The Chidambaram Nataraja Temple is one of the most sacred Lord Shiva temple Tamil Nadu. Also known as the Thillai Nataraja Temple, it represents the Akasha sthalam among the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams. This Chola architecture temple showcases cosmic dancer Shiva in his divine Ananda Tandava form. The Shaivism pilgrimage site attracts millions seeking blessings and spiritual peace.
Chidambaram Temple – Quick Overview
The temple is located in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. It was built by the Chola dynasty in the 10th century. Dikshitars (hereditary priests) manage the temple rituals.
The golden-roof temple known as Kanaka Sabha is the main attraction. Dravidian temple architecture defines its stunning design.
The temple represents a sacred space representation of cosmic consciousness. The Natyanjali dance festival during the Maha Shivaratri celebration draws global attention. This religious tourism in Tamil Nadu requires a 4 to 5-hour visit duration.
| Attribute | Details |
| Temple Name | Chidambaram Nataraja Temple / Thillai Nataraja Temple |
| Location | Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu – 608001, Cuddalore district |
| Deity | Lord Nataraja (Shiva + Akasha element) |
| Architecture | Chola and Pandya contributions, gopuram structure |
| Built By | Chola Dynasty (10th Century CE) |
| Managed By | Managed by temple trust – Chidambaram Nataraja Temple Trust |
| Time Required | 4 to 5 hours for full darshan and rituals |
| Major Festival | Maha Shivaratri + Natyanjali, Bharatanatyam + temple festival |
| Element | Akasha (Ether) – Pancha Bhoota Sthalams |
| Official Website | www.chidambaramnataraja.org |
| Helpline | +91 94436 35280 |
Chidambaram Nataraja Temple Timings 2026
Morning Darshan Timings
The temple opens at 6 am sharp every day. Morning darshan runs continuously until noon. Devotees get free entry to the general darshan without tickets.
The Spatika Linga abhishekam happens during morning hours. Kalasandhi + morning pooja is the main morning ritual.
Large crowds gather for the morning aarti schedule. South Indian temple rituals follow strict Agama traditions.
Read More: TTD ₹300 Special Entry Darshan Booking: Complete Guide 2026
Evening Darshan Timings
The evening darshan from 5 pm begins after the break. The temple remains open until 10 PM nightly. Six daily poojas happen at fixed times.
The temple closes in the afternoon break from 12 PM to 5 PM. Evening rituals include the sacred Chidambara Rahasya ceremony. Darshan queue timings are strictly maintained. Temple trust management ensures smooth operations.
Weekly Schedule
The temple is open all seven days. “Is the Chidambaram temple open on Monday?” Yes, daily without breaks. Special poojas happen on Pradosham days.
Pradosham pooja occurs twice monthly. Friday evenings see maximum devotees. Plan visits avoiding peak festival times. Festival crowd management can be challenging.
| Session | Timings | Highlights |
| Morning Darshan | 06:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Temple closesthe afternoon break |
| Afternoon Break | 12:00 PM – 05:00 PM | Temple closes afternoon break |
| Evening Darshan | 05:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Evening darshan from 5 pm, Chidambara Rahasya ritual |
Pooja/Aarti Schedule at Chidambaram Temple
Paal Nivedhyam (Morning Offering)
“When is the morning aarti at Nataraja temple?” It starts at 6:30 AM. Lord’s sacred Paduka (footwear) is brought ceremonially. Priests offer milk to the deity. This marks the temple’s awakening ritual.
Maha Aarti (Main Morning Ritual)
Maha Aarti happens at 7:00 AM daily. Oil lamps illuminate the sanctum sanctorum. Devotees witness the divine cosmic dance form. Nataraja + cosmic dance symbolism is powerful.
Kalasandhi Pooja
This runs from 7:45 AM to 9:00 AM. Includes Kalasandhi + morning pooja with Homam. Linga Abhishekam is performed with sacred materials. South Indian temple rituals are meticulously followed.
Irandaam Kaalam (Second Pooja)
Scheduled between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Spatika Linga receives special abhishekam. Ruby Nataraja idol also gets a ritual bath. This is part of abhishekam + 72000 rupees premium seva.
Uchikala Pooja (Third Session)
Happens from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM. This is the final morning session pooja. Temple prepares for afternoon closure. Prasad distribution timing follows this ritual.
Saayarakshai (Evening Pooja)
“What time does the evening pooja start?” At 5:15 PM. Evening abhishekam and aarti are conducted. Lamps are lit throughout the temple. Devotees gather in large numbers.
