Naṭarāja Temple, Chidambaram
The cosmic dance and the Chidambara Rahasyam
From the official temple website
Managed by Podu Dikshitars of Chidambaram
Official timings
- Morning 6:00 am – 12:00 noon
- Evening 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Ardhajāma pūjā 9:00 pm – 10:00 pm
⭐ Why it is famous
The Chidambara Rahasyam — an empty curtained space worshipped as Śiva in the form of ether — and the 108 karaṇas of Bharatanāṭyam carved in the gopurams.
📜 Pilgrimage history
Rebuilt by successive Chola emperors from the 10th century; uniquely, worship is conducted by the hereditary Dīkṣitar community, not the state board.
🕰️ Temple timings
- 06:00 – 12:00 and 17:00 – 22:00
- Six pūjās daily, the 22:00 Ardhajāma being the most loved
🙏 Darśan details
- Free darśan
- Ask the Dīkṣitars before the Rahasyam curtain is drawn
- Natyanjali dance festival at Mahāśivarātri
🚉 Location & getting there
📍 Naṭarāja Temple, Chidambaram, Chidambaram, CuddaloreChidambaram (CDM) — 2 km
Chidambaram bus stand — state transport buses stop here.
Tiruchirappalli (TRZ) — 195 km
On the Chennai–Thanjavur ECR route; frequent buses.
🪔 Poojas, sevās & tickets
This temple does not publish a rate list. Darśan is free; ārcanā, abhiṣeka and other sevās are booked at the counter inside the temple on the day.
🧭 Around the temple
Places to see besides the temple — tap any one to open it in Google Maps.
🛏️ Where to stay
- Hotels near the East Gopuram
- Pondicherry as a comfortable base (70 km)
₹ Indicative trip cost (per head, 2 days)
| Budget | Standard | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| ₹1,800 | ₹3,500 | ₹9,000 |
🛕 Nearby temples
📌 Other attractions nearby
- Pichavaram mangrove boating
- Silver Beach, Cuddalore