The Chidambaram Nataraja Temple in Tamil Nadu is said to be the largest Shiva temple in India. In this temple, we can have darshan of the Akasha Lingam, one of the Panchabhuta Lingams. The temple is built over a total of 40 acres. Here, we can see Shiva in the form of Nataraja Swamy along with two other forms. Scientists conducted eight years of research and confirmed that the big toe of the left foot of the Nataraja Swamy idol is the center point of the Earth’s magnetic field. The temple timings are from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and then from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Inside this gopuram, you can see small sculptures depicting the 108 poses of Natya Shastra. Sculptures of pundits welcoming visitors are placed here. You can also see dance poses on the other side of the gopuram. This temple was built during the Chola period, and later, the Pallavas and Vijayanagara Empire kings developed it. Inside the East Gopuram, you can see the idol of Parvati Devi, who is called Shivakama Sundari here. The hands of this sculpture are quite damaged. The temple was constructed based on the human body’s principles. Just as the human body has nine orifices, the temple has nine entrance gates.
Chidambaram is a town in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, known for its ancient Nataraja Temple, one of the most important temples in Hinduism. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, and its architecture is a masterpiece of Dravidian style. Chidambaram is also home to the Annamalai University, a major centre of learning in South India.
The town is located on the banks of the Vellar River, about 215 kilometers from Chennai. It is a popular tourist destination, and is known for its rich cultural heritage. Chidambaram is also a major pilgrimage centre, and attracts Hindus from all over the world.
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The Importance and the significcance of the temple Chidambaram Nataraja Temple
Some forces which prevent Moksha is believed to be destroyed here the Temple’s architecture and the beauty of sculptures is flabbergasting the handcrafter sculptures are so mesmerizing that one would not move away without admiring the beauty of every sculpture the 108 Powers mentioned in Parada munis not to shastra is found sculptured meticulously on the Temple’s Eastern gopuram structure During the period of Chola King foreign according to people living in this city the two temples on either side of
chidambaram the thillai kaliamman temple and the velathangyaman temple is believed to be protecting them from Evil forces and other sufferings and impediments foreign the seashore city of pompuhar was established during the Chola period since this spot is also the Confluence spot of kaveri river and the Sea this place has found a very prominent place in the history of Tamil Nadu was also part of the Chola ruler’s Capital City widely mentioned in epics like silapatikaram the seashore of whom
puhar also holds a vital place in the tourist map of the state Lighthouse and covalent Carnegie Art Gallery are the other sports for tourists the world’s second largest mangroves is situated between belaru in the west and kolidam river in the south boating between the mangroves is absolutely an unforgettable treat needless to mention that this happens to be a dream spot for many filmmakersthe race peeping through the trees during sunset and the glittering Waters of the lake is a delightful visuabus services from parts of Tamil Nadu chidambaram is the nearest railway station trichy airport is about 159 kilometers away thank you
Chidambaram yatra budget
- Hotel room cost – Rs.700 per day for 2 members
- Food cost per person per day – Rs.250
- Warangal to Chidambaram train ticket cost Rs.430 for sleeper
- Vijayawada to Chidambaram train ticket cost Rs.360 for sleeper
- Tirupati to Chidambaram train ticket cost Rs.220 for sleeper
- Other expenses – Rs.1000
What are the timings of the temple
| Temple Name | Morning Timings | Evening Timings |
|---|---|---|
| Chidambaram Nataraja Temple | 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Thillai Kalamma Temple | 6:30 AM – 12:00 PM | 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM |
Major Festivals at Chidambaram Nataraja Temple (2024-2025)
| Date | Day | Festival / Event | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10.06.2024 | Monday | 63 Nayanmaar Uthsavam | Honors the 63 Tamil Shaivite saints. |
| 07.08.2024 | Wednesday | Aadi Pooram (Sivakaamasundhari Ambal Uthsavam) | Dedicated to Goddess Sivakami. |
| 07.09.2024 | Saturday | Vinayagar Chathurthi | Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations. |
| 27-29.10.2024 | Sun-Tue | Sivakaamasundhari Rathotsavam, Poorna Chalanai, Thirukkalyaanam | 3-day wedding festival of Goddess Sivakami. |