Irandaam Kaalam (Fifth Pooja)
Runs from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The sacred Chidambara Rahasya curtain is revealed. Maha Shivaratri celebration includes extended rituals. This pooja is highly auspicious.
Ardhajaamam (Night Aarti)
The final pooja is from 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM. “What is the last darshan time?” It’s 10 PM. Nighttime aarti marks the day’s conclusion. The temple then closes for the night.
| Pooja Name | Timings | Key Rituals |
| Paal Nivedhyam | 06:30 AM | Paduka brought, milk offering |
| Maha Aarti | 07:00 AM | Morning aarti schedule, main aarti |
| Kalasandhi Pooja | 07:45 – 09:00 AM | Kalasandhi + morning pooja, Homam, Linga Abhishekam |
| Irandaam Kaalam | 10:00 – 11:00 AM | Spatika Linga abhishekam, Ruby Nataraja ritual |
| Uchikala Pooja | 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Final morning pooja |
| Saayarakshai | 05:15 – 06:00 PM | Paduka brought a milk offering |
| Irandaam Kaalam | 07:00 – 08:00 PM | Chidambara Rahasya Pooja, Maha Aarti |
| Ardhajaamam | 09:00 – 10:00 PM | Night aarti, closing ritual |
Special Darshan Ticket Booking Details (2026)
General Darshan (Free Entry)
“Can I book Nataraja temple darshan online?” No, online booking is unavailable. General Darshan has free entry for all. No tickets or passes needed. Queues can be long during festivals. Darshan queue timings vary by season. Arrive early for shorter waits.
Special Darshan Benefits
Special darshan for the elderly and families is available. Faster queue access saves time. Children and disabled persons get priority. Booking must be done at the temple counter. Temple offline booking is the only option. The counter operates during temple hours.
Booking Process
Visit the temple ticket counter directly. Carry a valid ID proof for verification. “How to book abhishekam” – same counter handles all bookings.
Temple seva booking requires advance planning. Staff provide booking receipts immediately. No phone or email bookings accepted.
Cost Comparison
| Darshan Type | Booking Method | Cost (INR) | Benefits |
| General Darshan | Temple offline booking at the counter | ₹0 (Free entry general darshan) | Open to all, longer queues |
| Special Darshan | Walk-in, no booking needed | Fixed Rate (Varies) | Offline booking only at the counter |
| Abhishekam Seva | Temple offline booking at counter | ₹72,000 (Abhishekam + 72000 rupees) | Family ritual attendance allowed, personal pooja |
Abhishekam Seva at Thillai Nataraja Temple
What is Abhishekam Seva
Abhishekam is the most sacred temple ritual. Abhishekam at Tamil Nadu temples varies widely. Here, it costs ₹72,000 for full family participation.
How do I book “Abhishekam” at the Chidambaram temple?” Visit the temple counter only. Temple seva booking requires a direct temple visit. Ritual entities: Abhishekam + 72000 rupees includes complete ceremonial worship.
Timing and Frequency
Two sessions happen daily at fixed times. The morning session is at 10:00 AM sharp. The evening session begins at 8:00 PM.
Daily abhishekam ensures devotees can book flexibly. Abhishekam cost in Tamil Nadu premium range. Spatika Linga abhishekam is part of the ritual.
Who Can Attend
Family ritual attendance allowed for all members. Children can participate with their parents. Extended family members are also permitted. Maximum 15-20 persons per booking. Dress code must be followed strictly. Traditional attire is mandatory.
Booking Requirements
Prior planning is absolutely essential. Contact temple officials weeks in advance. Peak seasons require earlier booking. Temple offline booking at the counter only. Payment must be made in full. Receipts are issued immediately.
Ritual Details
Complete abhishekam for Lord Nataraja performed. Priests use milk, honey, and panchamrit. Sacred water from holy rivers is included.
Spatika Linga also receives abhishekam. Cosmic dancer Shiva’s form is worshipped. Dikshitars (hereditary priests) conduct the ceremony. The experience is deeply spiritual and memorable.
| Detail | Information |
| Ritual Name | Full Abhishekam for Nataraja |
| Frequency | Daily (2 sessions) |
| Cost | ₹72,000 (Abhishekam cost Tamil Nadu premium) |
| Timings | 10:00 AM and 08:00 PM |
| Attendance | Family ritual attendance allowed (up to 15-20 members) |
| Booking | Temple offline booking only at the premises counter |
| Conducted By | Dikshitars (temple priests) |
How to Reach Chidambaram Nataraja Temple
By Road (NH-32 Route)
Chidambaram is on the NH-32 highway. Regular buses from Chennai operate daily. Pondicherry has frequent bus services.
