Dancing  Around  Thi l la i  

Chidambaram-Sirgazhi-Srimushnam October 9th and 10th 2015

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“Vivamus et metus.”

Chidambaram

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Named   after   the  mangroves   or  Thillai  that   dominated   the  

surrounding   area,   Chidambaram   is   one   of   India’s   most  

sacred  shaivite  places  of  worship.  Known  to  many  simply  as  

“Kovil”  or  temple,  Chidambaram  has  been  significant  even  

before  the  6th   century  after  which   it  was  celebrated  by   the  

Nayanmars.   Nataraja,   or   Adavallan   became   the   tutelary  

deity  of  the  Chola  emperors  and  since  then  the  temple  and  

the  town  around  it  grew  in  size  and  magnificence.  

Be  it  religion,  festivals,  business  or  tourism,  Life  in  Chidambaram  

revolves   around   the     Natarajar   Temple   and   the  Govindaraja  

revered   by   Vaishnavaites.  Enshrined   in   the   Hall   of   Gold  

or  Porchabai,  the  bronze  sculpture  representation  of  Shiva  as  the  

cosmic  dancer,  Nataraja  here  is  not  only  the  King  of  dancers  but  

performs   that   dance   that   creates   and   sustains   the   cycle   of   the  

cosmos  itself.  He  also  embodies  the  spirit  of  Shiva  as  the  master  of  

space  that  cannot  be  discerned  let  alone  measured.  

The  rituals  in  the  temple  for  both  Nataraja  and  Govindaraja  are  

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complex,  filled  with  music  and  celebrate  the  all-­‐pervading  

essence  of  the  divine  spirit.  The  temple  is  managed  by  the  

ancient   and   unique   community   of   Dikshitars.    The  

"Ananda  Thandalam”   or   dance   of  eternal   bliss   has  

inspired   the   classical   dance   of   Tamil   Nadu   Bharata  

Natyam   .   Today,   Natyanjali   is   a   festival   that   has   the  

largest  convergence   of   dancers   from   all   around   who  

perform  in  front  of  the  Lord  of  Dance.  

The   Phrase   Chidambara   Rahasya   or   Mystery   of  

Chidambara   is     one   that   is   quite   commonly   used   in   the  

south  and  refers  to  an  abstract  geometrical  design  which  

is  supposed  to  signify  the  act  of  creation.  Though  we  may  

not   be   able   to   assure   you   the   revelation   of   this  mystery,  

we,   Embassy   Trave l s   and   His to r ian   Pradeep  

Chakravarthy ,  invite  you  to  join  us  in  the  unraveling  of  

this  magnificent   temple,   its   influence  on  art   and   culture  

and  a  glimpse  of  surrounding  marvels  in  stone

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Suspendisse elementum rhoncus velit. Nulla turpis metus, faucibus nec, dignissim at,

cursus in, tortor.

Sirgazhi   is  home   to   the  Brahmapureeswarar   Temple.  The   temple,   though   amongst   the  oldest   in   the   region,  has  

very  few  ancient  historical  records  due  to  extensive  renovations.  Nevertheless,  for  what  is  lacks  in  records  it  more  

than  makes  up  for  in  size  and  legacy.  The  temple  is  spread  over  17  acres  with  courtyards  and  high  wall  enclosures  

-­‐  the  tallest  in  the  region  –  no  mean  feat  considering  that  the  stone  was  not  locally  quarried!  

The  temple  has  a  unique  construction  pattern.  Shiva  is  worshipped  in  three  different  forms  at  three  different  levels  

of  the  shrine:  The  Shivalingam  (Bhrammapureeswarar)  at  the  ground  level,  Uma  Maheswarar  (Toniappar)  at  the  

middle  level,  and  Bhairavar  (Sattanathar)  at  the  upper  level.

The   temple   is   both  mythologically   as  well   as   historically   significant  with   Thoniappar   believed   to   be   the  Hindu  

version  of  Noahs  arc  and  Gnana  Sambandar,  a  prominent   shaivite  poet  and  saint,  whose  miracle   filled   life  was  

witnessed  by  many  and  documented  as  well.  Though  he  lived  for  a  mere  16  years,  his  contribution  to  Shaivism  in  

Tamil  Nadu  is  immense.  His  verses  are  important  for  their  metaphors,  devotion  and  a  source  of  inspiration  even  

for  the  non-­‐devout.

 

 

Sirgazhi

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Srimushnam   has   two   of   the   most   exquisite  

temples  structures,  one  for  Shiva  and  the  other  

for  Vishnu.  

