General Information
Situated on the eastern coast
of southern Tamil Nadu, this district has its headquarters in Tuticorin, the port famous for its pearl divers. It is a major industrial
centre. There is a heavy water plant and thermal power station apart from the
Spic fertilizer plant and the other major industries are pearl fishing and salt
production.
Between
two rivers in a 40 acres temple-complex, lies the temples of Chidambaram, one of
the oldest and magnificent temples of the South. Shiva Natrala or the Dancing
Shiva stands in his cosmic dance pose in the golden rooted sanctorum. Flanking
the temple are 108 sculptured illustrations of Bharat Natya Shashtra. In Akash
Lingam hidden by a veil, lies the real secret of Chidambaram.

Festivals
has great value in Chidambaram . The Natyanjali festival dedicated to the Cosmic
Dancer is celebrated every year during February-March. The Sivarathri festival
is celebrated every year on the Sivarathri Day. Again in February-March. The
Markazhi Thiruvadhirai Day Festival in December-January and Ani Thirumanjana
Festival in June-July are celebrated every year. Also the 10-days celebration of
Panguni Uthiram Festival is celebrated every year, during which devotees skewer
themselves with metal rods in ritual thanksgiving for answered prayers.
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