This is a magnificent temple truly depicting the temple architecture of Chola period. Plan your visit before 12 noon or after 5 pm, as the temple is closed from 12 to 5 pm. Hundreds of exquisitely carved pillars cross bars. Highly commercialized, you need to take a rs 200 ticket to get close to the sanctum sanctorum. The tower, the plinth,everything is beautifully carved. Photography is not permitted inside the temple.

In the line of visiting great temples we started from Thanzavur Brihadeshwar Temple towards Thilai Nataraj Temple by bus . The bus journey was not so confortable . We reached our hotel 'Arihant ' just near the temple . After check in we visited the temple , It is huge complex . There was no rush of visitors .Every one can comfortably have darshan .We put on oil candles in a designated corner . The evening atmosphere ,the great structure instantly generates a inner feeling . This is Shiva Temple located in the centre of magnatic equator . There are four major gopuram in the cardinal points . Pathways roof leading to main temple are decorated with paintings depicting Hindu religious story . Inside complex there many other temples beside main deity Shiva like ,Devi ,Ganesha Vishnu and Nandi . We visited all shrines . There is a big pond with stairs all around which created a ecological balance . Temple walls and pillars are well decorated .

Amazing experience visiting this temple, Got Positive Vibes. The centre of the magnetic equator is at Nataraj Swamy leg. The top of the inside temple (garba gudi) has 21600 gold plates which equates to 15*60*24 = 21600. We breathe (inhale and exhale) around 21600 times a day. Amazing !!

The Chidambaram Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in the heart of the temple town of Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. Here are a couple of excerpts from the Chidamaram Temple website: "Chidambaram is one of the five holiest Shiva temples, each representing one of the five natural elements; Chidambaram represents akasha (aether). The other four temples in this category are: Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswara,Trichy (water), Kanchi Ekambareswara (earth) Kanchipuram, Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswara (fire),Thiruvanna malai and Kalahasti Nathar (wind) ..." "The temple complex spread over 50 acres in the heart of the city. It is an ancient and historic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva Nataraja and Lord Govindaraja Perumal, one of the few temples where both the Shaivite and Vaishnavite deities are enshrined in one place." This temple are is very interesting and informative place about the Indian culture.

Amazing temple with loads of history behind it. Massive 40 acres of property. Definitely worth a visit whether you are a pilgrim or simply someone interested in historical structures. However, the crowds are huge, with no social distancing and most not wearing masks. Parking is also a mess - better to take a car with a driver.

this was the first time i visited the temple after the sun set. it was lit up so beautifully, an experience in its self. so many families scattered around, sitting in groups,chatting away quietly, groups of friends walking around , mobiles going click , click, click around you, children laughing and playing, a nice festive atmosphere and all the while the poojas going on at various sanadhis at their own pace...... its the marina beach of Chennai. No mall can beat the feeling one has here, so much open space, and a pleasant breeze tugging at us as we walk around the acres and acres ......

This is the 2nd time, I visited the temple. Words are not enough to describe the feelings after darshan. You have to visit the temple to experience the bliss. But there is absolutely no crowd management. You will find chaos inside the temple. Darshan is a very tough nut to crack. Not safe for kids below 10, if there is a sizeable crowd inside.

Elavalagan seems educated but he is he ignorant and uneducated about Aryan ,Dravidian race history.Scienfically no proof for Aryan dravidian race in India. Let I come to the point Chidambaram represents Space one of the five elements of universe.The temple dedicated to Lord shiva who represents art and culture. Bharathanatyam posture sculptures worthy to see. Hinduism not only represents form or statue worship it also represents Nothingness worship that is space,that we see here.seperate class of poojari community Dikshadars doing service to Lord Nataraja here.