The   Bhuvaraha   swamy   temple   has   an   architecture   that   is   high   on   drama   and   an  

interesting  climax,   i.e.,  a  temple  of  such  massive  proportions  beautifully  reveals  the   little  secret  of  the  primary  deity   in  the  

garbagraha,  which  will  make  you  smile!    

The  16  pillared  Purushasukta  mandapa  built  by  the  Nayakas  in  the  16th  /17th  Century  is  one  of  the  finest  and  resonates  the  

hymn  recited  everyday.  Between  the  main  gopura  and  the  sixteen-­‐pillared  hall  is  the  hundred-­‐pillared  mandapa  belonging  

to  the  age  of  the  Marata  kings  of  Tanjavur.

The  Nayak  kings,  queens  and  their  retinue  bedecked  in  fine  jewelry  and  elaborate  hair-­‐dos  are  seen  surrounded  by  parrots,  and  

other  animals.    The  Varaha  image  has  long  been  a  favored  political  symbol  for  kings  making  this  a  good  place  to  understand  

how  religion  and  politics  worked  together  for  mutual  benefit.

The  Tirumuttamudaiya  Mahadeva  Shivan  Temple  is  smaller  but  set  in  a  more  serene  surrounding.  The  two  earlier  Shrines  were  

composite   until   divisions   arose   and  were   eventually   separated.   Inscriptions   of   the  Cholas,   Pandyas  with  Vijayanagara   kings  

from  the  10th  century  on  this  unique  architectural  piece    gives  us  a  glimpse  of  the  a  fascinating  water  management  in  the  region.

 

Srimushnam

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 Day   1  

0530    Depart  by  AC  Coach    

0800    Breakfast  at  Pudhucherry  

1030  Reach  Sirgazhi  and  Visit  the    Sattanathar    Temple  

1230    Leave    for  Chidambaram  

1330    Arrive    at  Hotel.  Check  in  and  Lunch  

1600  Leave    for  Chidambaram  Nataraja  Temple.    

1645    Temple  tour  

18 15    Odhuvar’s  concert    

1845    Distribution  of  Prasadam    

19 15    Darshan  and  time  to  explore  

2000    Return  to  Hotel  

2045    Dinner  and  Rest  

Day  2  

0830    Breakfast  at  Hotel  

0900    Leave  to  Veeranam  Lake  and  click  time!                

0930  Leave  to  Srimushnam  

1030    Visit  Nithileshwara  Temple  

1 100    Visit  Bhoovaraha  Swamy  Temple  

1200    Leave  for  Pudhucherry  

1400    Lunch  at  Pudhucherry  

1600    Return  to  Chennai  

Itinerary

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Es sent ial  Pre  Read  

 

- Several  places  we  will  be  visiting  are  places  of  worship  and   therefore  we  

request  your  special  attention  to  the  following:  

- Please  dress  conservatively  and  avoid  wearing  shorts  and  sleeveless  wear.  

A   dupatta  or   shawl   will   be  much   appreciated.    Men,   Kindly   consider   a  

dhoti  and  shawl  for  the  Chidambaram  Temple.    

- Comfortable  shoes  or  slippers  since  monuments  are  footwear  free  zones  

- We  strongly  advice  carrying  sun  block,  sunglasses  and cap

- Photography  may  not  be  permitted  in  certain  Places  

- Basic   medication/   first   aid   will   be   available.   Please   carry   your  

specific  medication  if  any    

- Camera  -­‐  certain  places  may  charge  anything  between  Rs.  10  and  Rs.100  

for  the  usage  of  camera.  

- We  would  like  to   iterate  that  this  is  not  a  religious  trip  and  therefore  we  

all   need   to   respect   the   time        and   interest   of   those   who   are   coming   to  

enjoy   the   heritage   aspect   of   the   trip.   Therefore   PLEASE        ENSURE   TO  

RESPECT  AND  STICK  TO  TIME  SCHEDULES.  

- Due   to   unforeseen   circumstances,   in   case   we   need   to   make   certain  

changes  in  the  itinerary,  we  request  you  patience  and  understanding.  

We   assure   you   that   the   alternative   option   provided   will   be   just   as  

exciting  

 

Included:  

- Travel  By  AC  Coach  

- Accommodation   in   a   heritage   property   and   AC  

rooms  accommodating   upto   2      adults.   Children   will   be  

accommodated   depending   on     the   age   and   hotel   policy.   In   this  

Trip   we   will   be      staying   at     Lashmi   Vilas   -­‐  

http://lakshmivilas.co.in  

- All  meals  –  2  Breakfast,  2  lunch  and  1  dinner.  (Request  you  to  

specify  your  preference  in  advance)  

- 2  bottles  of  water  per  person  will  be  provided  on  the  coach  every  

day  

- Reqular  Entrance  Tickets  wherever  required  as  per  itinerary  

- Darshan  at  temples  will  be  included  if  People  wish  to  and  ONLY  

if  time  permits.          

