Prachin Shiv Mandir Chidambaram – Guide
Natraj Temple Chidambaram or Prachin Shiv Mandir Chidambaram is present at a distance of 251 km from Chennai city of Tamil Nadu. It is a pilgrimage site and a very beautiful tourist place. The temple dedicated to Lord Nataraja or Shiva and Lord Perumal was built in the 11th century.
Prachin Shiv Mandir Chidambaram is spread over about 40 acres and is seen telling the Dravidian culture. Nataraja temple is called the most popular and famous Shiva temple in South India. The temple was built by Vikram Chola. And on the other hand, the Pallava king Simhavaram got the temple renovated.
History of this Temple
There is no specific date available for the construction of a Nataraja Prachin Shiv Mandir Chidambaram from the very ancient temples of India. But it can be said by looking at the structure of the temple. It was built by King Vikram Chola of Chola rule in the fifth century. He is mentioned in Chidambaram’s dance deity Sambhar and mentioned in Apar in 7th or 6th century which is written in texts. After that, his successor kings made changes and improvements in the 12th and 13th centuries. In that reform, the kings of Chera dynasty, Pallava, Vijayanagara, Pandya and Chola dynasty are mentioned.
Prachin Shiv Mandir Chidambaram Timings
Prachin Shiv Mandir Chidambaram opens at 5:00 am and closes at 12:00 noon. Again in the evening this temple opens at 4:00 pm and closes at 10:00 pm. 6 pujas are performed daily in the temple.
Saturday | 05:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 04:00 PM to 10:00 PM Aarti: 06:00 AM & 08:00 PM |
Sunday | 05:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 04:00 PM to 10:00 PM Aarti: 06:00 AM & 08:00 PM |
Monday | 05:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 04:00 PM to 10:00 PM Aarti: 06:00 AM & 08:00 PM |
Tuesday | 05:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 04:00 PM to 10:00 PM Aarti: 06:00 AM & 08:00 PM |
Wednesday | 05:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 04:00 PM to 10:00 PM Aarti: 06:00 AM & 08:00 PM |
Thursday | 05:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 04:00 PM to 10:00 PM Aarti: 06:00 AM & 08:00 PM |
Friday | 05:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 04:00 PM to 10:00 PM Aarti: 06:00 AM & 08:00 PM |
Places to visit near this Temple
Thillai Kali Amman Temple
Adjacent to the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple is the famous Thillai Kali Amman Temple. Maa Kali is actually present in this temple. It is said that Goddess Kali sat at that place after defeating Lord Shiva in the dance. The temple is to the north of Chidambaram Nataraja. There are also inscriptions in the Kali Temple.
Pichavaram Mangrove Forest
If you visit Chidambaram and if you don’t see the Pichwaram mangrove forest, you don’t see anything of your own. The most popular tourist destination of South India, the mangrove forest is spread over an area of 1,100 hectares. The sandy shores of the forest look very beautiful.
Also Read: Mehandipur Balaji Mandir Dausa, Timings, History, Travel Guide and How to reach
How to reach Prachin Shiv Mandir Chennai
By Air- The nearest airport from Prachin Shiv Mandir Chidambaram is Pondicherry airport which is at a distance of 66 km from this temple. From here you can easily reach this temple by using local transport services or taxi.
By Train- The nearest railway station from Prachin Shiv Mandir Chennai is Chidambaram railway station which is at a distance of about 1.5 kms from this temple. From here you can easily reach this temple by using local transport services or taxi.
By Road- Roads to this temple are well connected with the other cities of the country so you can easily reach this temple by using your own vehicle or by any public buses or taxi from any part of the country.
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