...

I just can't believe the detail!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Sylvia K said...

You do indeed have a beautiful world, Rajesh! What an incredible place Chidambaram is!! Marvelous captures as always! Hope you have a great week!

Sylvia

Kay L. Davies said...

You live in such an interesting world, Rajesh. You always have something different to photograph.

Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie’s Guide to Adventurous Travel

SandyCarlson said...

These are really gorgeous.

Anonymous said...

Wow - that soaring temple is amazing!

Rakesh Vanamali said...

Rich in culture!

Kavita Saharia said...

Love the name 'city of the cosmic dancer'.

Aarti said...

Have been to Chidambaram earlier, but went to the Nataraja temple 1st time on my Bday this year :) Wish i had more time to explore the vast campus, but was a good beautiful experience being there... hearing about the chidamabara ragasiyam etc..

Leovi said...

Wonderful photos, I love those wonderful temples of Chidambaram. Greetings.

LifeRamblings said...

looks like a wonderful temple full of history.

NatureFootstep said...

there is always s much going on in those buildings it is mostly too overwhelming. You need a lot of time to actually see them.

Lowell said...

Another fascinating post. I like the term, "Cosmic Dancer." The buildings and carvings are gorgeous, as usual!

Zuzana said...

Love that last picture with a passage underneath the building how interesting.;))
xoxo

anthonynorth said...

Absolutely beautiful.

Roger Owen Green said...

gorgeous temple
ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Nanka said...

Amazing and super interesting!!

Reader Wil said...

You have written a great post about the Indian art of religious buildings. Thank you!

Maude Lynn said...

Wow! That is spectacular!

George said...

The temple is spectacular.

Barbara Rosenzweig said...

Wonderful post featuring a fabulous temple!

Eden said...

Stunning work of art.Beautiful photos.

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

In Singapore, and Malaya, they have similar temples like your last photo.

magiceye said...

wonderful work!!

Kim, USA said...

Wow awesome!

Watery Wednesday

Chronicles of Illusions said...

your world is fascinating

Rajesh said...

Thank you all for appreciating this wonderful city.

Magia da Inês said...

°º✿
º° ✿✿♥ ° ·.
O que mais me encanta é a majestade e a imponência da arquitetura desses templos.
Boa quinta-feira!
Beijos.
Brasil.°º✿
º° ✿✿♥ ° ·.

Cottage and Broome said...

Beautiful pictures! Laura Cottage and Broome

Lakshmi said...

great details..love the pictures

sappy said...

Really,your post brings out all the fragrant auspiciousness of "The Cosmic Dancer".A very nice post with a good flow.

Arti said...

Exquisite architectural detailing. Beautiful collage..

Deepa Gopal said...

I think I have commented before... but surely this place is beautiful :)

Rajesh said...

Thank you all for the appreciaation.