Popular Temple
Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram
Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu
One of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, representing the element of space — Shiva enshrined in cosmic dance
At a glance
- Location
- Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu
- Presiding deity
- Lord Nataraja (Shiva, in his cosmic dance form)
- Temple type
- Popular Temple
- Tradition
- Shaiva
- Nearest railway station
- Chidambaram railway station (~1-1.6 km)
- Nearest airport
- Tiruchirapalli International Airport (~130 km)
- Best time to visit
- November to February; Mahashivratri is celebrated with special festivities.
History
Chidambaram's Nataraja temple is one of the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams dedicated to Shiva, representing the element of space (akasha). Uniquely, in one part of the sanctum, Shiva is worshipped not as a physical form but as an invisible, formless representation — known as the "Chidambara Rahasyam." The present structure was largely developed under the Chola and Pandya dynasties.
Spiritual significance
The temple also holds deep significance for Bharatanatyam and Indian classical dance traditions, as Nataraja is worshipped as the primordial master of the dance arts.
Plan your visit
Darshan timings
6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM (two shifts).
Timings change on festivals and special occasions. Confirm with the temple's official source before you travel.
Chidambaram railway station lies on the Chennai-Tiruchirapalli line; the temple is an easy walk or auto ride from the station.
Continue your Shiva bhakti
Devotional texts for this deity, already on the site.