Chidhambaram is a major pilgrimage site (240 kms south of Chennai) for Śhaivites as well as Vaiṣhṇavites, where one of the holiest and most ancient temples of Hinduism, the Chidhambaram temple is located. Chidhambaram is the birthplace of the sculpture and bronze image representation of Śhiva as the cosmic dancer, a Tamilian concept and motif in Choḷa art that has since become notable as a symbol of Hinduism; the shrine is the only Śhiva temple to have its main deity represented in this anthropomorphic form, as the supreme being who performs all cosmic activities.