About Chidambaram Nataraja Temple

Chidambaram Nataraja Temple is a Hindu temple situated in the town of Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. The Chidambaram Nataraja statue is of Lord Shiva and is also known as Thillai Nataraja Temple. It is one of the five holiest Shiva temples, each representing one of the five natural elements. 

Other Shiva temples I have visited include: Bhojeshwar Shiva Temple, Bhopal, Mahakuta Temple, Karnataka, Trimbakeshwar Temple, Nashik

The word Chidambaram is derived from two words ‘Chit’ meaning ‘consciousness’ and ‘ambaram’ meaning ‘sky’. The word can be translated into the sky of consciousness, which is the ultimate state one should attain in the mortal world. Another theory is that it is derived from chit + ambalam. Ambalam means a “stage” for performing arts. 

The story of Chidambaram begins with the legend of Lord Shiva strolling into the Thillai Vanam (forest). In the Thillai forests, a group of saints resided who believed in the supremacy of magic and that God can be controlled by rituals or chanting of ‘mantras‘ or ‘shlokas’. 

One day Lord Shiva strolled in the forest in the form of ‘Pitchatanadar‘, a simple mendicant seeking alms who was radiant with beauty and brilliance. He is followed by his Grace and consort who is Lord Vishnu as Mohini. The saints of the forest and their wives get enchanted by the beauty of the handsome duo. On seeing their womenfolk enchanted, the saints get enraged and invoke scores of snakes on the duo by performing magical rituals. 

The Duo lifts the snakes and turns them into their personal ornaments Further enraged, the saints invoke a tiger, which the Lord skins and dons as a shawl around his waist. Thoroughly frustrated, the saints gather all their spiritual strength and invoke a powerful demon Muyalakan – a symbol of complete arrogance and ignorance. The Lord wearing a gentle smile, steps on the demon’s back, immobilizes him and performs the Ánanda Thaandava (the dance of eternal bliss), and discloses his true form. The saints surrender, realizing that this Lord is the truth and he is beyond magic and rituals.

The idol at Chidambaram Nataraja Temple is that of Lord Shiva in a dance pose.

History of Chidambaram Nataraja Temple

The temple was constructed during the 10th Century when Chidambaram used to be the capital of the Chola dynasty. The Cholas considered Lord Shiva as their family deity. The notable contributions were by the Pallava, Chola, Pandya, Chera and Vijayanagara rulers during the periods of ancient and medieval history. 

The Nataraj temple has undergone damage, renovation, and expansion for many years. The present structure of the temple has its roots in the 12th and 13th centuries AD.

Architecture of Chidambaram Nataraja Temple

The temple complex of Chidambaram Nataraja Temple sprawls over an area of 45 acres. This is one of the rare temples where Lord Shiva is represented by an idol rather than the customary lingam. 

The architecture of the temple represents the link between arts and spirituality. Although Shiva is the main deity of the temple, it also represents major themes from Vaishnavism, Shaktism, and others with all due reverence. 

The Nataraja Temple is known for its attractive gopurams, carvings, five mandapams, and inscriptions. The four tall gopurams are decorated with 108 carved dance postures of Natya Shastra. There are five main principle sabhas in this temple, which are known as Chit Sabha, Kanaka Sabha, Deva Sabha, Nritya Sabha, and Raja Sabha.

The main Sanctum – Chit Sabha

The main idol of Nataraja resides in the sanctum known as Chit Sabha or the Hall of Consciousness. It is a rectangular wooden structure on the granite base with a gilded and unusually slanting roof. Garbhgriha houses the Nataraja idol and is approached from the side unlike from the front which is the case in all temples. Due to the side entrance, one can hardly see the idol or statue for a longer duration and also because it is covered in so many layers of clothes and flowers. 

Kanaka Sabha

This is the second most important sanctum in the temple complex. The daily rituals are conducted in the Kanaka Sabha of Chidambaram Nataraja Temple. The Kanaka Sabha is adorned by a gold-plated roof. The golden roof is made of 22,600 tiles representing the number of breaths of a human being on a day, and fixed with 72,000 golden nails representing the 72,000 visible and invisible nerves of a human body! The roof is having 9 ornamental conic heads (Kalasas), denoting 9 Entrances or Openings of the body.

Courtyards

There are five courtyards, representing five sheaths of a human body, kosas. 

Shivaganga Tirtha 

It is the main temple tank in the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple complex. It is located near the temple along the northern Gopuram. The reflection of the gopurams in the water looks beautiful. A pillared corridor goes along the water tank where one can rest, meditate or just marvel at the architecture.

Daily Puja at Chidambaram Temple

The daily Puja begins by bringing the Padukas or the footwear of the deity in a palanquin. There are 6 different pujas that are performed throughout the day. All these Pujas involve an Abhishek of the Lingam. The day closes with Padukas going back to the palanquin. The Abhishek schedule can be seen here.

