Chidambaram Temple in Chidambaram
· Summer: 30 to 41° C (Extremely Hot)
· Winter: 21 to 30° C (Pleasant)
· Monsoon: June to September (Medium Rainfall)
Best time to visit:
October to March
Opening Time: 6:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Break from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Closing Time: 1:00 p.m. and 9 p.m. (Break from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Weekly Holiday:
Entry Fees for Indians
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Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals
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Located in the heart of the temple town, Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu, Chidambaram Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva famous as Nataraja. This Hindu temple is one of the five most revered Shiva temples that represent Akasha (aether).
Unfolded in about 50 acres area, the temple is popular as being the only temple where Shiva is canonised as Nataraja. Renowned as the exclusive place where Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu share the same space, this temple is open to people of all faiths.
Breath-taking architecture of the temple is one of the biggest tourism highlights of this structure. The temple has five beautifully designed mandapams (courts) like Chit Sabha, Nritta Sabha, Deva Sabha, Kanaka Sabha, and Raja Sabha. The Nritta Sabha (dancing hall) presents a dramatic beauty of quaint designs and carvings. The Sabha is designed like a horse drawn chariot. The pillar of this hall portrays 108 poses of Bharatnatyam – the renowned classical dance form of India. Tourists can enjoy the five day long and enthusiastically celebrated festival, the Natyanjali Dance Festival on the temple ground. The festival is celebrated mostly during Mahashivratri in February.
A short walk from the temple introduces visitors to a majestic Kali temple, Thillai Kaliamman temple.
Connectivites
Road:
Chidambaram Temple is well connected to the major cities of Tamil Nadu by an excellent road network. It is located about 62 km. from Pondicherry.
Railway:
Tiruchirapalli Town Railway Station (about 165 km.) is the nearest railhead to reach the temple. Private taxis are available from outside the station.
Airway:
Tiruchirapalli Airport (about 172 km.) is the nearest airport to reach the temple. Taxi service is available from Tiruchirapalli to the temple.