The Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, also known as Thillai Nataraja Temple, is one of South India’s most spiritually significant and architecturally remarkable shrines. Located in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his cosmic dancing form, Nataraja, symbolizing the perfect blend of spirituality, art, science, and consciousness.
The temple stands as a vital center of Shaivism and one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, representing Akasha (Ether). It is not only a devotional center but also a key stage for India’s classical dance culture, particularly during the Natyanjali Festival on Maha Shivaratri.
Chidambaram Temple – Quick Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Chidambaram Nataraja Temple / Thillai Nataraja Temple |
| Location | Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu – 608001 |
| Deity | Lord Nataraja (Shiva as the Cosmic Dancer) |
| Architecture | Chola and Pandya Architecture |
| Built By | Chola Dynasty (10th Century CE) |
| Managed By | Chidambaram Nataraja Temple Trust |
| Time Required | 4–5 Hours for full darshan and rituals |
| Major Festival | Maha Shivaratri (Natyanjali Festival) |
| Official Website | chidambaramnataraja.org |
| Contact Email | contact@chidambaramnataraja.org |
| Helpline Number | +91 94436 35280 |
Chidambaram Nataraja Temple Timings 2025
| Session | Timings |
|---|---|
| Morning Darshan | 06:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 05:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Temple Closing Time | 12:00 PM – 05:00 PM (Afternoon Break) |
Pooja/Aarti Schedule at Chidambaram Temple
| Offering/Pooja Name | Timings | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Paal Nivedhyam | 06:30 AM | Lord’s Paduka (footwear) brought to the sanctum sanctorum |
| Maha Aarthi | 07:00 AM | Morning Main Aarthi |
| Kalasandhi Pooja | 07:45 – 09:00 AM | Kala Sandhi Homam, Linga Abhishekam |
| Irandaam Kaalam (2nd Pooja) | 10:00 – 11:00 AM | Spatika Linga & Ruby Nataraja Abhishekam |
| Uchikala Pooja (3rd) | 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Final pooja of the morning session |
| Saayarakshai (4th Pooja) | 05:15 – 06:00 PM | Evening abhishekam & Aarti |
| Irandaam Kaalam (5th Pooja) | 07:00 – 08:00 PM | Chidambara Rahasya Pooja & Maha Aarti |
| Ardhajaamam (6th Pooja) | 09:00 – 10:00 PM | Nighttime Aarti |
📿 Each pooja includes Spatika Linga Abhishekam, Aarti, and Chidambara Rahasya rituals for Lord Nataraja.
Special Darshan Ticket Booking Details (2025)
Currently, no online booking system is available for Special Darshan. All bookings are offline and must be made at the temple ticket counter.
| Darshan Type | Booking Method | Cost (INR) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Darshan | Free Entry | ₹0 | Long queues during peak festivals |
| Special Darshan | Offline at the Counter | Fixed Rate | Faster queue for the elderly and families |
| Abhishekam Seva | Offline | ₹72,000 | Personal family ritual, highly sacred |
Abhishekam Seva at Thillai Nataraja Temple
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Ritual | Full Abhishekam for Nataraja |
| Frequency | Daily |
| Cost | ₹72,000 |
| Timings | 10:00 AM and 08:00 PM |
| Who Can Attend | Family members allowed |
| Booking Process | Only via the temple premises ticket counter |
🔔 Note: This is a very auspicious pooja and requires prior planning and communication with temple officials.
How to Reach Chidambaram Nataraja Temple
-
By Road: Connected via NH-32, regular buses from Chennai, Pondicherry, and Cuddalore.
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By Rail: Nearest Railway Station – Chidambaram Railway Station (~2 km).
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By Air: Nearest Airport – Puducherry Airport (78 km) or Chennai International Airport (235 km).
Contact Information
| Contact Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Address | Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu – 608001 |
| Phone Number | +91 94436 35280 |
| contact@chidambaramnataraja.org | |
| Official Website | www.chidambaramnataraja.org (not for booking) |
FAQs
Q: Is online booking available for darshan or Abhishekam?
As of 2025, no online facility is available. All bookings must be done offline at the temple.
Q: What is the cost of a full Abhishekam at the Chidambaram Temple?
The Abhishekam Seva costs ₹72,000 and includes personal/family attendance.
Q: Can I attend multiple poojas in one visit?
Yes, you can attend multiple poojas by planning your morning and evening visits accordingly.
Q: Is photography allowed inside the temple?
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the sanctum sanctorum.
Q: What is the best time to visit?
Maha Shivaratri and Natyanjali Festival are spiritually significant and culturally vibrant.