Nataraja Temple - Chidambaram

Nataraja Temple - Chidambaram

Nataraja Temple - Chidambaram
4.5
6:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
About
This is one of the most significant temples in the region.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles267 reviews
Excellent
171
Very good
80
Average
11
Poor
2
Terrible
3

AZCasualTraveler
Mesa, AZ2,438 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Couples
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.
Written September 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rajesh K K
Bengaluru, India1,490 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2021
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.
Written January 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nirmala G
16 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023
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 ......
Written April 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jeet_Bangalore
Bengaluru, India36 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023
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.
Written August 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Film G
New England1,051 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Couples
Massive temple, with huge towers and more statuary than one can count. Going back many centuries, this temple is one of the more impressive ones (and that's saying something) in Tamil Nadu. An essential stop on the road between Pondicherry and Madurai.
Written March 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

muraliaryan62
Tiruchirappalli, India237 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2013 • Family
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.
Written August 7, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sundar S
Chennai (Madras), India330 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2015 • Solo
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.
Written October 9, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Krishnamurthy S
Chennai (Madras), India64 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2014 • Couples
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....)
 
Written January 16, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ChandrasBangalore
Bengaluru, India2 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2016 • Family
We drove from Bangalore. Went to Kumbakonam, Swamimalai and then to Chidambaram. Route from Bangalore to Chidambaram/Swamimalai is same till Virudachalam circle - If you take right at the circle, you would take the Kumbakonam-Swamimalai route, go straight for Chidambaram temple. Stayed in Hotel Akshaya, which is very nearby (400mt) from main entrance of Chidambaram temple. The hotel was a bit expensive 2500 for AC, for one night. But it was good as it is close to the temple. Regarding the temple, you can go before 1230 in the morning or after 4 in the evening. Very big perimeter of the temple. Takes a lot of time to walk around, do it after you are done with the darshan of the Nataraja and Govinda and Sivagami devi. All of the priests near all the dieties there, keep asking you to enrol to receive the monthly prasadam by post. They ask 1200 for one year, you would get prasadam once a month. If you do not wish to go for that, you can simply walk off, and let the priests know that it is fine with you..have darshans of the dieties and sit in meditation in the premises. FIrst, as soon as you enter the temple, you can see where the Nataraja swamy is..Go there and have darshan. Very near to that you have govinda's temple. Now, if you want to see the Chidambara rahasyam, the priests insist you to take the archana ticket at Nataraja swamy sanctum. If you take it, you will be allowed to get on to the platform of the temple and then watch Nataraja swamy up closely. Next to the sanctum, there is an empty space, which represents the Aakasha lingam, and is THE Chidambara Rahasyam, which, if you take the archana ticket, can watch through the holed metal case..They say they have the golden bilvas hanging in the space, that represent the presence of the divine. You can also have a glimpse of the Spatika linga (small) placed at the feet of Nataraja Swamy in a box. They do abhisheka, I think 6 times in a day, and every time you can try catching a glimpse of the Spatika linga (one priest will perform the abhisheka sitting on the platform, outside the sanctum of Nataraja swamy. Again, you can get on to the platform only if you take the archana ticket, which is 250/- per person. But you can as well have darshan of Nataraja Swamy And the Spatika Linga abhishekam standing at the foot of the platform. Nobody there guides you properly, so thought of writing this review. Have one circle around the temple after the darshan of the primary dieties inside. Download the map of the temple from internet and go around the temple visiting all the dieties along the perimeter of the temple.
Written February 15, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Geejgarth
Lincolnshire, UK61 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2014 • Solo
Travelled from Pondicherry to Chidambaran as I wanted to see the Temple - I was able to have a guide take me round the magnificent Temple . It is a very impressive building and busy at the time of my visit in November . The Guide was most helpful and made my trip all the more worthwhile .
Written December 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Nataraja Temple - Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu

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