The Chidambaram temple timings are 6 am to 12 noon and 5 pm to 10 pm every day of the year.

Other must-visit temples in Chidambaram

Chidambaran is a temple town and there are many important temples that are a must-visit other than Chidambaram Nataraja Temple. Some of them are

Thillai Kali Amman temple

Goddess Kali is the presiding deity in this temple. It is the second most visited temple in Chidambaram. ‘Thillai Kali’ is a deity in anger and hence the idol inside the temple has four faces.

Chathapuram Nathar Temple

Another Lord Shiva temple is the Chathapuram Nathar Temple. This temple is believed to work in granting wishes and that is why worshipers do stop here to pay their respects.

Thiruvetkalam temple

A temple of great historical and religious significance, Thiruvetkalam is believed to be located in the same spot where Lord Shiva battled and defeated Arjuna by breaking his bow during the battle. In the Thiruvetkalam temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Pasupateswara. 

Tirunelvayil

Also known as Sivapuri Uchinathar Temple, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Uchinathar. 

Achalpuram Temple

In the village of Achalpuram, the Achalpuram temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Shiva Lingam is entwined by a golden snake, the hood of which covers the Lingam. In this temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Sri Shivalokathyageshwar and as always, is accompanied by his consort Goddess Parvathi.

Is photography allowed in Chidambaram Nataraja Temple?

Yes, mobile photography and even DSLR photography is allowed for clicking the architecture and the water tank. Photography is not allowed in the main sanctum.

Tourist Attractions near Chidambaram

Pichavaram mangrove forest is a must-visit tourist attraction in Chidambaram other than the temples located only 30 km away from the town. It is a nature’s paradise with mangroves spread over 1100 hectares providing undulated natural views. The mangrove forest houses 20 different types of trees and 200 species of birds, crabs, turtles, and prawns, which makes it a perfect photography spot for wildlife enthusiasts. 

Pichavaram mangrove forest is one of the world’s largest mangrove forests. 

Shopping in Chidambaram

Like every temple town, Chidambaram has a lot to offer. Chidambaram souvenirs include idols, paintings, and posters of Lord Nataraja. These idols are handcrafted in various metals and suitable to be placed in your homes. Handcrafted toys, terracotta diyas and khadi materials are also available in plenty here. 

How to Reach Chidambaram

By Air

The nearest airport is Puducherry which is 65 km away and another is Chennai which is 250 km. State-run buses and private cabs can further take visitors to Chidamabaram. 

By Train

Trains run from Chennai to Chidamabaram. Chidambaram lies on the mainline of the Southern Railway. Nagercoil express and Nellai express are some popular trains that pass through Vridhachalam junction near Chidambaram.

By Road

Chidambaram is on the Cuddalore-Chennai highway and frequent buses are available from major cities in Tamil Nadu to Chidambaram. 

Best Time To Visit Chidambaram

The best time to visit Chidambaram is during the various festivals. A couple of annual festivals and traditions that are celebrated with utmost grandeur and pomp are Aani Tirumanjanam (June), The Dance Festival of Natyanjali, and Margazhi Thiruvathirai (Dec to Jan). 

Summers could be difficult for visitors due to heat and humidity which is at its peak. Monsoon would still have humidity and make the visit uncomfortable. The best season to visit Chidambaram is in winter when it is pleasant to visit all the temples in Chidambaram.

Stay in Chidambaram

Accommodation options in Chidambaram are very basic with simple facilities as most visitors are temple worshipers. Major visitors are from the state and from cities like Chennai or Trichy which can be done within a day. Some options for staying are

Hotel Jayaram Chidambaram

Krish Garden Chidambaram

Sustainable travel tips for Chidambaram Nataraja Temple

• Being an ancient heritage site of historic importance it needs to be respected by not harming the temple structures. Do not sit or lean on the carvings/sculptures. 
• Do not harm the structures by carving or writing on it
• Do not enter places that are closed off, there’s a reason why they are closed.
• Respect the temple rule and do not try to photograph the main sanctum or the idol presiding there.

Love Temples? Check out more temple posts here:

• Badami Cave Temples
• Angkor Wat Temple
• Chennakesava Temple, Somanathapura
• Konark Sun Temple
• Modhera Sun Temple
• Ranakpur Jain Temple
• Kamakhya Temple Guwahati

Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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Gandhi statue

As every Indian city has Mahatma Gandhi’s statue and at least one street named after him, why should Pondicherry be left behind? Gandhiji welcomes the locals and tourists to the Promenade with his Dandi March pose.

This promenade has nothing else other than the statue.

