The Chidambaram Temple is a very famous Hindu temple that is located in the Chidambaram in the state of Tamil Nadu India. The Chidambaram Temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva as Nataraja thats why this temple is also called as Chidambaram Natraja Temple. Hate the main significance of this temple it is a very ancient temple that the Lord Shiva represented as a natraja means the cosmic dancer. The people believe that this temple is built in the 9th century during the chola dynasty.
The Chidambaram Temple opens daily mornings from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and evenings from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The major festivals that are celebrated in this temple wasThe Margazhi Thiruvadhirai festival (December-January) and Aani Thirumanjanam (June-July). The temple conducts Abhishekam Daily in this temple.
Rameshwaram Temple Darshan 2025: Online booking & timings
Chidambaram Temple Darshan Timings
Morning and Evening Darshan Timings
- 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Chidambaram Temple Daily Schedule
In the Chilambaram Temple, the Darshan is free to the devotees and the special Darshan available on the festivals and special occasions and the cost of the special darshan ticket is varies.
| Darshan Session | Timings |
|---|---|
| Morning Opening | 6:00 AM |
| Morning Pooja | 6:30 AM – 7:00 AM |
| Mid-Morning Pooja | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM |
| Noon Pooja | 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Temple Closes | 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM |
| Evening Opening | 4:30 PM |
| Evening Pooja | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Night Pooja | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Arthajama Pooja | 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Temple Closes | 10:00 PM |
Chidambaram Temple Darshan Timings
| Darshan Session | Timings |
|---|---|
| Morning Darshan | 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Afternoon Break | 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM |
Abhishekam Timings at Chidambaram Temple
- Early Morning Abhishekam: 6:30 AM
- Ucchikala Abhishekam: 11:30 AM
- Sayaraksha Abhishekam: 6:00 PM
- Ardhajama Abhishekam: 9:00 PM
Special Abhishekam on Pradosham and Full Moon Days
- Tickets required for special seating/viewing
Chidambaram Temple Abhishekam Types
| Abhishekam Type | Timings |
|---|---|
| Chandhramouleeswara Spatika Linga Abishekam | During All Pooja Timings |
| Rathnasahapathy Abishekam | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
| Swarna Aakarshana Bhairava Abishekam | Special Days & Festivals |
| Mahanyaasa Poorvaka Rudhraabishekam | Special Occasions |
| Mahaarudhrajapa Yagna Sahitha Mahaarudhram | During Major Yagnas |
| Athirudhrajapa Yagna Sahitha Athirudhram | On Grand Festivals |
Chidambaram Temple Abhishekam Cost
| Pooja Name | Ticket Price | Timings | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abhishekam | ₹72,000 | 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM | 2 hours | Performed daily; ticket cost covers a family. |
Chidambaram Temple Pooja Booking & Tickets
| Pooja Name | Timings |
|---|---|
| Morning Pooja | 6:30 AM – 7:00 AM |
| Mid-Morning Pooja | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM |
| Noon Pooja | 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Evening Pooja | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Night Pooja | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Arthajama Pooja | 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
Chidambaram Temple Daily Pooja Timings
| Pooja Name | Time |
|---|---|
| Paal Nivedhyam | 6:30 AM |
| Maha Aarthi | 7:00 AM |
| Kalasandhi Pooja | 7:45 AM – 9:00 AM |
| Irandaam Kaalam | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
| Uchikaalam | 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Saayarakshai | 5:15 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Irandaam Kaalam | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Ardhajaamam | 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
Chidambaram Temple Archana Timings
| Archanaa Type | Timings |
|---|---|
| Ashtoththara Sathanaama | During Pooja Timings |
| Sahasranaama | During Pooja Timings |
| Sammelana Sahasranaama | During Special Occasions |
| Panchakshara Thrisathi | During Special Poojas |
| Pancha Mukha Sahasranaama | During Major Festivals |
| Ekasamaya Lakshaarchanaa | Pre-announced Special Days |
History & Significance of Chidambaram Nataraja Temple
One of India’s holiest and most architecturally significant temples is the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, which is situated in the Tamil Nadu town of Chidambaram. The temple, which is devoted to Lord Shiva in his cosmic dancing form, Nataraja, is a potent representation of the fusion of spirituality, science, and art. Its origins go back more than a millennium, and the Chola dynasty, who regarded Chidambaram as their spiritual capital from the ninth to the thirteenth centuries CE, made major contributions. Legends, however, place the temple’s origin much earlier; some even claim that sages built it and that divine will later revealed it to the world.
It is one of the few temples where Shiva is worshipped in anthropomorphic form instead of as a linga, which is what makes it so special. In addition to being a religious icon, the bronze statue of Nataraja performing the Ananda Tandava (Dance of Bliss) is a universally acknowledged representation of cosmic energy and rhythm. The five facets of Shiva’s cosmic role—creation, preservation, destruction, illusion, and liberation—are allegedly represented by this divine dance. The temple honors this idea both spiritually and architecturally, with each sculpture and stone reflecting cosmic harmony.
The Chidambara Rahasyam, also known as “the secret of Chidambaram,” is a mystical idea symbolized by a curtain that conceals a space thought to be the formless side of Shiva. This is what further distinguishes Chidambaram. This deep spiritual concept gives seekers a better grasp of metaphysical reality by implying that the divine is both visible and invisible, form and formlessness. Because so few temples have the audacity to examine this duality, Chidambaram is a central figure in Advaita Vedanta and Shaivite philosophy.
How To Reach Chidambaram Temple
By Train:
The nearest railway station to the Chidambaram Temple is Chidambaram railway station from there the temple is approximately 2KM and there is all available train connections from the major cities like Chennai, Madurai, Rameshwaram and other cities. From the railway station you can easily hire taxi or auto to reach to the temple
By Air:
The nearest airport to the temple is Puducherry Airport it is approximately 70 kilometres from the temple and from the airport you can easily hire the local buses or any taxi to reach to the temple directly.
By Road:
The temple is well connected by all the roadways and the private buses and government buses are available from the major cities like Madurai Rameshwaram, Chennai and also the private vehicles available to the devotees.
Chidambaram Temple Dress Code
- Men: Dhoti or veshti (no shirts inside sanctum)
- Women: Saree or salwar-kameez (no western clothes)
Chidambaram Temple Contact Details
Address: No. 04, North Car Street, Temple Street, Chidambaram – 608001, Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu
Contact Numbers: 94436 35280, 04144 – 22717, 04144 – 230251
Official Website:www.chidambaramnataraja.org
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the current darshan timings at Chidambaram Temple?
Darshan is available daily from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
2. How much is the abhishekam ticket at Chidambaram Temple?
Abhishekam tickets usually range from ₹50 to ₹500, depending on the seva type.
3. Can I book abhishekam tickets online?
Currently, online booking is not available; tickets can be purchased at the temple counter.
4. What is the dress code for entry into the temple?
Men must wear dhoti (shirt optional); women should wear saree or traditional Indian attire.
5. Which deity is worshipped at Chidambaram Nataraja Temple?
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Nataraja, the Cosmic Dancer.