Not -­‐   Included:  

- Expenses  of  Personal  nature  

- Room  Service  

- Any  other  attraction/temple  not  mentioned  in  the  itinerary  

 

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Hailing  from  Tirunelveli  and  moving  on  to  international  exposure  through  KFI,  MCC,  JNU(Delhi)  and  LSE  

(London)   in  his  academic  years,  Pradeep  Chakravarthy    has  always  had  a  passion  for  the  history  and  

Heritage   of   Tamilnadu   with   special   focus   on   the   role   that   it   plays   in   society   then   and   now.     Having   a  

background   in   HR/leadership   development   and   coaching   though   his   assignments   in   TVS,   Cognizant,  

Infosys  and  McKinsey,  he  constantly  explores  methods  of  constructively  employing  out  of  the  box  techniques  

of   exposure   to   fine   elements   practiced   in   ancient   times   to   motivate   and   hone   ones   inherent   skills.   He  

pioneered  temple  walks   in  Madras.  His  deeply   invested  interest  in  the  music,  food,  literature  of  Tamilnadu  

allows   him   to   present   succinctly   and   simply   even   the   dreariest   topic   in   history.   He   has   authored   several  

books   and  has   over   300   articles   in   The  Hindu,  Marg  magazine,   India   Express,   Times   of   India   etc.,   to   his  

credit.  He  has  lectured  in  several  prestigious  venues  like  IIC(Delhi),  IC  (London)  and  is  an  awardee  from  the  

Tag  Foundation.  

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About

Us

Embassy   Trave l   and   Tours   has   been   in   the   business   of   tailoring   unique   and   memorable   travel  

experiences  for  the  past  four  decades.    

A  part  of  the  Airlift  Group  of  Companies,  we  adhere  in  a  personalized  manner  to  all  travel  related  services  

that  one  might  require  be  it  guidance,  documentation,  reservations,  currency  exchange  etc.    

Customization  and  luxury  travel  is  our  forte,  which  ensures  the  utmost  comfort  for  our  clients  whether  it  is  

outbound,  inbound  or  domestic  travel.  

Heritage  is  the  vertical  we  take  pride  in  adding  to  our  existing  array  of  experiences  extended  by  us.  We  are  

proud  to  showcase  some  of  the  neglected  treasures  of  a  bygone  rich  era  that  are  just  around  the  corner.  We  

assure  you  that  the  whole  experience  will  be  an  absolute  luxurious  insight  into  our  glorious  past.  

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Testimonials

Our  ob j e ct i ve   t rans lat es   to   exper i ences :  - “The  musical  notes  of  explanations  and  the  soul  embedded  in  them,  indeed,  held  us  in  awe  at  your  painstaking  scholarship  

and  sharing  this  with  the  uninitiated.  An  apparently  disparate  group  whose  individual  notes  merged  into  a  fine  melody,  the  

role  of   every  one  present   enriched   the  music  of   the  moment  and  left  an   indelible   impression”  –  J  Krishnan,  Trustee,  Port  

Trust  

- “The  two  day  trip  was  really  unique  -­‐  a  kind  of  '  money  can't  buy  '  experience  “  –  CEO,  MNC  

- “I  had  a  great  time  &  enjoyed  myself  which  is  naturally  but  a  consequence  of,  most  importantly  the  composition  of  the  group,  

mixed   with   a   superb   schedule   of   places   visited   &   unmatched   service   from   the   hosts”   –   Deepak   Ramaswamy,   MD,  

International  Clearing  &  Shipping  Agency  (I)  Pvt.  Ltd.,  Chennai  

- “Thanks  Priya  and  Pradeep  for  a  superbly  planned  and  executed  heritage  trip.  Still  recovering  form  the  last  royal  meal!”  –  

Mrs.  Nithya  Balaji,  Head  of  Communications,  NGO    

-  “   A   window   of   opportunity   to   look   into   the   glorious   heritage   of   our   nation   and   to   rediscover   our   ancient   culture.   Our  

Historian  and  Host  were  excellent  drawing  me  back  to  their  trips  ”  -­‐  Saileshraj  Vummidi,  Jeweler  and  Entrepreneur  