| 02.11.2024 | Saturday | Saravanodbhava Uthsavam | Lord Murugan’s appearance day. |
| 07-08.11.2024 | Thu-Fri | Soora Samhaaram, Subramanyar Thirukkalyaanam | Victory over demon Soorapadman + Murugan’s wedding. |
| 15.11.2024 | Friday | Srimoolanaadhar Annaabhishekam | Special abhishekam for Lord Nataraja. |
| 11.12.2024 | Wednesday | Thirukkaarthigai Deepam | Festival of lights. |
| 11.02.2025 | Tuesday | Thaipoosam | Murugan festival. |
| 26.02.2025 | Wednesday | Maha Shivaratri | Grand night vigil for Lord Shiva. |
| 10.04.2025 | Thursday | Panguni Uthira Rathotsavam (Subramanyar) | Chariot festival for Lord Murugan. |
Aarudhraa Darshan Festival (Jan 2025)
| Date | Day | Event | Timings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04.01.2025 | Saturday | Dhwajaarohanam (Flag Hoisting) | Morning |
| 05-11.01.2025 | Sun-Sat | Golden/Silver Vahanams (Divine Processions) | Evenings (e.g., Golden Kailasa, Bhikshadanar) |
| 12.01.2025 | Sunday | Maha Rathotsavam (Grand Chariot Festival) | Full day |
| 13.01.2025 | Monday | Aarudhraa Mahaabhishekam | 3:30 AM – 6:00 AM |
| Aarudhraa Darshan | 2:00 PM (Noon) | ||
| 14.01.2025 | Tuesday | Muthu Pallaku (Pearl Palanquin) | Evening |
Aani Thirumanjanam Festival (July 2024)
| Date | Day | Event | Timings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03.07.2024 | Wednesday | Dhwajaarohanam | Morning |
| 04-10.07.2024 | Thu-Wed | Golden/Silver Vahanams | Evenings |
| 11.07.2024 | Thursday | Maha Rathotsavam | Full day |
| 12.07.2024 | Friday | Aani Thirumanjanam Abhishekam | 3:00 AM – 6:00 AM |
| Aani Darshan | 2:00 PM (Noon) | ||
| 13.07.2024 | Saturday | Muthu Pallaku | Evening |
Six Mahaabhishekams of Nataraja (2024-2025)
| Date | Day | Abhishekam | Location | Timings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01.05.2024 | Wednesday | Chithirai Onam | Kanaka Sabha | 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM |
| 12.07.2024 | Friday | Aani Thirumanjanam | Raja Sabha | 3:30 AM – 6:00 AM |
| 16.09.2024 | Monday | Aavani Chathurdhasi | Kanaka Sabha | 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM |
| 16.10.2024 | Wednesday | Purattasi Chathurdhasi | Kanaka Sabha | 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM |
| 13.01.2025 | Monday | Aarudhraa Abhishekam | Raja Sabha | 3:30 AM – 6:00 AM |
| 13.03.2025 | Wednesday | Maasi Chathurdhasi | Kanaka Sabha | 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM |
Pradosham Dates (2024-2025)
| Month | Pradosham 1 | Pradosham 2 |
|---|---|---|
| April 2024 | 21.04.2024 (Sunday) | – |
| May 2024 | 05.05.2024 (Sunday) | 20.05.2024 (Monday) |
| June 2024 | 04.06.2024 (Tuesday) | 19.06.2024 (Wednesday) |
| July 2024 | 03.07.2024 (Wednesday) | 19.07.2024 (Friday) |
| August 2024 | 01.08.2024 (Thursday) | 31.08.2024 (Saturday) |
| September 2024 | 15.09.2024 (Sunday) | 30.09.2024 (Monday) |
| October 2024 | 15.10.2024 (Tuesday) | 29.10.2024 (Tuesday) |
| November 2024 | 13.11.2024 (Wednesday) | 28.11.2024 (Thursday) |
| December 2024 | 13.12.2024 (Friday) | 28.12.2024 (Saturday) |
| January 2025 | 11.01.2025 (Saturday) | 27.01.2025 (Monday) |
| February 2025 | 10.02.2025 (Monday) | 25.02.2025 (Tuesday) |
| March 2025 | 11.03.2025 (Tuesday) | 27.03.2025 (Thursday) |
| April 2025 | 10.04.2025 (Thursday) | – |
How to Reach Chidambaram Nataraja Temple
By Air
Closest Airport: Chennai International Airport (approximately 230 km).
By rail or road, travel to Chidambaram (5-6 hours) by train or bus, both of which are available in Chennai.
2. By Train
The temple is quite near to Chidambaram Railway Station (only 1-2 km).
It is stoped by many trains belonging to Chennai, Trichy, Madurai and Bangalore.
The temple is within walking distance or you can also travel by auto-rickshaw.
3. By Bus
There are Government (TNSTC) and private buses that ply regularly (when there is no strike) from:
Chennai (5-6 hours)
Pondicherry (2-3 hours)
Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) (4-5 hours)
Chidambaram Bus Stand is the place to get down and the temple is just a short auto-ride ( 30-50 ).
4. Taxi / Car
It is a 5-6 hour drive (via NH32 & ECR) away from Chennai.
There is taxi service (тальком: Ola, Uber), which is available from the nearby cities.
5. Local Transport The town of Chidambaram has a local transport facility that connects the town center to the outskirts of the town and other towns nearby like Cuddalore, Villupuram and Tindivanam.
Auto-rickshaws (30-100) are readily available.
The temple is within the city centre and therefore you could also opt to walk in case you are staying within the vicinity.
Best Time to Visit
Darshan in the morning (6 AM – 12 PM) or evening (4:30 PM – 10 PM).
Don not come on peak festival days, if you want a quick darshan.