Worshipping at the Chidambaram temple is an incredible experience. Unlike other famous temples like Balaji temple at Tirupathi and Meenakshi temple at Madurai , there are no teeming crowds and the vast 40 acre temple complex allows one to open up and experience his own inner space. All the more poignant since this temple itself represents space . More on this later. Being aware of a mix of some astonishing facts and legend beforehand enables one to be receptive to absorb the divine vibrations and feel the pulsating energy of this unique temple. The full name of this temple is Thillai Natrajan Koothan Kovil. Explanation of the name. Thillai . Refers to the thillai trees which are part of the Pichavaram wetlands, the second largest mangrove forest in the world which is located 13 kms from the temple. The trees extend up to the temple area. Natarajan. Refers to Lord Shiva, the reigning deity who is depicted in his dancing form as against depiction in lingam form which is usually the norm. Kootan. Tamil word for dance. Lord Shiva is shown as the ‘Lord of Dance ’performing the ‘ Ananda Thandava’ , the dance of bliss. Kovil. The word means temple in Tamil. When Kovil is mentioned all Shiva devotees associate it foremost with this temple. Mix of Facts and Legend. 1.In the Tamil epic, Kandapuranam , the Chidambaram temple is mentioned as one of the foremost Shiva abodes in the world, other two being Mt Kailash itself ( see my review of Mt Kailash )and Koneswaran temple in Trincomallee, Sri Lanka. 2. This temple is considered as the ‘ Lotus Heart of the Universe ’. Virat Hridaya Padma Sthalam . 3 . Five Shiva temples are considered to represent the five elements and accorded the status of holiest of all Shiva temples . Significantly all are in South India. Details of location as under : - * Kalahasti - representing wind or air . * Kanchipuram - representing earth . * Tiruvanamalai - representing fire . * Tiruvanaikaval - representing water . * Chidambaram – representing ether or space. 4. Amongst these five temples, the temples at Chidambaram, Kalahasti and Kanchipuram are located exactly on the straight line joining 79 degrees and 41 minutes East Longitude. This is an architectural and geographical marvel considering that they were constructed during different periods and the lack of modern technology then. Other two temples are only slightly offset from this longitudinal bearing. 5. The sanctum sanctorum is gold plated with 21600 golden tiles each bearing the inscription SIVAYANAMA and fixed using 72,000 golden nails. An amazing sight which leaves one spellbound ( pic attached ). 6. In the gold plated sanctum sanctorum Lord Shiva is worshipped as the form , semi-form and the formless , as under :- As form – idol of Nataraja,( Dancing Shiva ) As semi form – in the form of a crystal lingam. As the formless - worshipped as space depicted by 51 vilvam gold leaves hung on a wall behind a curtain. This is termed as Chidambara rahisiyam (secret) .The curtain depicting ignorance is drawn aside for a few moments during puja by the priest and devotees in a moment of total surrender see the glittering gold leaves in gentle motion and experience bliss in the flowering of their own inner space . This can only be experienced and hence perhaps termed as secret. This can be seen from only one location during the puja and it is recommended that one makes sure of the place to stand from the local devotees to experience the divine. 7 . The temple has four gopurams in four cardinal directions, a massive temple pond, five halls and shrines to other deities . You will be awestruck by the architecture . The shrine to Lord Muruga was under construction during my visit on 07 Oct 2015. Renovation is in progress and I saw some truly fabulous ceiling paintings. ( pic posted)The temple also houses a ‘ gaushala’ , or cowshed where cows are fed and cared for. There is a splendid temple car used in festivals twice a year.( pic posted ) An interesting spot is a pillar from where all four gopurams can be seen . ( pic posted ). 8. The priests who administer the temple and perform the rituals are known as Dikshitars and as per legend were brought from Mt Kailash ,abode of Lord Shiva by Patanjali, father of modern yoga, author of the Yoga Sutras . He is also the person who consecrated the linga in Chidambaram. The puja schedule and timings are strictly adhered to . Recommended to visit when the crowd is sparse . Also spare minimum of 4 to 5 hours to go around the entire complex peacefully. You can wander around, sit ,soak in the atmosphere and put aside the hustle and bustle of the madding crowd for those few hours. Do see at least one puja at the main location. Duration is only 4 to 6 minutes Getting there and accommodation. Chidambaram is well connected by both rail and road from Chennai. From Chennai It is approx 220 kms , a 4 hour drive and takes about the same time by train. The landscape en route is picturesque. Travel one way by train and take the road back via Pondicherry and the East Coast road to experience the best of both. Don’t expect great accommodation as it is a small town catering to overnight pilgrims and tourists. Few so called upscale accn like Hotel Vandayar exist . Caters to basic ameneties . For clean veg food ,try Valliappa restaurant opposite State Bank of india .( pic posted ).All places are within walking distance as the town is built around the temple . It is best to visit during Oct to Jan and explore on foot. Summers are too hot to handle. Signing Off. .A truly incredible experience provided you are relaxed and open to allow your inner space to flower. Godspeed.

