Chidambaram Nataraja Temple - चिदम्बरम नटराज मंदिर

Chidambaram Nataraja Temple is a major Shiva temple in South India. This temple is located in Chidambaram city of Tamil Nadu. The word 'Chidha' means knowledge and 'Ambaram' means 'wide open space'. Thus, Chidambaram denotes a wide open space which has no end. Lord Nataraja is the supreme manifestation of Lord Shiva, who is revered as the king of dancers.

History and Architecture of Chidambaram Nataraja Temple
Chidambaram Nataraja Temple is an example of the unity between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Both the deities can be worshiped at a particular place. This temple is highly revered by Tamil saints and is the main reason for the flourishing of Shaivism in Tamil Nadu. There is a special Sri Chakra, which was installed by the saint Adi Shankaracharya in the Ambika temple. The presiding deity here is Thirumoolnathar but Lord Nataraja is given prominence here. This is one of the Panchbhoot places.

This temple was built during the Chola dynasty and is spread over approximately 51 acres. The temple has beautiful gopurams and carvings. The special gold plated vimana at the top of the temple of Lord Nataraja is a magnificent piece of architecture. The eastern gopuram has 108 carvings depicting Natya Shastra. Panch Sabai represents the five dancing halls of Lord Nataraja. Chidambaram temple has Kanaga Sabai which means 'hall made of gold'.

The temple pond is a fresh source of water from which the anointment of Lord Shiva is performed. Chidambara Ragasyam depicts an empty space. There is a small vilva garland hanging without an idol. It shows that God is beyond beginning and end.

Chidambaram Nataraja Temple Darshan Timings
The temple remains open throughout the week. Devotees can have darshan from 6 am to 12 noon and 5 pm to 10 pm.

Prime Festivals at Chidambaram Nataraja Temple
The dance festival Natyanjali, is a prominent celebration which is celebrated once a year. On this festival all the dancers gather to perform their tribute to Bhagwan Shiva. Shiva Ratri is a major festival; other important festivals are Arudra Darshan, Thiruvadarai and Nataraja Abhishekam. The Rath festival in Chidambaram is also a prominent one.

How to reach Nataraja Temple
Nataraja Temple is in Chidambaram city which is situated around 78 kilometers from Pondicherry, on the banks of the Cauvery. This city is well connected to various parts of Tamil Nadu in both roadways and railways. Chidambaram has its own railway station, very much near the temple.