About
The Nataraja Temple stands in the town of Chidambaram, in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is also known as the Thillai Nataraja Temple or the Chidambaram Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer, and it is one of the best-known Shaiva shrines in the region.
What you will see
- The Akasha Lingam, the temple's central object of worship, which is associated with the element of space.
- Traditional Tamil architecture, with origins dating back to the 10th century.
- The setting of a working temple, where worship continues as part of daily life.
Planning a visit
The temple suits visitors interested in South Indian religious architecture, in the figure of Nataraja, or in the living traditions of Shaiva worship. It is best approached slowly, giving time to walk the precincts and take in the carved structures rather than rushing through.
The address is Chidambaram, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu 608001, India, and the temple can be reached by telephone at +91-4144-238739 for up-to-date information before you travel. Because it is an active place of worship, it is worth checking any visiting arrangements and dress expectations in advance.
The town around it
Chidambaram itself is a small town built around the temple, so the shrine forms the natural centre of a visit. Its streets and surroundings reflect the everyday rhythm of a temple town in Tamil Nadu, and many visitors combine a stop here with a wider tour of the region's older temples.