Temples in Chidambaram
Chidambaram is one of the great temple towns of Tamil Nadu. The Thillai Nataraja Temple is the reason the town exists: Shiva is worshipped here as Nataraja, the lord of dance, and the temple is counted among the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams as the temple of space (akasha).
The temple is looked after by the Dikshitars, the hereditary priests who perform the rituals, and it keeps to traditional customs on dress and photography. Treat it as an active place of worship, dress modestly and follow the priests' instructions.
Famous Temples in Chidambaram
Thillai Nataraja Temple fills a large walled area in the centre of town, with four gopurams facing the four directions. The eastern and western towers carry carvings of the 108 dance poses (karanas) of Bharatanatyam. At the heart of the temple is the Chit Sabha, with its gold-roofed hall, where Nataraja is worshipped and where the Chidambara Rahasya is shown. The complex also holds the Sivaganga tank, several large halls and a shrine to Govindaraja Perumal (Vishnu), so Shiva and Vishnu are worshipped within the same walls.
Thillai Kali Temple is on the northern edge of town, about 1 km from the Nataraja Temple. It is linked to the legend of the dance contest between Shiva and Kali, and the goddess here is shown with four faces. The stone temple dates from the 13th century.
Tips for Visiting Temples in Chidambaram
- Men should wear a veshti and be ready to remove their shirt near the inner shrine of the Nataraja Temple.
- Women should wear a saree, half saree or salwar kameez with a dupatta.
- Photos are not allowed in the inner shrines, so keep your phone away there.
- Visit early in the morning or for the evening rituals, when the temple is at its most atmospheric.
- The temple usually closes in the afternoon, so check the timings before you go.
- Stone floors get very hot by midday, so go early or late.
- Leave your shoes at the counter outside and carry little with you.
Questions
Chidambaram — FAQ
Who looks after the Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram?
The temple's rituals are performed by the Dikshitars, a community of hereditary priests. You will recognise them by their traditional dress and the tuft of hair tied at the front of the head.
What is the Chit Sabha?
The Chit Sabha is the inner hall of the Nataraja Temple, with a gold-covered roof, where Nataraja is worshipped. It is also where the Chidambara Rahasya, the 'secret' of Chidambaram, is shown to devotees.
Why is Chidambaram one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams?
The Pancha Bhoota Sthalams are five Shiva temples in South India, each linked to one of the five elements. Chidambaram stands for space (akasha), shown by the empty space of the Chidambara Rahasya.
How much time do I need for the temples in Chidambaram?
Allow 2–3 hours for the Nataraja Temple, including the halls and the Sivaganga tank, and about an hour for the Thillai Kali Temple.