Temple fire

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Sabhanyaka temple, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu

temple fire

These priests are performing a ceremony for the family who sit in the background. Sabhanyaka temple, at Chidambaram is one of the holiest pilgrimage places in the south. It was here that Lord Shiva held his famous dance competition with his wife Parvati. An event which was the genesis of several religious-art forms. The great temple-dance tradition of Bharat Natyam and the glorious bronze images of Shiva Natraj, celebrate this primary event.

For visitors in south India, one of the delights of visiting a temple is to witness events such as this. Temples are places of living worship and life. Inviduals and families come to pay homage, the temple elephant is there to offer a 'blessing' and traders purvey their religious nick-nacks. There is always plenty of activity. Temples are great!

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Our next tour to South India is in 2010. Despite what you think, that's not so far away. If you wish for an informed and intimate experience of the culture of this region, check the page:

  Silk & Spice - South India  Feb - Mar 2010

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