Cuddalore district buses also connect well. Private taxis are easily available. Parking facilities are available near the temple premises. Self-driving is convenient and comfortable.
By Rail (Nearest Railway Station)
“Nearest railway station 2 km” from the temple. Chidambaram Railway Station is well-connected. Trains from Chennai and Trichy run regularly.
Auto-rickshaws are available outside the station always. Walking distance for fitness enthusiasts. Prepaid auto counters ensure fair pricing.
By Air (Airport Options)
Puducherry Airport is 78 km away. Chennai International Airport is 235 km away. Both have taxi services available. Pre-book cabs for better rates. Flight connectivity to Chennai is excellent. Religious tourism in Tamil Nadu is improving.
Local Transport
Auto-rickshaws are the most common option. Cycle rickshaws are available in the temple area. App-based cabs operate in the city.
Local buses connect nearby attractions. The Tanjore temple circuit can be covered. Kumbakonam temples nearby are accessible easily.
| Transport Mode | Details | Distance/Connectivity |
| By Road | Easy access to the Kumbakonam temples nearby | Well-connected, parking facilities available |
| By Rail | Chidambaram Railway Station | The nearest railway station is 2 km from the temple |
| By Air | Puducherry Airport / Chennai Airport | 78 km / 235 km respectively |
| Local Transport | Auto, cycle rickshaw, app cabs | Easy access to Kumbakonam temples nearby |
Contact Information
Temple Address
The temple is in Chidambaram + Tamil Nadu state. Cuddalore district jurisdiction covers the area. Pin code is 608001 for correspondence. Located in the heart of town. Easy to find with GPS navigation.
Phone and Email
Helpline number is +91 94436 35280. Call for “what are the darshan timings today” queries. Email is contact@chidambaramnataraja.org for written inquiries. Response time is usually 24-48 hours. Temple trust management handles all communications.
Official Website
Visit www.chidambaramnataraja.org for updates. The site has temple history details. Festival schedules are posted regularly. “
Best time to visit the temple” information available. What to wear in the temple guidelines. Temple photography rules are mentioned clearly.
Visitor Services
The inquiry counter operates during temple hours. Wheelchair accessibility information can be obtained. Accommodation near the temple options are listed. Tourist guides are available at nominal charges. Prasad’s distribution timing can be confirmed.
| Contact Type | Details |
| Temple Address | Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu – 608001, Cuddalore district |
| Phone Number | +91 94436 35280 |
| contact@chidambaramnataraja.org | |
| Website | www.chidambaramnataraja.org |
| Managed By | Managed by temple trust – Chidambaram Nataraja Temple Trust |
Personal Opinion and Requirements
Visiting the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple is a transformative experience. The Ananda Tandava cosmic dance form inspires spiritual awakening. I recommend spending the full 4 to 5 hours visit duration. Witnessing Chidambara Rahasya during evening pooja is unmissable. Book Abhishekam seva weeks in advance for the Maha Shivaratri celebration. Wear traditional attire and respect what to wear in the temple. The Dikshitars preserve ancient South Indian temple rituals beautifully. Don’t miss exploring the Kumbakonam temples nearby and the Tanjore temple circuit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Chidambaram temple open?
The temple opens at 6 am every day. Morning darshan continues until 12 PM.
Can I book Nataraja temple darshan online?
No, offline booking only at temple counter. Online booking is not available currently.
How much does Abhishekam cost at the Chidambaram temple?
The abhishekam cost is ₹72,000 for the full family seva. Abhishekam + 72000 rupees includes the complete ritual.
When does the temple close for lunch?
“When does the temple close for lunch?” From 12 PM to 5 PM. Temple closes afternoon break daily.
What is the best time to visit the temple?
The best time to visit the temple is from October to March. Weekday mornings have shorter queues.
Conclusion
The Chidambaram Nataraja Temple is a must-visit Lord Shiva temple in Tamil Nadu. This Pancha Bhoota Sthalams shrine offers a deep spiritual connection. The offline booking only policy requires planning your visit carefully. The Chola architecture temple and Dravidian temple architecture showcase India’s heritage brilliantly. Whether attending free entry general darshan or premium abhishekam seva, every moment is sacred.
Alich, a skilled content writer with 3+ years of experience, known for creating clear guides and 1000+ published articles across multiple niches.
