Chidambaram Temple is one of the leading temples of India and famous as Thillai Nataraja Temple placed in Chidambaram of Tamil Nadu state. The temple is actually designed for Lord Nataraja, a form of Lord Shiva, known as the cosmic dancer.
Based on the architectural features and sacred importance of the place, the temple is popular worldwide. It is one of the five elemental temples, dedicated to theskies or more popularly known as Akash or space. This temple occupies 40 acre area and is greatly popular for having four great gopuram (gate towers) with carved sculptures and friezes.
The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Nataraja and he is in the ArdhaMp ; from posture in the Sanctum sanctorum , he is depicted dancing the Ananda Tandava. The temple also has other shrines of Goddess Shivakamasundari, Lord Ganesha and Lord Murugan.
TTD Vaikunta Ekadashi 300 Rs Special Darshan Booking 2025
Overview Table Chidambaram Temple
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Chidambaram Nataraja Temple |
| Location | Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Deity | Lord Nataraja (a form of Lord Shiva) |
| Significance | Represents the cosmic dance of Shiva (Ananda Tandava) |
| Temple Type | One of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams (representing the element of Ether/Space) |
| Architecture | Dravidian style with intricate carvings and sculptures |
| Famous Rituals | Abhishekams, Archanaas, and Ananda Tandava Darshan |
| Special Festivals | Margazhi Thiruvadhirai, Aani Thirumanjanam, Navaratri, and Shivaratri |
| Temple Timings | 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Dress Code | Traditional attire recommended (Men: Dhoti, Women: Saree or Salwar Kameez) |
| Darshan Booking | On-site and online options available for special darshan and rituals |
| Other Attractions | Chit Sabha (Sanctum of Lord Nataraja), Thousand Pillar Hall, and the Sivaganga Tank |
| Accessibility | Easily accessible by road and rail; nearest airport is Puducherry (60 km) |
| Accommodation | Available nearby in temple-run guesthouses and private hotels |
| Official Website | Managed by temple authorities; details provided on rituals, darshan, and accommodations |
| Contact Information | Temple Office: +91-4144-220222 |
Kala pathi at Chidambaram Temple starts early in the morning and also ends late in the evening. This temple also holds multiple poojas in its daily regime along with multiple abhishekams and aartis occuring at fixed hours. The specialty of the darshan is the Mahabhishekam is the ritual bath of the deity.
It has several festivals year around and particularly the Maha Shivaratri, Aani Thirumanjanam and Arudra Darshanam are famous and thousands of devotees visit the temple in these occasions. These festivals are enjoyed with lots of enthusiasm and faith which enhances the energetic spiritual feelings of the temples.
Thus, Chidambaram Temple is not only the place of worship in the state Tamil Nadu it is also symbol of the cultural and architectural point of view.
What are the Archanaas (Special Offerings) Chidambaram Temple
Ashtoththara Sathanama Archana is a form of prayer with seventy-eight names of God at least.
This rite requires that the devotee recite 108 names of the God during the worshiping time. Lay bare their heads and hands then throw flowers or sacred leaves toward the image.
Sahasranama Archana
This offering consists of chanting 1000 names of the deity while performing puja. All the names mentioned are said with reverence for the Merciful and Compassionate Lord.
Sammelana Sahasranama Archana
A practice of vocalizing 1000 names in a group formation. this is done with a feeling of unity and worship with prayerful conduct.
Panchakshara Trisathi Archana
One of the special prayers which can be chanted by repeating 300 names derived from the Panchakshara mantra, mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Pancha Mukha Sahasranama Archana is the worship of the five-faced thousand-headed [Kailasanathaswarar].
This prayer is in honor of the five-faced form of Lord Shiva and here one thousand names are chanted for liberation.
Ekasamaya Lakshaarchana
A large scale rite in which one hundred thousand recitations of the name of the deity is invoked in a sitting.
Abhishekams (Holy Bath Rituals)Chidambaram Temple
The event – Chandramouleeswara Spatika Linga Abhishekam
A new form of worship just on the crystal (spatika) linga of Lord Chandramouleeswara. Food like milk, honey, ghee, etc, are offered on the linga in order to attract divine power.
Rathna Sahapathy Abhishekam
This type of an abhishekam is offered on a Meru Idol which is adorned with pearls and gems to indicate sentiments of wealth.
TriKuta Aakarshana Bhairava Abhishekam
The Pancha Bhuta worship hymn dedicated to Lord Bhairava, where gifts include gold and other pious material. It is used as an amulet of success and to ward off evil, according to statistics.
Mahannyaasa Poorvaka Rudrabhishekam
A very intensive rite reciting the hymns addressed to the Rudra, prior to which Mahanyaasa is recited, which cleanses and charges the devotee.
Subhagha Sri Maharudra Japa Yagna Sahitha Maharudram
A great and colourful tradition which covers Rudra japa yagna – fire ceremony, and abhishekam for spiritual uplifting and blessings.
Athirudra Japa Yagna Sahitha Athirudram July 25, 2013, 9:00 AM Atheenam Thu ‘Atheenam’ is designed and constructed as per the traditional and classical patterns of the famous South Indian Temple architectural stylejsonp;
The most complex sacrificial ceremony called Rudra yagna, in which people recite hymns and make offerings into fire to appease Lord Shiva for the welfare of all in the world.
Other Kainkaryams (Offerings of Service) Chidambaram Temple
- Annapaavaadai Maha Neivedhyam
A large-scale food offering to the deity, symbolizing gratitude and abundance. It is distributed as prasadam to devotees after the puja. - Mokshadeepam
A ritual performed for the liberation of ancestors’ souls. Lamps are lit, and prayers are chanted to help them attain moksha (salvation). - Sahasra Bhojanam
A charitable service where 1,000 people are provided with food. This act of feeding others is believed to bring immense blessings to the donor.
| : DARSHAN TIME :: |
| Dharshan Time Morning 6.00.a.m to 12.00 noon Evening 5.00.p.m. to 10.00 night |
Daily Pooja Timings at Chidambaram Temple
The daily rituals at Chidambaram Nataraja Temple are a combination of abhishekams, homams, and aarthis, offering a serene experience for devotees. Below is a simplified schedule of the temple’s poojas:
| Time | Pooja Name | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 6:30 AM | Paal Nivedhyam | Lord’s sacred footwear (Padhuka) is brought from the resting chamber (Palliyarai) to the sanctum in a decorated palanquin. |
| 7:00 AM | Maha Aarthi | A grand worship with light offerings (aarthi). |
| 7:45 AM – 9:00 AM | Kalasandhi Pooja | The first pooja of the day, including Kalasandhi Homam, Spatika Linga Abhishekam, and Maha Aarthi. |
| 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Irandaam Kaalam | The second pooja of the day, with Spatika Linga Abhishekam and Rathna Sabhapathi (Ruby Natarajar) Abhishekam. |
| 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Uchikaalam | The third pooja, including Spatika Linga Abhishekam and Aarthi. The temple closes after this ritual. |
| 5:15 PM – 6:00 PM | Saayarakshai | The fourth pooja, featuring Spatika Linga Abhishekam and Shodashopachara Aarthi (16-step ritual worship). |
| 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Irandaam Kaalam | The fifth pooja, including Spatika Linga Abhishekam, Chidambara Rahasya Pooja, and Maha Aarthi. |
| 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Ardhajaamam | The sixth and final pooja, with Spatika Linga Abhishekam, Maha Aarthi, and returning Padhuka to the Palliyarai in a palanquin, followed by multiple aarthis. |
These rituals highlight the divine energy of Lord Nataraja and create a peaceful environment for devotees.