Chidambaram nataraja temple is believed to have been built 3500 years ago and it is an absolute wonder to visit and see. You need about an hour to see the complete temple but want to see the secret behind construction of the temple and the Lord Nataraja you need to spend about 4/5 hours with some knowledgeable person in the temple to know details about sculptures, significance of the specific construction, arts and paintings, the pooja methods, festivals and about the history and technical aspects of the temple which I described in the end. You may have to remove your shirt if you want to go up and have a close look at GOD including knowing the secret of Chidambaram ( called Chidambara Rahasyam in Tamil ) The temple is maintained by about 350 families of Dikshithars for centuries and are struggling to maintain as it needs huge financial assistance and technical help. Some findings ( No proof or records I have ) After 8 years of R & D, Western scientists have proved that at Lord Nataraja 's big toe lies the Centre Point of World 's Magnetic Equator. Our ancient Tamil Scholar Thirumoolar has proved this Five thousand years ago! His treatise "Thirumandiram" is a wonderful Scientific guide for the whole world. To understand his studies, it may need a 100 years for us. Chidambaram temple embodies the following  characteristics : 1)  This temple is located at the Center Point of world 's Magnetic Equator. 2) Of the "Pancha bootha" i.e. 5 temples, Chidambaram denotes the Skies.  Kalahasthi denotes Wind.  Kanchi Ekambareswar denotes land.  All these 3 temples are located in a straight line at 79 degrees 41 minutes Longitude. This can be verified using Google.  An amazing fact & astronomical miracle ! 3)  Chidambaram temple is based on the Human Body having 9 Entrances denoting 9 Entrances or Openings of the body. 4) Temple roof is made of 21600 gold sheets which denotes the 21600 breaths taken by a human being every day (15 x 60 x 24 = 21600) 5) These 21600 gold sheets are fixed on the Gopuram using 72000 gold nails which denote the total no. of Nadis (Nerves) in the human body. These transfer energy to certain body parts that are invisible. 6)  Thirumoolar states that man represents the shape of Shivalingam, which represents Chidambaram which represents Sadashivam which represents HIS dance ! 7) "Ponnambalam " is placed slightly tilted towards the left.  This represents our Heart.  To reach this, we need to climb 5 steps called "Panchatshara padi " "Si, Va, Ya, Na, Ma " are the 5 Panchatshara mantras. ( Na ma si va ya?) There are 4 pillars holding the Kanagasabhai representing the 4 Vedas. 8)  Ponnambalam ( Golden Stage) has 28 pillars denoting the 28 "Ahamas "as well as the 28 methods to worship Lord Shiva.  These 28 pillars support 64 +64 Roof Beams which denote the 64 Arts.  The cross beams represent the Blood Vessels running across the Human body. 9)  9 Kalasas on the Golden Roof represent the 9 types of Sakthi or Energies. The 6 pillars at the Artha Mantapa represent the 6 types of Sashtras.  The 18 pillars in the adjascent Mantapa represents 18 Puranams. 10) The dance of Lord Nataraja is described as Cosmic Dance by Western Scientists.  Whatever Science is propounding now has been stated by our ancestors in Bharat thousands of years ago !(Hinduism is not a religion. Its a way of living....)