- “  Heritage,  art,  comfort  and  delicious  local  cuisine.  A  relaxing  and  enjoyable  tour  with  a  lot  of  learning”  -­‐  Sriram  Rajaram,  

Captain,  Indigo  Airline  

- Loved  the  group,  the  historian,  the  host,   the  places,  and  the  food.  Fascinating  experience!  It  was  an  absolute  revelation  for  

me.  That  there  was  so  little  that  we  knew  about  our  heritage  and  culture.”–  Murali  Vasudevan,  Zonal  Manager,  HP  

 

Package Cost : INR 11,700 On Twin Sharing Basis INR 13,700 On Single occupancy Basis Confirmation and Payment : Before August 31th 2015 For the online brochure and upcoming tour please visit: http://mysticalpalmyra.com/

Contac t :  

Sridharan  Lakshmanan  ;  sridhar@embassy-­‐travels.com  ;  +919282119040  

Raji  Kumar  ;  raji@embassy-­‐travels.com  ;  +919840471127    

Cheque   in  Favor  o f :    

Embassy  Trave l  and  Tours  Pv t .  Ltd .  

23 ,  Thanikacha lam  Road,  T .  Nagar ,  Chenna i  –  600  0 17  

Bank  Deta i l s :  

• ICICI   BANK   LTD ,   NO. 1 ,   Cenet oph  

Road,   Teynampet ,   Chennai   -­‐  

600018  

Bene f ic i ery   :   EMBASSY   TRAVEL   &  

TOURS  PVT  LTD    

A/C  NO   :  0  0  0   1  0  5  0  2   2  4  2  9    

IFSC  CODE   -­‐   ICIC0000001    

  SWIFT  CODE:   " IC ICINBBCTS"      

• BANK  OF  BARODA: ,   S . I . E .T   Co l l ege  

Avenue  Branch ,  Chennai  600018  

Bene f ic i ery   :   EMBASSY   TRAVEL   &  

TOURS  PVT  LTD      

A/C  NO:  053 10500000014      

RTGS/NEFT, IFSC   CODE   :  

BARB0COLMAD    

• STATE   BANK   OF   MYSORE ,  

NO. 13 (6 ) ,  P lo t  No .3 ,   Thanikachalam  

Road,  T .  Nagar ,  Chennai -­‐  600  017 .  

 Bene f ic i ery   :   EMBASSY   TRAVEL   &  

TOURS  PVT  LTD      

A/C  NO:  6  4  0  9  3  7  7  0  3  6   1    

IFSC  CODE  –  SBMY0040801    

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The Next Experience

Tan  javur

December   10 th   t o   13 th     2015 of  

Every  aspect  of  South  Indian  art  -­‐  painting,  music   ,  dance,   food  and  craft  have  been  influenced  by  Thanjavur  from  the  9th  century  to  the  20th  

Century.  Our  trip  will  look  at  the  Brihadeswara  temple,  the  priceless  bronzes  and  manuscripts  in  the  Sarasvati  Mahal  Library  and  lesser-­‐known  

architectural  gems  like  the  Shwartz  church  and  the  etheral  Mahadevapatnam  fort.  Our  highlight  will  be  a  visit  and  conversation  with  one  of  the  

districts  oldest  agrarian  families.  All  of  this  with  inputs  from  the  author  of  the  definitive  book  on  Thanjavur  culture.  

Tentat iv e   I t inera ry   :

10th  Depart  from  Madras  to  Tanjavur  by  Train  

11th  Tanjavur  Brihadeshwara  Temple,  Palace,  Saraswathy  Library  and  Art  Gallery,  Meeting  with  the  Senior  Prince  of    Tanjavur  

 12th  Mahadevapattinam,  Mannargudi,  Marata  Temple  and  the  Schwartz  Church,  Train  to  Chennai  

13th  Arrive  at  Madras  

S ince   we   n eed   to   Make   Tra in   Reser vat ion s   Be for e   the   1 2 th   o f     Augus t     i n   order   t o   as sure   s eat s ,   We   reques t   you   to  

conf i rm   be fo re   1 1 th   August   2015   w i th   your   fu l l   name   and   age   a s   per   ID .  We   shal l   soon   s end   the   Ful l   de ta i l s   o f  

the  package .    

Inca se   You   would   pre fe r   an   a l t e rna te   mode   o f   t ranspo rtat ion   l ik e   by   a i r   or   road ,   k ind l y   l e t   us   know   in   o rder   t o  

t a i l or   the  package  accordingl y .