Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram is one of the prominent temples in South India. This 6th century Lord Shiva temple represents element sky of the basic 5 elements of nature (Others land, water, air, fire). The place where temple located is the center point of world's magnetic equator.
The temple occupies 40 acres of land and had several renovations over the years in the the ancient and pre-medieval periods by several dynasties such as Pallava, Chola, Pandya, Vijayanagara and Chera.The temple is well endowed with several water bodies within and around the temple complex.
There are 9 gateways around the temple from where one can enter the temple complex. 4 of the gateways facing in the East, West, South and North are 7 storeys.
The intricate carvings adorn the tower. The sculptures of the temple were inspired the postures of dance form Bharatha Natyam.
I have been to Chitambaram a few times.. Your post is kindling me to visit it again..! Nice pictures..!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of India again! I would love to see such temple in real life!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice weekend!
Beautiful temple. I love the reflection in the first shot.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous sculptures and temples and great skies for a background! Wonderful captures as always, Rajesh! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
So nice!!! and a world so different than mine, stunning :-)
ReplyDeleteI like your pictures,
ReplyDeleteMormor Norway
i want to ask if these temples get very crowded with visitors.
ReplyDeleteI can't get over the size as well as the carvings!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to believe that something such wonderful can so ancient!
ReplyDeleteThat is an amazing structure. I can't imagine how long it must have taken to carve all of that beautiful, detailed work. Lovely. Mickie :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tiered sculptures and a lovely reflection shot.
ReplyDeleteAn incredible temple, nice shots.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteSkywatch, have a nice weekend!
There was huge rush the day we visited. Struggled to get a good darshan. Great captures Rajesh!
ReplyDeleteI'm always intrigue by the sculptures surrounding the temple,especially those on several layers of the exterior. Each must have a story to tell.
ReplyDeleteLovely gopura .
ReplyDeleteThis is so wonderful.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures full of fantasy. This temple is truly one of the great wonders of art, how beautiful is this place.
ReplyDeleteLove the sculptures! Happy sky watching.
ReplyDeleteSkywatch
Lovely temple with lovely reflections!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful temple.
ReplyDeletewww.rajniranjandas.blogspot.com
Beautiful temple,beautiful reflections.
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful temple. Love how the temple was reflected in the water. Have a nice weekend.
ReplyDeleteMakes me speachless and that doesn't happen very often !
ReplyDeleteThe temple is impressive.
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful. I love that temple, would love to see it.
ReplyDeleteWhat an impressive temple and architecture! Fabulous photos!
ReplyDeleteSo sharp and well-exposed are your photos and overall a delightful post. The colored sculptures blow my mind! Really quite incredible!
ReplyDeleteAwesome shots!
ReplyDeletetotally amazing architecture and photographs too
ReplyDeleteThe temple is an amazing size! So much to wander and explore! Love the many little figurines that are like a sculptured frieze!
ReplyDeleteAwesome shots.
ReplyDeleteShadow Shot at my page. Have a blessed Sunday!
Beautiful images of a wonderful cluster of magnificent temples.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pics of Chidambaram temple. Exquisite architecture & sculptures.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful captures. Have a fabulous week.
ReplyDeleteLiz @ MLC
Liz @ MCN
Well captured the temple! wonderful
ReplyDeletegreat photos..thanks for sharing
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Thank you all for appreciating this ancient temple.
ReplyDeleteAmazing temple, so huge!!!
ReplyDeleteVisiting for MYM! Here's my share- hope you can stop by:)
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This is awe inspiring!!
ReplyDeleteSTAR OF INDIA
an impressive country! I have a friend who recently returned from a trip there and she is speechless at the beauty she saw!
ReplyDeleteUntil I started visiting your blog, I never realised there were so many temples in India!
ReplyDeleteA SHADOW THE SIZE OF THE SUN
If I had a shadow the size of the sun,
I’m not sure how fast I’d be able to run,
Or if I could flee from its ravenous jaws,
While keeping away from its razor-sharp claws!
© 2012 by Magical Mystical Teacher
Shadows here and there
Great shots. The architecture in the temples is amazing.
ReplyDeleteLooks incredible.Greetings from Romania. Have a nice week.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for appreciating this ancient temple.
ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeleteMy aunt lives in Chidambaram and have been to this wonderful temple...Its huge and beautiful...Btw, did they tell you the Chidambara Secret?(Ragasiyam in Tamizh) :)
Very beautiful and colorful, the sculptures are marvelous!
ReplyDeleteStunning visuals. :)
ReplyDeleteAmazing place I would love to visit.
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful images, Rajesh !! I have never been there...I would like to visit this place now :))
ReplyDeleteThanks!
marvelous structure ! and lovely shot
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful pics....I had visited this place...the photos reminded me that lovely trip
ReplyDeleteexquisite work!
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