French Quarter

French Quarter is the most popular places to visit in Pondicherry. I was way early in the day, which meant I would get ample tourist-free photo opportunities of the alleys. With French street names like Rue Dumas, Rue Romain Rolland, Rue Suffren, Rue La Bourdonnais, Rue Surcouf, etc, the French buildings definitely had the vibe of being in Europe but you would certainly get a stare by the vegetable vendor or a local if you are wearing even a knee-length dress. Nevertheless, the buildings looked lovely.

Conclusion #2: Pondicherry locals are conservative

I had work after that so let’s just push to

Things to do in Pondicherry: Day 2

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Sri Aurobindo Ashram is an extremely clean and peaceful place and one of the must-visit tourist places in Pondicherry. It is a great place to meditate, but respect the instructions and do not meditate near the samadhi. You have to remove your shoes on the opposite side of the road to the Ashram, switch off your phone and put it your bag (yes, a person standing on the gate will check) and walk past colourful flower gardens up to the Samadhi.

Relax and feel the calmness in the campus, before you move to the bookstore.

In case you want to but other items like incense sticks, body oils, soaps and clothes, an adjacent street behind the ashram, will take you to another store where you can but this.

Old port pier

Most tourists want to go to Serenity Beach or Paradise Beach for well, Beach, please! But you still get a small hint of sand and the charm of a pier if you walk from Gandhi statue towards the new lighthouse on the promenade. Just keep walking till you come to the pier. With almost no tourists in sight, it is one of the most beautiful sights in Pondicherry. Watch the fishermen boats go by, or just listen to the waves crash on the rocks or get amused by the crows flying right across your hair, basically just chill. I got lucky with this find and this is certainly one of the offbeat places in Pondicherry.

Conclusion #3 Old pier is pretty much tourist-free and must-visit in Pondicherry.

Churches in Pondicherry

The churches add charm to the French town of Pondicherry. There are several that you can visit within a 2-3km radius and I suggest you should visit at least the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Conception Cathedral.

Shopping in Pondicherry

I had heard Pondicherry had quite a range of natural and herbal products which were affordable. I had very less time but I quickly glanced through Casa Blanca and Kalki for clothes and home products. I bought some soaps and natural fragrances from the Aurobindo shop. Check this detailed shopping guide for Pondicherry.

Cafe hopping in Pondicherry

This was personally the biggest highlight in Pondicherry for me. I love food and the array of baked french goodies, both savoury and sweet can make one travel to Pondicherry for sure. Pondicherry is definitely a place for feasting in the fancy boutique hotels, artsy cafes, lovely bistros and elegant restaurants some in the small alleys, some sea facing but all beautiful.

• Cafe Des Arts is an amazing place for French classics
• Baker Street is popular for mushroom quiches and butter croissants and other pastries. (Pro tip: It opens at 7 am so ideal for early breakfast)
• La Villa has a healthy array of starters and their classy desserts are yum!
• Cafe Xtasy have the most delicious wood-fired pizzas
• Villa Shanti has lovely Italian cuisine. Look out for their ‘Meal of the day’ and just order that!

Check out this detailed guide on Best Restaurants in Pondicherry

Pondicherry Hotels/Homestays

I stayed in a homestay for a night and a boutique hotel for another. Both experiences were good. Will highly recommend both. They both had the option to rent 2-wheelers to go around the town at a cost Rs. 350 per day.

Homestay: The House of Blue Mangoes. Had a lovely courtyard with armchairs to relax. A kitchen where you can cook and a Water purifier to refill water. There are 4 rooms which are far from each other and you have the feeling of being the only one in the house. House rules No shoes inside the house. They give you flip flops at the entrance.

Pros: Clean, good toiletries, hot water, good wifi

Cons: Small room with spider webs and less charging points

Boutique hotel: La Closerie – Bay of Bengal. A hotel, walking distance to the rocky beach and all the classy eating places as well as to the old pier. It has 7 boutique rooms and a small pool in the courtyard. Breakfast is basic but good. Lovely property to stay a night or two.

Pros: loads of open spaces to relax and read a book, pool, wifi

Cons: Only soap provided in toiletries. Breakfast can be better

Is Pondicherry worth the visit?

• The Good: Pondicherry does not have a list of ‘things to do and see’. It is a place to relax, catch up on reading and feasting. So choose carefully.
• The Bad: There is no nightlife like Goa. You can party in your own room.
• The Ugly: It is a dirty town with open gutters. There is litter, literally everywhere and the tourists as well as local authorities are to blame. 
• I would personally not spend money to go all the way to Pondicherry but would rather go to Vizag which has everything a tourist wants from an amazing weekend in a beach town. 

Sustainable tips for a trip to Pondicherry

• Do not litter the already dirty town. Throw waste in the bins.
• Respect the space in church and ashram. Switch off your mobile and do not talk.
• It is a quiet and conservative town. So keep the volume on your speakers low and dress appropriately.
• Respect the privacy of neighbours where you are staying and while clicking photos – they are someone’s home after all.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.