Chidambaram

Chidambaram, town, east-central Tamil Nadu state, southeastern India. It is situated in the fertile Kollidam River valley, on the road and rail system between Chennai (Madras; north) and Thanjavur (southwest).

The town supports silk and cotton hand-loom weaving and garment industries but is primarily a food-processing centre. Its name is derived from the Tamil words citt (“wisdom”) and ampalam (“atmosphere”) and refers to the Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer. The temple contains the famous early Chola (2nd century bce) bronzes. It is entered by lofty tower gates, and its hall is supported by more than 1,000 pillars. Chidambaram is the seat of Annamalai University and is a centre of Hindu religious education. Pop. (2001) 57,733; (2011) 62,153.